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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  SkyBluePearl - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Kelvin - March 5 - 1:23 pm

  I love the new color that was added this year (2005) for the Camry. I had a 2004 which I traded in as soon as I saw the new Sky Blue Pearl. It is nice. Its a XLE V6. Smooth ride.

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  GREAT TRUCK - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Glenn Lightcap - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I also have purchased my truck new and I could go out and buy a new toyota. I ask myself why this one is running so well, why go out for a new one. I still like the every thing about my truck!!!!

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  My silver MR2 - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Jennyt71 - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the S2000 before buying my MR2. I couldnt see spending almost $8000 more for a power top and cruise control (yeah, and more hp). I first looked at this car because of friends recommendations. This is SO much fun to drive and you get LOTS of looks!

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  ECHOS ROCK - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By gtejssh - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Edmunds.com review is SO WRONG! This car is cute, affordable and just plain great! I would buy 10!!!!!!

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  A Big Headache! - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By SunGodess904 - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car in August 2001. It has been in the shop 5 times for repairs. This is not quite what I have been accostomed to in new car purchases. Toyota needs to take a good look at the design of this auto. Fun to drive but certainly not worth the aggravation of scheduling recurring problems.

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  I finally got the car I wanted! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By f/w wahoo - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car/suv/wagon. All the flexibility of an suv without the extra cost and low fuel mileage. Great MPG, great interior and exterior design. I can take my dog and all my stuff and still have room for more. All the car I wanted at a reasonable price

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  Great Car For The Price - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Randall Stevens - March 5 - 10:00 am

  One test drive at the dealership and I was hooked. I recommend getting the XR sport package with fog lights, moon roof, and the 17" alloy wheels over anything. The base model is missing some of the more fun features of the XR, while the top of the line XRS has the more powerful 180 HP engine. However, you really wont notice a difference with the added HP until youre at higher speeds (50+ MPH) and its not worth the extra $3,000 or so the dealership will hit you up for. Overall the Matrix XR is a great car and the reasonable pricing makes it well worth it.

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  one car for everything - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By ben alexander - March 5 - 10:00 am

  overall the matrix is not only one of the best values toyota offers, it is also one of the best values out of any mid size car on the market. where else can you get 53 cubes of cargo space, 36mpg, amazing handling, and most important, toyota fit+finish and reliability.

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  The Cadilac of Japanese cars - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Avi - March 5 - 10:00 am

  this an absolutly a great car. there is no other. mercedes or bmw cant compare. the ride, the convience and reliabilty are just exceptional. i suggest this car who wants luxury car with a sporty feel.

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  drive on freeway before you buy - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By mandy - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought the RAV4 for reliability and comfort. I am an older female with a disablity. I have had this SUV for three months and wish I would not have bought it. It does not hold the road and vibrates the steering wheel at 65 mph. I am getting no help from the dealer..I am told it is because "I dont know how SUVs drive". Well, the car drifts all over the road...I thought a new vehicle should atleast hold the road. Beware before you buy.