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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  Great Purchase - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By howie29 - May 8 - 7:20 pm

  A bit pricey, but rides great and I have gotten 30 mpg in traffic conditions if I drive it easy. Mpg drops to mid 20s during hard and highway driving. Love this vehicle except for the price.

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  Best wagon out there - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Eve - May 8 - 3:29 pm

  My husband and I live in the Pacific Northwest aka Suburu Nation. Every other person drives an Outback or Forrester. So when it came time to purchase a new vehicle to replace our dying Jeep, we followed peoples advice and test drove Suburus most popular vehicles. Not impressed. We test drove a Honda CRV and Mazda CX5 as well. None were as attractive or as enjoyable to drive as the Venza. In the end we chose a two year old AWD V6 Venza with 27k miles for $22,000. The deal was so good, we felt like we cheated or something. Its a great car for camping, road trips, beach drives, and has enough room in the back for our German Shepherd. I would highly recommend buying a Venza if youre in the market for a reliable, small SUV or wagon that performs well and looks classy at the same time. Its different than most wagons and SUVs and thats a good thing.

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  Worth every penny - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Dean - May 8 - 2:00 pm

  I bought an Avalon 2007 last year. I used to drive other cars such as Acura TL, or Lexus ES. Here is some main differences: Compared to Acura TL, it has less road noise (only with Limited since it has windshield reduce noise) but not better in audio system (even 12-speaker system). Compared to Lexus, its less smooth (suspension), more road noise but much cheaper with more options. Compared to both, Avalon is roomy, not better in cornering, less warranty (others are 4 years), cheaper when resale.

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  Love My Matrix XRS - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By J. Palmer - May 8 - 12:03 am

  I bought this car with 19,000 miles on it. At the time, I was unaware of the particulars of the XRS trim level. I liked the idea of a manual... bonus was that it is a 6-speed. It is the best of both worlds because I can haul the kids around, then my band equipment, then on the weekends unload it and cruise around town with a little power under me. Even with the extra power my, mostly highway, fuel economy is around 30 mpg. Have almost 50,000 miles and not even a hint of trouble. One of the best, most fun to drive cars that I have ever owned.

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  Fun to save gas - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Lois Phemister - May 7 - 8:13 pm

  I love this car. When I am slowed down in a traffic jam my car switches to the electric battery and gas mileage is terrific. Makes a traffic jam not so irritating. Furthermore, I know that my car is not adding to the fumes everyone is sitting in as we inch along. I have taken long 14 hour trips and am quite comfortable while averaging over 52 mpg. I find that noting the continuous mpg analysis on the screen on the dashboard has helped me to learn good gas-saving driving habits. It is like a computer game. My big dog rides comfortably in the hatchback area with the seat down and a quilt spread out. My grown children love to drive my Prius when I come to visit.

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  Its great but.... - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By driveone - May 7 - 6:40 pm

  Of course the mileage is not the 60mph advertised- more like 42mph. The rear window is very difficult to see out of- must always use side mirrors. And the phone charger is so far from the drivers side I cant use the phone and charge it at the same time. Otherwise, its all its cracked up to be...

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  Its a Toyota through and through - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Kaytee - May 7 - 3:53 pm

  Ive had the car about 2 weeks and 400 miles and so far I love it and am still discovering things about it! Its quiet and has a very smooth ride. The moonroof is cool, as is the satellite radio and 6-CD changer. Its very comfortable to drive and feels solid. The interior dome light comes on when the key is turned off. The running lights get brighter as the environment darkens. The power windows remain operable for a minute or so after the key is turned off for those of us who habitually forget to close the windows before turning off the car. The trunk is roomy and even has a place to set things so they wont fall over, like a gallon of milk. Its Toyota quality and innovation.

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  V-8 smooth - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Blaze - May 7 - 9:03 am

  Just bought the car. Nice ride. Avg about 20.1 (set cruise @65.00 sharp). Combined driving gets about 18.2 MPG. Computer updates the MPG every 10 sec. Very smooth. Quiet interior. The power seats are nice. Wish side airbags come standard. No body lean around the curve at 40~45 MPH. Drove thru a heavy rain storm and can feel the traction control sets in right away. A lot of room when rear seats folded down. Storage areas throughout the car make it really neat.

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  I love my new Yaris! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By trisarahtops22 - May 6 - 8:40 pm

  About 2 weeks ago I got my new red Yaris! I know I havent had it that long, but so far I love it. It handles really well, its fun to drive and it looks great! I love the design.

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  Great Car With A Few Caveats - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Deanie - May 6 - 3:06 pm

  Great engine, good tranny, great brakes, very comfy, but handlings too soft (less safe). The better handling Touring model remedies this, but cant be had w/Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), the best safety feature after brakes and seatbelts, so Touring wasnt an option for me. Eats up highways serenely and stress-free while providing great MPG and outstanding passing power. Handsome alloy wheels and attractive but mature styling round out this excellent car. To protect Lexus models with which Avalon compares more than favorably, Toyota handicaps Avalon interior with plastic wood, lame-colored leather of avg quality, & denies the athletic Touring of VSC. Touring w/VSC could hurt GS300 sales.