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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  2004 Corolla Le - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Bill Gu - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. It is fun to drive, peppy and a real fuel saver.

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  well worth the wait - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By drinda - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving minivans for over 13 years now and this one far exceeds my expectations. I ordered this van without test driving one (because it was hard to find one), but I have no regrets. I do not think that there is another van made that would make me any happier with my purchase. It gives a very smooth ride, good gas mileage and most of all -- I feel very safe.

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  04 Sienna Is a Homerun!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Alan181 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  great vehicle. had 2 grand caravans prior and toyota quality is hands down far superior. 31mpg on highway at steady 65mph. 27mpg at 75mph. 22mpg in town. the new v6 with 5 speed is exceptional power performence. extra caution needed for blind spot observation before changing lanes.

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  Love My Matix - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By R P Foster - May 22 - 12:33 am

  I truly love my Matrix. A friend of mine bought a 2007 XR and she loves it. I am 6ft7in tall and weigh 276lbs. I have great head and leg room. Also the body style seems to sit higher than a standard car and this makes it easier to get in and out of. We have made 2 trips to Gulf Shores AL and found it to be a pleasure to drive.

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  love it! - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By Eli - May 22 - 12:21 am

  Great car, very reliable, kicks butt in gas mileage

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  This car has been to hell and back! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Mike - May 21 - 7:26 pm

  This is the greatest car ever! My wife bought this car before we met. I have an eclipse (2000) and love sports cars and racing. This car has impressive performance (for the type of car that it is), the greatest stock stereo I have ever heard, and the strongest and most reliable motor (similar to the Hondas that have been long haulers). We have driven across country (Georgia to California)! I have added a k&n air filter, and use premium fuel, and synthetic oil change (starting at 35000 miles.) At over 73000 miles, the only problem we have had is some minor electrical recently and just did my first battery change. The best buy ever!

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  beware of any tacomas - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By jeff hill - May 21 - 1:58 pm

  tacoma trucks have a long history of the frames rusting to the point of major problems toyota has done very little to fix this mine just bent while mechanic had on lift to inspect for odd noise I was having.

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  Finally, a REAL truck! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ken - May 21 - 11:00 am

  Its been a while since I owned a pickup and once I drove the Tacoma, I had to have it! I have the four door double cab, V6, TRD Sport package.

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  What a car! - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Bug - May 21 - 10:00 am

  As a two time Camry owner and lover, I was ready to move to a larger, more luxurious car. The Avalon stole my heart immediately and still has it. Its larger and so comfortable, pretty and classy. You hardly even know youre driving, its more like sitting at home in a comfortable chair. It handles better than any car Ive ever driven. Great visability. The XLS has plenty of bells and whistles, plenty of pampering. Top it all off with Toyota dependability. The only flaw is that I know of Toyotas buckeling under to Jesse Jacksons extortion tactics.

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  Great Car - Terrible Dealer - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Fearless Fossdick - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Car was delivered with 15" steel wheels when 16" alloy are supposed to be standard. I guess the dealer swapped them with another car. Clutch has chattered since the day I picked it up, steering pulls to the left and there is a slight gear clash when shifting into 3rd. Its been back to the dealer several times but they dont see a problem. Stay away from Mt. Kisco, NY Toyota!