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 Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By RenSan - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Overall this car is great for the money spent. The design of the S model, a bit sporty, but still fuel efficient for all practical purposes. I have taken my car cross country three times in the year that I purchased, and it has been a joy. Compact, reliable, great on fuel and the 5-speed is just fun to drive.

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  I never thought - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By counselor83 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased a 2004 XLE with the GT package and Im surprised by all the well thought out options and funtions of this vechicle. I have a 2003 G35 and the van was suppose to be for my wife. I hope she enjoys the infiniti as much as I plan on enjoying the XLE. Dealer was willing to deal on price of 32800 I felt we could have gone lower.

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  2004 Sienna XLE Limited AWD - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By rrtke - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is as great as described. The ride is phenomenal. How long until Lexus realizes there should be an "L" on the grille instead of a "T"?

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  Beats my Cavalier - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By G.L. in Indiana - December 25 - 8:43 pm

  This truck has exceeded my expectations. Excellent power, torque and 4WD function for this size vehicle in standard highway environment hazards ,i.e. snow, ice, rain. I have not been off road with it but it does tow boats effortlessly. Solid, somewhat noisy ride, but delivers the mileage advertised on the sticker which is great .

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  Multi use car - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By STAN THE MAN - December 25 - 8:26 pm

  The car is standard shift with six forward and one reverse with low profile tires and a factory modified engine that goes to 180 horse and 8,000 rpm. It gets between 30 to 35 mpg. It is part sport car, part economy car, part SUV and is always reliable. It is a fun car to drive. Toyota did not put many of these cars on the market. There are many SRVs with AWD but this is not one. Instead it has a sports car six forward gear standard transmission.

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  Good car (just good, not great) - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By New york city gal - December 25 - 9:23 am

  So my last car was a Honda Accord. I know its not fair to judge this car based on my past vehicle but Im pretty sure that is why Im not wholly astounded. I find this car to be quite bumpy on the road (as expected from such a small lightweight car), & I truly hate the brakes. I feel like the car is almost out of control when braking. When driving on a bumpy road I feel like Im riding a bike on a cobblestone road. Maybe Im not used to it but Ive been driving it for 2 weeks already. Car sounds like a tank when accelerating, and really cant keep up with other cars. Overall, I expected better but its still not a bad car. And for the price & toyota name I really cant complain.

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  First Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Mindcrime67 - December 25 - 7:26 am

  I traded in my 2004 Acura TL for a 2007 Prius Seaside Pearl with options package #4. I was looking to downsize from my TL due to low mileage, 6K a year, and the desire to just have an economical commuter car with great gas mileage. I looked at the Honda Civic Hybrid but felt the Prius offered better gas mileage and features. So far I like my Prius. It is simple, drives well, has good pickup, great features,and great gas mileage plus Toyota reliability. For some, choosing a Prius is to help the environment, for others its saving gas. For me it was needs vs wants. I love nice sedans but only need a commuter car. The Prius is that and much more. Saving gas etc. was just a very big plus.

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  Sienna minivan -- comfortable & reliable - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By msromagnoli - December 25 - 4:43 am

  Weve had no problems at all with the Sienna and its been a comfortable vehicle for long trips and taxiing kids around town.

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  SE perform different from other Camry - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By chad_sh - December 24 - 10:16 pm

  Test drove the LE and SE, I actually liked the steering feel of the SE, but the LE ride much better. We settled on the SE since the wife like the trim. I will say, the SE steering is a bit too sensitive. I tend to drift on highway, and it jerks when I make adjustment. It maybe my driving pattern.

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  Love the Yaris Liftback - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By bws2 - December 24 - 9:50 pm

  This is a terrific small car that is fuel efficient and easy to handle... great for parking in snug spots. Has lots of hidden storage and is very roomy for its size. This car turns heads and is fun to drive. The negative to this car is the engine runs loud, especially at about 45-60 mph ~ but then at higher or lower speeds it has a nice comfortably low engine sound... it just takes getting used to. The seats are very comfortable and made to be supportive. I love the instrument panel being in the center and often wonder why it being behind the steering wheel never bothered me all those years ~ it is actually very user friendly. This is a great affordable car IF you can find one on a lot!