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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  Great car for college students - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Husky - October 20 - 10:30 am

  Got mine 2010 Prius II just before Xmas. Love the redesigned exterior. The interior plastics, not so much. EV/ECO/PWR modes are nice distractions. I now spend half as I used to at the pump.

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  Eco Car - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By ajkerry - October 20 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Prius is my first economy car, and I would own no other. Also would not own it as my only car. But as a second car to use for work commutes, going to the store and other trips around town, you cant beat it. It is actually fun to drive and I am getting 45 mpg in the city, zipping along in left lane traffic. Due to its gas-electric hybrid nature, it is also extremely QUIET, which is a new trip all in itself and which makes driving it all the more fun.

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  Makes Me Feel Smart - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Gary Kelly - October 20 - 10:00 am

  While not the fanciest car Ive owned, it may be the smartest one. Does everything I need, looks good, is fun to challenge on a winding road.

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  Excellent Reliability & Utility - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ryan - October 20 - 2:43 am

  I have 2WD Sport Edition in Thundercloud color. Bought used w/135k. Now have 145k miles. Its been totally reliable, except for one minor 4Runner weakness - that darned power antenna! I replaced it myself for about $25. Otherwise its been perfect. Can be a bit bouncy on rough roads, but it is a truck after all. Found the seats a little uncomfortable for my legs the first 2 months, but now OK. The utility is perfect for me & love open-air feeling. Size is perfect for me, but might be tight for larger/heavier people (somewhat narrow vehicle). Nice seat fabric on Sport Edition! MPG avg: 20city/24hwy. Rides on Michelin LTX tires.

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  Best full-size - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Clay - October 20 - 12:33 am

  This model is known to have power steering and front end rattle problems, but if you can get past that, its a great car to own. Rear seat is quite roomy for adults. This car gets you full-sized car features with the quality of a Japanese made car. The 200 HP 3.3l engine has plenty of power. The rear suspension is a bit flat with a full load, though.

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  New to hybrids, bringing the average buyers age down :) - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By blueste - October 19 - 12:12 pm

  After considering everything from Passat, to Accord to BMW I ended up with the Avalon Touring Hybrid. I really wanted to get the new Accord Hybrid. However, there were several issues for me…trunk space is horrible, engine revs are hard to get used to, availability and only MSRP available right now. Plus its a new system and who knows what reliability will be. Now, on to the Avalon Hybrid…I love it so far. Interior is sharp, hybrid drivetrain is smooth, Toyota has been building hybrids for a long time now so I expect this to be very reliable. I do, however, see them making a switch to Lithium Ion technology in the near future. For now, we have the "tried and true" nickel metal hydride.

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  Nice Ride - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By GrindEm - October 19 - 7:03 am

  Bought the 2.4L with the 5 speed manual tranny in radiant red. This car needs the 2.4L to move the extra pork at an acceptable pace. I love the engine and the tranny, very positive driving experience! I am 61 and find it to be a little tight in the seat and in the foot wells. The layout is very handy and will fit a lot of stuff with the seats folded down. However the design makes for the worst tunnel cover for privacy I have ever seen! I really like the new exterior styling, big improvement over the geriatric 1st generation. I love the way Toyota puts their packages and model lines together, clean and straight foward. All in all a fun car to drive, quick, agile, stable, good price, aux jack.

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  I might be the exception... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Hal - October 18 - 8:53 pm

  I bought my SE on Superbowl Sunday, 2007. I hardly use it. Ive put 6k miles on it in 2.5 years. This is my third Camry (93, 91) and while this is the first one I bought new, I think it doesnt compare to my old 93. The main problem I have with it is handling. I rarely, if ever, get a good, straight parking maneuver. The added front axle length makes it like driving a shopping cart. The 93, on the other hand, had nearly perfect handling and agility. Also, even though I rarely drive it, somehow Im losing gas. I estimate around 100 miles to the tank, under 10 mpg. I will have it checked at the dealer. Would I recommend it? No. But, nearly everyone whose seen it loves it.

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  Great so Far - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By db - October 18 - 5:15 am

  Bought last week. Most expensive vehicle I have purchased. Have been sick of buying cheap cars and having in shop more than actually driving. So far love it. Not a fancy interior but functional and easy controls. Outside looks great. Brakes do grind a bit when first take off but once going stops. Live in Upstate Ny so hopefully it will cut through the snow with the 4 wheel drive. Not sure how the automatic 4 wheel drive will work but we will find out.

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  Great car with persistent problems - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Paseo was Best - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This car was purchased as an upgrade to a well loved and much abused Toyota Paseo in December 2003. For the first 4 months it was a dream car. Lots of pep, Lexus-like interior, and an attention grabbing exterior. But then the problems started. So far the traction control system has failed twice, the sun roof has recently stopped working properly, and a component in the rear suspension has come loose and is rattling around like a ping pong ball. This is definitely not the quality I expect from Toyota!