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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  Unstoppable in the snow! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Earl - April 19 - 9:40 am

  Got my FJ about a month before a very early snow/ice storm up here which lasted several days. I was able to make it in to work every night without a problem. The first night I was driving through snow up to the front bumper. I dont mean just to get out of the driveway or a few feet but 15 miles! I cant wait for spring so I can pick up some mudders and head to the woods. This truck is everything that Toyota wanted it to be and simply that; a no frills, no heated seats or carpet (give me a break, buy a car girly man), not as smooth as your wifes SUV, “Old School Truck”. Go get it muddy, hose it out and then do it again. "But it might get scratched"..."Yea, what’s your point?"

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  Great Van - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By josh - April 19 - 7:00 am

  The Sienna has been great. We were sold on the Honda Odyssey for a long time, but decided to look at Toyota near the end. My wife and I both loved it. Great van, also an excellent value. We have the XLE with leather.

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  What a great car!!! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Shai - April 19 - 3:20 am

  All right, Ill get straight to the point: This car in my opinion has by far the best value for the buck! Okay, so its only a 1.8 engine, but it has well enough power to accelerate on the freeway, and once we all reach "65mph" (yea, I mean 75-80-85mph) its all the same no matter what vehicle you drive right?. On the other hand, the Matrix XR has features that even a BMW doesnt. Its got a power outlet (115V) that turned out to be so useful, its versatilty is outstanding. Right front seat can become a table, hard plastic surface on the back of the rear seats can turn the Matrix to a mini SUV, the fuel consumption is great (29mpg combining city and freeway driving), handling is outstanding!

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  Go BUY one - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By YoungJC - April 18 - 4:46 pm

  I am very happy with this purchase and got exactly what I expected in buying a Toyota: Quality. The car is rated for 38 highway and 40 city, and what do I get? I have averaged 40.1 miles per gallon over the last 4100 miles. Toyota really put together a sweet package in the new Camry.

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  Best SUV I Have Owned - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By AFB - April 18 - 6:59 am

  Very comfortable crossover with nice interior. I am 64" and have plenty of room in the drivers seat. The standard safety features include dynamic cruise control, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic warning and pedestrian warning all work well and enhance the safety of the vehicle. Start-stop function is smooth and responsive and can be disabled if the driver does not want the added fuel savings. New 6 cylinder engine with 8 speed transmission proved sufficient power and smooth acceleration. The third row seating is limited and can only be used for adults during short trips or kids. Quality interior and exterior fit and finish.

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  high tech marvel - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By marty - April 18 - 5:43 am

  Purchased a Prius V with advanced tech package. Its really space age fun to drive. The car "purrs" when I get close. Then its super quiet and feels like driving a computer. All the tech gadgets are amazing beginning with the gear shift knob, laser cruise control, lane keep assist, parking assist, etc, etc,...Have driven 2000 miles and just love it. The navigation system is superb and very fast and easy to use. All the tech gadgets are remarkable, and definitely a splurge, but I keep cars for 10 years. The gas mileage displays always bring smiles to my face as I enjoy seeing more than 50 mpg nearly all the time! It has enough power. This is the car of the future!

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  05 RWD V8 Limited - Best one out there! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Doug - April 18 - 2:23 am

  My wife and I only drive Toyotas. We wanted a 4Runner to replace our Camry because we liked the higher view from the drivers seat and we wanted cargo space. What we got was a luxury vehicle that has surpassed all of our expectations. The V8 and the X-REAS suspension are a perfect combination that gives it near sports car handling. The ride is smooth as glass, but the stiffer suspension still allows you to feel the road. Its also easy to maneuver in tight spaces. At any speed, the 4Runner is as quiet as a vault. It put our 4 cylinder Camry to shame. For the most part, the controls are well placed and intuitive. We couldnt be happier with our choice; if only we had done it sooner!

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  Great car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Rafael - April 18 - 1:10 am

  This car has completely met my expectations. I love the body style and exterior design. It is very roomy inside (I am 62" / 210 lbs and fit perfectly inside). The gas mileage is great. The lowest I have ever gotten is 37mpg but I am averaging about 40mpg most of the time. I thought I was not going to feel safe inside of such a small car, but I was wrong. I feel really safe. The only bad thing about it is that is really light so the car gets shaken by the wind if it is too windy. However, as long as you keep both hands on the wheel, theres nothing to worry about.

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  Mileage & Paint - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By LAW - April 17 - 6:30 pm

  I love my Barcelona Red Metallic TCH, however, the paint leaves much to be desired. It seems to chip down to the bare metal with the slightest touch. This is my 3rd Toyota and never had this problem before. My mileage started at 40 mph/hwy and 27/city. After 9000 miles, it is now 37/hwy and 23/city. I dont like the fact its getting lower. I thought once a car was broken in, the mileage would get better.

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  My 2007 Touring Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By DGervais - April 17 - 11:20 am

  I got my 2007 Prius nicely discounted with around 50,000 miles. Ive had it a month, and so far so good. Millage ranges in the mid 40s, about the same city/highway. Also, unlike the horror stories I was reading about the traction control, she ran fine through the worst of two snowstorms. On hills, the car does struggle when climbing, and the car does move a bit in high winds, drawbacks far outweighed by its efficiency, and its maneuverability, and its handling in almost all conditions. As a parting note, the space age exterior design is sleek, sporty, and unique.