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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  Matrix 2003 - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Goldfishpanda - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car fro a week. So far, I really love it. I couldnt get the color I wanted no matter how hard I tried (they are selling out fast with the rebate on 2003 models). But, the car drives very well and looks cool. I like all the compartments inside to store stuff. And, it has a lot of room for the passengers. Since the vehicle is taller, I am also sitting up higher than in a normal car - almost the same hight as a mini-van. I test drove Honda, Saturn, Maza, Hyundai, and some others,a nd settled on this car as my favorite and most quiet.

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  Dream SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Dawn Zgorski - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I consider this SUV my dream car. It is so smooth and I just love to drive it.

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  Chips Review - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By KRay - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Very solid basic 4-door sedan. Even though this is the lower end of Toyotas model line, the car shows qualtiy construction throughout. This is my first Toyota. I will shop at Toyota first for my next car.

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  1 year of driving - Love this car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Steve - January 26 - 9:10 am

  We bought our Yaris in April, 2007. Love it more everyday. Great car, better mileage. Never below 36 in town, 38 on highway at 75 mph. Had cruise control added at dealership. I LIKE the cupholders. They are up and out of the way. Front seat is very comfortable for adults. We took 5 12 hour trips from Wichita Ks to El Paso Tx in 2 month period. If you have a lot of driving to do and want to do it economically, buy a Yaris, you wont regret it. We dont.

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  Best Crossover Available - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Bryan - January 26 - 4:10 am

  Not a Toyota Guy, first one ever, first import ever, but I love this car. Made in America: Check (Princeton, IN); Great Gas Mileage: Check (24MPG avg); Family Hauler: Check (3 Kids under 7). Went with the 4-Cylinder (Not hauling anything) and purchased after-market leather from the dealership. Looks great, feels great, and is much easier to keep clean with the kids. 6-Speed 4 Cyl is very peppy on the highway with superior low-end torque, and the mpg rivals the MUCH more expensive Hybrid. Cargo is very-skimpy with the third- row up, but when folded flat its downright cavernous back there. Spacious seating for everyone - even 3rd row isnt bad. Hard to find flaws with this vehicle.

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  Great car and Price - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By Tampa Buyer - January 26 - 1:25 am

  Best value for the money

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Nicolas - January 26 - 12:26 am

  This is absolutely an excellent vehicle, I have the base 4cyl. AWD model. with only privacy glass daytime running lights, mudguards, and the TO option which is a larger alternator and radiator. This is an excellent performing vehicle and I have not had to do anything at all in over two years of ownership except change the oil and wiper blades. It is really quite economical. I had one very small problem and that was a slight squeak in front near the air intake and that was fixed very much to my satisfaction by the dealer. As I have said this is a very well built vehicle good quality and craftsmanship. I do not like the size as well of the style of the new Highlander, mine is the best.

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  Very Reliable & comfortable - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By love toyota - January 25 - 4:50 pm

  Purchased the car with 143k miles, its been a great family car. Its never let us down. Car fits 3 upfront if you need too with plenty of room upfront & in the back. Very smooth ride!

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  Going Strong - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Hannah - January 25 - 7:05 am

  I bought the car from someone at 114k miles in 2013, now 2016 I have 258k. Ive not had any major issues with the car, the most is getting a new radiator about a year and a half ago. Its currently burning oil, but its a 2002 and I drive a lot.

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  great for normal people! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By dafish3 - January 25 - 12:36 am

  I puchased my current prius used with 20k on it, now I have over 100k. I am still getting 46mgs driving everything from in city to 85 on the highway, and not easy through winding roads. For on road use I think there is no real car that can compare. I can fit a 8 surfboard inside or bring it to the snow, the car is really flexible with the seats taking no time at all to fold down and the under floor storage in the back there is a ton of room. I have taken this car for 14 hour car trips, with no compants coming from my wallet or the car! Being 6 tall I fit great into the drivers seat and can even fit in the back...