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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  Great car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By John - August 9 - 10:43 am

  Ive been driving it around town and on the expressway. Its 100x better than the new Beetle I traded for it.

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  Yes. It seems like will run forever - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Lei - August 9 - 10:19 am

  220,000 miles on it. Never maintenance, every 20,000 miles for one oil change, normal wheel bearings and brakes replacement at 200,000 miles. Never have problem.

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  Love my new Matrix! - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By ystapdoognabel - August 9 - 9:53 am

  Ive only driven my new 2008 manual transmission basic Matrix 200 miles but as of this moment, its my favorite car Ive ever had. It just feels like the "perfect fit". I guess its really too early for me to say much but so far, so good. I like the way it drives. I like the looks of the inside and outside. I like the amount of visibility it has. The seats are firm but very comfortable on the back. I test drove a Honda Fit Sport and was surprised at how much more I like the Matrix.

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  07 Toyota Corrola LE - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Karron Boaz - August 9 - 1:20 am

  Just have had my 07 Corolla LE for not quite 1 year now and the computer is going out in it. The Toyota dealer said that this is common in the Corollas and they have them on order. Bought the car as a certified used in 08. I still love my car and Toyota will replace it. Happy with their service very much so.

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  Fun to drive & great mileage too! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By ToyotaFan - August 8 - 11:30 pm

  After having several new Toyotas of all sizes, the Yaris 2D Hatch is the most fun to drive. I road tested the competitors and none handled as well, or were rated as high in mileage. This car rides very comfortably and the small turning circle makes it a real pleasure to manuver around in town. Ive had mine 6 weeks and average 36 mpg in city only driving. A 300 mile trip on the freeway returned 42 mpg @ 70mph. The interior is very well thought out with lots of cup holders, 3 gloveboxes, & many small storage areas. Mine has the sport seats which have high grade material and are very supportive & comfortable. I could not be happier with my new 2008 Yaris.

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  Worth Every Penny - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By L-A - August 8 - 5:23 pm

  Its our first Toyota Camry. We decided to purchase one after our old 88 BMW required frequent maintenance. Rides quietly. Very roomy. We traveled outside the city on the weekend for more than 2 hrs and my passengers were in total comfort! I wish I was in the back enjoying the ride. The downside of the car: climate control can need more power for the back passengers, weak acceleration from start, blind spots are many (due to airbag compartments) I had to install two blind spot mirrors. Amazing fuel consumption esp. in LA where theres 24/7 traffic. Music qualitys fantastic. Spacious trunk. I love driving big cars so Camrys the perfect size

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  Love My Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Love My Prius - August 8 - 11:03 am

  Cannot believe how much power the Prius has! Impressed the guys at the office! Great design, everything is in the right place. Fab gas mileage at around 60/gal! Wonderful body styling; MANY drivers slow down to check out my Prius, then speed up to get a view of the front. Very nice Smart Key entry: keep the key in a pocket, briefcase or purse, approach the car and pull on the door handle. Its now unlocked without having to pull out the Smart Key / remote. Starts without pulling out the Smart Key / remote, too. Cant say enough positive things about the Prius! Theres normally a waiting list but I got it right off the showroom floor - VERY fortunate. LOVE MY PRIUS

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  Nice Bang for your Buck - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By MTNCLMBR - August 8 - 6:26 am

  I have had this car for a couple months now and I love it! We traded in our 2003 Ford Explorer Limited and are very pleased. It hauls our family around with ease. We dont know why we didnt buy this car back in 2003. The build quality is superior and has very useful features that any American car would envy. I have always heard of Toyotas lasting for 250,000+ miles, so lets hope this one will do the same! We live in Arizona and this car handles the mountains with ease, almost as if it is my daughters Jeep, if not better. Its too bad that it is my car and my husband wont get out of it, because then maybe I could tell you more!

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  GREAT CAR! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By labman4 - August 8 - 1:49 am

  Have just over 3k miles on my camry. Overall this is a great car. I traded in my 2010 highlander limited on this vehicle.Although i went down in price point, this car is just as nice.Has a few more features than my Highlander ie. lane departure warning system and pandora.Mpg is about 30 if i keep my foot out of it. The power is what most surprised me out of a V6. The previous reviewer did not like the seats, but I like them better than the highlander which had almost "0" bolster support. You wont go wrong with this car!

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  Great Overall Truck - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By jaggedviper - August 8 - 12:40 am

  Bought an 05 Limited 4x4 in May. Nice, roomy, well thought out. Gets better mileage (15/18) than the 6 cylinder Land Cruiser (13/15)I had before this! Purposely waited deep into the model year to hopefully have the bugs mentioned in the forums ironed out. So far, so good! 5 speed is smooth and sure. No vibrations, wind noises, ABS/VSC/transmission issues or annoyances. Plenty of power with the 05 V8. Would have liked the Nav, but did not want the rear DVD and Luxury package options. Seemed like these three were all lumped in together in the vehicles available. A Garmin StreetPilot c330 fixed that! All in all, a great truck for my needs. Plenty of room, nice style and performance.