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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  Do not buy - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By betsey2 - March 8 - 8:30 am

  Bought the car new and within months the radio wouldnt work w/ rear defroster on. They had to replace the radio and install new rear windshield. Two years later- same problem only not under warranty!!! $100 just to look at it when obviously the windshields are defective!!!!

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  Fun Driving - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By ReneeIF - March 8 - 5:30 am

  This is the first car Ive owned in which I can control the fuel economy. I love the leather interior: it makes the car look luxurious. The modern styling is super cool. The optional JBL 6 CD stereo could be better; the sound quality is not that great.

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  Does good in the mud - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Doc - March 8 - 3:10 am

  Its a good running truck plenty of horse power. Already had to replace the rack and pinion bushings and just snapped the pinion gear on the ring and pinion in the snow. Not good build quality there. But its ok its getting converted to straight axle in the front to get it lifted the way I want on 38 inch tires now it sits on 33 inch mud terrains had it stuck in mud up past the doors twice now and getting a grabber green paint job. I could not ask for a better truck. I hate the push button four wheel drive and the fact you cant get a manual transmission thats gonna be chaged soon though.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By drez - March 7 - 8:50 pm

  My husband and I were looking at this car to save us with gas prices today. After years of luxury SUVs, we were looking for something simple and efficient. When we went to test drive it, we were purely expecting it to be just adequate. We were so wrong. We loved it! It is quiet and despite being a small engine, it has great drive and pick-up. We have two small children and there is plenty of room even with an adult and two car seats in the back seat. We are so pleased and highly recommend this car to anyone!!!

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  Yaree or DottaBug - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By robinjane - March 7 - 6:20 pm

  I really love my Yaris. I had to replace 97 Chavlier and went looking for a truck and bought a 2 door, (3 if you count the hatch), small car. I like the way you can get into the car without feeling you about to sit in a well. Im only 5 even and that was one selling point is that I could get in and out without fighting gravity. The dealer thought I was crazy when I said that the Yaris had a small "growl" like a Mustang I test droved. I didnt realize till two days later that I had it in Drive 3. Duh.

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  Awesome van - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By SibTiger - March 7 - 4:56 pm

  The acceleration on this van will knock your hat off. The ride is very smooth and quiet. Fun to drive. Fuel economy is good: 20 city, 23 hwy. Cavernous space inside fits our family of 7 and all our stuff easily. For hauling, it fits a full size couch if you take out the middle row of seats out. (Its a trick to learn to take them out, but not bad once you do it a few times.) The big nose is a major bug magnet. The only issue weve had is tire pressure sensor error. Wife has drained the battery three times by leaving lights on... but it fully recharges and works like new. Overall, were highly satisfied and would purchase again.

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  SUV/CUV traits in a fun compact! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Marvin - March 7 - 3:53 pm

  Only complaints are nit-picks. Car rides smooth and quiet, MPG is good for AWD, but fuel tank small (~300 mi range), seats are supremely comfy, lots of int storage, adjustable driver seat height, flexible cargo area, and great build quality. When compared to a sedan of this class, it feels more spacious, looks cooler, is more practical, and has AWD. Looks sportier than it is. Steering and suspension are great, but not sporty. Engine power is just OK (more power, lower MPG, so Im OK w/ this). It has the industrys worst tonneau cover - borderline useless. 6-CD in-dash player wont play MP3 CDs and doesnt have aux-in.

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  Major problems with my car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Brandy - March 7 - 10:20 am

  Added on the 100,000 mi warranty and expected for features that had gone out to be fixed - not so. Had air conditioner problems from the time of purchase, has been worked on several times. I have learned to tap a box underneath the glovebox to get the air conditioner started at times. Power locks started going out at 40,000 mi. Eventually they all went out after the warranty expired and now I cant manually lock my doors on the drivers side. To get the power locks fixed will cost $2000-3000. Have replaced Toyota hub caps several times for about $80 dollars a piece. Plugged in a bottle warmer into the cigarette lighter, radio, dashboard features, and cigarette lighter fuse blew out.

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  Great comfort - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By gglenno - March 7 - 9:27 am

  I cant for the life of me figure out why others are finding the seating comfort of their Rav4s unbearable. My wife and I recently traveled over 2000 miles to Colorado and back in our nearly new 2012 model... this Rav4 is one of the most comfortable vehicles we have owned. Seating positions are great! Ride comfort is very good. Little to no fatigue for either of us. Gas mileage in the heavy winds of South Dakota suffered, but the trip home found much better mpgs. This is a very nice vehicle.

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  Great - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Tony - March 7 - 1:46 am

  I am a high mileage driver and need a strong, reliable, comfortable drive! I had a SE-V6 Camry 3 years and placed 185,000 miles on it - Fantastic. The Avalon will surpass my expectations, its wonderful. Pity the "touring" was not even more sporty, more aggressive front end and interior. Just put new alloys on, now were talikg "cool". All in all delighted. Thanks Toyota again.