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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  Money Well Spent :-) - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Court Court - March 8 - 10:03 am

  I love my Camry. I have a 01 CE and the only complaint I have is the design is boring, but my car is reliable. Ive put around 61k miles on it since I bought it in 06 and at a little under 130k its still going strong. Replaced charcoal canister a few months after purchase, very minor. Outside of oil changes, brake changes and new tires and alignment Ive had absolutely no problems. Timing belt is due (probably overdue) to be replaced. I love my car and Im going to ride her until the wheels fall off. Im actually in the market for a new vehicle and because of my wonderful experience with "Deja" more than likely Ill be buying another Camry.

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  Fun Driving - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By ReneeIF - March 8 - 5:30 am

  This is the first car Ive owned in which I can control the fuel economy. I love the leather interior: it makes the car look luxurious. The modern styling is super cool. The optional JBL 6 CD stereo could be better; the sound quality is not that great.

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  Does good in the mud - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Doc - March 8 - 3:10 am

  Its a good running truck plenty of horse power. Already had to replace the rack and pinion bushings and just snapped the pinion gear on the ring and pinion in the snow. Not good build quality there. But its ok its getting converted to straight axle in the front to get it lifted the way I want on 38 inch tires now it sits on 33 inch mud terrains had it stuck in mud up past the doors twice now and getting a grabber green paint job. I could not ask for a better truck. I hate the push button four wheel drive and the fact you cant get a manual transmission thats gonna be chaged soon though.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By drez - March 7 - 8:50 pm

  My husband and I were looking at this car to save us with gas prices today. After years of luxury SUVs, we were looking for something simple and efficient. When we went to test drive it, we were purely expecting it to be just adequate. We were so wrong. We loved it! It is quiet and despite being a small engine, it has great drive and pick-up. We have two small children and there is plenty of room even with an adult and two car seats in the back seat. We are so pleased and highly recommend this car to anyone!!!

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  Yaree or DottaBug - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By robinjane - March 7 - 6:20 pm

  I really love my Yaris. I had to replace 97 Chavlier and went looking for a truck and bought a 2 door, (3 if you count the hatch), small car. I like the way you can get into the car without feeling you about to sit in a well. Im only 5 even and that was one selling point is that I could get in and out without fighting gravity. The dealer thought I was crazy when I said that the Yaris had a small "growl" like a Mustang I test droved. I didnt realize till two days later that I had it in Drive 3. Duh.

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  Awesome van - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By SibTiger - March 7 - 4:56 pm

  The acceleration on this van will knock your hat off. The ride is very smooth and quiet. Fun to drive. Fuel economy is good: 20 city, 23 hwy. Cavernous space inside fits our family of 7 and all our stuff easily. For hauling, it fits a full size couch if you take out the middle row of seats out. (Its a trick to learn to take them out, but not bad once you do it a few times.) The big nose is a major bug magnet. The only issue weve had is tire pressure sensor error. Wife has drained the battery three times by leaving lights on... but it fully recharges and works like new. Overall, were highly satisfied and would purchase again.

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  SUV/CUV traits in a fun compact! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Marvin - March 7 - 3:53 pm

  Only complaints are nit-picks. Car rides smooth and quiet, MPG is good for AWD, but fuel tank small (~300 mi range), seats are supremely comfy, lots of int storage, adjustable driver seat height, flexible cargo area, and great build quality. When compared to a sedan of this class, it feels more spacious, looks cooler, is more practical, and has AWD. Looks sportier than it is. Steering and suspension are great, but not sporty. Engine power is just OK (more power, lower MPG, so Im OK w/ this). It has the industrys worst tonneau cover - borderline useless. 6-CD in-dash player wont play MP3 CDs and doesnt have aux-in.

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  Great - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Tony - March 7 - 1:46 am

  I am a high mileage driver and need a strong, reliable, comfortable drive! I had a SE-V6 Camry 3 years and placed 185,000 miles on it - Fantastic. The Avalon will surpass my expectations, its wonderful. Pity the "touring" was not even more sporty, more aggressive front end and interior. Just put new alloys on, now were talikg "cool". All in all delighted. Thanks Toyota again.

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  Fun Little Roadster - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Arthur - March 7 - 12:13 am

  Great car, tried Miata too but MR2 is a way better car mid-engine handling, turns flat, very predictable, great shifter, awesome brakes, stiff chassis, and lightweight, the guys at Toyota sure know what they are doing. Sure its not as quiet as my Camry, but it is a sports car, this car is a good therapy on a bad day, this car makes one smile. If you can live without the trunk I strongly recomend this car.

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  FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ND - March 6 - 7:53 am

  Above and beyond expectations. Reported issues (visibility, mileage, rear seat, plastic) are there, but have proven insignificant with the overall package received. Blows away every other vehicle in its class (and others I had in consideration) when you get behind the wheel. Mileage is on par with the performance. Visibility is fine after you get to know the vehicle. Rear seat legroom is on par with other vehicles in its class (there is something wrong with the data as reported - I am 62" and when I adjust the drivers seat to my driving position, I can sit behind the front seat - tight but my legs fit). Others might get me to the slopes, but the FJ keeps me smiling. No regrets.