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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  new lease - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By cyclist - January 15 - 10:53 pm

  I leased a Toyota XLE after driving a Honda Accord for 3 years. After a month of driving it I am still impressed. It is peppy and handles great on the freeway. Fun to drive and comfortable.

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  One of Best Cars I Have Owned - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By A Thomas - January 15 - 10:36 pm

  Wonderful automobile. Had 2004 Toyota Matrix XR and liked it so much that we bought another Toyota Matrix when 04 Toyota was wrecked. Most people I have talked to who saw car after wreck did not understand how I came away without so much as a scratch esp. since car was totalled. Very, very safe vehicle. Well-built and handles very well. Strongly recommend this car for anyone needing economical vehicle, but also needing room for lot of people. I can put 5 in including myself. 04 Matrix had good value and depreciated very little (much less than many other cars over the course of 1 yr).

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  Awesome - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By No name - January 15 - 8:36 pm

  This car is awesome. Fun to drive, easy to handle. Brakes last a long time compared to my 99 Camry) Gas mileage zipping around town and freeway is 27 mpg with the 4 cyl 2.0 L has just enough power for me. I think Toyota missed the boat not offering a 4 cyl convertible anymore. I was really disappointed by this when their new convertible design came out.

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  Wow, prepare to be impressed - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By magicbill - January 15 - 10:55 am

  Just traded wifes 2005 Acura TL w/Navi for the Touring edition Avalon Hybrid. My first wow was the price we acutally paid was only $3500 more than what we paid 8 years ago for the TL. The Avalon is so much more sophisticated and so well executed. Small side note is that the owners manual is a must-read (there are so many small items available on this model) and is actually well-written and organized. Even during first week of operation it is easy to see vehicle will likely live up to EPA rating. Toyota gently seduces you into becoming a fuel-efficient driver and supports that conversion with a sophisticated hybrid drive system. Love the ride, the quietness, spaciousness and hybrid.

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  Bad design on wipers - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Fix - January 15 - 10:53 am

  I have an 07 Tundra , and an 06 corolla, and just purchased the 10 corolla. I have 500km and I cannot drive it in the rain. The wiper design stinks. The little wiper blade puts the rain water back in front of your face on the driver side. You lose vision in the rain and the snow.

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  91K now - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By fred - January 15 - 10:40 am

  Bought new. Smooth, powerful both around town and on highway. Handles crisply with lots of get up and go. Plenty of room front/back and cargo. No mechanical problems at all except the VSC light sometimes comes on for a while and then just as mysteriously goes off. Had it in snow twice, and it zipped along while everyone else was in the ditch. I change oil/fluids myself, but get the "big services" (30/60/90k) done at dealer. Replaced tires at 45K, front brakes at 55K, and battery at 90K (at 5 years). I would definitely buy one again - maybe the hybrid.

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  257,233 miles and going strong - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By kas76051 - January 15 - 7:06 am

  Bought this car when it had 85,409 miles on it. Have replaced struts, brakes, tires, keep the oil and all fluids changed according to Toyota specs/timings. This has been a great car, so much so I just gave it to my youngest daughter for college and I went out and found another great 97 Avalon XL with leather and sunroof. These cars will go the miracle mile if you do everything on a regular schedule, this is especially true of the timing belt--dont push past the 90K mile interval.

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  Just okay - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Just Okay - January 15 - 7:00 am

  This car is great to look at, but the ride is very truck-ish. I used to drive a 1999 Sienna mini-van, which I loved. I thought this would be just as good. This car has more road noise and the seats are way to firm. The backseats are right next to the rear wheelwell and quite noisy on a rainy day. This vehicle could use some "plushness". I have had this car for 6 months and am trading it in for a 2007 Sienna (not financially prudent). The interior of my moms 2004 Highlander is much nicer.

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  We Love Our Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Robert - January 15 - 1:33 am

  Even though the Touring Prius is rated at 42 MPG we get several more MPG on average all the time. Our current average MPG is 45. The hatchback design is perfect for us. My handicap folding mobility scooter fits in the left side of the hatch perfectly. We find the Prius very comfortable on trips, even with 4 adults in the vehicle.

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  Great Truck For The Money - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By BDana - January 14 - 9:36 pm

  Have owned this truck for about 2 months. Traded in a 2002 Dakota as I was sick of 15 mpg. The Toyata has delivered an impressive 25-26 mpg. Recently returned from a 2 week fishing trip. Towed a 14 ft boat, motor, and enough equipment to last the average man 6 moths. Even with all the extra weight it averaged 21-22 mpg and on the ride home with less weight it climbed back to over 23. For a 4 cylinder vehicle it pulled my boat & trailer with little problem, going in the Berkshires with little downshifting. Only problem I have had is with visibility. I find my view blocked when checking oncoming traffic to my left so need to rely on the exterior mirrors more and direct sight less.