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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  Perfect for needs and budget - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By cali_isaac - November 16 - 11:26 am

  This is the perfect car for us. Great mileage (25-27 city, 32-37 hwy). This looks small on the outside but is laid out great very efficient and feels very roomy. This car hold TONS of stuff (4 adults, 3 day camping gear (firewood included), surfboards on top and bikes on the back) and still got 34+ mpg on the trip! The 110v plug is awesome, didnt need to buy a car charger for cell phone or iPod. The most car for the money, imo. Would buy again in a heartbeat. Owned for over 2 years now still runs like new.

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  Good Car but Lackluster Exterior Design - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By y2kbug_sp7 - November 16 - 10:50 am

  Pros: Push Button Start/Stop, Mileage, Power w/6 speed Auto Trans, Roomy Cons: Soft Breaks, External Looks (theres nothing special about the design) I bought an Avalon Limited 2008 in November of 07. I think this car is great. The mileage on regular gasoline is around 26 mpg (I drive mostly highway). Before this car, I had a 2001 BMW 330i. So the avalon seems not very responsive to cornering and "hugging" the road. However, an avalon is more of a cruising car...and not a performance car. I would say the acceleration is more then enough (and actually comparable to my old BMW) however, take the turns slow as slow as the avalon will lean when taking a sharp turn.

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  Big mistake camry 2010 xle - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By abbas memon - November 16 - 9:50 am

  The reason I bought the Camry is because I traded my 02 Camry xle and bought the same car thinking it will be as good as my 02 Camry. When it is windy car is very hard to control I am scared out of my mind that it is going to skid. I think the material they use now days (probably from China) is very cheap and crappy. Big mistake I hate the car and I am thinking about replacing it with a SUV or something els. I wish I had listened to my wife and bought SUV. I will probably loose a lot of money when & if I buy another car. I dont think they will give me fair price when I am trading it. I just had no idea that is is going to be so bad. I dont know what to do. I am afraid to drive it in winter.

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  Car of the year - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By capt.jack - November 15 - 10:26 pm

  Excellent car, runs well on freeways. City is a little rough (pot holes).

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By winunicorn - November 15 - 5:26 am

  This has to be the best car I have even owned, from point of comfort, reliability, maneuverability, gas mileage - I got 46 mpg on a 1700 mile trip from FL through the Blue Ridge mountains and up through S. and N. Carolina, VA, MD, Penna and NY! Absolutely fun to drive. Should have ordered the power windows and cruise control. Big ticket for going too fast. Wanted to stay "green" as possible. I now get 37 - 38 mpg in town, love to drive this car, and having had two hip replacements, find it much more comfortable than my former Subaru LL Bean station wagon and my Volvo 770 wagon!

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  2002 Avalon - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalon Driver - November 15 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Avalon in February 2002 and think its a very confortable car with great reliability. I do wish it had more power for passing.

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  best car ever - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By volcomchica - November 15 - 2:00 am

  i love this car

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  Drivers delight - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Smithy - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car. Lots of head room for my tall husband too. Have to be careful with parking curbs as front and sides of car are low to the ground.

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  Love it - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Greyhound Lover - November 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car that is fun to drive. The seats are molded to you and are very comfortable. Car has good pickup and is fun to drive. Quite roomy in back though I might make the cargo area cover easier to put no and take off.

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  GOOD - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By hnh - November 15 - 2:00 am

  GAS IS REAL GOOD