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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  A Bentley couldnt make me more proud - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Lou - September 23 - 5:03 pm

  We took possession of our Avalon LXS on 11/30/05. We have always owned Buicks but did not care for the exterior look of their new cars. We saw an 05 Avalon in a parking lot and both the exterior and interior blew us away and we knew this would be our next new car. We absolutely love this car and if we had any criticism it would be that the ride is not as smooth as my 1997 Buick Century.

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  great car - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By pphill - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle for comfort, power and economy. Performs well in mountains without downshifting on upgrades. Drives like a sportscar with flat, sure tracking and cornering. Maintenance is negligible and at 132,000 it still does not use any oil but has a very, very minor oil drip (probably from a valve cover gasket).

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  This vehicle saved my life - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By CEOCAOCEO - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I was hit by an out-of-control Explorer doing 80 mph. It slammed my Sequoia into a water-filled ditch and we hit the guard rail sideways. I was going 70mph and the Sequoia did not roll or falter. It truly saved me and my daughter. I will never own anything else.

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  LOVE MY SOLARA! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AMERICAN ESCROW - September 23 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS LIKE STEPPING INTO A FANCY AND CLASSY HOTEL-IT IS QUIET, SLEEK AND SPORTY. WENT TO BUY A RAV4 AND WALKED AROUND THE LOT TO LOOK AT OTHER VEHICLES AND TEST DROVE EVERYTHING. THIS WAS THE LAST SOLARA AND I SAT IN IT AND IMMEDIATELY KNEW THAT I WOULD BE TAKING IT HOME. DROVE IT UP TO THE DEALER DOOR AND TOLD THEM TO WRITE IT UP. I LOVE MY TOYOTA SOLARA!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Love My Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By jenniajoy15 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I get 35-41 MPG (highway).Seats are comfortable & front is very roomy.Speakers are great.Lots of little storage areas.Trunk is big.Pick up is good.Cruise control works great.Rides smoothly and handles well.Only complaints which dealership will look at: AC is not very cold.Console/dash around radio and gear shift scratches too easily & shows fingerprints(at least they can be wiped away).Seat cushions are already showing their wear.Area where back meets butt is balling up.Otherwise, I am so pleased with this car.I would buy another one and wouldnt think of buying anything but a Toyota!!

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  2004 new car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By ankhlenda - September 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a great driving vehicle if you take off the 2 rear head rests. The stero in it that comes with AM/FM/CD has fair sound quality and the front speakers dont work to well as they are placed toward the bottom of the doors. The console for drinks is in a bad place if you are driving you always have to look down to see that the drink is going in the right place. And the middle console is ackward to get to along with the AC plug in that is inside the middle console.

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  Corolla LE - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By toyolover - September 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is an excellent buy. Never nee to worry about reliability. Just watch other people in parking lots. These cars are tag magnets.

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  Corolla review - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Tresa - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car! Its a Corolla S w/Sport Plus Package. Its sporty, yet comfortable, and handles the road very well. I am truly a Toyota convert.

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  Good fun car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Beeswax - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Sporty looking, fuel efficient, handles well, good quality interior, nice stereo, roomy

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  Mikes Review - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Foreman - September 23 - 6:33 am

  My 2007 Prius has been a joy to drive. It has met my expectations & then some. I especially enjoy the dynamic brake that can be manually controlled to reduce the wear on the mechanical braking system & improve gas mileage.I hope to buy an all electric car someday, but in the mean time my Prius is my pride & joy.