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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  Head-Turner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jillian - July 24 - 6:13 am

  I only had to wait a week for this vehicle, but it was the longest week of my life! I love cruising along on the highway or at low speeds through town between stop signs with my monitor showing 99 mpg! After 500 miles, the car is averaging 50.9 mpg, not bad considering all the hilly areas I have to traverse. This car has changed how I drive, though. If you have a lead foot, dont expect to get great mileage. You may have to *gasp* start letting people pass you! I love using a POWER button to start the car, and creeping up on unwitting cyclists is hilarious! I love how the car looks, it isnt like anything else out there. I cant say enough good things about my new Prius! Get one!

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  Certified machanic (own business) - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By sully - July 24 - 2:06 am

  Turns on a dime. Better gas mileage than window sticker states. Great transmision, holds its own going up hill,and down as well. No need to hold brake pedal burning up brakes computer senses need to down shift from lock up mode (torque converter). Easy to park. Awesome factory add ons. Im 61" and have plenty of leg room. Kids have plenty of room. Awesome interior set up.

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  Limited Avalon Hybrid review (Lexus es300h compared) - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By jxanders - July 23 - 8:22 pm

  I started the Hybrid sedan research 3 months ago. I decided on the Lexus es300h - I put the deposit and ordered the car with the features I wanted. During the 3 week wait for the Lexus I saw the Avalon Hybrid online. During lunch I decided to go take a look, but didnt have time for a test drive. The exterior comparison was about the same for me; almost the same side profile look. The front & back of the car is different, but I liked both the same. The Interior was the difference maker. The Avalon just felt better and the controls made more sense. Plus the fact with the Limited Avalon model compared to the Lexus had more features than the Lexus and was $4500 cheaper!

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  10 - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By mc - July 23 - 1:06 pm

  I bought this 2001 used Avalon car and so far zero maintenance, except for one time computer broke down after the car hit at the parking area which is covered by the warranty that I purchased at the dealership. And the CD changer which is jumping and not working anymore which is not a big deal for me I just used the radio. but other than that, Car run smoothly, easy to manuever, easy to maintain and to clean, and I should say the most reliable Car.

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  Made me enjoy driving again - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Will Richardson - July 23 - 12:40 pm

  The most impressive car I have owned in over 45 years of buying/driving cars. It is fun to drive, handles well, and the economy is fantastic. With all the bells and whistles, it is still very reasonably priced and lives up to all its hype.

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  Love My Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By hybridgrl - July 23 - 9:40 am

  My Prius is the best car I have had to date. Not only extremely fuel efficient but very comfortable and fun to drive with Toyota reliability.

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  What do you expect, its a Toyota!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JD - July 22 - 9:03 pm

  I picked up my XLE 4 cyl, 2 /12 weeks ago and have to say its perfect. I am coming out of an Acura 3.2TL. I would have loved the V6, but with the cost of fuel it would have been a BIG mistake. This car is as quiet and soft as the Acura if not more quiet and soft riding. I believe this is the best mid sized 4cyl vehicle thats being offered at this time. My mileage is 1/2 road and 1/2 city and I am averaging between 26-28 mpgs. I believe after it has some miles on it, the mileage will improve.I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a comfortable ride as well as good fuel economy. You get the best of both worlds.

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  Milage as promised - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Cariade - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I commute 110 miloes a day and love my car. Gage placement takes a little getting used to but is really much better since nothing is ever blocking your viw of the gages

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  Love my Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Meso Arch - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Could not love this car more. While it is true that the milage is not as good as predicted, the milage is still outstanding. Room in the back seat is prodigous, room in the trunk is also very good.

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  Eco car rocks - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Rain Pryor - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I believe in keeping our air clean and having a great time when I drive - The Prius gives me both - its fast on the highways and has great spped and handles well in traffic - I love the fact the Los Angeles times magazine said that the emmissions from the prius are better than the Air we breath in LA most days - Pretty incredible. I hope that soon everyone will have a hybrid - Lets stop our dependence on oil - Go eco!