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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  Awesome car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By R&A Anderson - August 16 - 10:00 am

  We choose this car after months of research,we made the best choice. It is mineral green which is not like most greens you see. It is more like a silver green. Nice and small on the out side, easy to park in the city but roomy inside and we had a moonroof installed that just topped it off. The only problem is only one of us can drive it at a time.

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  Need more leg room. - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By dryfly1 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Love everything about this vehilcle except: Poor functional design of the drivers seat. Seat is too short, so it does not give support under thighs, seat is not tilted upward enough, and most importantly, seat will not go back far enough to allow enough leg room. My 89 Civic LX has more legroom and a more comfortable seat. I expected more from a car this much larger that my Civic. Im dreading taking this car on a long trip where leg room is very important to me.

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  Just bought A Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By D.M. - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the new 2002 6 cyl Camry two days ago. Great to drive. Lots of power. I test drove the 4 cyl, but the 6 cyl is more smoother and has more power. The day after I bought the car, however, I thought I smelled a very faint odor like rotten eggs when I turned on the heater. It was very brief. I keep thinking that its all in my head, but Ill wait and see. The only other thing Ive noticed is the Camrys too long braking distance. Otherwise the car is roomy, and I love it! I got a great deal, $3000 off the MSRP.

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  Honda lost me - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Been driving a civic hybrid for five years. My local Honda dealers service was great. Went back. Drove the CR-V and crz. Didnt like either one. Decided to go look at the toyz. Found just the right compromise with for and the boss (wife) in the matrix. I got my SUV. She got her sports car. Its early but we both love it. If youre looking for a great priced mid-sized SUV you gotta check the matrix out.

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  An overall great car! - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By slmeow57 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for about a month now and have been enjoying it! It has great fuel economy and an extremely smooth ride. I love the LE trim...the nice wood grain on the interior and the comfortable seats. With 122 HP it isnt a sports car but it gets up and goes! The only downside to this car is I purchased it at 35xxx miles and the drivetrain belt had already gone on it. It was cracked and needed to be replaced -- fortunately under warranty. Everything else has exceeded my expectations! This was a replacement car after my 97 Saturn was totaled and I believe I made an excellent choice. Very reliable, safe and an overall great car to drive near and far!

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  The Perfect Car! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By jhinsc - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Prius IV over 2 weeks ago and have over 1,700 miles now. Love the MPG! Avg over 50 mpg as I learn the tricks to stay with traffic but get better mileage. Visibility is great with all the windows - no blind spots for me. I wish the drivers seat had power adjustments for better comfort but the lumbar support helps. Its a conversation piece with all my clients who dont mind at all riding with me.

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  wifes 1st new toy - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Clean Matrix - August 16 - 1:23 am

  After searching for about 6 months we finally decided to go with the Matrix. We test drove everything from a Mazda to a Pontiac and decided on the Matrix. With two children and two adults in it on a road trip it was excellent. Not a complaint about room or my side your side stuff. All of our friends and family couldnt believe for the money how many features we got.

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  Perfect Compact Pickup - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Awesome Truck - August 15 - 11:13 pm

  I am very pleased with this truck so far. I have had no problems at all with it. I bought it in Colorado and drove it home to Michigan. It was a fun trip.

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  What more do you want - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By BC Toyota - August 15 - 9:53 pm

  Fabulous truck!! This Toyota Ive owned now for 2.5 years and it hasnt let me down once and the mileage is fabulous!! It took until about 17,000 miles for the engine to feel like its broken in, now that it has Im getting 17.5 around town with a very short driving distance to and from work and on the highway Im getting up to 30!! Yes thats not a typo 30 with a V 6 , 4.0 liter engine, thats remarkable!! I have a sport model with the stiffer ride but this truck handles like a dream and has a ton of power, step on the gas and off you go!

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  Love it - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By DJ - August 15 - 2:13 pm

  Bought if for my wife... I have a Durango, but my next vehicle very well maybe a 4Runner!