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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  Great, fun car! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Eddie Vedder - June 19 - 5:03 pm

  Getting 50 MPG & only filling up every 2 weeks. Smooth ride & roomy interior. Backup camera is very cool & helpful. Lots of safety features including side airbags, traction control, and ABS. Hybrid technology is well worth the premium.

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  Classic Reliable Ride - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By rayboy - June 19 - 12:33 pm

  I drive 4-700 miles per week as a field representative in W NY. I want to drive a safe reliable powerful fun vehicle as opposed to the standard issue company car. This FJ Cruiser received a 5 star rating (best rating available) for frontal crash test. It also received a 4 star rating for side impact crash test. The 4wd option works great on my icy hill. Unlike some of the 4wds Ive owned, this FJ allows me to engage/disengage the 4wd therefore allowing me to save money on gas, 20mpg. This FJ also has a 5000 lb towing capacity which is more than enough to tow my 3000 boat. The ride is unbelievably smooth and powerful with the 4.0 L 6cylinder engine.No carpet/easy clean interior!

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  2017 camry - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Andrew Tooker - June 19 - 10:48 am

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  Love my Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Maggie Montgomery - June 19 - 8:00 am

  My 2005 Matrix is very well built, hugs the road so nicely, and makes not one unwanted sound. The motor is strong, has good pick-up, and handles easily. I feel quite secure driving. It has extra security with an engine immobilizer so that no one can start the car without a special key. Helps with my auto insurance.

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  Love this roomy car! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By ana - June 18 - 5:23 pm

  I had a hard time finding a blizzard white Avalon XL. After working on it for about a month I got my 2006 Avalon. I love the ride and the interior. Its very roomy and it has a lot of power. Overall I love the car. Its quiet and I love the dashboard with the technology. I had great experience with our prior Toyotas. Even my 20 year old daughter loves to drive this car.

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  Would Buy it Again - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By MC - June 18 - 7:50 am

  I fell in love with this car before I even bought it. It just looked like it was fun to drive. I live in Florida but have driven it to Texas and New York. The drives were very comfortable and I didnt feel like I was driving a small vehicle. Even drove it during a snow storm and it handled great. Since its raised a little you have good visibility all around. Mine is a manual 4-speed. Ive never had any mechanical problems with it - I do have regular maintenance from a trusted Toyota mechanic (not the dealership) Ive already decided that if I ever need any major work done Ill pay to have it done before I buy another car.

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By jduplesses - June 18 - 1:50 am

  I love zipping around in my little Yaris! Havent had any problems with it yet. It gets me where I need to go. I drive around town, have gone on a 8-9 hour road trip and the car performs wonderfully. I have heard some Yaris owners complain about the placement of the cupholders (in front of the heater), but where the cupholders are doesnt bother me one bit. I love my car.

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  Definitely different! Great car! - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Steve - June 17 - 8:00 pm

  Driving a hybrid in order to maximize fuel economy is definitely a skill. And that is why I had to give a lower "fun" score. Simply getting in the car and driving away as you would any other car will not yield optimal fuel economy. Read about "hypermiling" for more info. The power steering and shocks could be a little stiffer to give a sportier, controlled driving experience. The car leans more into turns than my 4Runner. The interior is definitely designed for luxury and comfort. The Synergy system and variable transmission work seamlessly to provide power when needed.

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  Very Nice - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By EmoryinLouisville - June 17 - 7:50 pm

  I grew up driving Fords, my whole family works at Ford. I decided to buy the 07 Camry and I love everything about it. For a 4cyl engine this car can move. When you need the power the car and provide it. I have read some of the reviews saying that it doesnt have power this is not true.

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  My best car ever! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By PriusFan - June 17 - 4:26 pm

  After one year I am as enthusiastic as ever. I love to demonstrate it to friends, and sometimes strangers. We have made many long trips in comfort.