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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  Quality is gone - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By PhxOwner - December 11 - 4:36 am

  I owned a 1997 Avalon XLS and it was perhaps the finest car Ive ever owned. Thats why I bought another one last year. What a disappointment. The transmission always hesitates before finding the right gear, there is a thumping noise coming from the trunk every time I go over a bump, but there is nothing in the trunk. The wind noise on the freeway is excessive. Rear visibility isnt very good. Cup holders dont hold standard cups. Toyota missed with this one.

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  Good All Around Buy! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Judy - December 10 - 7:13 pm

  Love it!! Only problems I have is where the gas latch is located, I have to open the door to pull it open. Also there is no key hole for the back door, you must have a keyless key chain so using duplicate keys are worthless. I wish the other doors were automatic like on the xle I believe I would get that style next just for that feature alone. When your hands are full, just push the button and it opens up. The rear door is very heavy to close.

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  Hot Little SUV - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By BAS - December 10 - 5:31 pm

  We were looking to replace wifes 2010 Ford Edge Ltd. (loved the car- Ext warranty run out) We decided not to go back to Ford as the Edge has design and structural flaws in the newer model. (first had experience through Sister-in-law - Ford could not fix) We looked at and test drove VW, Jeep, and did not like the looks of Mazda, Nissan, Chevy, and did not want the high-end models, BMW, Porsche, Jag. I had seen the Ch-R in reviews - So I suggested Toyota - WHAT? We have never owned a Toyota, Drove the Rav 4 (edge like and size) drove the 86 (too small) Drove the CH-R. Wife loved it (5-2") sporty 2 door look with 4 doors, hatchback, good gas mileage, and I (6-1") rode in the back seat without too many problems, comfy even. BUT - only comes in two trim level with virtually no extras. NO NAV - cant get it in the CH-R, Cloth Seats. BUT - Toyota dealer customized the car with two tone Leather (like the Rav 4) and Remote Start. Wife loves the car, Small, (easy to drive and park) Sporty (great design look) and Priced right (under 26000) We look forward to many years with this car.

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  Like This Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By C&C - December 10 - 10:33 am

  My husband bought this car for commuting to his job -100 miles one way. He gets approximately 41 mpg. I drive a Honda Odyssey around town, but I enjoy getting my turn with the Prius occasionally. The car is very roomy and the navigation has been very easy to figure out. It seems to have plenty of pick-up when needed. I find driving the Prius to be a peaceful experience, much more relaxing than the internal combustion engine.

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By John Wallace - December 10 - 8:00 am

  Never thought I would be writing accolades for a minivan, but here I am, doing just that. Absolutely the best family vehicle you could own for a family of four or more. Very peppy engine, handling is great, mileage is pretty good and the best thing is you can put everything plus the kitchen sink in this vehicle on trips to grandmas. We bought a small tv for the kids to use during trips, no fancy drop down dvd, and it works great with their earphones, for $200 or so.

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  98 avalon - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By j chan - December 9 - 2:00 am

  we brought this used with 37K miles from toyota dealer. Cars paint is terrible, looks like mircobubble on the top. Paint chip easily. Had to replace strut plate at 50K miles at $900. trunk leak water due to bad gasket in tail lamp. air conditioner had to be recharged last week at 65K, car drives great, but everything sucks.

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  toyota truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Biker - December 9 - 2:00 am

  very good reliability, it feels a little cheap compared to american builders. 4 wheel drive system works very good. The body could be stronger and seats should have more support and comfort for us big guys.

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Tom4563289161 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Had it for two years now and have about 30k on it. Still as good as when i bought it. Im a big guy so the roominess is great. Smooth ride, great stereo, nice design. We have both an 01 LE 4cyl and a XLE 6 cyl and i think the LE is leagues above the xle. The engine could use a little more low end pickup though. Great car to drive and doesnt need any repairs. I highly suggest this car.

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  A great vehicle! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Billy - December 8 - 5:26 pm

  We have owned this wagon since it was new. Often we have thought of trading for a new wagon, but there just doesnt seem to be anything comparable in the same size and price range. Here we are 13 years later and still waiting for a wagon as roomy, powerful, reliable and economical as the Camry! Current resale is around 2500.00, what a joke! This car is such a value vs. the cost of a Volvo or Audi, I guess we will just keep on ridin. Someone please start making wagons like this again!

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  Good Value, Great Ride for a Truck!! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By pepjrp - December 8 - 3:20 pm

  This truck drives and rides great, much better than most in this category. I use it for light hauling, mostly yardwork and home remodeling supplies. It really fits this need very well. I would not want to tow a very big trailer with the V6 though. Interior is great, good design, fit and finish. Plenty of room for my family of 3.