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 - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By chattanooga dad - August 23 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a great used car that is reliable, well-built, great mileage, and nicely designed, then this is the car for you. I believe that the 1996 model has better looking lines than its successor and you cannot beat Toyota for making a superb automobile. Although the four cylinder is not a race car, it does provide adequate pep and acceleration for most driving situations. Great for the student, wife, or the dad who needs a second car to run around with the kids. Routine maintenance is all this car needs.

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  What a great car! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Ann Miller - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! This is my first Toyota, and I am very happy. The Matrix is fun to drive, sporty, the gas mileage is great,and all my friends are envious. It handles extremely well on wet pavement and around curves. The instrumentation is easy to see and use, the stereo is great, and it has a surprising capacity. Go Toyota!!

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  Reliable work car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By linsleftovers - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Camray proved to be one of the most reliable vehicles I have owned. I have had many vehicles over the years and found that this car is second to none. It has almost 90,000 miles on it, and with regular maintinance and faithful, 3,000 mile oil changes,I only had tires and light bulbs to changed. Nothing major has been done. It still has its original brakes! How about that.

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  More than I expected - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By lewbeau - August 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my first toyota.My wife and I are both thrilled with it.After driving a 95 Contour for 8yrs,well enough about that.I got the car I went after.Only it didnt come with leather covers but the dealer did provide them at an expensive price.I had to give something to my wife that she wanted because the rest is what I wanted.I wont say what I paid but I gave them what I said I would pay.

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  Potter 2007 Rav4 Limited 2WD - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By potter05 - August 23 - 5:03 am

  I had been driving a Toyota Avalon, the flagship of the Toyota line for several years. I needed a vehicle with more "utility" value. I researched the RAV4 on Edmunds as well as Consumer Reports websites. After an extensive test drive I purchased the RAV4. I am still pleasantly surprised and delighted every time I drive this larger and more powerful RAV4. The suspension is firm yet very comfortable, road noise is at a minimum, the steering is much more accurate than the Avalon, and the fit and finish is flawless, much like Toyotas Lexus products.

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  Why spend extra for a Lexus??? - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By maxgxe - August 22 - 11:46 am

  We checked out the 2005 Honda Accord first, but the dealer wanted us to pay list price and offered us very little on our trade-in. We were able to buy the Camry LE at invoice price, and received a much better deal on the trade-in. It is now 3 months and 3000 miles later, and we have no complaints with the Camry. The car is comfortable, quiet and reliable. The 4 cylinder engine is excellent, with 30 mpg overall average. We got 33.9 mpg on our best tankful (hwy), and 24.4 on our worst tankful (city). The large trunk holds all of our luggage for trips with plenty of room to spare. Theres no need to spend the extra money for an almost identical Lexus, unless you are into "snob appeal".

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  Avalon has got it intact - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By Don - August 22 - 2:59 am

  just purchased a 2015 Avalon XLE yesterday for my wife. This is our 4th Av with the last being a 2006. Greatly improved. Enjoyed all our previous Avs and sure we are going to Love this one. Style, comfort, great ride and AWESOME performance. Toyota has hit this one on the money. A lot of features not expected from a sedan in this price point. Looking forward to many years of dependable and enjoyable driving. Very well pleased.

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  Love it! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By tina - August 21 - 7:36 pm

  My husband and I traded in our 03 Accord to get the Highlander. Im so happy with the decision because it is so roomy but drives like a car. We spoiled ourselves and got the car fully loaded... love it! We live in San Diego but bought the car in Orange County, the one hour and half drive was worth it...the gas barely went down.

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  1st of Many 4Runners - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Andy in SA - August 21 - 4:30 pm

  My wife and I had previously had a Honda Ridgeline and traded it in for your Limited 2wd 4Runner in Blizzard White Perl. I was expecting my wife to tell me not to do the trade in but once she saw the 4 Runner and took it for a test drive she was hooked. So far its been a great SUV. My limited didnt come with the chrome tip but I found one at OReillys for $30.00. Sure beats the $80 plus that Toyota wanted to charge. Not sure why it wasnt included with the Limited anyway.

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  Excellent choice - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By spacelink - August 21 - 10:43 am

  We purchased our vehicle (AWD) off Craigs list from a dealer in So. California. It had 92,000 on it and is in pristine condition. Weve had a 100,000 mile service done which included bumper to bumper service and the vehicle continues to drive like new. It was purchased as a replacement for our 1998 Toyota 4-runner with 250k on it was totaled by a friend. The Sequoia has more than we will ever need in a vehicle and weve taken two out of state trips with it. It has the room, the comfort and the separate temperature zones is something that definitely comes in handy. Our conclusion, we wont buy anything else. Other than the less than desirable fuel economy, its a great vehicle.