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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  Matrix Maiden - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Elzabeth - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the Matrix the first time I laid eyes on it! Its snazzy for an economy vehicle and is just plain NICE! My sales dealership, Mike Johnsons Hickory Toyota was the best in customer service and had the best price around!

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  Tunda 4d access SR5 V-8 Stepside - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By JetPlane - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Like this truck would recomend to anyone who need a truck and has small childen. Gas milage was better than expected while towing 15mpg and getting 18mpg on hwy. I have received alot of looks with the stepside bed. I expect this truck to last longer than my last GMC. My wife like it also!

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  LE-V6 Gallery Series #1 - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By dks2001 - November 26 - 10:00 am

  This 2001 Camry LE-V6 Gallery Series is the best car I ever owned in my life. I plan to keep this car for at least a decade to come. The Toyota quality is very dependable and it has the great value for your investment. Proper maintainance and care for your vehicle will make it last a long time.

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  2004 already! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By hippoz - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a 1999 Corolla, it was interesting to see the differences. This vehicle is larger, more comfortable, feels safer. Trunk is a nice size. I dont find the instrument panel to be very attractive as it is so white, not hi-tech looking. Also, the doors dont automatically lock when the car starts as did my 1999 model. The keyless entry does offer the option of opening one or all the doors, a good safety feature. The cup holder was also more convenient on the older model.

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  Quick, Fun & Comfortable - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By smithhayward - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had it for just over 6 months and driving 100 miles a day can put some wear on a person. This car makes the time fly. Whether on a side road or the highway, this car has the necessary pickup to get you going when you need it, and a smooth ride when just crusin along. Interior is superb. Recently rear-ended, I rented a 2002 Honda Accord for two weeks, and boy did that solidify my decision. The interior quality of the Corolla is TOP NOTCH. Soft seats worthy of a 10 hour drive, seating position that accomodates a 6+ driver and gauges and controls all in the right places. Roomy inside for all passengers, and a huge truck top it all off.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Tomato6 - November 26 - 10:00 am

  This Car is amazing. It has a great sound system, reliable and good on gas. The car is fun to drive and everything is great about it.

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  Im not that old, honest... - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By IWasAHondaNut - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I had my heart set on a new Altima and my wife wanted a new Accord - that all changed when we saw the Camry SE. It really caught us off guard - not at all like we expected. We tested several other cars, but kept going back to the Toyota dealership. Im not sure why people complain about the style - I think its great! The car gets lots of admiring glances at traffic lights - just wish it had a bit more power. I could not justify spending the extra money for the V6. My driving is generally split between city/highway - city driving is good, but highway cruising is what this car excels at. Were very impressed and I think well be Toyota owners for life!

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  Best Small SUV for Power and Mileage - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By James G in Michigan - November 26 - 8:33 am

  After looking at Ford Edge and other products the quality could not compare to Toyota. The performance, handling with 23mpg for a V-6 is outstanding. I have towed 1500 lbs. of rock with a trailer and it was like nothing was there. I owned a 95 Nissan Pathfinder 17mpg before this and what a great replacement. I do not need the ground clearance like I had before because this is mainly for traveling cross-country. I have packed 350 lbs of dirt in the back with no problems. I purchased this RAV4 to keep for the next 10 years and I believe it will service me well. I received more incentives than any of the other dealerships had to offer before cash for clunkers came out. Plus a military discount.

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  2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By STEVEO - November 26 - 6:00 am

  The FJs larger interior and move powerful engine along with its great 4X4 abilities make it the vehicle of choice for me.

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  Good Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By T wallace - November 25 - 7:03 pm

  We had a bad accident in this car. It was hit from behind while sitting still in traffic. It was estimated the other vehicle was traveling at between 40 and 50 miles an hour. While there was extensive rear end damage the cabin was not breached. My wife was injured but did walk away from the scene. If someone had been in the back seat they would have been injured but I do believe they would have walked away as well. It seems the car held up when you take into account the speed of the other car.