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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  New car owner - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By dave - December 3 - 4:26 pm

  I just purchased the car July of 2006. I have approximately 2000 miles. The MPG seems to be improving. If you stay at 55 mph , the MPG get better. I started at 41.1 MPH, and now I am up to 48.6 MPG, staying at slower speeds. Will update.

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  Happy that I leased it. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By DPJR - December 3 - 1:50 pm

  I replaced our 2005 BMW convertable with our 2008 Prius. My wife and I are enjoying the change except on occasion we miss having the top down. One day Toyota will build a hybrid convertible. The Prius is an amazing auto, when driving it you feel like you are driving large vehicle. Your mileage will vary on how you drive. If you drive it with a heavy foot and stomp on the accelarator and jump on the brakes your mpg is going to suffer. If you drive how the auto school advised, your mpg will be better than expectied.

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  First Camry for me - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By metro21 - December 3 - 8:55 am

  Got a great deal from Toyota- 0% APR for 60 months, no payments for 90 days and a killer deal. Who can say no to that? I bought the SE model 4 cyl. loaded with the $3600 everything package. Did I mention the 2 year/ 24k mile all maintenance free plan? After 3 months and 6k miles, very impressed with the Camry. Glad I got it over the Accord.

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  A great car! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By John Arbib - December 3 - 8:40 am

  I have found this to be the most comfortable, quiet, powerful car that I have owned and one that has the most beautiful cabin that I have seen. Truly this car is a pleasure to look at, enter and - most important - drive. I love it!

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  Lots for the money - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By glendola - December 3 - 6:53 am

  I purchased my Avalon new in 12/05. It did have 1,100 miles, however I consider that new. It was in the showroom, and in black on black it was a totally impressive and sharp car. I was impressed with the laundry list of standard equipment. From the reclining rear seats, to the most exceptional stereo I have heard, even in cars that cost $15k more. I wont get into the other standard features because that would take forever, lets just say you want for nothing in this car in the way of luxury. I have had absolutely no complaints mechanically. Even the tires with 48,000 miles still have at least 15,0000 miles left on them. The performance is astonishing. Would definitely repurchase.

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  Super Truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Racin Rus - December 3 - 2:20 am

  I have own this truck for 4 years now and still love it. The sporty lines are awesome and the drivability is great and has plenty of ponies to get around people when I need to go. Handling is the best feature on this truck. I would reccommend this truck to anyone looking for a fun to drive small truck. Only draw-back is I am 64" and could use more headroom, but tilt the seat back a little and I make it work.

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  Abraham lopez - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Abraham lopez - December 2 - 11:43 pm

  I love this truck is great

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  2004 MATRIX XR FWD AUTO VVT-I - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By SANDRAJ - December 2 - 10:00 am

  VERY ROOMY FOR A COMPACT CAR, VERY SMOOTH RIDING FOR A COMPACT CAR, PLENTY OF STORAGE PLACES FOR A CAR THIS SIZE. VERY WELL STYLED FOR A CAR AT THIS PRICE. PRICED GREAT COMPARED TO OTHER CARS IN THIS PRICE RANGE. VERY POOR PAINT QUALITY AGAINST OTHER MAKES!

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  Great Car; Cheating Salesman - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Ms. Kitty - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my Matrix! This was my first car purchase, and unfortunatley I dealt with a "cheating, deceiving and lying" salesman. What I thought I was purchasing was a 6-cyclinder Matrix with all wheel drive. Instead, what I found I had purchased was the basic Matrix XR at the Matrix XRS with added features price! What a rat!

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  great sm.SUV - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By jeromac - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Rav4 fun SUV to drive good road vision. Easy handling nimble & quick responce. Good gas mileage 25MPG in town almost 30 on long rd. trips. Good service so far 28000 miles no problems.