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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  2003 Camry XLE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Karl Stauss - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Quiet ride. Excellent accelaration for a 4 cylinder. Great layout of controls. Solid car. Lots of features for price.

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  2006 avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By cardocval - December 1 - 7:46 pm

  this vehicle is every bit as nice as driving my ls 400,with the added bennefit of much better mileage.

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  Fun to Drive and More Room - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By BAK-MN - December 1 - 5:20 pm

  I was unhappy with my 2003 Jeep Liberty. I was looking for better gas mileage and more cargo area. I also needed a vehicle that could pull a small boat or a trailer with a couple of ATVs. The new V6 RAV4 has met all of my expectations. The sport edition came with great looking 18" alloy rims. Quick acceleration seems effortless with the smooth 269 HP engine. The 2006 Toyota RAV4 is better than the 2003 I test drove a few years ago in almost every aspect.

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  Good Job Toyota - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By DETROD - December 1 - 5:20 pm

  First of all let me start by saying that the Sienna and the Odyssey are the best minivans on the market today. They both are the most stylish and have the best quality. I looked at both minivans and what swayed me to choose the Sienna was the price. I just found that I could get the same quality, or better, in the Sienna and not pay as much. I do think that the Odyssey is a better looking minivan but the Sienna isnt far behind. I love the Siennas interior features. Its very comfortable for everyone (average for those sitting in the third row). Nontheless, if you purchased the Sienna or the Odyssey you didnt go wrong!

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  My Taxi Cab - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Shari Bankhardt - December 1 - 4:26 pm

  I had a 2004 Sienna, but decided to upgrade to a 2005 because I wanted all the extras like leather seats and a sunroof. I love this car. It is so comfortable and convient. I have a teenage son, who has many friends that have places to go. I can drive them around, they have the DVD player so I can still listen to my own music and not be bothered with their stuff. Sometimes I hate getting out of the car and going into someone elses; since mine is so comfortable. It is fun to drive and a sharp headturner!

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  Love my hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By David - December 1 - 3:26 pm

  My hybrid rocks! I average 32.5-36 MPG in mixed driving over numerous foothills. And thats with aggressive, always first off the blocks, fastest on the highway driving. With highway trips, I will easily exceed the max 40 MPG average on the dash readout, especially when I adopt more hybrid-like driving habits, i.e. drafting large trucks, timing stop lights, and not speeding.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Marie - December 1 - 1:23 am

  I have had the Prius for one year and still love it. First time I have ever bought a car because I wanted it, rather than needed it and am so glad I did. Driving is fun again and I feel that I am as environmentally correct as I can be while using gas. My mileage averages between 45/52, driving normally, depending upon where I am driving, and it has plenty of get up and go when I need it. It is a solid, comfortable ride and very easy to drive. I have back problems and can drive/ride in this vehicle for long periods of time with no problem. Toyota should hire me as a spokesperson as I am always touting its many virtues.

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  Toyota Highlander - the trusted SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By AjBay - November 30 - 7:23 pm

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  Great Commuting Car - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Cat22 - November 30 - 1:00 pm

  This is the first Toyota I have ever owned and I am very satisfied with the Corolla. I commute 110 miles each day (mostly highways) and I have gotten as high as 41 mpg. My average mileage ranges between 37 to 39 mpg. Who needs an expensive hybrid with this kind of mileage. The engine is willing and fairly quick from a stop light. The five speed is fun and the ratios are well spaced. The a/c works great and there is plenty or room for passengers and parcels. Although the handling is not quite as sporty as my old Mazda Protege, it is a much quieter and smoother ride. Overall, very impressed with the Corolla. Is it perfect, no. Is it a great commuter, yes-especially at the pumps.

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  Great SUV. But the JBL Radio? - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By yngturk - November 29 - 6:08 pm

  Ive had this vehicle eight months now, with 12,500 miles and not a single problem. Weve had two 10+ inch snowfalls this winter that my Highlander handled them both effortlessly. Handling, power, room, and comfort are all awesome. A terrific vehicle. BUT: The JBL audio system is a complete mystery. On FM or Satellite the equalizer controls are essentially useless, and bass is ill-defined. On AM the audio is distorted and mushy, except I you happen to find a station broadcasting in AM HD. My daughter has the same vehicle with the non-JBL Premium Audio and it is much better.