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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  I like it a lot! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By kenpassaic - March 9 - 6:23 pm

  This is a comfortable, peppy car that delivers the typical 5 miles per gallon less than epa, but is untouched by any other 4 door on the road. Besides, its fun to watch the battery come into play when other cars would be burning gas!

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  Smokin engine... literally - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By tallchris01 - March 9 - 10:41 am

  I bought this Avalon having owned another 1st generation Avalon. Didnt figure Id need to have a PPI, but I should have gotten one. Turns out the engine was a smoker. Despite replacing the valve seals and spark plugs, it continued to smoke. Quickly re-sold it.

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  Works as Designed - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Todds FJ - March 8 - 7:10 am

  I just sold my 2007 FJ. The interior is very well designed. Everything was ergonomically correct and easy to grasp (with the big knobs). As many owners on here, I bought the FJ because it was different. I grew tired of the vehicle after a while. Very basic interior and slightly rough ride. Not the FJs fault. It is not supposed to be a luxury car! In three years of ownership, not one day in the shop. Great build quality. Bad gas mileage...like driving a brick down the road.

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  Bought this car because of these reviews - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By bboga - March 7 - 11:36 pm

  I bought this car after having bad luck with cars, i call it the summer from hell when i went through two cars due to blown head gaskets. But i relied heavily on these review so i felt obligated to leave one saying it was by far the best decisions i could have ever made ive put almost 6000 miles in about 3 months since I am in the Air force Reserves and live 220 miles from my base. The car had a regular maintenance that i caught it up on, and since hasnt missed a beat. I would buy 3 more right now if I had the money just to keep the quality for when this one finally burns out (its at 152,000 miles right now). I just dont feel like the quality will ever be this good engine wise.

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  My First Toyota - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Michael - March 7 - 10:23 pm

  Picked the Matrix because of its versatility and AWD. Decent room inside and Toyota quality all around, it just feels solid. So far so good with the AWD system on the snow. It handles pretty well and the sporty looks are a definite plus. I chose the silver streak color and after I blacked out the rear windows people are always coming up to me asking what kinda car is it.

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  Great commuter car! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By C.S. - March 7 - 7:20 pm

  After test driving Mazda3 and Civic, I decided on the Corolla because of its superior fuel economy, price, and reliability. After 800 miles, Im still very pleased with the purchase. Im averaging 34 mpg overall and its a quick, quality ride. I love the new styling and the simple, elegant interior. I prefer the driving position over the others also. Steering is a little light, but I have gotten used to it. Bottom line - great commuter car from a great company.

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  Love My Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - March 7 - 11:43 am

  Great Performance, fun to drive & reliable. Drove from Florida to Chicago twice, back through the mountains of Tennessee, and throughout Florida with my wife & dog. Enjoy the ride as much or more than with my old Lexus, or various Mercedes.

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  Logic dictates the Sienna is the best - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By proftak - March 7 - 11:23 am

  I was heart broken when I traded my Subaru Legacy for the Sienna. I missed the low boxer engine, all-wheel-drive, and the manual shift. However, I have grown to like and respect the Sienna as a logical choice. The 8-passenger van has about the same gas mileage as my 5-passenger station wagon, plus tons of cargo space. With all seats removed/folded, the Sienna can carry 4x8 sheets, and even 10 long 2x4 or conduits. Even with all seats up, there is still plenty of trunk space left. The ride is smooth. Handling is average, but it is better than what I expected. With a family or cargo loaded, I tend to drive conservatively anyway. Great for long trips for the whole family.

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  Great value and fun to drive - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jud Souers - March 7 - 11:16 am

  Nice style inside and out, quiet ride and very little wind for a convertible. The only real negative is with the top up there are blind spots out the back window.

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  Toyota Sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By mdvan - March 7 - 4:56 am

  I have owned this van now for a year and half and found it to be a great van. Interior seating provides enough room for a 63 person to sit comfortable in any row and yes that means the third row also. Everyone that rides always says how quiet and smooth riding it is. I forget I am driving a minivan because it feels just like any midsize or large size car. Long trips are no problem with luggage. Gas mileage has blown me away. One trip we recorded 30 mpg on the highway. WOW. Just recently we got 32 mpg going up to Ohio from GA. Those trips the van had three people and lots of luggage. We have been getting about 19 around town.