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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  This one I like - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Per - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Intended to buy a Camry from 2001 ended up with Avalon Touring. Already at test driving the car, it had similar features as my Volvo V70. A nice smooth ride. After only one week of driving, I have found the MPG (Vs. listed on websites) much better. So far I have been averaging 28.7 in combined city and highway driving! This is not from the dash-info, but personal log. All features working perfectly. Never thought I would become a Toyota owner, I am happy with this one!!

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  Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By agshane - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Have had the Tundra for 18 months. Use it for work, pulling a 12 x 6 covered trailer and for long trips. Bought the truck used with 12000 miles on it and have not had any problems. Performance is good, fuel mileage is good for this size truck (19 on road) and ride is great. Dont disagree about the oil change procedure, it is a pain! The bed is short, but fixed that by putting on a Leer Topper, painted with a matching color. Really nice and provides lots of room. Would I buy it again, yes!

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  horseys avalon - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By horsey bjornsen - February 21 - 9:40 pm

  Very reliable vehicle, good in city and on the road. Excellent mileage. Somewhat noisy rear end, sort of a whining sound, noticeable only to regular driver. Only repair other than normal maintenance was replacement of transmission sensor; $350.

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  First Toyota - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By William - February 21 - 8:10 pm

  Drove Silverados for ten years. Last new was a 1998 with 128,000 plus miles combination city and highway. Was in excellent shape when I gave it to my daughter and bought the Double Cab SR5 with big V8. Tundra handled a lot tighter than Ford or Chevrolet with less effort. Ride is smooth on and off road. Comfortable in front seats and back according to my 64" son-in law. Still in break in period with 1500 miles on it. Driving 70 to 75 MPH with air conditioner on and cruise set I average 19.8 MPG highway and city is 15.3 with air conditioner on. I do avoid stop and go traffic as much as possible which has helped the gas mileage a lot. Better gas mileage than my 1998 Silverado.

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  Best SUV - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By steve topor - February 21 - 5:40 pm

  Just got it 4 weeks ago and enjoy it very much!!! MPG 24-25 combined great for SUV.. Have not seen close to 27 mpg.Feels like a full size SUV had a Land Cruiser and this about doubles its mpg and still has room. Finally got a price break at invoice plus dealer options -over paid for them.

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  Love this car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By sue - February 21 - 3:56 pm

  I love this car - the only downside is the bumpy ride...not very smooth.....we have an Avalon also - and that ride is much nicer....But I love the convertible...so I take the "bumps"

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  Top Down Excellence - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By CPisieczko - February 21 - 10:33 am

  Ive had my Solara for a couple months now, and am happier with it every day. After shopping I was down to the Solara and a Mercedes 320. This was by far the better buy, as it has the quality and styling of any car on the market. The only drawback I have is the poor visibility in the rear when the top is up, but thats true with most convertibles. Ive had several Chrysler convertibles, and there is NO Comparison.

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  Monster Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Huntmachine - February 21 - 8:03 am

  This truck is truly awesome. I drove the half ton version of Ford, Chevy, and GMC. I had my heart set on the GMC until I drove the Toyota. It absolutely blew the others away in every category (smooth, fast and powerful, great room, great specs, great looking). It is a night and day difference when you drive them all back to back.

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  nice truck! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By bw05taco - February 21 - 1:40 am

  well I traded in my 04 taco for the 05 and its alot better truck, the better engine with 245 hp is nice better gas mileage than the 3.4L in the 04, everything about this truck is improved from previous not that they where bad but, this is much better ride and comfort

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  Love Our Highlander Sport! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Sally - February 20 - 10:46 pm

  We really enjoy driving our 08 Highlander. We are retired, so dont drive to work or school, & have very low mileage since we bought it after Thanksgiving 2007. It is so quiet you get up to speed fast! Response is great and shifting is very smooth. We got the Sport with 2-row seating, and love the generous cargo space in back with storage compartments below and tonneau cover above. Had no trouble getting a 37" LCD TV box into it with one 2nd row split seat down, and the other seat propping the TV upright for transporting.