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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  Car lives up to its reputation - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By kramay - January 21 - 5:46 pm

  I am very impressed with the value for the money and the performance of my Camry. The ride is perfect and quite and the fuel economy is great. It glides down the open road with ease. (set your cruise control on the highway... cant tell youre driving 90 mph) the rides that smooth and efortless. The maintenance schedule costs are small compared to other cars in this class. I cant see my family ever buying another make of car.

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  Best car ever owned - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By iNip - January 21 - 2:30 pm

  I use my Prius as a work delivery vehicle. I average 150 miles a day and 52 mpg. When using the pulse and glide method I can exceed 55 mpg.

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  Perfect car for me! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By great car! - January 21 - 2:06 pm

  The only regret I have with my Matrix is that I didnt get it in RED! I have a white matrix and everything about it soooo wonderful! I love my car and it drives well on the road, although I am still in the process of breaking it in so I am still careful with it. I still have to find my perfect driving spot in the drivers seat but it is comfortable. I get good mileage on this car (28 mpg) and I believe this will improve with time. Radio reception fluctuates every now and then and I dont know if its the signal or the equipment itself but I am so glad that theres the mp3 plug. Very, very nice improvement on the total new look. I still wish I got it in RED. :)

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  My 1st Camry and love it so far - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Keith - January 21 - 7:53 am

  I just bought this 2017 CAMRY & have only owned this car for just over one week and I really am impressed! Strongly recommend to all!

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  A good buy - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Ed Reilly - January 21 - 7:00 am

  Bought the car 3 weeks ago. Paid 37,400 on a 40,840 sticker XLE white with leather.Car is comfortable AC is cold both front and rear . Have owned toyota before and played a big part in the purchase. Dependable and reliable. Turned off the ECO button feels the car is being pulled with it on. Gas mileage about 22 hwy 18 city could be better.touch screen has many features takes a few days to get used to. Side mirrors seems large and sometimes block view on turns.

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  Love my Prius - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Jo - January 21 - 5:50 am

  I cannot express how much we love this car. I have wanted one since they came out and finally did it when Toyota offered zero percent financing. It is everything I thought it would be. My first trip, I averaged 50.8 mpg. I am getting around 49 in town. Unbelievable.

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  The Radio - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By jduer1 - January 20 - 7:00 pm

  I have had my 2013 Venza for a month now. Its a great car, but, two complaints. The Buick SUV I traded in rode much better and was much quieter. First complaint - the radio - my goodness, what a tinny sounding unit (not the JBL). Tried all the settings with no great improvement. My new Ford Escape has a much better radio. Other complaint - rough ride and noisier than my American cars. Sure seems like the much vaunted Toyota could do better than this. Will probably go back to American brands after this. If you are looking only at Toyota - look at a couple American brands - you might change your mind.

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  Excellent Value - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Blue Ridge - January 20 - 4:23 pm

  We live in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the combination of very steep roads and snow/ice is challenging. We had to have 4WD and seating for six, but we wanted good mileage too. After two years of reviewing cars, we got a RAV4. The V6 eats up mountains without straining the transmission. Theres a bit of a turbo lag as the transmission gears down, but then the RAV4 jumps past cars when passing. Same engine as the Highlander in a much lighter SUV. Wow. Backdoor and wheel are same as on our Jeep; not a big issue for us. Where else could the full-size spare go? Having a full-size spare is important. Only complaints - mileage is not as good as we want and steering not as tight.

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  Love It!!!!!!! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Julie220 - January 20 - 2:46 pm

  Ive only had my Rav for 3 days now but I absolutely love it! Mine is Black with light gray(ash)interior. I cant get over the fact that only being able to afford the base model isnt a sacrifice.There are so many features that come standard its unreal.Fuel economy is remarkable! Ive put 173 miles on it so far and I just hit a half a tank. Ive been driving it all weekend getting to know it. The Rav 4 is fun to drive and handles beautifully.There is plenty of cargo space and with the seats down its perfect for my 3 huge dogs. The only thing I dont like is having a car payment again. I love the looks it gets too when driving down the street. Go buy one, youll love it!

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  2004 Toyota Land Cruiser - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By AJO - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Land Cruiser. My 1194 had over 1000,000 miles when traded on a 2000. I never had a repair only normal service was done. My 2000 had 65,000 and was much more luxurious than 1994. My 2004 is even better. Fabulous on the road.Very secure on wet highways. Have not tested in snow yet but the 2000 was in plenty of snow and never got stuck. I really cant think of anything that I could want more. I drove all the high end SUVs and decided on another Land Cruiser. None compare. If this one is as good as the last two, I will buy a fourth.