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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  My 03 Celica - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Tina - September 18 - 7:40 pm

  This was my first brand spanking new car at 40yrs of age. I wanted a car that was sporty, yet economical. This car suits me fine since I am only 51". My children are all older so I really didnt care about the comfort of the backseat. We have taken it on many road trips, it is a bit cramped for my husband who is 59", but if I drive (which I always do) he can adjust and we always bring plenty of pillows. I do not regret for a moment buying this car since I do put about 27,000 miles/year on her, but she is holding up wonderfully even in the worst weather the Northeast has to offer. Thanks Toyota, I love my Celica :)

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  the best Camry SE so far - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Vincent@Twin Cities - September 18 - 3:30 pm

  Camry SE is different from other trims. IMHO, the exterior and performance are way better than other trims, though you cant compare interior of SE with XLE. I believe thats the reason why Toyota uses SE trim on TV/Web commercial.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Nick - September 18 - 3:00 pm

  It was my dads truck and he was meticulous about taking care of it and getting oil changes. Truck is spacious with a huge back seat. It goes to show, if you know how to drive and take care of a vehicle, you wont have problems.

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  Prius Number 2 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ron Whited - September 18 - 4:00 am

  This is our second Prius, We has a 2001 and both have been excellent vehicles - I love it! when driving on the road "Prius" owners always wave to each other...Its so much fun

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  Still Going Strong - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Barnone - September 18 - 3:46 am

  Bought new, 91,000 miles now, just put new front drakes pads, thats it for repairs. The tires lasted 60,000 miles. About 20 MPG highway or city. Not great but OK. Runs and drives very good.

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  After 8 Years, Still Love It - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Happy Camper - September 18 - 12:26 am

  Ive owned my 2001 for 8 years and I still love it. Never had a problem with it after 125,000 miles. Passengers get in it today and remark about how nice and comfortable it is. I liked it so much I purchased another new 2008 Avalon 6 months ago for my wife. I kept the 2001 and use it as my daily driver. The 2001 is still worth 1/3 of my purchase price, but I dont even intend to sell it. Ill probably end up giving it to my grand-daughter to drive when she turns 16 in a couple of years. This has been the best car Ive ever owned, including "S class" Mercedes and 740IL BMW. The only difference is the V-8 performance and the cost was 1/3 the price.

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  Great road-trip and family car - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By pinheadh78 - September 17 - 6:56 pm

  We started our car shopping with about 30 cars of various van, sedan, hatchback, and SUVs on our list. We tracked everything in spreadsheet from safety, mileage, price, everything. After several test drives and reviews the 2013 Rav4 was the winner with the most features, cargo capacity, mileage, safety, and driving performance. The Honda CRV 2013 was our 2nd choice but it wasnt fun to drive, felt sluggish with no "go" feeling. The Rav4 has the acceleration, handling, and styling that the Honda does not.

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  Great Commuter Car - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By krebscycle - September 16 - 2:04 pm

  Between a Prius C and a MINI, I ended up choosing the Prius, mainly because of the fuel economy, reliability, and cost. My other commuter car is a 1990 Honda Civic DX, also a small hatchbach, and my second commuter car for the household. Surprisingly, the Prius C engine is much louder when driving on the freeway in comparison to my 1990 Honda! You can tell the engine is working hard on the Prius to speed up, but you can still pass cars easily on the freeway if needed. The interior is spacious, and there is a nearly-hidden cup holder on the plastic compartment thing on the passenger door! Ive never driven with a back-up cam and have no problems with the Prius C.

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  Love it but kind of weak - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By lemonhead43 - September 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive been wanting this car for years. But before I got this car, I had a 2000 Ford F-150 truck so it was really powerful but it guzzled gas like no other. I sold it and got the matrix. I just love the matrix but I miss the power that I had before. The car is very roomy and fun to drive especially during the summer.

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  Good Solid Economy Car - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Eric - September 15 - 12:26 pm

  This is my 3rd Toyota (have a Tacoma & traded the Camry). The Corolla S is a sporty looking and handling car, a bit short on the power but what you get in return is good fuel economy. When you close the doors you know you have purchased a good solid automobile. My only complaint is the steering wheel is a bit awkward and uncomfortable as far as hand placement on long drives. Overall, Im completely satisfied with this car so far.