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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  Downsize to the RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Doug - August 15 - 5:20 pm

  I picked it up just a week ago, and I love it. Owned a ’99 RAV4, and it was a great car. We downsized from my gas-guzzling V8 Explorer, but the V6 on the RAV is much more responsive. We got the side-air bags and towing package, with the 4WD. Note: the “towing package” consists of a larger radiator and enhanced electrical system – the trailer hitch setup is NOT included. Skip the cramped 3rd row seats (our salesman discouraged getting them) – frees up storage space.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Jim - August 15 - 11:23 am

  Having owned a Porsche and Nissan Pathfinder you would think the Prius would be a major step down. Not so! This car is fun to drive, feels sporty, and handles superbly. Ive even come to like the unconventional appearance of my state of the art gas saver. Instead of taking the other vehicles I find myself jumping in the Prius. Its very comfortable and fun to drive. No fuss, no muss. We went with option #6 and love the features, controls, and surprising roominess. Simply press the button an go! I cant say enough about this car, its fun, has plenty of acceleration when needed, rides quietly and smoothly. The 45 mpg is unbelievable but not the only thing impressive about this car.

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  Solid and versatile - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Northeast driver - August 14 - 11:20 pm

  I have owned the Matrix for a little over 8 months and living in the Northeast have driven it in all types of weather with complete confidence. I have found the ride comfortable and the handling enjoyable. The interior room is superior to many larger cars. And I feel the versatility in unmatched. Other reviewers have stated that the vehicle could use more power. Yes, more power would be nice, however, only if the MPG’s would increase or stay the same. I have yet to experience a situation where the engine power was not sufficient and most of my driving includes highway miles.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Mark R - August 14 - 3:33 pm

  Have the 4 door Hatchback with 4 cylinder. Can only go about 40 until the car warms up. Ice and snow build up between the frame and the tires, the scissor jack needs to be replaced

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  Impressive SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By atom - August 14 - 6:06 am

  Last vehicle I had was a 1991 Mazda Navajo. What a difference 16 years makes. Did 4 months of research (Edmunds, Cars.com, Vehix, CR) all rated the car well despite new design. Choice between Pilot & Highlander. Pilot was a little too utilitarian and mpg ratings fr: blogs dissuaded me. I made the right choice. Have only had it a month and filled it twice, but highway: got 25 mpg, mixed, got 20.5 mpg despite 6 cylinder, limited, AWD, tow package, backup navi & bluetooth. All user friendly. Highly recommend this vehicle.

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  First New Car - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Father of three - August 13 - 3:03 pm

  Bought this Toyota Highlander New - looked for a 7 seater SUV for our family of 5 for 8 months. Ended up with this and am very satisfied. Can only say this is a great vehicle. Wish the gas mileage was a little better but still its an SUV. I have three young kids and they all fit well with room to spare. Love this car. I also plan on keeping it for 10 years.

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  New 2010 Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By HP - August 13 - 9:06 am

  Picked up the car on 4/18/09- Date of manufacture is 03/09. New 2.5 engine mated to the new 6 speed automatic transmission is a big plus. Vehicle stability control is now standard. Ive only had the car for 1 day- Ill report back later. Plenty of room and power. It pays to get the new 2010 over the 2009. As of today the 2010 Camry is not on the Toyota website. Theyre pushing out the 2009s. Go for the 2010 with the upgrades.

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  Toyota Prius: BRAVO!! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Brad Munger - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Toyota has produced an excellent vehicle with exceptional gas mileage! With an EPA city mileage rating of 52 MPG and highway 45 MPG, and a "Super Ultra Low Emissions" (SULV) Toyota has hit a home run. To me it is an attractive, comfortable, and practical car with good acceleration and performance. I was expecting compromises with the purchase of a hybrid vehicle, but there are very few!

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  Great Car!!! - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By JMM - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Only problem in 7years was the light on the automatic shifter went out!!! What a great deal I got. still getting 30+ mpg after 7years!

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  excellent quality - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By porschephile - August 13 - 2:00 am

  We havent had a single problem with this car. It meets or exceeds or expectations in every category. The interior is very well designed. Of course it isnt a Porsche in terms of performance and handling, but you cant put tons of luggage and kid stuff in a sports car.