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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  The Cheaper lexus - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By fast_chip - October 12 - 2:33 am

  Except for the cheap "general-make" tyres the car came with this one is truly dependable.

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  Toyota onslaught of Service Bulletins - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By matrix1_8l - October 11 - 7:58 pm

  I bought this car originally because I wanted to replace my old hatchback with something reliable and fuel efficient. So I went for the 1.8L up until now I had gotten what I paid for. The issues started when I went hit the 50000 mile mark. Since then I have been to the dealership service center over 5 times for major repairs. All of which are documented in Service Bulletins. The latest issue affects all matrix and corollas with the 1.8L engine and will not be covered after the 60000 mile warranty runs out. They actually have to go in, take apart the engine and replace engine components of the crankshaft assembly. That doesnt seem reliable to me.

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  The most reliable serious offroader made. - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jimmybuffett - October 11 - 1:20 pm

  I had a 99 Wrangler that was a piece of junk. The new Jeeps arent that much better. I moved to Colorado for offroading and bought an FJ. Lifted, rock armor, winch, roof rack, the works. This truck is a tank. It goes everywhere I want with no reliability or performance issues. On-road performance is nice too because of the independent front suspension (the Jeep is still a solid front axle). I can beat this truck up for 7 hours on Chinaman Gulch near Buena Vista then set the cruise to 70 MPH while driving home on US 285 and do so in comfort. This is why the FJ is the #1 resale value vehicle in the country, I have no idea why they can only sell 13K of them a year.

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  Unique Styling, Outstanding Mileage - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By micweb - October 11 - 7:20 am

  This is the type of car I expected from VW - compact, highly efficient, well made, and innovative. Well, I had to go to Toyota to get it, but at least there are a ton of Toyota dealers to get it serviced at! :-) I gave up some creature comforts that I hardly miss - like power windows etc. - but got a great price. This puppy accelerates FAST with a 5 speed. It is more sporty than my old VW Golf! At the same time I am getting 35-37 mpg during this break-in period on my freeway commute. Quiet when cruising. Engine noise when accelerating, but thats the trade off for a sub-2500 pound car that does well in NHTSA, NCAP, and IIHS crash tests. Im a happy new owner!

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  Low maintanence cost and looks good - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Mike McCoy - October 10 - 11:43 pm

  This car has been the best I have ever owned. I would be hard pressed to buy another brand other than Toyota or Lexus. The build quality is outstanding and the car is still as tight as the day we drove it off the lot. This car has a lot of life left her. 9 years old and 90,000 miles and she is not even breathing hard.

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  05 Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By lphickey - October 10 - 11:40 pm

  Sleek new body style, interior well appointed and controls in easy reach, far above the 2000 I traded. Toyota has taken the Avalon to a new plateau.

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  Three months into a Highlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Drew - October 10 - 9:43 pm

  My wife and I have 3 Toyotas; a Sienna, a convertible Solara and the Highlander. When we choose to drive a car we usually choose the Highlander; it is so cool to drive. Its technology is superb and leading edge. the battery helps drive the car if you are not accelerating, sometimes without the engine at all; you can idle forever and use NO gas; and you swoosh when you accelerate, since there is no gear shifting... something the salesman barely mentioned and seems to be a secret. And the intelligent 4 wheel drive is cool, you dont shift into it. If you need it, it goes into 4 wheel drive automatically. Probably no good for off road. Weve had it for 3 months now and love everything about it.

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  Very pleased - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By dvd0060 - October 10 - 3:53 pm

  For the money this car is fantastic! The 1.8 liter engines has plenty of get up and go (I was surprised!) great breaks, handling is light and steering was quick and accurate (made it kinda fun to drive). The seats are comfy and theres plenty of room inside. Stability and trac are standard! This car feels more substantial the you might imagine. Low road noise and very absorbent ride, all help make the car feel like quality.

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  DRONE Noise - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By piercy42 - October 10 - 10:02 am

  My 2009 Avalon XLS have an annoying DRONE from the rear. The dealer tells me it is the tires. Im on my 3rd set (replaced because of the problem, they were not worn out). Problem cotinues and seems to be getting worse. Rotating tires also does not help. It is very annoying. Also have a friend with 2009 Avalon and he has the same problem. This is my 2nd Avalon. The 1st, a 2002 was a great car.

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  Love my Camry! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Suzanne - October 10 - 7:00 am

  Love my Camry, it is fun to drive and big on the road, a big improvement from my altima. The desert sand is an awesome color.