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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  4RUNNER LIMITED - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By joey - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle.Would highly recomend it.

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  A Spacious Little Pocket Rocket - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By docdoc - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I needed a hatchback or a wagon for my mobile lifestyle. The Matrixs fuel economy and Toyota reliability drew me to it initially, and I am astonished at the fuel economy in my first 2 weeks of ownership. I have put 600 miles on it and am approaching 38-40 MPG in mostly highway driving. Its a quiet ride, with responsive handling and perky pickup. Its simple to load and unload, and transports folks with mobility problems easily.

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  A Lot of Car for the Money - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By mnagnew - February 13 - 10:00 am

  40 mpg, quiet, smooth, spacious, comfortable with impeccable highway manners that make it feel like a much larger car. Fit and finish are first rate and the amount of standard equipment included for $15K is phenomenal. Great back seat. Its not a sports car, but handling is more than adequate, with a smooth shifter and light, but not over responsive steering. As long as you dont drive near the limits, the Corolla goes where you point it and does so with aplomb. Given Toyotas reputation, I honestly dont know how you could get a better bargain than a 2004 Corolla.

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  03 Corolla LE for me - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By jtb - February 13 - 10:00 am

  From reviewing the corolla and civic, the corolla wins. Test drove both; both a good cars. The corolla, however, has a better warranty and, in my opinion, and better reputation. similar crash tests, etc... This is a communter vehicle that takes me about 100 miles per day. Its a peppy little car with great gas mileage. Nice creature comforts. I would buy it again; no regrets on the decision.

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  I love my Celica - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By denyse - February 13 - 9:40 am

  Ive had my Celica for 4 1/2 years and this is by far the best of the 5 cars Ive owned. Its really comfortable, even on long trips, holds TONS of stuff in the trunk, is sporty, good looking and reliable. Im at about 111,000 miles, and although Ive had to put some money into shocks, belts, etc. lately, its nothing that I didnt have to expect to do for a car of this age. Ive had 2 mechanics tell me that I should easily get to 250k miles if not more without major problems, and that in their opinion, this is one of the most reliable cars you can own. The ONLY car I would ever trade this in for is a newer Celica...Im planning on driving this baby til it turns to dust.

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  Love my Venza!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By lal_clt - February 12 - 9:30 pm

  I bought my 2009 FWD 6-Cyl Venza in May, 2009. I now have 81,000+ miles on it and have only had one minor problem in the last 4.5 years! It is the best car I have ever owned and I love everything about it. I think its the best kept secret on the market. I recently bought a vacation condo near the beach and was able to transport all of my odds and ends - chairs, headboard, kitchen table, etc in my car at various times because there is so much cargo room. Ill probable replace my car at the end of 2014 and it will be another Venza!

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  Finally! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By annette - February 12 - 8:46 pm

  I didnt know the Matrix existed. I hated the car I was driving, so I went to the Toyota place to look at Scion, but saw the Matrix in the showroom. I was hooked. I love the dropdown seats and the fact that they are flat. The seats are comfy and everything on the dash is easy to get to. The doors dont close on my legs, large and roomy.

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  Mini Yota - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By cgh - February 12 - 7:23 pm

  I like small cars and a hatchback is my favorite body style. Having done some online research and discovering that this vehicle had the same drive train as the Scion xA and xB and the same engine as the Prius, I was intrigued. I hunted one down online that was totally devoid of the overpriced options. Having previously owned a Geo Metro I was a bit apprehensive about the acceleration and hill climbing ability of an ultra high mileage car. I took it for a test drive and was I ever surprised! It accelerated and handled like a small sports car, while at the same time having an interior that was roomy with comfortable seats. It was a frugal sports car lovers dream. I bought it the next day.

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  Great Buy - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By D-Kal - February 12 - 2:36 pm

  Bought this car one month ago. I love it. 40 mpg overall avg with 25%city/75% hwy after 2000 miles. Handles well and acceleration with the 5 speed is great. The drivers seat takes some getting used to, not the most comfortable. I am 5ll and 195lbs and the seat and front leg room are only adequate for my size. I would not recommend this car to anyone above 62 or 220lbs. The build quality is typically Toyota solid. My backup car is a 93 Corolla that has 222,000miles on it and still runs great, so I am hoping the reliability will be the same with the 07. Overall, its a well built car with excellent resale value, is great on gas, and has a history of bulletproof reliability.

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  Dependable SUV - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chris - February 12 - 5:00 am

  Purchased my 99 4-Runner new and have over 265k miles. Twice I have taken it down to the timing belt and done maintenance, water-pump, etc., preventative type things. As soon as I purchase my new 2010 4-Runner I will be turning this one over to my 16 year old daughter.