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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  Riding high - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By ddn_11 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car now for 2 months and it is wonderful to drive. The car is spacious feels airy and comfortable. I had test drove 3 other similar cars and the Highlander went to the top of the list. The engine a V6 is strong and smooth. The AWD is great in the snow. The cars finish is nearly perfect and everything is laid out nicely in the cabin and the controls are easy to use. While some reviews complained about the odd placement of the shifter, I have no complaints. The exterior is growing on me and somewhere between the CRV and the 4Runner. Its a SUV after all and boxy is okay...though the Honda Pilot I thought was too boxy.

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  Need a smooth ride in SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By RAJA - February 18 - 2:00 am

  It is good and very nice to drive in the cities.

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  Love My Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By beanie - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car and I cant be more pleased. I get about 400 miles per gallon. I have driven about 22000 miles and have had NO mechanical problems. The car is a blast to drive and I love how small it is on the outside and how roomy it is on the inside. I have hauled large pieces of furniture with no problem because there is so much room. Having a standard transmission gives the car a little more kick as far as pick-up. I would recommend this car to anyone who does a lot of driving and likes the sporty look.

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  Great little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Carrie Livingston - February 17 - 8:40 pm

  My husband and I just purchased this car for me to drive all over the state for my clinicals. Ive only driven it a day and already love it. It handles very well and gets great gas mileage. This car is so roomy on the inside. I traded in my Escort for this and some how its shorter in length but much bigger on the inside, no one has to sit with their knees in their chest to have enough leg room. Its taking a little getting used to looking at the speedometer in the center, but Im sure Ill get used to it.

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  Fun To Ride Rugged Look - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By sa - February 17 - 5:20 pm

  This is Hulk Fun to ride for road trips. Great comfort and superb performance offroad. easy to handle in city limits. Smooth Handling and braking system

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  Comfort and Roomy! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By LAR - February 17 - 7:36 am

  Now that I have had my Sequoia for a few months, I can honestly say for such a big vehicle it handles very smoothly. The engine is quiet, the power is unbelievable. I have a big family and needed a vehicle with room and the Sequoia has plenty and more to spare. Dont expect great gas mileage with this vehicle. Especially around town. But I wouldnt have bought it if I did. I only get about 9-10 MPG. I have never been in such a big vehicle that makes u-turns better then most cars I have owned. Back hatch-door is heavy enough to shut on its own without power option. We are a toyota family and after owning this beast of a machine I dont plan on changing.

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  I love this car! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By skippythetaxboy - February 17 - 6:50 am

  We now have 9000 miles on our Prius, and every time we get in it my wife and I still look at each other and say out loud, "I love this car!" Incredible build quality and zero problems after one year of ownership. Legendary "stealth mode"...still have fun freaking people out (usually bikers or joggers) by cruising by silently. Only one minor complaint...gas mileage really suffers in our cold winters. Sometimes the engine will turn on just to produce heat for the passenger compartment!

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  2012 Toyota Corolla - Great Car! - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By bawh6vn - February 16 - 7:56 pm

  I cant believe how great this car drove! Its very sporty and had lots of leg room. I was pleasantly surprised about how loaded this car was at such a low price! Thanks to Autofair Nissan of Tewksbury, Im now driving my 2012 Toyota Corolla S :)

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  A FIRST CHOICE FOR SUV ENTRY - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By vchheda - February 16 - 4:03 pm

  This vehicle was a dream come true with all the proper bells and whistles. Long have I dreamed of getting an compact SUV that does not drink gas like the regular SUVs. Toyota has made the right call by redesigning it into a competitive compact crossover, not only in design, but in features and personalization.

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  Great Car - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Roger - February 16 - 9:50 am

  I have only owned the car for a week so Im still learning how to operate a high tech hybrid vehicle, I drove a similar size car for five years that rode, felt and sounded like a small car. The Prius drives like an upscale mid-sized sedan. Its quiet, comfortable, handles well, and has gotten over 50 mpg in city and highway driving the first week of operation. Fit and finish is outstanding. According to CR, reliability should be well above average. So far, Im very satisfied with the car. I was interested in waiting for the new 2010 model but was able to save thousands by purchasing one of the last of the 09s.