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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  MR-2 Spyder review - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mr2 - December 25 - 10:23 pm

  Fun car that gets lots of attention and compliments.

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  A REAL VALUE, 4 CYLINDER - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By KEN - December 25 - 4:26 pm

  A real value, great ride, comfort,econony. Had only problem with radio and fixed at dealership, first time.

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  Love It - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Toy4T - December 25 - 3:26 pm

  I only have 200 miles on my Matrix XR but I already love it. The seat are high which is great. I can drive next to the smaller SUVs and the seats are just as high as the person next to me but the car is smaller. The seats are amazingly comfortable in front... back seats too. I love my Matrix.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By AZ - December 25 - 2:16 pm

  I am totally and completely satisfied with my V6 2WD RAV4 Limited. It has an amazing pickup that will put many sports cars/coupes to shame. Although it is a compact SUV it is very comfortable and very spacious and has an excellent ride quality. I would highly recommend to buy the V6 because there is a difference of only 2 MPG between the V4 and V6. My RAV4 easily gives 21 mpg in city and around 28 mpg on highway.

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  Camry CE - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By epicmau5 - December 25 - 1:55 pm

  Very reliable as a starter car, I got this to go to college. It had 77k on it when I received it. Now it has around 81k after two years. I did, however, run into a couple problems. One was the check engine light, and the other was the alternator dying on me. The engine was free as it was well within the 30-day guarantee, but the alternator was $200 and self-repaired. Since mine had a starter on it, I cannot use it if I park the car in the winter for more than a few days, otherwise it would start then quit. I live in Michigan, and temperatures can go down to -8 F. Driving is great and very comfortable. Very fuel efficient as I fill up every month, despite driving 4 days a week to school.

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  60 degree steep driveway Mountains of NC-ice-snow - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Rebecca Haas - December 25 - 11:15 am

  A great value, safe car. I live on the side of a Mountain. The grade going up my drive is probably 60 degree along with a few curves. The car has amazing down hill assist to negotiate down steep hills and of course my drive. AWD and 4 wheel drive additional feature: just tried in the snow on my steep drive and did not slip once. I would highly recommend this car. I had 2 VW Touaregs, but they were not as reliable on the roads I travel as the 2016 Toyota in snow, ice and mountain terrain. The things I do not like about the car: I am 54 and getting positioned in the car means I am constantly moving the seat back and forth. When it rains, the configuration of the door and windows does not shed water when door is initially opened, steering is so fine tuned you dont feel the roughness of the road consequently ---takes a little getting use to...finally... I would like a more realistic back up camera (not a fish eye camera )- positioned where the rain drops and snow do not sit on camera lens distorting the backup view. But as far as safety, I will deal with the insignificant to enjoy the significant safety features. I need Safety first. The 2016 Highlander is a great value for the money and the safety features sold me 100%. .. " NC Mountains"

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  Loving the Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By SFDriver - December 25 - 2:26 am

  I have had my quirky black Yaris liftback for about three months now, and I couldnt be happier. The first couple tanks of gas worried me, because I wasnt getting the mileage I expected, but since then its been great, between 32 and 40 mpg depending on the mix of driving Im doing at any given time. I love the styling inside and especially out. Even for an hour-long commute, which I sometimes have to do, the ride is quite comfortable for such a small car. The seats are perfectly comfortable for me. The steering and acceleration are very responsive, which make it fun to drive, not what I expected for such an economical price.

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  Under 1k miles, - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Alison Rubin - December 25 - 1:55 am

  But so far, loving this car! This is my 3rd Prius and will probably be my favorite - WAY prettier, and so far averaging 57 mpg!

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  Its Great - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Ellah - December 24 - 6:16 pm

  Worth all the fuss to get this car. Quite comfortable. More legroom in the back than larger cars. Fuel economy is very good but not what is stated. Getting about 40 mpg so far but drive in a hilly area. Very happy with my new Prius.

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  Great Luxury Sports Coupe - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By GK in Canada - December 24 - 2:43 pm

  Purchased the SLE V6 3 months ago, and loving it thus far. The car is very refined, quiet and responsive. The stereo has a very full deep sound which is highlighted because the exterior noise level is low. Steering is light but responsive. I have not had any problems yet and dont expect to experience major issues as Im banking on Toyotas reputation on build quality and reliability. I highly recommend this vehicle for those looking for something sporty but refined (without having to break the bank). Gas mileage is not great and it really needs premium gas. Toyota manual indicates regular gas, but for improved performance, a higher grade can be used. Truth is premium is required.