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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  Everything Works!! - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By skidds327 - March 10 - 11:04 am

  Bought this 4Runner last week for 1800. Surprised that everything works except the rear defroster. The Limited is a joy to drive. Gas mileage is at 17city. I have a hard time getting in the driver seat under the steering wheel. I believe in Toyota quality, this one has over 175k and runs great. I have an Avalon with 198k. Dont like the design of access to rear tailgate thru the window. I would buy a 4Runner again.

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  New owner - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Hotspotter - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Dont bother with the paint protection package grab a bottle of Nu Finish and save yourself the cost. I would not recommend the AWD model unless you are in a northern climate where it can get a workout in the snow.

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  Cool Car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By lxg - March 10 - 10:00 am

  The car is cool. I love the look. Great headroom, easy to get in and out of, excellent fit and finish & lots of interior space. I recently drove my Matrix from Washington, DC to NYC thru rain storms. Nothing bothered this car and at 80mph with the a/c on the car got over 32mpg. With the 6 disc radio we did not run out of music. Excellent seats and plenty of room.

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  Still love it at 60,000 miles! - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By NJ Bobbi - March 10 - 10:00 am

  We are seniors--this car is not only for soccer moms. We travel a lot and love the car-like handling and the spacious rear seating for our friends, who all comment with surprise on its versatility and spaciousness. We ADORE reconfiguring it for hauling various items we buy. Only negative: too often were forced to drive socially, since were the only ones who can carry six!

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  4 Runner 4 ever - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Canadian Craig - March 10 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome vehicle. It looks great, drives great, thrashes around well in the woods and only asks for more fuel in return. I use this truck for your normal highway use but it gets a lot of off road use as well. I have been stuck but its been my fault. As long as the wheels have something to grab, it moves forward. The only complaint would have to be the fuel costs but its better than paying for repairs like the jeep I use to own.

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  My Blueboy - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By debster - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Have had my indigo blue 4WD XR for 4 mos. now and love the thing. Pouring rain does not affect the handling of this car - you just ride on through. The seats are comfortable but the gas pedal is set too high. Huge cargo area - we take this car instead of our SUV camping.

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  Great small wagon - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By cafeaulait71 - March 10 - 10:00 am

  I am very satisfied with my silver Matrix. Ive had this car for six weeks and have driven over 3200 miles!!! The Matrix is no sports car, but its handling is very responsive. The engine is a bit sluggish, but hey, what can you expect for a compact car...The 35 mpg that I got on recent road trip more than makes up for that. I also love that car is deceptively spacious - several friends and family members have commented on how roomy it is...Overall, I highly recommend this car.

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  American car Gliches? - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Driver48 - March 10 - 10:00 am

  16 years of toyotas and they seem to be finally be leaning toward the American needs and wants. Conveinances are much better and exciting for and old truck. Nothing carries over from the old 4runner to the new exept the quality and the dependiblty. Proud to drive althought they are still dealinging with 1st year bugs they cannot fix. Yes the 6cyl engine pully and belt rattle and sqeak at warm up and the manual drivers seat will loosen its play till it throws you out of it. But these are minor fixes to the great 4runner badge.

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  Best "Car like" SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By LCC - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Highlander for $300 under invoice! Great deal for a lot of car. WOuld like a few more standard features in the base model, but it handles great, looks great, and is fun to drive. Better value compared to Honda Pilot LX, and handles much better. It was hard to find a 4WD 4- cyl, (didnt want the lower gas mileage of the 6) so had to take one fewer options than I would have liked, but it comes with almost everything I would have wanted anyway.

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  Garys review - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By GaryMcC - March 10 - 10:00 am

  I am only six foot tall and the car is very unconfortable to get in and out. I bump my head almost every time. The center console hampers fastening the seat belt both driver side and front seat passenger side. The rear seat belts are cumbersome due to very short receiving side of belt. The fan for heater and aircondx is weak except in the highest position and it is noisy. The trunk door does not open wide enough to place an icechest in and be able to open door on the chest while in the trunk. (My Echo does)