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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  Fun Little Car - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By Happy Owner - November 1 - 9:36 pm

  This is a peppy little car thats not so little. Lots of room for kids, groceries, or whatever you need to haul around. Its fun to drive, has a great safety rating and it doesnt look like a "mom" vehicle. Tint the windows and even the base model is quite sporty looking.

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  2003 Toyota 4runner Limited V8 4wd - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By MTS - November 1 - 6:10 pm

  Great vehicle. I bought it as a dealer demo with 7500 miles on it for about $6k off sticker ($36k). Only a few minor probs, the side mirrors had a weird glare and those were replaced (free warranty), few probs with actuators (free under ext warranty - doors wouldnt lock), a/c clutch relay switch replaced (125 P&L). Blower motor may need to be replaced any day (used heavily/daily). At 105k miles had water pump and timing belt replaced -preventative maintenance only. I put about 22k miles annually on this vehicle and love it. It always starts and goes. Have taken few trips to places from Bay Area to Canada (BC), San Diego, Yosemite, Vegas, Bakersfield, Arizona. Has hauled many things. Good vehicle. 17.4 avg mpg

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  Well Made SUV - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By johnoparsons - November 1 - 3:33 pm

  I have owned this SUV for 9 months and already have over 16,000 miles on it, mostly highway. Mileage is good for this size vehicle and about as advertised (19/23). Build fit and finish is very good, and no major quality issues (so far). The vehicle does very well with long-distance highway cruising (minimal vibrations, very quiet, comfortable seats), and handles well around the city. No issues with hauling a boat -- plenty of power at the ramp and stable towing. Good cargo capacity with rear seats down.

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  A great car - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By toyloyalist - November 1 - 2:31 pm

  After owning 2 other Toyotas in the past, and the last one an Avalon for 10 years, I purchased a new Highlander Limited. I dont get excited about cars, but I love this vehicle! Wonderful quiet ride, very smooth.. very user friendly when operating all the gadgets. Since my last Toyota was 10 years old, I was not used to all the latest features. (ex..nav, bluetooth, etc) I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants the comfort of a car, the room for 7 passengers, and the reliability of a Toyota.

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  What a car!!! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Grandma2 - October 31 - 6:56 pm

  We long anticipated owning this car. It took us 6 months on the waiting list to finally arrive. We got the top-of-the-line package (#9) with 6 air bags & voice activated navagation system. We have put close to 7k miles on the car & not a single problem. This is a fantastic car to drive, very quiet (except on steep grades), exceptional mileage (avg 47MPG since we have owned it), very reliable and comfortable with the isofoam seats!! I cant say enough about how refined this car is and how everything works so well together. The car is very roomy inside & has good space utilization (hatchback & fold down seats). My one big worry is if I break down in the middle of nowhere!!!!

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  Excellent Basic Transportation - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By bamabomber - October 31 - 1:00 pm

  Bought at 125,000 miles, only had to replace tires, and distributor. Most reliable vehicle ever owned

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  Is There an Echo in Here? - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Jaden Waters - October 31 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I had to get a rent-a-car and decided on a Toyota Echo, not knowing exactly what to expect. What we found surprised us. After driving it a while, we liked it so much we decided to buy one later from a local delearship- the last one on their lot. We thought we could use some insulation from high gas prices by buying an economy car, and let me tell you, the Echo delivered. Between highway and city driving it got 35 plus miles to the gallon. On the highway we got 42- three more miles per gallon than advertised.

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  Now Have Two of them - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Antonio Rodriguez - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I have a 98 LE and now an 01 "S". After having a 98 w/over 100,000K. I have purchased the "S" due to Toyotas outstanding reliability, and quality I have come to appreciate over the years.So far these two vehicles have been the best purchases ever. After having an 00 Accord EX-V6 (too many transmission and engine problems) and a 02 Volvo S60(electrical). Im happy and now a Toyota owner for life. Now looking to purchase an 05 XRS for me and an 05Prius for my mom.

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  Toyota Fun - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Boopmak - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I would recomend this car to anyone ranging from teens to seniors. It is extremely comfortable, sporty looking and practical. Whenever I am ready to buy another vehicle, it will be a Toyota!

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  A Great SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Ryan S - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned our Hilander for almost 3 years now and had to take to the dealer once because the sunglass holder broke. Other than that this vehicle has been by far the best SUV weve ever owned. We plan on keeping it for several more years, and most likely will by another one, this time with the third row seating.