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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  Matrix is a great car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By MLA - May 23 - 9:53 pm

  I highly recommend the Toyota Matrix. Ive had mine almost 18 months and have enjoyed the experience. The Matrix has typical Toyota reliability, but its roominess and build allow you to use it for hauling many things or just taking lots of luggage on vacation.

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  Performance and comfort - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By herb joerger - May 23 - 9:33 am

  The Camry is a comfortable vehicle to drive. My wife is short but likes to drive it and has no concern about its performance or maintenance. I also use this car on various occasions and find it is comfortable. It handles well in all driving circumstances and is a reliable vehicle.

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  Disappointed by Repairs - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By myravsucks - May 23 - 5:44 am

  Bad camshaft had to be replaced at 90k miles. Vibrations and noise from manual transmission at 80k miles -dealer could not find anything wrong. Started slipping out of 5th gear at 100k miles requiring new transmission. This car has been babied and driven gently by one owner. All preventative maintenance performed regularly.

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  Quiet Ride - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Sue - May 23 - 5:40 am

  This is the best car I have purchased. It is a quiet and smooth ride. Plenty of room inside and adults in the back seat are comfortable. Previous SUV I owned the back seat was flat and uncomfortable for adults. Gas mileage is good compared to other SUVs. Would highly recommend this SUV.

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  So glad I bought this car! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By KMarie - May 23 - 4:03 am

  I LOVE this car. Had it for over a week now, and its averaging around 37 MPG. Im in WI and weve had a lot of snow lately - it handled the slippery roads VERY well. No complaints. I have the extra stability control feature which may help for that as well. Drives very smoothly, pick-up from a stop is pretty decent. This car is so quiet sometimes you can hardly tell its running. The "Power" button just floors me, so space age! Turning it on and shifting takes some getting used. Eventually you stop reaching for the key in the ignition. ;) Love the SmartKey feature. But be warned that a replacement key is $400.

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  4Runner Fun - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bern - May 23 - 2:20 am

  I absolutely love drving this vehicle. After previously owning a 6- cylinder 4Runner, the enhancement of the V-8 is remarkable. Im able to get on and off the Beltway without any problems. I recommend a V-8 for anyone considering purchasing a 4Runner. This is my third 4runner in seven years. My sibling introduced me to the 4Runner in 1988 and I purchased my first 4Runner with a five speed manual transmission. Lots of fun to drive and a very sturdy vehicle. Im much more impressed by the new design and larger size of the 4Runner, combined with the V-8, JBL speakers, and so many more options, makes for such a delightful driving experience.

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  Wow! Awesome - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By BuckleUpSon - May 23 - 12:03 am

  Ive been driving this car for about five years, absolutely no problems. Which was a pleasant surprise considering 4 of the 5 years were from college driving, which was very tough on the engine Im sure. Other than regular scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter changes, etc.) I havent had a single problem with the car, not one. Also, I have the v6 model, and was quite surprised at how "peppy" the car was even at high speeds.

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  Expensive yet spartan - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By GTFLDAD - May 22 - 10:13 pm

  Nice truck. Toyota reliability throughout, but they arent giving anything away! If you want the nice features like lit-up window/lock/mirror controls on the door or a simple garage door opener, you better pony up a few more bucks.

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  Priced right - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By ATL-GA - May 22 - 9:53 pm

  Decent car for the money. 1 year old, with only 1 real problem. Fuel gauge is flaky, when you fill up; it can take 15 minutes for it to register full. In the dealership for the 3rd time right now to try and fix. Need it fixed while it is still under warranty. Hopefully it will be fixed this time. Car is excellent on Gas, when people say 35 miles to the gallon, believe it. Between my Parent and myself (2008 and 2009 Camry’s) weve both got 35mpg no trips. Lots of room, lofty comfortable ride. By no means exciting or sporty ride.

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  Put to the test, and it passed! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jake - May 22 - 6:39 pm

  Let me start by saying I am not gentle with anything I own. I picked this car up with 180,000 miles for $2500 and it had not been taken care of. I learned how to drive stick on it and took it everywhere from the lower Sierra Nevada mountain range on trails where you need a 4x4, to out in the mohave desert where I jumed it so high I ripped the wheel wells out when I landed. It does not quit! The AC has always blown cold and the only thing that Ive ever done is give it an oil change, new tires, and a new clutch (that last one was my fault). Now sadly, just short of 200,000 miles the transmission has given out and it is on its way to the junk yard. But it has seen and done more than most trucks ever will and it has never left me stranded no matter where I go. The only thing that could be better is it has a little road noise and it doesnt shift very smooth, plus you have to put the clutch to the floor to shift. Mabey thats just mine but either way I am more than pleased with this car.