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 car overall but with a few issues - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By cdgehs99 - April 23 - 1:56 pm

  Im going on a little over 4 years with my 2010 Venza, and I still love it. I have very low mileage (32,500) due to using public transport for my daily commute, so Im still anxious to see how the reliability holds up as the miles increase. The car is nice to drive, handles well, and I love the space available. The gas mileage is ok. I will agree with some of the other reviewers that the ride can be a little bumpy at times, but I knew that was possibility because of the large rims and smaller profile tires. I also have had some interior creaks and rattles that can be annoying, especially because the interior build quality seems pretty decent. Overall I am very pleased with the vehicle.

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  2010 Toyota Camry review - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By wolv3rine88 - April 22 - 9:20 pm

  I bought a 2010 Toyota Camry LE with the 2.5L 4cyl with an at from my local dealership first impressions was overall good build quality, excellent road handling although slightly stiff, and affordable I recently took it on a 500+ mile trip from Virginia to South Carolina fuel economy was astounding 39.4 mpg highway average ride was fine even on the terrible roads throughout north carolina to south carolina even for the 4 cyl acceleration was more than adequate no mater what situation going uphill or needing to get up and go on a 6 lane highway to pass did just fine the quality of parts is lower but not bad with all the recent incentives offered by Toyota it will be hard to pass up 2 thumbs up

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  Wont be able to drive a nonhybrid again - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Aaron - April 21 - 2:56 am

  Lots of options. Easy to drive. Feels very safe for a smaller car. Very low maintenance. Yes it run on 87 oct. Feels good to be stuck in traffic and not have to worry about the engine or A/C running. Everyone want to drive/ride in it.

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  A new day - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By sonny - April 20 - 12:16 am

  I was impressed by the utility, and the ease of driving. The new look is what attracted me to this car. I had overlooked the car for this very reason. The car is nimble and even tho its the smaller engine, there is enough go for me. The fit and finish appears to be first rate.

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  Good Car!!... get the V6 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By pinoyromeo16 - April 19 - 12:23 am

  Ive had this car for just over a month. NICE suspension, but lacking majorly on power especialy when the AC is on. I wish got the V6. I had a full load of passengers on a hot day with the AC blasting... no power at all. Other than that its pretty quiet, lots of room, and very easy to drive. Disclaimer on the "sport" version. It has good suspension, but if you really want it to be "sport" get the V6 haha!

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  Short Term Ownership - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By AF - April 18 - 5:03 pm

  Bought our RAV 4 in Nov 08, absolutely loved it. Put on some top-end 18" studded tires, and the handling and traction was great. We moved from a 95 Ford Windstar to this, so anything would have been better, but it really does handle and drive very well. 31 days later we were in accident. I was in the passenger side and took the brunt of the impact. It took a minute or so to figure out what happened. Air bags deployed, doors crumpled, but we were all completely fine. Safety and crash ratings are very high from me, as the impact felt like nothing more than a little nudge (impact speed about 25mph). Its been written off, but will definitely look at another RAV as a replacement.

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  Great Trade - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By checkfirst - April 17 - 8:15 pm

  I traded my 2011 Dodge (Lemon) Journey with 7 months remaining on that lease for this SUV. Leased this RAV4 for 36 months and so far I couldnt be happier. I was concerned this SUV might be under powered with the 4 cyl especially after having 6 cyl for my last few vehicles. That concern was removed as my wife and I have just returned from driving 4750 mile vacation and the 4cyl was unbelievably great. Not only did I have enough power for cruising the interstates I was able to pass vehicles on two lane roads with no problem at all. Gas mileage was always between 28 & 32 MPG depending on conditions.

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  Keeping it forever - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By jgc - April 17 - 1:53 pm

  I bought this car 10 years ago. On my first long drive to Northern California , on HWY 5, I looked down at the speedometer and I was driving 105 mph. Honest officer, It felt like I was only going 60. No quivering, no shaking, no instability. Just a very smooth and confident ride at pretty high speed for this little coupe. When we first drove it home the neighbors with the big trucks laughed at the car, but when the gas shortages happened I was the one laughing . Its extremely reliable. No major repairs at all. Even though Im shopping for a new car I wont get rid of My Echo. I just gave it a major tune up, oil change, brakejob, and changed a belt. Probably good for another 100,000 miles

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  A Winner - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By rhscarlet - April 16 - 5:56 pm

  Went from a Camry to Avalon. I loved the Camry but wont go back now. Very happy. Avalon is so much bigger, drives like a dream. A real luxury car.

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  Love the Runner - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By echoman2 - April 15 - 9:50 pm

  I just my 95 4Runner this year, and I love it. I got it with 100,000 miles on it and Ive put about 10,000 in it. I get around 14 mpg in the city, and 20 on highway driving. Doesnt have amazing power on the highway, but goes off-road like a champ. I gotten through some pretty crazy stuff, and its still all stock. Handles the snow like a boss. The rear springs were sagging a litle when I got it, but some new coils and she rides just like new! Has on not started once, and that was when the battery fried on me. But shes got a new battery now, and starts up every time. I love this truck and plan to keep it for a long time.