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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  surprised - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By mcruzen - December 22 - 9:39 pm

  I am an official car nut, bought a new prius 4 in December of 2010 to commute 20 miles to work. Thought I have to sacrifice fun and comfort for the fuel economy. I have been pleasantly surprised. In 7.5 months we have put over 15,000 miles on the car and coordinate all of our travel around the availability of the prius. Performance has been amazing, mileage terrific and its fun to drive. I really wonder why household doesnt have one in their garage.

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  Swiss Army Knife - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By looseshoes - December 22 - 9:00 pm

  This vehicle does it all -mostly-. Hauls 4 or 5, carries cargo, gets decent mileage, super-dependable. Not too sporting on the road, but not expected really. I get about 21 mpg with 50/50 city/hwy driving. Has 70k miles and only problem was I had to have power steering pump replaced - under warranty.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By m3cg - December 22 - 6:30 pm

  Totally disappointed with the gas mileage. We are lucky to even get 40 miles per gallon. For the price we paid, could be in a more upscale car and still get respectable gas milage.

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  Compact, Economical, Great on Gas - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Ken - December 22 - 5:06 pm

  It helps the environment and my wallet to drive an SUV that utilizes fewer resources than most other compact SUV out there. The RAV4 is reliable, fuel efficient and economical to own (parts are fairly reasonable). I recommend this to anyone who cares about reliability, the environment and the price of gas today. Keep more cash in your wallet... drive a Toyota RAV4 people! Some may say it is not a cool car for guys to drive. I have heard it described as a "females" car. Well, if this is the case, then those "females" are some very smart people on this planet. They happened to stumble on a money saver!!

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  X-Runner - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By AKnight - December 22 - 4:16 pm

  I absolutely love this truck, although it does lack in some areas for me. Despite having the performance engine and upgrades for a Tacoma, it just doesnt have enough power for me. Also, when I bought my truck the windshield wasnt sealed correctly and it produced very loud whistling at interstate speeds. The local Toyota dealership replaced the entire windshield for free though and now the truck has no problems.

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  Did i make a mistake? - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Terry - December 22 - 10:20 am

  I purchased my Matrix XR in May, 2008. I think the vehicle is comfortable, fun to drive and gets good gas mileage. Love the look of the vehicle as well. However, everything was fine until about 25,000 km. The alignment needed adjusting, windshield has a air leak somewhere, and the dash board also squeaks really bad when its cold. Its quite annoying. Had it in the dealership and they agreed something was wrong with the windshield. They removed the windshield and then replaced the seal. Noise is still there. My radio failed. New one on order. Hate the way the rain leaves marks on the interior of the seats.

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  Rattle trap - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dr.Bill - December 22 - 10:00 am

  After 63,000 miles it sounds like the dash is going to fall off. In cold weather the plastic contracts and really squeaks, more then any suv I have owned. If you live where the roads are smooth your ok, if your in NY good luck.

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  The Crusher - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By dwity - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a truly amazing blend of ruggedness and luxury. I can take it several hundred miles on the highway and it rides like my Lexus ls400. I can take if off roading, exploring, or in snow and it performs as well as a pick up or jeep. Truly Awesome.

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  RAV - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By FRED DURST - December 22 - 10:00 am

  HARD RIDE NO FUN TO DRIVE SEVERAL TRIPS BACK FOR NOSIE IN CAR

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  Nat bad for the money - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By barlo - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good car for the money. Handling ist bad. Good pick up with the 5 speed. Not bad looking inside and out. When the back seats are down, it has almost as much if not more cargo room than some mid sized SUVs. Plenty of passenger room in back seat. Their knees wont hit the back of the front seat. For the money and compared to whats out there. You wont find better. And its a Toyota.