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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  The best small car ever - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Amurtadi - August 30 - 2:46 pm

  I made 103K KM since I bought it new for C$13000. I had no trouble with it at all. It is the best bang for the buck. Drives and handles very well. It is not very comfortable for long distance travel but you can drive it very comfortably for 100 mile with no hassle. Excellent leg room in the back seat for 64" tall person.

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  She is a keeper - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By dtown40 - August 30 - 1:50 pm

  This is my first Toyota, and so far, I am very pleased with it. Traded in my 1999 Honda CR-V for it, and it is so much bigger. Much more power and smoother ride then the Honda. Hope the longevity in quality is as good as the Honda. Amazing how little difference there is in MPG between the two, seeing how the Toyota has a 6cyl engine and the Honda had a 4cyl.

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  Not all vehicles compare for this model - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Sheri - August 30 - 12:20 pm

  Have had the vehicle over a year/ overall pleased w/the quiet engine running on battery. Disappointed by mileage, highest ever for brief time mpg. Mostly got the car for environl purposes, but still expected mpg a little closer to sticker estimates. According to what Ive read here, I would have still bought the vehicle, as most owners report better mileage, but why are some of us not, even though I drive carefully, do a lot of coasting etc.? There seems to be no help through the dealership. Dont like the jerk of motor at times as it starts up. otherwise like the look and handling of vehicle while driving.

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  Camry slips in quality - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By John Youngt - August 30 - 10:13 am

  We chose Camry because of reliability. I wish now I had not. Our 05 Camry has a problem knowing when to shift (either up or down). The dealership indicates the new electronic transmission is known for this problem and apparently Toyota does not have an answer. The hesitation in shifting is troublesome and will probably get worse with age. In addition to the transmission the Camry has very soft braking, another acknowledged defect by the dealer but one for which they have no cure. So beware!

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  Good on gas, horrible build quality. - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By thedriver93 - August 30 - 3:05 am

  I bought this car to get out of my gas guzzler of an SUV in a highlander. I was happy when I bought it but my tires and rims were stolen 3 days later and that just ruined my whole experience with this car. Its great on gas, $30 bucks gets you a full tank and over 350 miles in range. This is an point A to point B car, no more. This car gets no turning heads, jealous looks, except maybe from gas guzzling truck and SUV owners, but thats it. This start to fall apart with the cheap plastics and I had to snap them back into place every single time I got into this car, horrible build quality. Seats were really comfortable for cloth seats.

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  Dependable, repeat suspension problems - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By GMCONVERT - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my third and most dissapointing Camry. Although I will never by American again, this car has had repetitive suspension problems. I bought the car new, have maintained it according to the manual and have never "beat" this car. I had the front struts replaced once under warranty and now at 80,000 miles, both the rear and front struts are shot. Im looking at quite an expensive repair. Mechanically this car is sound but I miss my 95 Camry. Have doubts about buying another one.

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  I GOTTA HAND IT TO "YOTA" - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By DavyD from Cali - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Matix XR since Dec,03. Ive had absolutly no issues with this car Windows are blacked out for the most part and Ive had the dealership TRD kitted (lowering springs) for warranty purposes, MAN WHAT A DIFFERENCE folks when headin down the highway or drivin in SF. Its made all the difference. Over all I love the car its been a blessing to me, specially how I fell into it, wonderful deal and interest rate. I had buyers remorse at first, just very glad i didnt trade it in for something else. Peace Davy D

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  My trix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By xmaestersquallx - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, it gives you an image all your own. Though it may be a little noisy and not enough power to beat a sports car, it has space. alot of it. Has many nice features. Its a utility vehicle in a sports car meet wagon package. Its unique, and its great.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By dmbjork - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Im not a car person and didnt really care so much what I bought as long as it was big enough, reliable and got good gas mileage. I went with the Matrix and the longer I own it and drive it, the more I love it. The only thing I dont like about mine is that its black. I looks really nice when just cleaned, but boy, does it look bad when its dirty! Ill never buy a black car again.

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  Adjust Your Mileage Expectations - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bob in Minneapolis - August 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car with high expectations. It has performed well compared to most comparable cars. Our mileage, however, has not met our expectations based on reviews and the EPA rating. Mileage has been in mid 30s. Its warmed up here the past few days, though and mileage has improved. We hope that mileage will increase as spring comes. While the styling is not our favorite, theres not much that can be done to adjust aerodynamics. Overall, though, its a good drive and were pleased with our Prius.