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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  Corolla XRS - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Jim - March 4 - 1:13 am

  I really like the Corolla XRS that I just purchased. I looked at Mazda 3 , Honda Civic and chose Toyota because of relialbilty and the way they redesigned the exterior. Its a great practical vehicle with performance at an affordable price. Nice interior.

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  09 Corolla LE one week out - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By howardrm - March 3 - 11:16 pm

  Just got this last wk. Very smooth ride, very quiet! Best feature is quiet. Handling, brakes excellent; fuel econ. less than expected on hwy (one trip, 80 miles, 32 mpg). Lets see what happens. In town/backroads mpg is 28 so far.

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  "Almost" Perfect.... - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Tuttman - March 2 - 7:53 am

  Not very comfortable for driver on long drives. Vehicle is listed at 21mpg city and 28mpg highway. After the first year my mpg went down to 18 city and 25 highway. I can barely get 280 miles from a tank of gas in the city. Dealership says nothing wrong. (dealerships are all rip-offs) Exhaust has a rattle at low rpms. Other than that, I love this car. After 3.5 years and 37000 miles, it has needed NO repairs other than scheduled maintenance. The most reliable car Ive ever owned.

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  Love My New Rav 4 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Branden - March 1 - 10:20 pm

  Theres a lot to like about this vehicle, and a few minor annoyances. The pick up is amazing with the V6 engine (I previously had a 4 cylinder). Lots of room compared to older models. Plenty of legroom for passengers in back, and plenty of cargo space.

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  cant beat it - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Ted - March 1 - 4:06 pm

  I dont think there is a better SUV on the market. Looks, quality, performance, capability and reliability are unmatched. While not inexpensive, worth every penny.

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  We have owned this van 4 years now..... - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By myfj40 - March 1 - 12:00 pm

  Not a bad van by any means. We have grown very comfortable with it and can rely on it to get us were we need to be every time. When we first bought it (pre-owned) we had an intermittent problem with the front blower not working. In troubleshooting that it seemed as though the "techs" had torn into the problem and never located the culprit....The relay had a manufacturing defect; as did the rest of the identical ones in the van. After ordering replacement relays (From Japan and not Tennessee as were the factory ones) it has worked finer ever since. Sometimes it is worth it to buy parts that are built correctly !!!

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  Best 4Runner yet - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By happy2b - March 1 - 8:16 am

  I like this 4Runner, overall. Looks sharp and excellent build quality. Coming from a torquey sport sedan, a more powerful engine is something to be desired. I know its not a sports car and its going to take some getting used to. Hopefully it will perform better after the break-in period. It does need better lower end torque. The 4x4 feels heavier than the 4x2. Nice interior and good sounding stereo. The wire antenna has to go; Toyota is moving backwards on this one.

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  Matrix, a class by its own...... - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Ziggy - March 1 - 5:40 am

  driving this one of a kind vehicle in its own class is quite intriguing with me. Besides purshasing at a reasonable price is well deserving.It should if not pass the rate of the corolla.

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  Reliable, but... - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Abbood - February 28 - 10:06 am

  This is a very reliable car; I didnt face any of the common problems I used to have with my previous Audi (window hanging, lamp fuse down, etc.). However, it is suitable for older people and a 29 year old like me will get bored of it fairly quickly. I have had this car for a year and I have already started looking.

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  Worth the extra $$$$ - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By rl4673 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I went from a Grand Cherokee to a BMW 3 Series and then to the 02 4Runner Sport Edition. I had an 88 4Runner with the removable top.. (super cool truck) and now I am back to Toyota again. I test drove every SUV out there and while it may not be the best bargain up front, I am sure it will pay off in the long run. Check the prices on used 4Runners. Theyre almost as much used as they are new! I have yet to regret making this purchase. I bet you wont be either!