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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  218,000, best car ever! - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By morav - April 4 - 5:19 pm

  I bought the car used with 34,000 miles on it and I just traded it in yesterday for a Toyota Corolla. It was the lowest maintenance vehicle I have ever owned and would have bought another one, but w/the increased cost of fuel I wanted something with just a little better gas mileage. I averaged around 26mpg and I drove it pretty hard. I hauled animals to the vet, bags of feed for the horses and about anything you can think of. I have probably spent less than $500 in actual repairs the whole time I owned it. Other than that, just oil changes every 3K. I am going to miss my Rav4.

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  V6 Power - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Ed - April 4 - 11:36 am

  The V6 has power and makes the car fun to drive. It is great on the highway. But there is a lot of wind/road noise in this car. For a car of this price, I was surprised that there was so much road noise that it makes conversation difficult without raising voices and feeling like you are yelling. The drivers seat is uncomfortable during any longer drive. The seat should be more like an upgraded Camry seat instead of an ordinary budget seat. The passengers seat seems to be more comfortable even without all the adjustments. It is a good urban car.

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  The Sweet Spot - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By middleoroad - April 1 - 5:46 pm

  The Corolla has moved into the sweet spot in the American car scene that the Camry held for years.The car is as big as a 96 Camry inside and will meet most drivers needs as well. The Camry has become more car than most of us need now. Gas prices have many Americans looking for a new sweetheart. Corolla is much more refined than before. The ride is smooth and quiet and there is plenty of power. The fabrics are even Camrylike, soft yet durable. Everything seems to be right where you would have put it yourself. Just the right car at the right time.

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  Celica Here today, gone tomorrow? - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By GO FOR IT - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Celica GT I have had. I bought it because my first one was so reliable. I had 120,000 miles on it and had absolutely no problems. I love the ride and the handling of the 2000, but it lacks substantially in acceleration. I would not be able to keep up with some of the other imports if it wasnt for some of my upgrades. Overall, very reliable vehicle and no worries so far. But i think that Toyota has to do something with performance or it will eliminate itself from the demanding market of imports

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  2003 Matrix XR FWD Auto - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By vtec2 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I was very impressed with this econo cars ride quality and interior quiet. The build quality is typical Toyota, but there are a few rattles from the hatch area.

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  i drive a lot - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By sportsgy37 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a tremendous riding, comfortable, quiet car, I have every option toyota has, vehicle stability control is a must, it has saved me twice, it could use more power, and the transmission takes a little getting used to.

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  Sienna 5K - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By jbing123 - March 30 - 12:00 am

  Approaching the first 5000 miles in our 2012 Sienna XLE - very pleased overall with the purchase. Averaging 20.2 MPG in mixed driving. Got as good as 23 on a recent road trip - fully loaded. Family is very pleased with the entertainment system and overall comfort. Bluetooth and XM/Sirius are fun. Only issue so far was a screw in one of the tires - no issues with van so far. Only real disappointment- Toyota autostart was installed at purchase- not so great- system only works if the car is locked and shuts off if you unlock - Autostart on my last vehicle would stay on until you put the key in the ignition which gives flexibility and doesnt require you to restart the car.

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  Tires bad already - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bea - March 28 - 10:40 pm

  We had a 2001 Prius sedan. The tires didnt last very long so when we went to buy our 2005, we specifically asked about tires. We were assured the problem had been taken care of. However, the tires on the 2005 havent lasted any longer. We are at 20,000 miles and have been told we need replacements at next service. Evidently, the sales people and service people have never communicated about the problem. What you save on gas, you spend on tires so gas saving is not a good reason to buy this car. Also, the sedan was easier to drive. The hatchback has blind spots. The hatchback open so high, you have to be careful of overhead garage doors. Be careful not to shut door when hatch is open.

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  Great Handling - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Al - March 27 - 9:36 am

  We replaced My wifes 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee with our new RAV4. We live in the Hills in Connecticut and our 2.5L 4-cyl climbs the hills very well - so much better then our previous Jeep. Handling is superb. Gas mileage has been averaging 22.5 mpg, which is a little bit disappointing. Would highly recommend the mud guards which are about $58.00 at dealers cost. They prevent road grime being tossed up the side of the vehicle. Also they are easy to install. Overall this vehicle is a great buy for the money.

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  fun ride - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By jade97 - March 27 - 3:36 am

  just bought my 2010 venza. Love the style outside. Im not to fond of the plastic on top of the dashboard. I went for the 4 cylinder because I dont need too much power. ITs really a fun ride. Love the bluetooth hands free. Sales people and delivery people wonderful! Great lease deal too