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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  Good Car - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Charles - February 10 - 7:36 am

  This is my first SUV. Handles, accelerates, rides excellently. Was pleasantly surprised on the ease of which it was to park and maneuver. It allows excellent visibility for the driver. The cabin is quiet and external noise from other vehicles or engine noise is minimal. You can listen to the radio at the same volume on the city streets as on the Highway. Doors close solidly and the 2nd row seats are comfortable for full size adults. Third row seats are small, and should be used for smaller adults/older children. Note: Running the A/C will take off 3-4 miles per gallon.

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  One Cool Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By mrmustard - February 10 - 4:24 am

  I have always been fond of any Honda or Toyota vehicle. I have depended on both manufacturers and theyve never let me down. I love the Prius, everything about it. It is enjoyable to drive and performs well on my 60 mile one way commute to work. The handling and responsiveness is is better than average. Fuel economy is outstanding and the consumption monitor has allowed me to correct my gas guzzling driving habits. The ride is smooth and quiet on the highway. Prius and “Hybrid Synergy Drive” make interesting conversation with friends. I wish I had owned one much sooner. The car is just plain cool.

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  From Point A to Point B - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By awolfs - February 10 - 2:55 am

  Edmunds gave me a good number to expect to pay. I actually paid a little less. My old Camry was 21 years old. This one is nicer and better in just about every way. I dont need to tear up the highways. I just want to go safely from Point A to Point B. My chief requirement of a car is that when I turn the key, it starts; when I push the gas pedal, it goes; when I push the brake, it stops; and it feels solid to drive. Not having excessive maintenance is a plus, but I dont know how this car will be. The old one was great. I like how this car feels when I drive it. I havent figured out all the bells and whistles yet, but those I have, I like.

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  Mighty Matrix - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By Larry Brixey - February 10 - 1:56 am

  We bought our Matrix because my wife fell in love with the design. After test driving it, we were sold on the leg and headroom. It was sluggish getting onto the freeway, so i went down to the local auto parts store and got a K&N air filter and it made an extreme difference. It has immediate acceleration and getting on the freeway is not a problem whatsoever! We are getting 35 MPG and it runs like a Toyota should. I would Highly recommend the K&N Air Filter! It makes a BIG difference.

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  Best vehicle I ever owned - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By adoihcj - February 10 - 1:50 am

  In my lifetime Ive owned over 13 vehicles (from Mercury, Ford, GM to VW, Honda, and Subaru), and this is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. We just hit the 8k mile mark and I enjoy being behind the wheel at all times. Highway driving is fun and off- roading/driving in snow is awesome as well. Theres plenty of space for the family (two kids) and ample cargo space for vacations.

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  excellent truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By kevinlee123 - February 9 - 8:17 pm

  drove this truck since i bought it has 127,500miles on it, so far so good,fell like a new luxury sedan.full power,good ac,good sound system(tape/cd), it will last long.no issues. save lots of money

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  Fun Car At A Great Price - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Adam - February 9 - 2:46 pm

  So far this car has been great. I took it on a long trip from Florida to New York and it did great. The fuel economy averaged in the 30s and the ride was comfortable and smooth. Although it is only a 4-cylinder engine it has good power and pickup.

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  Satisfied - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Dove - February 8 - 11:23 pm

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  Id buy another one - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By sbotero - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Perfect for a small size family. We are very please with the way it handles. What we paid for it was very reasonable, it came fully loaded. People complain about red lights, I find them very atractive and easy to read.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Iselltnhomes - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This by far is the best sports utility on the road. We decided on the Toyota after road testing the Loredo, Dakota, Explorer & Sport Trac. No other vehicle had the Toyotas power, handling & comfort. Love the full time four wheel drive and engine torque. Average gas mileage has been around 20 MPG. More than I expected from a sports utility. The new body style is very sharp.