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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  Best AWD buy - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Mary Bethany Collins - January 19 - 6:30 am

  I live in the Berkshire Mountains (read mega snow and ice). This car, with all season radials, although packed in with snow from the plow, drives out like it was summer. What a delight. Add to that great gas mileage, space for luggage for a long trip and my huge German Shepherd, all the bells and whistles one could want (auto key, air, cruise, etc)--all for under $19,000--who could ask for more? And a Toyota to boot--I could find no better car on the road for reliability and long-term value, and I did my homework.

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  Perfect for a college student! - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By joejoezz - January 19 - 3:36 am

  We bought a a Corolla with 120,000 miles on it and now have it up to 136,000. So far, we have only done routine maintenance, although I recommend watching the brakes closely. It burns a little oil but nothing major. Combined gas mileage is around 28 in the winter and 35 in the summer. The cars size is its best feature for living in the city: it drives well for such a tiny car and it is easy to parallel park into tiny spots. You just have to watch out because sometimes big SUVs dont see it.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jason - January 19 - 1:06 am

  Performance. Great acceleration for a 106 hp car. No problem keeping up in traffic and with careful driving manages 38-40 mpg in the city and 41-43 mpg on the highway. Comfort. Upright seating position is great for visibility and makes it easy to drive this car for hours at a time.

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  Speed Demon - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Piero - January 18 - 11:00 pm

  I have learned to drive in the great land of Italy where the love of cars and speed is greatly loved. My little funky Echo make me miss the driving there. However to drive fast around the turns I have found that you need to oversize your tires to 195-60-14 and keep the front inflated to 35 PSI instead of 32. I have Bridgestone Potenza RE 950 and love them.

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  Great around-town car! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By pcd - January 18 - 6:43 pm

  Ive had my all wheel drive RAV4 for one year now. Only problem I had was a check engine light came on once, took it in to the dealership and it was corrected (nothing serious). It is a great car for errands, city driving and shorter trips. Ive taken it on one long trip and wished it had an 8-way power adjustable seat with more support, and more insulation against road noise. No complaints about interior rattles except for the lock on the glove box, sometimes buzzes.

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  2008 Avalon Limited not perfect - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By patrick59 - January 18 - 3:30 pm

  I purchased an 08 Avalon Limited with 28,000 miles on it four months ago. So far, Im only somewhat satisfied. Unfortunately, the dashboard rattled and squeaked as if it had 180,000 miles, although I didnt notice that when I test drove it. I had to jam coins down the sides of the dash where it meets the windshield columns in order to tighten it up. The workmanship of the assembly is poor. Also, the front seats would not heat or cool, but the dealer fixed that problem before I took posession. I like the bluetooth connectivity, but the sound of the phone only comes out of one speaker and it distorts pretty badly if you turn it up enough to hear the other person at highway speeds.

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  Very, very Pleased - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Titanpat57 - January 18 - 1:53 pm

  Looked at the Trail Edition on a Friday night and picked it up on Saturday. Driving to work has become fun again. Toyota has done a great job on this vehicle, from fit and finish to the great off road features. Truly a "one of a kind". The interior layout is easy and compact, coupled with several nice touches of current technology. I came from a loaded Maxda CX9 and the only thing I miss are the heated seats...but with the remote start its a lot less of an issue. The exterior is brawny yet nimble and extremely stable. It has a true "body on frame" ride...which I missed so much! Unibody construction is nice, but that "truck" feel cant be duplicated.

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  Good for Sierra Mountian Roads - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By 104Runner - January 18 - 10:16 am

  First 1000 miles of driving a pleasure. 19mpg on sierra roads and 24mpg on interstate(65mph). Off road capabilities and height of truck off the snow really closed the deal for me. Plus reliability of Toyota.

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  Landcruiser Style - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By tlcgaines - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyed my 2002 Landcruiser tremendously. Ive had it since August and I have about 24000 miles. It handles very well and the ride is very smooth. Every where I go people are always complementing me and asking me if I would recommend it. By the time Im finished they are asking me for the dealership and salesperson that I dealt with. So far it has met my expectations. I will buy another one.

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  CELICA A+++ - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By EPme - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful Design. High revving. When Lifts hits it really pulls.