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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  Its a Keeper - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Sparky - June 4 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this car, needing a daily commuter that got good gas mileage, but with enough room for when Im hauling the 4 kids. I have occasionally kicked myself for not getting the Scion tC instead, bigger engine, more power, more stylish and fun, auto transmission etc., but opted for the Matrix because of the headroom, especially in the back seat, my 13 year old son is nearly 6 ft tall. But all in all, the more miles I put on this car, the better I like it. It has been rock solid since day one, and the mileage keeps getting better! (currently averaging 35.9 over the last 5k miles. Cargo room is unbelievable, I can easily fit two large Costco carts of groceries inside!

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  Knew what we wanted - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By HAMartin - June 4 - 9:02 am

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  2004 Toyota Camry LE Limited Edition - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Brian - June 4 - 5:20 am

  Used it heavily for past 1 half year, no problems. Still drives like brand new. looks great. very smooth ride. good suspension.

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  An Excellent SUV - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Aikidoka55 - June 3 - 11:46 pm

  I purchased this SUV brand new in 2001 and it has been with us everywhere in California and Hawaii (Oahu in 2004). It is a very reliable vehicle. All I need to do is put oil and gas in. It required very little maintenance. It is a superb vehicle overall.

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  Excellent Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Scott - June 3 - 9:20 pm

  I traded my 2003 Chevy Trailblazer for a 2006 Tacoma PreRunner TRD double cab this past December. The Tacoma feels more like a full size instead of a compact. The 4.0 gets you out of the hole quick and doesnt let up. It tops out at 113 mph (governed of course). It has excellent storage under and behind the back seats as well as convenient storage pockets in the bed of the truck by the tailgate. It pulls my 2000 pound Key West boat with ease without hesitating one bit. Its a excellent truck and an investment that you wont regret.

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  2004 Toyota Camry LE Limited Edition - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Brian - June 3 - 9:16 pm

  Used it heavily for past 1 half year, no problems. Still drives like brand new. looks great. very smooth ride. good suspension.

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  Very Satisified - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Tripol - June 3 - 10:50 am

  This car is fun to drive in a much different way than others are fun to drive. You find yourself engaging in a specific style of driving trying to conserve fuel. Im avg just under 40 mpg and Im very happy about it. The cars interactive features makes it fun to challenge yourself that way. In that regard, I dont have the jack rabbit starts anymore and Im probably a better driver than before. Purchased w/ nav, heated seats, moonroof, and leather. Happy to spend the extra. It looks sharp when the valet brings it around. Looks good in the lot with BMWs, Mercedes, Lexus, etc.

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  Great Mid Size SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Hampton - June 3 - 9:13 am

  Been a Honda dude for the past 12 years, but I traded my Odyssey in on the Rav4 mainly for an increase in MPG. We drive around 36000 miles per year and the hope of 30 MPG sounded great. We averaged 20 MPG in the Odyssey and in the first 1500 miles we are averaging 25.5 mpg with the Rav4 in evenly mixed city/hwy driving. We test drove the Mitsubishi Outlander, Honda CR-V and Jeep Liberty, but the Rav4 beat them all. The Outlander was our second choice, a close second choice.

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  Comfortable and Safe - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By eurodrive25 - June 3 - 1:43 am

  I learned how to drive in this car. Its very comfortable for daily driving and on long trips as long as youre not sitting in the 3rd row. It drives great and does well enough on gas. Its a very safe car also. I owe my mothers life to the safety features in this car. Not many people can walk away from hitting a grove of trees at highway speeds. Great SUV for a family!

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  2006 Avalon is SOLID! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By David - June 2 - 11:50 pm

  This car is a solid all around and I am very impressed with the performance so far. Build quality is top notch and this car feels like a Lexus inside. Gas mileage is great out of the box. I feel very safe in this car with the optional stability control. Its not a BMW, but this car has exceeded my expectation by far.