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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  2008 Highlander Hybrid - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Ryan Johnson - October 13 - 3:30 pm

  My wife has always wanted the Lexus GX SUV due to reliability, luxury and performance, so for christmas I started shopping vehicles. I had never heard of a Highlander and I am very familiar with cars. When the dealer suggested we consider this new hybrid I had very little interest until sitting in the vehicle and driving it. Wow. It was clearly a better overall vehicle than any of the other SUVs I had been testing. The interior is a family room on wheels. Lots of room, all the features of high end SUVs, and the engine flat out gets after it. We get 24 mpg while driving very aggressive and fast. The all wheel drive has been excellent in the snow.

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  Refined on a budget - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By FSTRTHABTR - October 13 - 11:46 am

  Overall, Ive only owned the car about 8 months, purchased it used for a private party, they kept records on everything this car went thru however, which was very little. To date, its never been taken in for anything other than routine service. The only thing not absolutely pleasing about this car is the accommodation of someone of my height, at 62" I feel a little bit claustrophobic until I open the sunroof.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By jmiker - October 13 - 7:30 am

  I have just completed the 1000 mile breakin and this is one fine vehicle. I have no compliants at all. The vehicle is designed perfectly, handles like a car, has excellent power, excellent room. I love my Highlander and would easilyt replace it with another.

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  Everything I needed - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By rayjay3434 - October 13 - 5:40 am

  Bought new in march 08. Got the base model. Its the forth toyota Ive driven but, the first truck. Its done everything Ive needed it for. Its hauled 2000 lbs on trailer, gone through snow, handles mountain roads great, and gets 20-22 mpg on my 70 mile commute to work.

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  I want to keep it forever - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Autumn - October 13 - 4:20 am

  My 2001 4Runner now has 113,000 - unbelievable! It runs great and still in love. Have only had to replace tires and other routine maintenance.

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  A Quality ride - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Phil - October 13 - 3:26 am

  Bought it as a fuel efficient alternative. I am averaging 41mpg. Very comfortable and fun. Though I dislike how they did the clock. I now have 2700 miles on it. I got the base model, not a single option, and was pleased to learn A/C, ABS and auto-on lights were included, along with a CD player radio (with headphone adapters). Well worth what I paid.

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Old Body - October 12 - 7:10 pm

  We just returned from a round trip from Kentucky to Sun City, Az. The car was loaded heavily for our three month stay. The overall mileage going and coming was 29.96 mpg. We have been Lincoln Town Car owners for years and the seats of the Avalon fit our bodies better than the Lincolns.

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  Flint mica rav 4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By John - October 12 - 5:50 pm

  I have a 2007 v6 auto Rav 4. Color is Flint Mica. Great style great color. I have had it for 4 months and 5600 miles. Great SUV to drive. Transmission is not as smooth as my Titan. Seats could be a little more comfortable. The only thing that bothers me is the mysterious humming sound it makes. Its not the fan kicking on. The dealership could not duplicate.

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  Its a keeper - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By pat - October 12 - 1:10 pm

  Our toyota camry was the first foreign? car to come into our household. it wont be the last. My husband is so impressed by the workmanship and reliability. The only negative was the tires that came on it new. They only lasted about 12,000 miles. Not enough for our sedate type of driving. We replaced them with michelins and have had no further problems.

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  Good car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By w0by - October 12 - 9:53 am

  I bought my Corolla back in October. Ive had 30+ mpg since I bought it, which makes me really happy. Now that its been warming up Ive been getting an average of 32.8mpg. Im happy with that. I actually test drove quite a few cars, and kinda was always telling myself my next car would be a Hyundai Elantra. I actually really liked the feel of this car when I drove it, so I bought this car. I was reading the consumer reviews of the new 2012 Elantra and real life mpg isnt any better than my car.