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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  Good value - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Baystater - July 3 - 2:20 pm

  Bought an09 base model 1.8L manual with power package June 1 of 2008 for 16K. Have 13500 miles on it. Smooth ride, smooth shifting, excellent stability control for cornering, excellent disc brakes, decent gas mileage (28-29 city and 34-35 highway), good cargo capacity (can fit my bike w/o taking wheel off), very readable dash, adjustable telescopic steering wheel, seat comfort lacking in lumbar support, poor paint job (easily scratches from road debris), and horrible rear visibility (almost didnt buy it because of poor visibility). Given price difference with a Prius, e.g. 16K vs 23K, I figured it was a better value. Glad I bought it.

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  Toyota, Need I say more? - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By enigmadtop - July 3 - 12:32 pm

  I take this car up to big bear with a full car (6 people, the center front armrest comes up and has a seatbelt underneath) and it has never broken down on me once. The ride going there is completely smooth cruising at 80 mph, even though the Avalons engine has more than enough power to go over that even with a full car. It has no trouble getting up those steep hills and is my car of choice when driving up to the mountains every season. It also survived a trip all the way to Sonora in Northern California from San Diego with a very steep mountain to climb at the end as well. Again, the car did not disappoint. Would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for an extremely robust vehicle.

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  POV from a minivan mom - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By hdd - July 3 - 11:10 am

  This is a beautiful car. I previously owned a Nissan Quest, so the transition to a car was tough. But the handling and styling on this car made up for the loss of space. Im surprised more people dont spend the extra money and upgrade from the Camry to the Avalon. It looks like a Lexus!

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  a super automobile... - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By L. Talbot - July 3 - 12:43 am

  A well built automobile that delivers all it promises... seats could be improved a little to make it a "perfect" car!! Road noise is minimal... gas consumption is not what the sticker reads... but no car reaches that level... Im totally happy with my purchase...

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  Reliable, fun to drive car - 1996 Toyota Celica
  By Pat - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I never had any problem with this car, but I take care of it regularly, 3K oil change, 15K, 30K, 45K, 60K maintenance, I changed timing belt around 72K. I never spent a penny repair this car actually.

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  Had To Have - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By MC_Cop - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Well I just bought this car at the beginning of April but I drooled over it for months. I am 62" 220lbs and I can fit comfortably in the car. Another problem is I miss cruise control yeah it is fun to drive but damn hard to keep under 80MPH without cruise. I got the standard 5 speed and of course the SMT comes with cruise. Everywhere else complains about storage space but so what if it takes you 4 trips to the grocery store to get your weekly shopping done you own a good to look at got to have convertible that is as unique as a car 3 times the price so enjoy your trips.

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  This car is great! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Daniel Robles - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Call me crazy... I purchased a Lexus GS300, replacing my Camry, and now I am trying to hunt down another one. I put 75000 miles on my Camry in just under 2 years, it was a wonderful car, and I wish I could have it back.

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  I love my corolla - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Mal - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been great. I havent had a major problem and I drive 100 miles a day to work. I change the oil every 5K and have just installed platinum spark plugs. It is really reliable and I feel confident in it. We are considering purchasing a second one since my husbands gm car is really starting to die.

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  UPGRADE FROM RAV4 - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By YRAM - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I WAS WAITING FOR A USED HIGHLANDER. I UPGRADED FROM A RAV4 WHICH WAS TOO SMALL. I HAD IT 5 YEARS AND WAS MY FIRST TOYOTA SO I WANTED ANOTHER AND LOVE HIGHLANDER STYLE. BEING USED IT DOES NOT HAVE ALL THE FEATURES I WOULD LIKE ,BUT I LOVE IT. IT BIG, ROOMY SMOOTH RIDING, GREAT ON GAS, LARGE CARGO AREA FOR HAULING AND HIG UP OFF THE GROUND. IT IS THE NICEST AND MOST FAVORITE CAR I EVER DROVE. THE DEALERSHIP IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST AND HAS GONE OVERBOARD TO MAKE EVERYTHING PERFECT. ITS A 2001 IN MINT CONDITION AND HAD 20,00 MILES ON IT. SO HAPPY WITH MY NEW BUGGY. THANK YOU

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  Great car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By KGW - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This has been an excellent family car. With the exception of a weather seal around the window on the drivers door, a couple very minor trim problems all repaired under warrenty and one recall (cruise control) that was repaired while I waited, I have had no problem with this car. Mine is a V6 with a 5 sp. manual (rare) and is a great performer. It is not a true sports sedan ie BMW but it aint bad. My teen age, son bless his heart, reports that it will do 0-60 in the 6 sec. range. After 68000+ miles I still have the orignal brakes. I usually take it to the dealer for service and wait for it and I am back on the road in a little more than an hour. We love it!!!