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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  Best Small SUV for Power and Mileage - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By James G in Michigan - November 26 - 8:33 am

  After looking at Ford Edge and other products the quality could not compare to Toyota. The performance, handling with 23mpg for a V-6 is outstanding. I have towed 1500 lbs. of rock with a trailer and it was like nothing was there. I owned a 95 Nissan Pathfinder 17mpg before this and what a great replacement. I do not need the ground clearance like I had before because this is mainly for traveling cross-country. I have packed 350 lbs of dirt in the back with no problems. I purchased this RAV4 to keep for the next 10 years and I believe it will service me well. I received more incentives than any of the other dealerships had to offer before cash for clunkers came out. Plus a military discount.

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  2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By STEVEO - November 26 - 6:00 am

  The FJs larger interior and move powerful engine along with its great 4X4 abilities make it the vehicle of choice for me.

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  Good Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By T wallace - November 25 - 7:03 pm

  We had a bad accident in this car. It was hit from behind while sitting still in traffic. It was estimated the other vehicle was traveling at between 40 and 50 miles an hour. While there was extensive rear end damage the cabin was not breached. My wife was injured but did walk away from the scene. If someone had been in the back seat they would have been injured but I do believe they would have walked away as well. It seems the car held up when you take into account the speed of the other car.

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  just bought one - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Kan - November 25 - 6:00 pm

  so much fun to drive, it looks better than it appears on photos, and much roomier than I expected too... the design is very detail-oriented, paying attention to little things such as lights, storage spaces, and more... overall Toyota quality: I was also looking at others cars, such as Mazda Protege 5 (which is also beautiful), but I decided to go for Matrix because the quality is better.

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  07 Rav 4 !!!! Awsome - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Caroline - November 25 - 3:50 pm

  Just picked mine up yesterday, Barcelona Red, sport, V-6 !!! Love it, Toyotas Rock...Handles great and the dog loves the moon roof...a must have! So much for mini vans!! Uggg!

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  Great Bang for the Buck! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By MBCBN - November 25 - 1:30 pm

  Great automobile for the money! The Avalon has many standard features that are extra in comparable models. The gas mileage is excellent. Highway 31+ City & Highway 23-27 MPG. The large car handles well with plenty of room for passengers. The vehicle is definitely worthy of the Lexus name, with the value and dependability of Toyota.

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  MR2 Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Beth - November 25 - 10:23 am

  Its a car made strictly for fun, with no heavy-duty responsibilities. Its a joy to drive and I enjoy the comments I get about it.

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  Simply The Best - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By John - November 25 - 5:16 am

  I looked at the Honda Odyssey and The Chrysler T&C and I think the Sienna has them beat by a long shot. I got more features for my money on the Sienna LE. I thought the Sienna rode like a Lexus. The Sienna has a 266HP V6 and it moves this van with some authority. I also get 21 mpg city/26 hiway.

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  Really loving this truck - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By RyRob - November 25 - 1:10 am

  Its a Higa change from my 04 SR5 PreRunner, but there are many qualities that Im enjoying. I feel like Im sitting higher, design is slick and the drive is very comfortable. The back seats can be tight, but nothing to really worry about. Theres all kind of storage in the main cab as well as the compartments in the back. Deep bed and nice compartments there too. Technology is sweet, stock sound is good, camera great quality and you can control just about everything from the wheel. I recommend it and very happy with my purchase. Also like the customization potential.

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  Worry-free ownership - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Dave S. - November 24 - 12:39 pm

  We bought this new from dealer. This is the best, most reliable car Ive owned. Owned Thunderbird, Expedition, Civic, Toyota truck, Suburban. Best so far. Never been in shop for repairs. Always had synthetic oil. Runs like a more expensive car. Does 80-85 easily on freeway. Gets decent mileage, especially with K&N filter. The paint is the only negative. Very thin, gets scratched easily. Other than that, weve been very happy with it. Wife does not want to give it up. (I wanted to trade it in.)