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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  Right time, Right car - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By richaardg - April 20 - 4:30 am

  Have had my Prius V for a month and have never got less than 46 mpg. Bring on the $4 + a gallon gas! At first I was reluctant to buy such a different type of vehicle, but this is turning out to be a great choice. There is far more interior room than it looks like it has from the outside. I love the upright seats and with the V the rear view is much easier to see out of than the original Prius. The backup camera is a great safety feature and has already saved me once.

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  Love it!! - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By amsgram - April 20 - 2:56 am

  I knew the original owner, so I knew how well the car had been taken care of. I love it. The only problem I have had is an oil smell in the engine compartment. It doesnt use oil that I know of, I have it changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Runs great. Im hoping to get 400,000. Im so spoiled Im afraid to have to get a new car, besides theyre all ugly.

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  A new day - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By sonny - April 20 - 12:16 am

  I was impressed by the utility, and the ease of driving. The new look is what attracted me to this car. I had overlooked the car for this very reason. The car is nimble and even tho its the smaller engine, there is enough go for me. The fit and finish appears to be first rate.

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  Good, reliable vehicle, fun to drive! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Cruiserboy - April 19 - 10:53 am

  Great off road capabilities. Cool to look at. It turns a lot of heads. Typical Toyota... bullet proof. Solid feel, great fit and finish.

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  Toyota Corolla S Excellent Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Erik - April 19 - 9:16 am

  The guy who wrote that this car is almost blown away in a windy freeway is absolutely right. But this could happen to any small car. The only thing I dont like from this car is the extra plastic bumpers on the bottom of car. Excellent overall quality, great gas mileage, well designed interior actually was the main reason I choose this s model the black interior reminds me the Audi a-4 1.8l. The paint on these cars is really bad quality, I dont know why Toyota is not taking care of this issue, and add for $499 extra dollars the coat protector here in Miami this is a most to protect cars paint considering here temperatures reaches an average of 92 degrees.

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  Good Car!!... get the V6 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By pinoyromeo16 - April 19 - 12:23 am

  Ive had this car for just over a month. NICE suspension, but lacking majorly on power especialy when the AC is on. I wish got the V6. I had a full load of passengers on a hot day with the AC blasting... no power at all. Other than that its pretty quiet, lots of room, and very easy to drive. Disclaimer on the "sport" version. It has good suspension, but if you really want it to be "sport" get the V6 haha!

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  GREAT CAR! Toyota did GREAT! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By lynchmob557 - April 18 - 11:46 pm

  perfect

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  Short Term Ownership - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By AF - April 18 - 5:03 pm

  Bought our RAV 4 in Nov 08, absolutely loved it. Put on some top-end 18" studded tires, and the handling and traction was great. We moved from a 95 Ford Windstar to this, so anything would have been better, but it really does handle and drive very well. 31 days later we were in accident. I was in the passenger side and took the brunt of the impact. It took a minute or so to figure out what happened. Air bags deployed, doors crumpled, but we were all completely fine. Safety and crash ratings are very high from me, as the impact felt like nothing more than a little nudge (impact speed about 25mph). Its been written off, but will definitely look at another RAV as a replacement.

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  You get what you buy - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By louie - April 18 - 2:20 pm

  Its a nice little car. Great for small family or single folks. I had to get rid of it less than two years with it. The odometer, gas reading, dials etc in the middle is just too weird. Not very strong engine. Cup holders are one size and wrong spot to have it. Auxiliary plug is on passengers side. Too difficult too reach when on drivers side. Seats are uncomfortable and hard. Miles per gallon are 33 with city and highway. Side compartment storage in front too deep and thin.

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  love my sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By sequoia woman - April 18 - 10:00 am

  This sequoia has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. It has been reliable. I have not had any problems. I feel safe in this vehicle. It has been great for me to own because of the room that allows my family to travel in comfort. Thanks Toyota!!!!!!!!