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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  Almost perfect - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By rawhide - April 29 - 6:16 pm

  Except for it being like a tin can as far as dings in body, it has been exceptional. No mechanical problems.

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  Worst quality & service experience for RAV4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Aj - April 29 - 2:13 pm

  Just 3 months old with 3000 miles. Already repaired twice, once for rubbery brakes and for tailgate being jammed. Worst service experience in Avenel, NJ. Highly disappointed with Toyota quality and experience about which I had heard a lot. Even with 90% highway driving, giving only 23

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  My New Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Jackie - April 29 - 9:56 am

  Just bought the car yesterday, drove 150 miles, like the car alot. * Handles nicely at 75 mph. It handles ok at 80 mph (if highway is very smooth but not if bumpy). * Power to accelerate is above avg., (feels better than Sentra that we didnt buy). * Visibility is very good looking over dash, back and side mirrors provide great view. * Seats are very comfortable and adjust nicely for my 52" or 6 husband. Legroom very good. Seatbelt is very comfortable. * Car is fairly quiet at lower speed but gets more road noise at higher highway speed. Sound system is nice up to about 70 mph, it is not enjoyable to play at 75-80 mph. * Looking forward to great mileage and reliability,,, Jackie

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  cruiser - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By realestatelady - April 29 - 9:43 am

  The cruiser is a great truck !! IT carries 7 people.

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  Greatest Car Ever Driven - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tim - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Off all the reviews I have read they just dont hit the experience of owning the Toyota FJ. Every time I drive my FJ I fall in love with it more and more. Im 40 this month and driving it makes me feel 21 again. Sure the blind spot everyone talks about exist, but it is not hard to get used to. As for the gas mileage complaints, I am running regular unleaded in my FJ. It runs perfect and Im getting a combined 19 miles to a gallon right now. That is great for this type of vehicle. Really great leg room in the front. I purchased the sandstorm color, and love the color more every time I look at it.

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  Decent city car - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By M. Patrick - April 29 - 1:26 am

  I traded in a Subaru for the Matrix and I miss the power. The Toyota is a nice solid car and fits a dog well, lots of storage, very comfortable driving and comfortable for four adults. The center console is messy and doesnt fit a coffee cup w handle. Acceleration is kind of lame, you have to be light on the gas or youll squeal the tires. Ill keep it because its so economical and dependable. I havent put a cent into it. But it is boring and really pretty terrible in the snow we have in Michigan.

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  This car rocks - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By jkbub - April 28 - 7:23 pm

  I drive 400 miles a week and needed a car that was more economical with these increasing gas rates, I was spending over $450 a month on gas alone. It was time for a change even if it ended with a small payment for some time. The first thing I did was an internet search - autos with high gas mileage, 35 miles per gallon and cheap. Guess what popped up on every web site and forum, Yes Corolla. So my only option at this point was to buy one. Yes, now I made the correct choice. I used to fill my tank 3 times a week. Now I only need to fill up once a week. That is a money saver. Thank you Toyota for making my life more reliable and practical.

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  I want my 97 Taco back! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By mph66 - April 28 - 3:54 pm

  I *hate* this truck. My 97 Taco got better mileage. I have an up/down hilly commute of 7 1/2 miles per day, each way. I hypermile by coasting down hills, and still, the best I can eke out is 24 mpg. They took the same spec. 4 cyl. engine from the 97 Taco and put it into the huge, bulky body of the 2007 access cab. This thing labors up the slightest of inclines. I dont need a "full size pickup" to compensate for something else. The smaller truck was fine for going to Home Depot or the transfer station. My manhood was not threatened, yet for some reason, it seems that Toyotas masculinity was somehow called into question. I want my old truck back!

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  DANGEROUS in even a lite snow - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By JIM - April 28 - 12:10 pm

  Mpg has dropped 10 mpgs, and even in a dusting of snow once a wheel spins the computer takes over and gets no power to the wheels, yes I repeat no power to the wheels. You can hold the gas to the floor and the engine will not go above an idle and the transmission goes into neutral on its own.... junk.

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  BUY ONE - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Doug in Milford - April 28 - 8:13 am

  I have owned somewhere around 100 cars in my life and this Corolla is on the top for reliability and gas milage. I got the Sport or S model loaded to the gills and still had money left over. It is the end of the 2005 line but I saved a bundle. I drive 100 miles a day for work and so far this little car is comfortable, economical, and a pleasure to drive. I am also 61" 230Lbs. and fir in the car with ease. I would only say it would be nice to have a telescoping steering wheel and I wish I had gotten the highest upgraded stereo. I would also like to see a one touch open for the sunroof like the power windows. All in all, it is early but I am very impressed with this great little car!