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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  A quiet, refined vehicle - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By H. KESTNER - May 29 - 9:13 am

  This is an excellent vehicle, the best Ive owned in 40 years of driving. It is responsive to a fault...no sag, no pause...just a nice smooth flow of power and control.

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  Wow what a decision - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By 62impala1 - May 28 - 9:02 am

  So....after waiting 14 years to purchase a new car, I finally made the decision to buy my first Toyota ever. I still have my Honda Accord (2000) with 167,000 miles on it. Still running well. I looked at Mercedes, Audi, BMW (albeit not in great length due to price) Lexus, VW, Acura, Honda (again), and yes even the Chevy (Cruze). After careful consideration, I chose the Limited Avalon hybrid. Even after making the decision to go with the Avalon, I gave each one of the above mentioned cars another shot at my garage. lol. However time and time again, the Avalon hybrid kept coming up the winner. I would like to say that one of the aboves came close, but in reality, the Hybrid out did them

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  One month in - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Adam - May 28 - 1:56 am

  The truck has performed well so far in every task that I have asked of it. The towing improvement over my last toyota pickup is amazing. I am still trying to keep my foot off of the gas to try and get the MPG up. The five speed auto tranny is great, but has a tendency to shift a lot when you have the cruise on. Way to go Toyota!

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  great little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By LINDIE - May 27 - 10:00 pm

  I love my little car, it gets wonderful gas mileage. I have taken it up the mountain passes many times, and it cruises nicely up them all.

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  Best Ever - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By L. Katz - May 27 - 5:03 pm

  Stylish! Comfortable - especially for those in back seat. Immediate responsiveness. Adequate gas mileage - 27 on tpke.

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  The choice was fairly easy - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By tony - May 27 - 2:33 pm

  Before we started shopping, we had our choice narrowed down to the Rav or the Honda CR-v. After driving each of them, the choice was simple. The Rav was quieter on the highway, less road and wind noise. Takes bumps great, and we hit 70 mph in no time. This is for our daughter in college, so we chose the base model, figuring her friends would probably borrow it, and it would be parked in lots where nicks would be inevitable. If you dont need a moonroof and auto climate control, the base model is fine. She uses the iPod hookup most of the time, so didnt need the 6 disc changer. The radio on the base is plenty good, and still has 6 speakers. 4 cylinder seems to be peppy and very responsive.

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  Toyota rocks - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By E - May 27 - 10:30 am

  nothing but good

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  V-8 2wdr sports edition - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By shaheen - May 27 - 10:20 am

  Just what I needed, its perfect, dont think I will ever need a 4wd, the pick up is fantastic and boy is it quiet. Not a single defect or a problem to date. Got my first oil change, thats all that has been done. Love the handling at the curves; buy the sport suspension, you will notice the difference.

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  Snub Car - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Dr. Rico - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Surprisingly fun and practical commuter. It can carry four but for two and luggage - no problem. a fully functional auto with no real compromises - unless you need to burn rubber

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  Review of the Toyota Corolla 1997 DX - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By florence walton - May 27 - 10:00 am

  No problems; battery needs replacement at this time. Small dent, hardly viewable, on right front fender. Car has been utterly reliable, easily driven, easy to care for.