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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  My Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By AJ - February 2 - 9:36 pm

  I get pulled aside in parking lots and asked a lot about this car. Its sharp looking for a mini, much more affordable than the M-cooper, and get almost 40mpg. Peppy acceleration, great on turns.

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  first impression - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By scott h. - February 2 - 5:16 pm

  Ive owned the car for a month and will review again but for now I love it. At current gas prices ($2.60) I save $1,300 and was surprised to find it is $250 cheaper to insure than a 2003 forester worth a 1/3 the price of an 07 prius. As far as I am concerned it will save me $1500 plus a year x 5 years = $7500 of the $16,000 I paid. I do not consider myself a tree hugger type. If it were an uncomfortable econobox I would not have bought it. That said I do feel good about cutting my gasoline consumption in half.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By carl - February 2 - 9:26 am

  Ordered the LE V6 Feb. 15th and delivery was April 15th. Read a lot of negative reviews so I wasn’t sure what I was getting! Very sharp appearance and the drive is excellent! The 6 speed will take getting used to but is very sure and smooth once you are used to it. Gas mileage now is in the high 20s and that should improve with time. The handling is a little too soft in some situations but is very sure on good roads. Sound system is excellent and interior was adequate but the room is awesome! Would buy it again and recommend it.

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  Solid - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Terry - February 2 - 8:30 am

  Vehicle is solid. Very roomy inside. Nice stereo system. Great turn radius. And very powerful. Its very easy to speed without knowing it. The cabin is especially quiet.

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  Great Outdoor/Commuter Vehicle - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim Meyer - February 2 - 5:03 am

  I bought this car to replace my 15-year-old Camry. I like to go on hiking trips, and this thing has the suspension and the room to get me where I want to go. Its also a great commuter car, handles well in traffic, takes potholes with aplomb. No significant problems, great mileage for an SUV. Being tall, I enjoy not having to duck my head when getting in and out. I have driven this car over deeply-rutted, sandy and rocky dirt roads with ease, and have slept in the back during a 3-week camping trip. I was thinking about a pickup truck, but now I really dont think I need one - this car has gotten me to all the trailheads I have wanted to get to. After 27,000 miles I couldnt be more pleased.

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  As good as my 2000 XLS? - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jims300 - February 1 - 10:10 pm

  It is a great large sedan and I love the space! My 2000 XLS had front seat adjustment memory controls which are missing on my new 2006 model. Wonder why they cut this out for 06? I liked those and would love to have them now. All in all, this car is a winner!

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  Fun to drive - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By RT - February 1 - 4:10 pm

  Very well built, fun to drive, efficient. This Rav4 is everything we expected and then some. More room in inside than it looks on the outside.

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  I LOVE My Car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By YliceMGolden - February 1 - 2:56 pm

  The title says it all! I love it! The Prius is zippy, fun, and great on gas. It has a ton of room for a small car!

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  This is a great van to own. - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By mblomstrom - February 1 - 12:50 pm

  This is hands down the best minivan on the market. Honda and Nissan dont even come close. First trip out we got 27.4 mpg while running the A/C. This van turns on a dime, better than our Honda Accord. Plenty of power to get you over hills. At 75 mph the engine is only running at about 2200 rpms. We test drove both the Nissan Qwest and the Honda Odyssey and neither come close to the 2007 Toyota Sienna.

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  Classy, Comfy, & Sophisticated - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By 1daveg - February 1 - 8:40 am

  I have had my 4Runner for only a month, but I have already driven it over 3,000 miles, and Im in love with this car . . . or is it a truck? I bought an SR5 with black exterior and tan leather interior, with the premium options package, and everyone who sees it or rides in it comments on its comfort, appearance, and leading-edge features. For a beefy SUV, this vehicle has an exceptionally comfortable and quite ride and performance when you need it. Also, the sound system is incredible! The Entune System is a little complicated and, frankly, somewhat finicky, but its worth with it to have Bing and Pandora at your fingertips in your car. Love it!