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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  Overall... decent! - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toe Knee - September 13 - 3:10 pm

  This truck is amazing. I got the TRD Off Road package and it rides like a champ. With the upgraded Bilstein shocks and better tires than SR5 model, the truck rides amazingly. Although Ive only owned the truck for a very short time, Im sure Ill be owning this very truck for many, many years to come.

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  40,000 and counting - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By tboyd8701 - September 12 - 9:48 pm

  I have owned my Corolla S for just over 2 years now and put 43,000 miles on it so far. It lacks in the power, but makes up for it with 34-36 mpg. Handling is decent. Interior comfort is good, I drive for about 2 hours a day. I have not had any mechanical issues with the car yet and as for the recalls maybe people should take some defensive driving lessons or learn how to turn the ignition off and stop trying to get rich off of Toyota. Toyota was very good about taking care of the recalls and if I had to do it over again, I would without a doubt buy this car. Overall a great small car.

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  suspension - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By donna - September 11 - 4:56 pm

  I have had this car for almost three months and have had problems with the suspension. So long as I am driving on smooth pavement, it is wonderful. On bumpy roads I feel like Im rocking and rolling. The main complaint is that they say it is a five passenger car so long as the passengers dont weigh more than a pound. With Passengers in the back seat the car bottoms out, scraping the road when going over any bumps. Sadle enough,Toyota says this is "normal". I didnt know it was normal to drag the road in such an expensive car. Doing my research, Ive come to realize that the Avalon has this problem and Toyota refuses to address it.They have compromised on the suspension.

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  Hard Seat Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Vince - September 11 - 4:20 pm

  Ive had my AVY since Oct. 05...just over 6k on it. It is used to travel between Pittsburgh and Scranton. I believe the car has plenty of power, great styling, good gas economy (29+ on trip)... very happy with most aspects of the car except the front, heated, cooled, power seats. I feel they are too hard. Also, the passenger seat lacks some of the adjustment features of the drivers seat. Nav system seems more complicated and busy than others I have used.

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  fun fun fun - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Tyronesg - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Originally purchased as a family utility auto to transport 5 boys to school, scoccer, summer trips, ect... but has grown to be such a fun and easy drive and ride, that it is a tough choice to drive it or my BMW around town for short errands. I certainly am not comparing the toyota LC to the BMW 5 series as far as performance but in many ways it is just as much fun to drive. The driver has suprisingly superior steering control for such a big and heavy truck. It drives comfortable like a car, brakes well and the fun gets even better when you go off road. Treat yourself to a test drive...you will experience an immediate and distint difference in agility.

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  Good Car - Bad Dealer - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By donutman - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is remarkably quick for its engine size and is fun to drive. I wish I could say the same of the dealer, who lied to us about the cost of installing a CD Player, which is still not working after 4 trips to the dealer. The only dangerous thing about this car is its spedometer that is only marked every 20 MPH. It is very easy to drive faster than you intend, since most people are used to having each large mark on the spedo be 10 MPH not 20 MPH as in this vehicle.

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  could give beter gas Mileage - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Grayfox - September 11 - 10:00 am

  My experience with the vehicle was good I like about the vehicle we have lot of space.and if you could come with 6v models my dislike, are more driver legs space,mechanical problem are vehicle hesitate to go over hill some time and when are thay go to come out with that oxgen vehicle that only water are air come out of the tall pipe.

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  what gives - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By rlb3 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  generally still pleased with car and performance

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  Rav4 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Missy - September 10 - 11:46 am

  I love this Rav! My previous car was a Corolla and this is a step up. I wont buy American engineered vehicles, been there and done that! The Rav seats are comfortable and drives like a dream. Disappointed in gas mileage, it isnt was they say it should get. Avg is 21 MPG. There is road noise and i agree the cup design is in the wrong place. The stereo is low quality. The Corolla had a better stereo system and cost a lot less. Overall happy with the purchase but think Toyota should go back and offer the 0% to those that purchased 6 months ago. That would show customer appreciation!!!

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  This is the most fun car I have ever had. - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By lkb - September 10 - 8:40 am

  I bought the 5-speed XR model. It has much more get up and go than the automatic version, which I test drove. I have had a lot of fun in this car. Love the fold down back seats....has lots of room for my dogs.