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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  So far, so good - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By Lee - November 11 - 11:13 pm

  I recently totalled my 02 Pathfinder and settled on the Matrix. I like the seats but the doors arm-rest does not accommodate my long arms. The vehicle was a good choice for me after considering a lot of other vehicles, it was the best overall purchase for the money.

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  2009 Corolla Sport - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Bob Morris - November 11 - 11:06 pm

  Visibility from rear side view is obstructed by adjacent front seat and head rest. Toyota should put heavier coat of paint on car, lightly bumped side of garage with open door and paint chipped off in small spot at door handle.

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  Good and not good points - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By DonH - November 11 - 5:26 pm

  First of all the bad. Road noise on this car is excessive and the ride is not good. I wasted money by putting the premium sound system in it. Unless its parked you cant hear it very well. Ive had trucks made in the 80s that had a comparable ride. You feel and hear every bump. I see that the 2009 reviews noted similar issues. Its a car thats used by my wife and the interior carpet looks like its 5 years old. There is no reason for it except for very poor quality. The seats are not very comfortable. The good is that mechanically its a very good vehicle. Thats mainly why we bought it. Just make sure you can live with the other issues. Maybe the Limited version has better sound proofing.

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  Review - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By jimmydog - November 10 - 4:20 am

  A good car. Will pass when I want too. has room for my long legs and large frame. mileage is in the high thirtys and above all has room in back for a big labrador retriever.

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  Almost at 200,000 miles! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Mike B - November 9 - 5:33 am

  I got this car in 2001 when it had ~106k miles. So, Ive driven it just about 90k miles in 5 years. The major items Ive replaced are as follows: struts, clutch, motor mounts, starter, harmonic balancer pulley, main engine seal, oil pan gasket, valve cover seal, spark plug o-rings (grommets), CV joints. Currently, the check engine light is on because the catalytic converter needs to be replaced ($1,200 at the dealer) and the rack-and-pinion steering system needs to be replaced ($700 at dealer) Overall, though, this car has been great! With the mileage it has, the seals and clutch repairs are not unexpected. However, the car is definitely starting to feel like a high-mileage ride..

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  Love this SUV - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By pingel - November 8 - 7:47 pm

  I bought the 2009 base model about a month ago and love this vehicle. I traded in my 2006 Kia Sorento EX 4WD vehile that had only 71k on it but was a gas hog and very bad in the snow & slick roads. So far I am averaging 24-25MPG and love the ride. It looks good and feels good. We are going to take a 5 hour trip in a few weeks so well see how comfy it is on long trip. It is a little slow on the take off but if that is its only draw back its fine.

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  Toyota Avalon 1999 XLS - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Ron - November 6 - 9:43 pm

  This vehicle has been my best auto purchase to date considering I paid $15900 in the summer of 2002 with approximately 48000 miles after it came off a lease. It is very roomy and luxurious plus it gets decent gas mileage in Southern California traffic @ 23 mpg! On the freeway with no a/c it gets 29 mpg. The construction is very sturdy and it has only required normal replacement of 4 tires, battery,platinum spark plugs and brake pads. The only unusual replacement item was the coil pack which I installed myself becuse the dealer cost was outrageous. Id recommend buying the Haynes repair manual to all!

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  Great 1st Minivan - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By pazman - November 5 - 2:53 pm

  This is our first endeavour into the minivan world. As BMW and Subaru drivers, this was a new experience for us. Suprisingly, we love to drive it! It drives like the car and there are many more comfort features than in the BMW. During our first week, we put it through the paces with a 300 mile trip to our vacation. MPG was awesome at 26 MPG. Navigating through the cabin to take care of our son was a breeze. The seats fold down/up so quickly, it is extremely useful. And the ride, no matter where you are sitting is extremely comfortable. We made the right decision with this vehicle.

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  Great little (big) car! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Toyo789 - November 3 - 5:10 pm

  I bought the 07 CE model early this year. I commute 60 miles a day and needed something with good gas mileage. I love the plain Jane exterior, it just seems to blend in seamlessly. The interior looks nice with the two tone gray, and the cloth seats look better than average. The stereo sounds great, and the controls are super user friendly. The air is cold and the heat is hot, which is always a plus.

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  Good First Impression - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By OMc - November 1 - 8:23 am

  I just bought this vehicle a week ago and so far I like it. Low road noise compared to my old Civic and the seats are MUCH more comfortable - I cant feel the springs beneath the fabric like I could with the Civic even when it was new. Steering not as tight as Id like. I like that it has the height of a truck with the feel of a car. My elderly father can get in with minimal "step-up" and can get out very easily.