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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  A Real Winner - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Heather H. - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought one last month and love it. Love the exterior design and the interior design. Did well in the crash test ratings which is important to me as a parent. Love the height and angle at which the radio and controls are. The back doors are full-size; no bonking your head trying to get into the back of this SUV. It is so fun to drive, although I have difficulty seeing past the headrest when backing up. Never had that problem with any vehicle. Just something to get used to.

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  Items that need improving. - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By venza - February 17 - 3:33 am

  Just a few items i find that need improving. Controls for heater/ac. are very distracting to operate while driving. eye contact must be used to find them and this is a safety feature that needs corrected. Seats are very hard and on an extended drive your bottom gets very uncomfortable.

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  Prius beats all other hybrid sedans - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By mdavis1969 - February 17 - 1:33 am

  It is very unusual to find a car that you feel comfortable in the first day you start to drive it. The Prius is an exception. If you like advanced features like you may find expensive vehicles, and you want to be save money on fuel, the Prius is probably a good bet. I test drove the Prius and the Honda Civic. On my initial test drive, the Prius feels like a concept car. It is a little intimidating with all of the gadgets, displays, and unique things the Prius has. The Civic feels more like a normal car, but it does have the technological details the Prius does. In addition, the Civic depreciates in the real world much faster. The Prius is also much more fuel efficient. The Prius wins!

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  Remarkable truck! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By jsa - February 16 - 10:33 pm

  I picked up my 2004 Tundra Double Cab SR5 V8 3 weeks ago. It had 24k miles on it and is in excellent condition in and out. I was able to work the dealer over on the price, and got it for exactly what I was willing to pay. Two grand under KBB. I would like to share my initial impressions. First, the trucks ride is extraordinary. It is smooth and extremely quiet. It rides like a Lexus. The handling is nice, but somewhat loose. It is no effort to carry on a low conversation with backseat passengers at highway speed. Controls are in easy reach and the JBL stereo sounds great. Doors close with a solid thump that inspires a secure feeling. Best ext. styling in its class, IMO. Would buy again.

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  Matrix Driver - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By flmthgrl - February 16 - 1:23 pm

  Great little car, handles well in snow. fun to drive, but can be a bit of a noisy ride. Wish AWD version got better mileage. Even though this car is small, it is very adaptable with fold-down seats, hatchback etc.

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  Best car I have ever had! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By leyvagrl - February 16 - 12:20 pm

  This is the funnest family sedan that I think anyone could own! I have so much fun in this car, it picks up quick, its cute and its very roomy & comfortable inside. I am a mother of 3 & the car is practical and something that dosent "scream mommy!" I put a dark tint on the windows, put new rims on it & made it more "me".

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  Cool and Classy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jrl - February 16 - 11:46 am

  Wonderful car, rides smoothly, has enough pick up with a 4cyl. No problems ever. Want to keep this car 4 a very long time. Good gas mileage, comfortable seating, lots of leg room. Easy to drive/park. Nothing flimsy. Lumbar support is great. Lots of comfort for the price.

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  Roomy and reliable - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Janice - February 16 - 10:23 am

  We have nearly 100,000 miles on the car and it still doesnt have any problems. We really like the roomy back seat with lots of leg room in front and back. We probably will buy another Avalon if the price is right.

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  Rave for the RAV! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By doug daily - February 16 - 9:58 am

  It has it all. Fantastic. The two tone nutmeg seats are gorgeous. The seats are comfortable and room for 5 adults my size, (which is not small.) great handling and all the technology I need in a car. The side blind spot mirrors are great as I did not like the idea of flashing lights and buzzers ever time a vehicle came near the car. Mileage is great, got 36.2 on my last trip from work! Really a fun and super car to own.

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  THE BEAST - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Alex - February 15 - 4:43 pm

  Just bought a 2010 4runner Limited magnetic gray metallic ,Very comfortable, feels very stable, i averaged 19.1 40/60 C/H mpg on the trip.Absolutely love this SUV and very happy with professional dealership.