Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Incredible Car - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By jking63 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This car has been the most dependable automobile I have ever owned. I havent replaced anything other then the timing belt because of the schedule. I have replace my headlight bulbs once. This was about 2000 miles ago. I you own a avalon and thinking about trading it in because of high miles...Dont!!!!!! I have owned 15 automobiles. It really out shines my 98 Cadi as far as maintenace issues.

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  Best Ride for the buck - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By ShoesNHeels - July 31 - 2:00 am

  If choosing between a 13K used car and an Echo, the decision is a no brainer. After 32000 miles, it runs and rides just like new. Because I bought a 5 speed, the pickup is just fine. The ride on an interstate is not smooth, but it rarely is in a 50000 used car anyway. You can drive this car knowing that it will be dependable and cost you nothing at the pump. I am surprised I dont see them everywhere

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  Great gas mileage??? - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Insac - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I shoulda kept my 1999 solara. V-6, silky smooth, quiet, comfortable. I got 25-28 mpg! This new corolla I have has gotten 29 mpg these first 4 tanks! (all highway miles...no traffic) I shoulda gone for the plush comfort rather than thinking Id save gas!

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  This car is an asset - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By upoys - July 29 - 9:53 pm

  Buying a brand new car is a liability. But when the car runs as well as the day you bought it years after the last car payment, and has many strong miles ahead, that car is now an asset. The gas mileage is decent, although not as good as I think this car should get. It is not the smoothest ride either. But to prove the quality of build and reliablity of this vehicle, the original tires were not replaced until they had a little over 80k mi. Plus, only standard maintainence has been done to it.

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  A great Road Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By bobgwtw - July 29 - 9:50 pm

  Ordered an XLE V6 Camry that was damaged in transit. Didnt want to wait 12 weeks for another Camry, so bought the Avalon. This is a great road car, very comfortable, great mileage-30/31 MPG on the road. All controls & displays are conveniently placed & easy to use. Ive driven 5700 miles in 5 weeks & the more I drive it the more I appreciate the quiet comfort, interior convenience, good handling & economical operation it offers. I heartily recommend this car, especially for those who spend a lot of time on the road.

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  First Non GM Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By K TYLER - July 29 - 10:43 am

  Were at the car show and my wife wants me to look at the new Toyota Avalon. Im thinking Acura TL, but to keep her happy I go look, After about 2 minutes I ask her when can we get one. The car only has 759 miles on it but the build quality is definitely better than all the other cars weve owned. The seats are very comfortable and supportive, nav system is easy to use. It rides a little choppy over most bumps around town, but I think thats due to the 215/55-17s. On the interstate the car is great, steering is very responsive, and the car for a fullsize V6 is QUICK while giving us 30mpg on our last roadtrip. Very happy at this time, lets see if we feel the same in 10,000 miles.

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  Whoo! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Joey - July 28 - 2:56 pm

  Good reliable car with great gas mileage but driving this car needs to be more comfortable. Driving in the driver seat is not to comfortable. Gas, brake, and clutch pedals are to close together. Sometimes step on 2 pedals at once. But overall happy with this car. Dont have to put gas in this car all the time like the Mustang I had before. Nice & quiet ride and good power on the freeway. Able to pass lots of cars.

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  Dont know what happened - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By gir - July 27 - 9:53 pm

  This truck did me great for the first 5,000 miles. I had no problems with the 4x4. But for some reason, and the dealership cant figure it out, my tranny dumped on me. Dont know why. I didnt do anything that this truck couldnt handle but it broke.

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  Great little car! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Lisa - July 27 - 4:30 pm

  This was my first car and I was excited to be a car owner! It was surprisingly good in winter weather and I was fearless to go out in snow, ice, etc. I never had any problems and just had to do all the regular maintenance to keep it going. Unfortunately, I may have been too confident and drove my little car on the highway when there was a lot of black ice. I spun out several times and hit the guard rail, which in the end totaled the car. I am surprised it didnt flip over since the car is quite tall (something I got used to and I still bang my head getting into other cars!). Regardless, this a very good first car!

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  Beyond its freshness date - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - July 27 - 7:30 am

  This is my third Toyota truck and is the most refined of all, but it should be considering the body style has been out since 1999. Cabin is very quiet, 5 spd. tranny keeps you in the mid teens for mpgs and the power is improved. Interior layout needs work, heated seats, cargo lamp, and rear defog switches are all on wrong side of the console. Interior door handles are too small, fold and tumble rear seats are useless, leaves no room to store anything of bulk. The fit and finish are top notch for a truck however. Turning radius needs allot of work, this thing is tough to park, and the bed sides are to tall. Needs tailgate assist and rear sonar back-up detectors like the competition.