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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  Toyota Corolla S Experience - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Desiree Carney - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is great! Very comfortable and economicle.

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  love this car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By dianelhair - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Being a very picky person, I researched cars for over a year because I was driving a 13 year old car and new its time was near. I read in both Consumer Reports and some other magazine, (cant remember which one), that this car was extremely reliable, had great trunk space,more than a couple of others that I was considering, and plus, the style is great. The fuel economy is not quite as good a a hybrid but then it was several thousands of dollars less than one. It is smaller than my old car and therefore easier to park, maneuver, and quicker to wash! It is everything I want, looks, fuel economy, ease of driving,great visibility and beatable reliability.

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  Camry V6- SE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By BT Neal - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Toyota got it right with this one. I have owned at least 1 of every generation Camry. I bought this one for the NAVIGATION (excellent)but was pleasantly surprised with virtually every aspect of the car. Ride is somewhat harsher than I expected but the handling far exceeds that of my 2001 V6 LE Camry. Overall I have to give this car 2 thumbs WAY UP !

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  In lust with my Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Honnie - January 20 - 2:46 am

  When I went shopping for a new car, upgrading from a tiny 95 Geo Metro LSi hatchback to the Toyota Matrix was like going from a studio apartment to a 4 bedroom home. I love everything about my sporty red Matrix, even though I had to wait 2 months for the color, it was well worth it. At 510" tall, I am very comfortable in both the front and back, though my 64" husband prefers the front, he says he could handle an hour long trip sitting in the back. Recently we moved and I was able to pack my car with 5 large rubermaid totes and some bags and still see out the rear window! I feel like the space never ends -- it is deceiving for such a sporty looking car. With tinted windows, it is hot!

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  PLEASE bring something like it back - 1997 Toyota T100
  By Lynn - January 20 - 12:16 am

  1. 207 inches long: it fits in my garage/I can park it in a parking ramp. 2. Its got a 6 foot box and 4 feet between the fender wells. 3. In a pinch, itll seat 6 people. Im the 2nd owner and have had it for 14 years. If any manufacturer made a similar truck today, Id buy it tomorrow. I have no negatives.

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  Test Drive the Competition First - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By MyTundra&Me - January 19 - 9:40 pm

  First, I traded in my 1995 Toyota pick-up with 156,000 miles. Test drove the others then came back to Toyota as usual. The 2008 Tundra had cloth seats, single CD player, manual adjust seats and didnt come with floor mats. I bought the Tundra hands down (and it wasnt that much cheaper). Unfortunately Ill have to wait for another 12 or so years to get a new truck... theyre built that good.

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  Literally Rock Solid - 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By KJB - January 19 - 7:10 pm

  I now understand the reviewers that describe this SUV as being carved out of a single slab of granite. You have to drive one to experience it. Every handle, button, lever feels precise, solid, and overengineered to perfection. The powertrain makes this land crusher incredibly fun to drive. The vehicle just oozes quality and has all the latest electronic gizmos to boot. Its not for everyone but if you can appreciate quality over quality and your know what this vehicle is made to do then you cannot go wrong with the TLC.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By great car - January 19 - 6:16 pm

  I LOVE this car! We researched new cars for about 5 months before deciding on this one. The interior has more room than the 4runner and yet still has bigger tires and gets better gas mileage. Plus, the third row is standard and folds flat, the 4runner isnt a standard 7-passenger and the seats dont fold flat. The layout of the interior is superior to the pilot and every other car we had test riden. It just by far is the best reliable car that can be sporty, but yet still fit the whole family in. We are a family of 5, and fit very comfortably. I just love driving it!

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  Just Right - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Toyota4ever - January 19 - 2:13 pm

  When I first saw this car, I figured there was no way my 62" son was gonna fit in it. Not only does he fit comfortably, but he has more room in the Yaris than in my Prius. This is a great car for a college kid: inexpensive, fuel efficient, and not big enough to haul his buddies everywhere. I was very impressed with the quality of this car. Unlike most compacts, it has doors with the depth of most full- size cars. When I was in college I owned a 1982 Toyota Tercel. This car reminds me a lot of that vehicle. With gas prices only going up, this car made too much sense for me to pass up when choosing a car for my son.

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  I love my Matrix - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Kalindrome - January 19 - 1:36 pm

  The Matrix has worked out very well for me. I live in Los Angeles, and use the Matrix to commute daily from work. I have owned the matrix for about a year and a half, and have not had a single problem since I purchased it. It is reliable, comfortable, practical, and stylish. I couldnt ask for much more.