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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  Absolutely love my new 4Runner - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By toyjust1010 - July 13 - 3:51 am

  I purchased my first Toyota 4Runner last week and have been amazed ever since. I wanted one since 2005. MPG with first tank was 20, after first fill up - 22 mpg. Fantastic for the size vehicle...considering I was only getting 24-26 mpg out of my Nissan Rogue that I traded. Plenty of room for all my friends.

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  Cool car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By yo - July 13 - 2:40 am

  This car is very neat in different ways. First, the trunk could fit almost anything. Second, its very loose and roomy. This is my first car and I look forward to the next Camry.

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  Great car and mileage - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Seajack - July 12 - 4:30 am

  My son bought a Prius and loved it, but my wife needed a car that sat up higher and felt larger. The Camry was perfect, and weve loved it. Quiet, smooth, and the long trips weve taken have been very economical. Great deal.

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  A superb luxury car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By volts amous - July 12 - 2:00 am

  A smooth beautiful car that gets head turning looks and has plenty of room and nice appointments.

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  Im surprised everyone doesnt own one - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By g-force - July 11 - 12:43 pm

  Avalon is amazing. Where else can you get a full size luxury sedan, with V6 280 ponies, yet gets 31 MPG? No where else but Avalon. Its like riding around in your living room while sitting in your favorite recliner. Only thing missing is the 58-inch plasma. JBL stereo pumps, top of dash layout is a throwback of the 1970s (which I personally love), yet console is very modern/elegant. Car lifts up, takes off, as quiet as a sleeping baby. Buttons nicely placed, awesome visibility, adequate handling, elegant front/rear design. This car will never annoy you, and youll arrive calm and relaxed. Avalon makes daily work commuting one of the highlights of my day. Alot of car for $30K, unmatched.

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  Love it! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By pretty in a prius - July 11 - 12:26 am

  I LOVE my Prius. Previously drove an Audi, so was used to a bigger car. I get an average of 46 mpg, driving 100 miles per day, highway and city. I love the roominess and how the car handles! I would buy another in a heartbeat!

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  Just Finished A 1 Week Rental... - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By PapaBill - July 10 - 11:51 am

  I recently put 400 miles on a 15 SE in southwest Florida and Im impressed. Fit & finish are very good both inside and out. The slightly sportier suspension is evident on curvy on ramps at above normal speeds. The front interior room is almost as big as my old 04 Avalon XLS (now in my sons hands with 190K miles using synthetic oil). Bluetooth connection was easy - compared to my wifes 12 Avalon, which wont recognize my Droid Razr. The halogen headlights throw the light well. The 6 speed transmission with paddle shifters moves the car smartly from a stop. The A/C was more than adequate in a black car with black interior. Controls are easy to operate. In combined driving I averaged 28 mpg with at times a heavy right foot. The nit picks : The fuel mileage bar graph and ECO indicator are redundant as there is a trip computer. Some of the indicator icons are small but still readable. Red stitching in a black interior? The OE Michelins are a bit noisy. I suggest Kumho or Perelli P7s as a replacement. Both excellent tires in the snow. The back up camera guidelines dont turn with the wheel. Even GM products have that feature. The V6 option must move this car quick if my wifes heavier Avalon with the same motor is any indication. Its not my BMW 5 series but its decently sporty for a Toyota.

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  2007 Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Rod Farley - July 10 - 11:00 am

  Whats all the fuss? I now realize that the Camry is tinny, overpriced, and very expensive to maintain. I cannot get over 22 mpg. There are no dealerships in small towns, and they just love to replace my "cabin filter" even though I cleaned it minutes before I arrived at the dealership for service.

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  Toyota radio do not buy until they fix known issue - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By imshybabe - July 10 - 10:21 am

  I just bought a 2013 Rav4, the volume of the radio goes up, down and also sounds muffled at times. If you plug your ipod, it stays in loading mode with out playing. It will also go off or the screen goes blank in the heat. The volume jumping up is startling and my 7 y/o says " stop that mom". When I take it to the dealer service dept. this is a known issue and the fix is usually to replace the radio. They said they replaced the radio, it continues to do it. I have been there 4 times and they do not know how to fix. They should fix this before putting them on the market for sale. This is a defect. I have concern for the longevity of the car. I have lost trust in Toyota, will not buy another.

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  Love my Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By lucky lindy - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car; quiet, comfortable and efficient. What a difference from the 14 years I had driving a minivan. Love to go to the gas station and get money back!!! I feel I am contributing to the environment with this gas/electric vehicle. Thank you to my ecological daughter for talking me into viewing (and buying on the spot) this wonderful car.