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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  Prius C Three with Navigation - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By merlinl - February 26 - 9:14 pm

  We went to the dealer prepared to buy the Prius C One with no extra features. We also had a TrueCar certificate for the One. We test-drove the Three and then quickly realize the features that would be missing on the One. The price difference was about $2k and being the 4th of July weekend and all other incentives we went for it. We still bought it cheaper than buying just the One on a regular day. Thanks Toyota!

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  Prius C Three with Navigation - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By merlinl - February 26 - 9:14 pm

  We went to the dealer prepared to buy the Prius C One with no extra features. We also had a TrueCar certificate for the One. We test-drove the Three and then quickly realize the features that would be missing on the One. The price difference was about $2k and being the 4th of July weekend and all other incentives we went for it. We still bought it cheaper than buying just the One on a regular day. Thanks Toyota!

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  Prius 2010 exceeds our expectations! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Bullitt - February 26 - 3:00 pm

  My fiancee and I bought the Prius 2010 first week of January and we really love it in red. We test-drove the Venza but only the Prius exceeded our expectations with the comfort, MPG and sporty look (especially from the front). The MPG is excellent (45 mpg mixed in the winter on hilly roads around Pittsburgh). The rear visibility is not a problem at all! The people who have a problem with it should pass their driving test again because its really easy to park. The base model has everything you need (keyless entry, bluetooth, alloy wheels, excellent radio). There is enough power when you need it; the car has just been fixed with the recall (never noticed any issues). Try it and youll love it!

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  Good All Around Car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Landric - February 26 - 12:16 pm

  I bought this car new in 06. I traded my 02 Mazda Protege ES in on it when the Mazda had 115000 miles (trouble free). I got the automatic because I was living in a high traffic volume area where its less fun to drive a manual. I got the base model with power windows and locks, keyless entry, cruise, etc. Its a great looking car with lots of interior space and a mostly well thought out interior. Ride is smooth, nice driving position, clear gauges, etc. Im at 90k now & I need to trade it on a minivan because I cant fit a rear facing child seat behind me & still have enough space to drive (twins!). The throttle body went at 70K (covered by extended warranty) and the CD died at 80k.

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  Love this Car! - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Christy - February 26 - 6:20 am

  We bought this car used and honestly have had no problems with it. It now has 130,000 miles on it and all we have had to do is the standard maintenance. I love the roominess (I have two small children and lots of stuff to haul!) and the way it rides is outstanding. The turning radius is spectacular for an SUV, even better than my hubbys sedan. I plan on keeping this car for as long as possible.

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  Wildest car Ive ever owned - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ana - February 26 - 1:03 am

  I LOOOOOVE this car! Its beautiful to look at, great stability in the driving, outrageous pick up... just cant say enough about how pleased I am.... so far

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  Great car - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Luther357h - February 25 - 11:14 pm

  Very nice car

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  Never saw the gas mileage advertised - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Edward Carl - February 25 - 5:57 pm

  I was sold on this car because a salesman did a demo he probably wasnt allowed to do. Had me take my hands off of the steering wheel and slam on the brakes in the middle of the (unoccupied) street. The car stopped perfectly without swerving in any way. The safety of this car is fabulous. The interior is clean and neat and after two years is holding up well. I have two complaints. Primarily, the combined mileage of this car is 45 mpg. Lately its been around 43. Maybe because its summer and Im using the air more. However, it gets better mileage in warm than cold. I dont think the battery likes cold as well. If I can manage to coast a lot and never have to accelerate quickly, I have hit 50, but its only been a couple of times over two years. The other complaint is the cargo room. I had a 95 Honda Civic that I gave up for this. (I loved that car and the resale was incredible!) However, I lost 6 cubic feet of cargo room when I bought this 2015 Prius C. That makes quite a difference if you go camping or ever carry lots of cargo. Peoples legs are squished in the minimal amount of leg room in the back seat. Otherwise, this car has grown on me. Its smooth and quiet and gets better mileage than non-hybrid cars, but just barely.

• 

  Never saw the gas mileage advertised - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Edward Carl - February 25 - 5:57 pm

  I was sold on this car because a salesman did a demo he probably wasnt allowed to do. Had me take my hands off of the steering wheel and slam on the brakes in the middle of the (unoccupied) street. The car stopped perfectly without swerving in any way. The safety of this car is fabulous. The interior is clean and neat and after two years is holding up well. I have two complaints. Primarily, the combined mileage of this car is 45 mpg. Lately its been around 43. Maybe because its summer and Im using the air more. However, it gets better mileage in warm than cold. I dont think the battery likes cold as well. If I can manage to coast a lot and never have to accelerate quickly, I have hit 50, but its only been a couple of times over two years. The other complaint is the cargo room. I had a 95 Honda Civic that I gave up for this. (I loved that car and the resale was incredible!) However, I lost 6 cubic feet of cargo room when I bought this 2015 Prius C. That makes quite a difference if you go camping or ever carry lots of cargo. Peoples legs are squished in the minimal amount of leg room in the back seat. Otherwise, this car has grown on me. Its smooth and quiet and gets better mileage than non-hybrid cars, but just barely.

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  So Far Its Great! - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By echiasson - February 25 - 4:05 pm

  I have about 500 miles on it so far. I am 62" and if i put the seat all the way back i can barely reach the petals and still have room in the back seat to spare. You dont buy this SUV to get 40+ MPG but i avg. about 19 MPG so far and the engine isnt nearly broke in yet. Purchased the Premium Package with the SR5 and the leather interior is awesome! sun roof is good. Entune Nav is somewhat complicated. Took a few different techs to show me how to use it. Make sure you have Unlimited Data on your smartphone because having Pandora and Bing is awesome but it can eat up data packages quickly. I highly recommend this vehicle!!