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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  Do it! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Red - March 12 - 1:40 pm

  Great truck! Good acceleration, pulling power, fantastic brakes and steering! Good turning radius. 20 mpg overall.

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  Best car in the segment! - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By sayantan - March 12 - 1:33 pm

  I bought this car after owning a 2000 Corolla and was impressed the moment I opened the door! I have the S, which looks quite good, has lots of room inside and is a lot higher than the 2000 Corolla. However, I am not so impressed with the acceleration once the car has warmed up a little... gets a little sluggish while entering freeways too. But that apart, it is perfect for the value seeker and environment friendly drivers (who save both money and gas!). The car is a lot sturdier than the 2000 model. Just close the door and youll find out!

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  WOW! What a Great SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By GregK - March 12 - 7:33 am

  This is the first SUV Ive owned in 10 yrs. Traded in my BMW 330i for it. Though Ill miss the quickness and nimbleness of the 330i, I absolutely love my FJ! Before the 330i (and Volvo 850), I owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee and two Ford Explorers. These vehicles dont hold a candle to the FJ. Engine power is just right for its size, comfort is great and utility if excellent. The only drawback I can see so far is what others are saying. The rearward visibility is really bad. Use your mirrors well and dont forget to physically turn your head before changing lanes on the highway. Have yet to see if gas mileage lives up to its 24 highway / 19 city billing.

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  So far liking it. - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Nolan - March 12 - 5:33 am

  Wanted a 4-door hatchback that got good gas mileage, was comfortable to ride in all day and had a good price. So far this car has pretty much fit the bill. We have 5,800 miles on it in 4 months. We are averaging 35 mpg. 75% interstate, 15% two lane roads and 10% city. Like that you sit up higher so getting in and out is easier. Did have some problems with paint chips on the hood until I installed a bug deflector on the front of it. On rough roads there is a lot of road noise that you can hear inside the car. Needs more insulation. Have a few rattles when on rough roads. I dislike the sound system.

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  Exceeded my expectations; Love it - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Debra - March 12 - 4:30 am

  Ive had my 2005 XR AWD for 3 months now. It has really exceeded my expectations. Not one problem, and its so solid, practical and well designed that I dont know why it doesnt get more attention (maybe a name change would help). Its perfect for my needs, great for shopping and transporting stuff, and the mpg are in line with the expected rating. I dont miss my jeep v8 grand cherokee at all (especially the gas guzzling). So comfortable and easy, great value for the $$$, a real joy to own and drive. What a nice surprise!

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Jim - March 12 - 12:46 am

  Great car. Absolutely reliable, trouble free. Just preventive maintenance. One defect repaired without charge by dealer under a technical service bulletin. Great mileage. A little noisy at high speeds. Jim

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  2008 sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By hughs - March 11 - 9:23 pm

  Traded my 03 Expedition for the 08 Sequoia. This SUV drives like a sports car compared to my Ford. Very agile, fast and decent gas mileage.

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  Sexy little SUV - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By A.Kocka - March 11 - 11:46 am

  This is the perfect vehicle for the woman in your life. At 5’2” it is easy for me to enter and exit the car. The front seats are very comfortable (being a person who has had back surgeries) that is very important for lengthy trips. I also like the fact that the rear camera is located within the rear view mirror as that is the natural place your eyes 👀 go to when backing up. The voice controls are awesome so you don’t have to figet around when driving. Nice night detailing. When you open the door Toyota CHR illuminates on the ground which gives it a classy feel. The ride is very comfortable and the safety features are amazing. I have only had my C-HR for a month and I really like it. It not too big or to small it’s just right.

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  The best for the best money - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Walace Langame - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I"m very please to inform that this is the absolutely best vehicle for the money, not only but as well a fun car to drive. Thank you Toyota so much! Walace R Langame!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Bob Freed - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Except for maintenance items (battery, new brakes, timing chain, etc) I have put nothing into this car. It has never let me down. I would love to keep it forever. The V-6 is a bit of a gas hog and does not have "pin you back in your seat" acceleration, but is fun to drive.