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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  Better than expected - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Matttt - September 5 - 1:56 am

  Excellent car, quiet, easy to drive, 1 touch to start (w/ smart key option), lot of usable storage room, nice touch screen, great mpg even on highway, more than enough power to get on the freeway. Body roll is slightly excessive.

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  33,333 miles yesterday - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By daved58 - September 4 - 9:57 pm

  Purchased the car in April of 2008. Have had only one issue of a rattle in the interior and was fixed in August of 08. I am 6 4 tall and I love this car. And maybe the paint is somewhat thin since I have a few rock chips on the hood; as I have had with all other cars that I have owned. But I have to say that I really do love this car. No issues so far. The steering can get you into trouble if you are not an advanced driver. It is very easy to over steer in a critical situation. Had a lane encroachment on the freeway and it was a very exciting event. Be sure to keep both hands on the wheel....and please no texting while driving over 35mph. But I really do love this car. Would buy again.

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  My RAV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By randgard - September 4 - 10:06 am

  Great Toyota. Very functional and perfomance is super and gets 23 mpg. nothing but oil changes first 18000 miles. Very good quality for the price.

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  Its All That! - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Sheridan McDaniel - September 4 - 9:36 am

  This SUV has class and quality Ive never experienced. The four years plus of owning this vehicle, the only issue Ive ever had with it is taking it in for its required maintenance. I dont think I can ever get a better quality and more affortable vehicle unless its a Toyota. The only reason I am departing from it is that I need more room due to medical issues, which leads me to the new 2006 that has more room. I havent checked it out yet but if the driver seat gives me more room, then Toyota has won me over again. I will never purchase another motor vehicle outside of Toyota. I hate having to give my SUV up, but I feel like I am getting a big promotion to what Toyota has to offer me next.

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  Exceptional Value - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By ROGER A YOUNG - September 3 - 7:03 pm

  I traded in my 02 Civic EX for my 05 Corolla and have not been disappointed! I have more car for the same price and with no problems that I had with my Civic. Dealer service for regular maintenance has been very good as well. I got more car versus the Civic for the same price! I plan on keeping my Corolla for many years.

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  Love my FJ in so many ways! - 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ladylonglegs - September 3 - 2:59 pm

  I have had my FJ for ten months now and still enjoy driving it very much. I owned cars for most of my driving years and wanted a SUV since we were moving into the mountains of WV. and thought a 4x4 would serve my needs better. This vehicle does just that and more...the seats are comfortable and the turning radius is great. Inside the cabin is quiet while driving and gives me a feeling that I am riding in a safe vehicle. I purchased the soild white color and couldnt be any happier with my decision on this SUV!

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  05 Camry SE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By mbateyman - September 3 - 11:20 am

  Having driven my Camry for over a year, and almost 20,000 miles, I must say its truly an amazing vehicle. Although mine is a 4cyl. SE, its got some nice kick to it. I really think Camry owners get their moneys worth because its all around a great car. Things dont break unexpectedly or unexplained. It never quits, very fun to drive, looks great, and the ride quality is just astonishing. And to add, I actually get about 23 to 24 in the city including quick take offs when Im running late for work. Its nice when people envy your car! ***The only choice for SE 4cyl was manual but my vehicle is an automatic.

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  best car ever - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By 1run131 - September 3 - 10:30 am

  This is the best, most versatile vehicle I have ever owned I have had it for a year and am still excited about it. We took it florida this summer 2,500 mis. rode great plenty of room (more than my old Expedition) averaged 25mpg for the trip. Took it skiing great in the snow and icy roads. I average BTW 20-22mpg around town. Bought the base model because it has all the features I need included. Couldnt ask for a better vehicle. I recommend it for anyone who needs something that isnt afraid to step up to the challenge. HIGHLANDER does it.

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  Patty - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Patty - September 3 - 10:20 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven. I drove across country in, 2300 miles 31/2 days, just me and my little dog and neither one of us was tired when we got there. By the way I am 63 years old.

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  My 2004 Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Steve Lorenz - September 3 - 8:30 am

  I hauled wheels, Speakers, and a Engine test stand that measers 38 inches wide and 26 inches tall and 4 feet long.With no problems.