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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  Waited 5 Months for delivery - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Simplwish - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The Lexus of the Minivan. Waited 5 Months for delivery. AWD rides fairly smoothe. Nav. system is a bit confusing when switching to radio at first. A little nervous about the run flat tires and not having a place for a spare. Handles great for a Minivan.

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  awesome deal - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By moooo - March 26 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR, I bought it for $14999. Yes thats right!! 14999. and it invoiced for $20k, what a deal!!!!!!!!!!

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  I love this car!! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By diana - March 25 - 7:26 pm

  This is a great car for the price. Lexus quality for Toyota price. Would recommend this car to anyone. I have three small children (all under 7) and two are in full sized carseats. My youngest cant even kick the back of my seat while strapped in. Huge back seat and great trunk space. Full sized double stroller along with groceries fit just fine. And what can I say, it has Toyota mileage averaging 22 in the city and 33 on the interstate. Classy interior and a trustworthy ride, I would recommend this car to my best of friends.

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  This is FUN to drive!! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron Klein - March 25 - 12:56 pm

  This is my 1st SUV in many years, but it wont be my last. Previous vehicle was a 2000 Avalon that easily moved past the 100,000 mile mark. The 3rd generation RAV is actually pretty good sized. This vehicle is so much fun to drive. The V-6 sounds great and is really "hot", but fairly economical. A great sound system is enhanced by the access to XM Satellite radio. The solid safety rating (including being surrounded by airbags) is comforting. The Smart Key system has you lamenting the fact that you have to use a key to open your front door in just a few days! I live in a hilly area, but the AWD got around in 7" of fresh snow like it was July.

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  Matrix XRS.... Awesome - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By JTorresJR - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Matrix for almost 2 months now.. and the car is awesome... my previous car was a 1994 Acura Integra GSR... Although the Acura was a "sportier" car... the matrix doesnt fall behind at all... sure, the acceleration was quicker in the Acura, but not by much, and if you factor in comfort, style and the snazzy 6th gear... the Matrix comes out on top... its no slouch, the 1/4 mile a respectable 15.6@91. the car seats 5 comfortably, and had more headroom than needed... If you need to carry something, the Matrix can handle the task well, giving some amazing room with the 2 rear seats folding to a 60/40 position...

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  Awesome SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By tdub0928 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Very quite ride. Simply fun to drive Pretty easy access to third row of seats

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  Go Get One - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Coach Rob - March 25 - 9:33 am

  So far so Good! Very impressive pep for such a small car. Runs smooth at 80 or at 18mph. Also this little car turns on a dime! Really fun to drive! Reasonably quiet ride on decent road surfaces. A tiny bit more roady and harsh on bumps but what do you expect on a small wheel base car. Love the center dash display (except) the fuel gauge, odometer and accessory lights such as engine temp and light on indicators. Should be enlarged by at least one font size. It would be a bad thing if your engine over heat light comes on but the darn indicator bulb is so tiny that you never see it. Love the over-all appearance of the Yaris over anything else out their in this same size class of car.

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  love it - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By rkirchoff - March 25 - 7:56 am

  lots of power, rides nice, corners great, gets 18.8mpg city/hwy so far.

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  1st Camry ever - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By naatz1 - March 24 - 5:28 pm

  My wife & I bought our first Camry ever a week ago (see details incl competition in my post to the Camry forum "Prices Paid..."). Interior comfort, MPGs (why we got the 4cyl), reliability/quality since we plan to drive it for 10 years were all important along with safety features like the backup cam. We have over 600 mis on it and so far not regretting anything other than color: she wanted and got grey, I wanted red. The leather interior is much roomier and user friendly than Id expect in this price range. The Michelin primacy tires are highly rated and a plus, no change to drive in snow yet.

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  Prius is an ALLSTAR - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By RickECU - March 24 - 5:00 pm

  Went from an SUV to the Prius.. Thought I would be laughing all the way to the gas pump, but expected some difficulty with the transition. Absolutely have no reservations and the car drives incredibly. Its just a GREAT vehicle...Would recommend to anyone! Get it before December 31st and qualify for a $2,000 tax credit.. Thats 2,000 more in refund..dollar for dollar.