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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  Rav4 Rocks - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By DonnaHappy - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be more happier with my Rav4. At the price point of the Base Rav4, I feel I got a reliable vehicle with lots of great features for my money. Really like the side opening rear door, full size spare tire on the back, ease and location of controls, nice radio with XM Satellite, attractive exterior and lots of cargo space. Also, quiet motor, no road noise and a smooth ride. I have the extra value package which was worth every penny. My Rav4 is a blast to drive and so far is trouble free. Im a satisfied customer and very happy with my decision to purchase the Rav4.

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  A Truly Wonderful Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Jessica - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. I cant believe some of the comments on here saying anything but positive things. I have driven many cars in my life and this car is very impressive to me especially for the price. It handles like a dream, gets great gas mileage and is extremely quiet. I find it very smooth and with enough power even with the auto transmission and roomy enough for 4 adults. Trunk space is good and the seats fold down. I love the steering on this and dont have any issues with that as some others have said. Its a power assisted system which is common on most of todays cars especially luxury cars like Lexus. Great car for highway driving also. All around quality choice.

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  Beats the competiition - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jim - December 16 - 10:36 pm

  Looked at the competition and nothing beat the Tacoma for value, looks, and build quality. The engine is quiet and smooth and gets this truck moving quickly. The interior looks very sporty for a truck. Mine has the TRD package which gives you some nice extras for the money. I am averaging about 20 mpg which is about what I expected for mixed driving. Not great but acceptable for a truck. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a mid-size truck.

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  Toyota Matrix review - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By bobbyb - December 16 - 7:36 pm

  Very good gas mileage. Very cheap to maintain. Can fit a surprising amount of things into the spacious "trunk". It is essentially a Corolla with a hatchback.

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  Camry #1 How many years in a row? - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Thomas - December 16 - 4:30 pm

  This is the 3rd Toyota Camry Ive owned and they have all been purchased USED. I buy them with 30,000 miles or less and drive them for (no less than 4 years)and an additional 150,000 miles until trade in. Total annual cost (average) to own the vehicle? $2910 including tax, title and maintenance. When my current Camry is paid off in 2 months the annual cost to own my Camry will drop to $419. And Ill ride that out for 2 more years. Not a bad annual cost to ride a fully loaded Camry V6 XLE loaded to the gills. Since 1997? Why would I drive ANYTHING else. Seriously!

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  A mix of strong and weak points - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave N. - December 16 - 3:46 pm

  My lease on this Highlander runs out soon and I am undecided whether I should buy it, or turn it in. Its been very reliable, with one odd recurring problem: if you dont tighten the gas cap completely, a light comes on to indicate a problem with the emission controls. To get it reset, you have to take the vehicle to a dealer! It is heavy and feels ponderous. Fuel efficiency (19 mpg) is OK for a two-ton vehicle, but acceleration is mediocre even with the V6. The seats are not very comfortable on long trips. The controls on the steering column are confusing at night. The deep, narrow console between the front seats is horrible; stuff at the bottom is impossible to reach!

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  Im Impressed - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By iggy7 - December 16 - 3:32 pm

  This is my first Toyota, and i bought this a few weeks ago. It has 230k miles on it and it drives great! It making a Toyota guy out of me.

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  I Love it!!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Trips - December 16 - 3:13 pm

  What a great truck. Its beatiful, fun to drive and will probably last forever. Great acceleration, nice braking and handling. I got the upgraded JBL stereo and it sounds great. TRD sport package with the scoop on the hood looks killer. Fuel mileage is pretty good. I do a lot of in city driving and usually average around 18mpg, probably would be better if didnt like letting all horsepower loose. Its just so darn quick that I have to open it up every chance I get. Im heading to Florida this week so Ill test the highway mileage to see if I get the advertised 22 mpg.

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  First Van - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By CMR - December 16 - 7:33 am

  We purchased our van with the premium package. Paid about 3k under MSRP. We were looking for an SUV but found the Sienna to be more practical. It is by far the best looking van on the market. There will be a new Honda Odyssey this year but the pictures online dont impress. Our initial thoughts on the van: Super quiet. Super fun to drive. Great turning radius. Fun options. Options packages are too expensive. Would have went with the limited but the interior styling is over the top.

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  An Truly Honest In Depth Review - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By ruffrider - December 15 - 10:30 pm

  After driving this car in pretty much every situation possible, I must say Im blown away. As far as driving goes: Of course it may not accelerate like the 2014-onward models and it can get frustrating especially if you like to go fast like me but this car will get you anywhere you need to be. Ive driven everywhere from the mountains to the desert, and its never left me stranded. The ride is superb, very quiet, smooth and comfortable, Driving at 120 feels more like 70. Not saying it has seats like a Rolls Royce but they are very comfortable on long trips. The shiftable automatic on the S trim is the most helpful feature. On mountain passes when going down on sharp curves, you can just keep it in 3rd and you wont have to touch your brakes. When going up, it also serves the same purpose and makes it a lot more safer. And when in bumper to bumper traffic or just wanting to feel like you have a sports car, the availablity of all 4 gears goes a long way. Car did great in the snow with cheap chains. As far as reliability : Ive only done routine maintenance, and 2 sets of brakes in 3 years (but due only to the "fast and the furious" mentality I drive with) Ive used it primarily as a commuter car. My mom owned a 2014 and now a 2017 corolla and I must say Im glad I made the choice to get the 2013. Although it has much more power and accelerates like a mustang it doesnt ride nearly as quiet and comfortably and has a CVT and a timing belt instead of a chain(I dont need to get into that conversation). Also feels a whole lot cheaper in overall craftsmanship and quality. The bottom line: The 2013 Corolla may not accelerate how youd like it to or be the flyest car on the roa but its is hands down the most trouble free and reliable car Ive ever owned. I plan to keep this car forever. Get one if you get the chance