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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  2001 Toyota RAV4 - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Rob Ryan - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Acceleration of this vehicle is extremely poor,and is very poor when the engine is cold.Fuel economy is good, and is comfortable to drive. Other than the very poor acceleration of this vehicle, its been a good SUV.

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  An Excellent Value & Lots of Room - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Donn - July 24 - 10:00 am

  The Avalon XLS is driven primarily by my wife, but it is our family car when we go places together, and then I usually drive. With an on-the-road price of $33,000, it is an exceptional value. Our friends in the back seat consistently applaud the 40+ inches of rear leg room -- same as in a Mercedes "S" sedan. Totally reliable, too.

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  Typical Toyota - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By KC Boy - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Typical Toyota- not incredibly exciting, but well built and cheap to maintain. This is our 2nd Toyota and we plan on a 3rd (lease ending soon). I cant imagine buying another American make after the terrific experience weve had with this Toyota.

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  Yota - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Tom - July 24 - 9:46 am

  Bought this car because of the Consumer Reports ratings on reliability and its reasonable price for a Lexus-like ride. It has been a pretty good car. Ive felt the transmission hunt when rapidly accelerating (like 1000s of others) but it has not cause a problem. Hood paint is marginal. Gas mileage exceptional. Comfortable interior. Would definitely buy another but would look at the Nissan/Infinity models also due to the transmission slip issue.

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  Auto Climate Control - Beware!!!! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By mfoster - July 24 - 9:43 am

  As others in this forum, burned by auto climate control to the tune of $1,050. No choice but to replace, as the car is not realistically driveable without the a/c, heating, defrost systems working. I guess several people have to die before anything is recalled. Front strut noise also as others report. Catalytic converter went out and one dealer wrongly diagnosed as a broken ring, needing a $5,000 repair. Second dealer correctly diagnosed and repaired under original powertrain warrenty. Steering wheel cover has peeled off. If you are looking to buy, I would insist the seller correct these issues first. Car is roomy and will get up & go.

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  toyota - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By NY2010 - July 24 - 4:56 am

  This is my second RAV4 and I didnt hesitate to buy it. Though I did enjoy my prior Base model V6 this time I went with a Sport model 4cyl. This is my top choice for its reliability, space, look, 4x4 option, moderate price and most of all safety. This 2nd vehicle came about after an accident resulting in a total loss, but I can not speak enough about the structural integrity this vehicle retained under duress.

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  Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jon K - July 24 - 12:26 am

  I feel pride in driving a fuel sipper. My only complaints about the Prius would be the flat black metal trim (it always shows fingerprints), and the matte finish material on the dash near the window (it always shows dust). Id rather have vinyl or a leather interior (The tan microfiber always looks dirty).

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  Very Economical - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By ali - July 23 - 2:13 pm

  I have the 2000 VE corolla with the 4sp automatic and I just wanted to day that its been a wonderful tough car. Drove on deep Canadian snow, hot humid summer days and in heavy thunderstorms and it always got me there. Its been 10 years and 200,000 miles and people say the car specially the interior doesnt look ten years old and it doesnt have the stench that other old cars do. Planning to run it down another 60,000 miles before buying a new corolla. The tranny and engine combo on this car is great and I love the fact that u can disable overdrive, helps u accelerate quickly on highway and when your done turn it back on and u can cruise quietly at 60mph. This Cars ride is really soft too.

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  Sporty and My Choice over Equinox - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By jstorbeck - July 23 - 8:15 am

  After test driving a half dozen small SUVs including the Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape and Explorer, and Jeep Liberty, I concluded the Rav4 Sport was right for me. Coming from an RX8 I wanted something fun to drive, that looked sporty, and yet had a lot of storage. You get less standard features compared to the Equinox but you have to weigh that compared to Toyota reliability. Also the Equinox back seat does not fold truly flat. Only minor complaints are above average road noise and a stiffer ride. The Sport model looks a ton better as it does not have the ugly tire hanging off the back. It uses run flat tires. Has 269 hp, great visibility, and responsive steering. Good sporty option.

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  Excellent CAR - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Arcanine - July 23 - 7:33 am

  This car is great. It is great on the outside and ok on the inside... I wanted one with moonroof, but they are not available as easily as last year because of the gas prices. The mileage is great, and although it is not a sporty car you can count on its reliability.