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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  Overall, a good buy for the money - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Danielle Marie - August 6 - 1:36 am

  I fell in love with my Yaris from the moment I saw it. I felt so excited to be the first one in my city to have a Yaris, and they curious looks I got. I love everything about the car except two things. Be careful when it is very windy because it will blow you around like a leaf in the fall. Second, I still have not gotten the gas mileage I am supposed to be getting. I am only getting 33 mpg on a good fill up. It should be between 34-40.

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  Well designed - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Bake - August 5 - 7:53 pm

  I have the Limited model. Love driving this car. Its comfortable and quiet. Laser cruise control is great. Handling is good and responsive. The engine performance is good and not too loud even opened up. I recommend reading the manual for all the tricks (like linking each keyfob and the memory settings).

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  Great Car For Tall People - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Chip Rogers - August 5 - 5:06 pm

  The Matrix fits in well with our two car family (we have a Camery also), this is my primary car going to and from work. Gas mileage is very good. It is very convient to run around town with the kids. The kids like riding in it more then the Camry (who knows why).

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  Flawless - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Keemo - August 5 - 1:46 pm

  Like all Toyotas, my Venza is flawless. Styling in and out is beautiful. I am very surprised by the performance of the 2.7L. Mileage is exactly what Toyota claimed. Power is much better than expected. If youre in the market for a Venza take a close look at the 2.7L. I bought the basic Venza and it has more standard equipment than any car Ive ever owned. My Toyota Venza isnt the most exciting car on the road. It isnt the fastest. It isnt the most luxurious. Its not the prettiest (but darn close). But if youre looking for a great value for you money and looking for a car that is really pretty, built well that does everything that is advertised, take a hard look at the Toyota Venza.

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  2002 Tundra Limited - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Kurt Scrudato - August 5 - 10:23 am

  The truck is awesome! Ride is quiet and stable. It can still be thrown into hard turns. Great motor with great power and response. 105 mph possible and quick. A blast to drive and never complains. It pulls heavy loads pretty well. Simple 4wd button. The best seats I have ever had. Would like more features like Nav and heated seats. AC is the only thing that could be strengthed. An A++ in my book.

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  My 2nd Rav - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Laurie Bellucci - August 5 - 3:06 am

  I must tell you...I have had a Rav now for 4 years...Our first one was bought in 2002 after renting one in Las Vegas for a week we fell in love...My husband and I came home and purchased our first Rav 4...Since then he has passed on and I just purchased my 2nd Rav...I love it and hope to purchase another one in several more years to come...We checked other SUVs before purchasing a Rav only to find that most were too high off the ground for me to get into...so that was the main reason we purchased our Rav...

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  Best car I ever bought - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By AZF - August 5 - 12:33 am

  We had an 05 Buick LaCrosse which was a piece of junk, and traded for on 06 Avalon Limited. The Avalon is the best car I have ever owned. Fit and finish is outstanding, gas mileage is terrific. The ride is smooth and quiet. I have friends that are over 250lbs and they can get in and be comfortable. I had the windows tinted- pin stripped-gold plated the emblems and put chrome wheels on it. People think it is a Lexus. People should test drive the vehicle or take it home overnight, then they would know if they like the car or not. I will buy another Avalon.

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  Reliable car!!! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By oeybonjovi - August 4 - 9:46 pm

  bought this car last Nov.2006, very good gas mileage & powerful! easy to drive, & no regrets in buying this car! no wonder it`s the best selling car in the US!

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  Love my Solara - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Florida Girl - August 4 - 9:20 pm

  Had a 2004 Solara and traded it in on a 2007 Camry SE 4 door in January of 2007. That was OK, but it was no Solara. In September, bought a 2008 Solara, Blue Streak Metallic and I absolutely adore this car. It is comfortable and gets great gas mileage. Wont be trading this in anytime soon.

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  Performance, Looks & Economy - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Barry W - August 4 - 3:13 pm

  Needed replacement for Windstar Van. Wanted truck to pull 21 boat. With gas reaching $4, needed economy. Highlander was the only vehicle with 5000 lb towing package and good economy. Have almost 1000 miles and have not gotten less than 20 MPG city. Have gotten 26.5 MPG on interstate with cruise on 70MPH. Selected Sport FWD. Excellent fit and finish. JBL is super. Auto rear hatch is great feature. Third row seat can accommodate adults. Love flat cargo floor. Very quiet at highway speed. Lexus quality through out