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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  Downsize - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Lamar Winters - October 16 - 10:50 pm

  Having driven this car for only the best part of a week I must say that I am impressed, despite the "expert" evaluations. Just coming off a Lexus RX330 I had no big expectations but needed to down size and I am a big Toyota fan. I really enjoy the driving experience and my height(510") and arm length adapt to the driving position nicely. I dont have a problem with the engine performance because for me its a change in driving style and a willingness to adapt. Road noise is not all that bad and all this fuss about engine noise I dont get at all. I drove the AWD car initially but did not like the color or performance and was please when I drove away in the FWD, Shadow Mica ... cool!!

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  Love my Suv - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By gmoorjr - October 15 - 9:36 pm

  Only 2 weeks old, 1600 miles, Get at least 20 mpg. Lots of attention. Took up Mt. Washington - no problem. Have gone offroad - no problem but would rec. A Trac and locking rear dif options for serious off road. Love it and would buy another.

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  Sienna SE is the best Minivan yet - 2013 Toyota Sienna
  By iselin - October 15 - 5:10 pm

  I recently purchased 2013 Sienna SE after careful analysis with Sienna XLE and Honda Odyssey(EX-L and Touring). Below is my verdict on who wins in each category- Exterior - Sienna SE Tires/Wheels - Sienna SE Tech - Odyssey Features - Odyssey Seating - Odyssey Access to 3rd row - Sienna Dashboard - Odyssey Cargo Space - Sienna Mileage - Odyssey Price - Sienna Drive - Sienna SE Steering/Handling - Sienna SE Winner - Sienna SE by a margin If looks and drive does matter to you, go with Sienna SE with Navigation pkg. If you want to opt for XLE, then Odyssey is a better choice. Odyssey pick up is not so good. Odyssey 2014 still looks bad when compared to Sienna.

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  Good, but could use some improvements - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Eric - October 14 - 3:03 pm

  This is my wifes car, and she is enjoying it very much, as its been a good car for us. Has a nice ride,very comfortable, does well in the poor weather, and handles great for an SUV. I find the power to be quite adequate(and I Trans Am fairly often!) for most conditions, the only time it is lacking is on steep inclines when the transmission hunts for gears. The negatives are that there is alot of wind, road, and driveline noise that enters the cabin at highway speeds. Also the car has already developed 2 rattles in just over 2 years of ownership - not what I expected from Toyota. Gas mileage is underwhelming for a small car with a small engine, 25mpg is par for highway drives at 65-70.

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  REPUTATION ABOVE ALL OTHERS.... - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Caddy - October 14 - 10:00 am

  THE LANDCRUISER IS LUXURIOUS AND TOUGH. YOU WILL BE VERY VERY PROUD TO OWN ONE!!! I THOUGHT OVER AND OVER. HIGH SAFETY, HIGH RELIABLITY, TRUE DESIGN, SPACIOUS COMFORT AND UNMATCHED REPUTATION. ALL OTHERS WILL SHINE AT THE TIME BUT THE LANDCRUISER WILL STILL BE THERE. WHEN YOU SAY I HAVE A LANDCRUISER...ENOUGH SAID...OTHERS ENVY AND ONLY WISH. THE PRICE IS WORTH IT AND HOLDS ITS RESALE VALUE. ITS THE NEXT LEVEL.

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  Love My Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Fox - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I went from a Mustang Convertible v8 engine to a Toyota Matrix 4 cylinder. The adjustment was so much easier that I had imagined. I test drove many of the other wagons, including the Rav4, and I felt the handling of the Matrix was superior to the rest. The ride is smooth and quiet. The interior is roomy and comfortable. It can seat 5 easily. It is smooth riding in the back seat.

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  New v Wagon Owner - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By rlrass - October 14 - 3:13 am

  Have now been driving the wagon for 3 weeks. I have the Five Model. Interior- Better looking than reviews describe. Despite reviews the plastic looks nice and the seats are leather looking Sof-Tex and very nice looking. Exterior: Good finish, a trim option would be nice but have dealer added pin strips that make look snappier. Has spare tire Performance: Engine is snappier than expected. Some engine whine getting on turnpike entrance ramps but not noisier than Ford Fusion/Mazda 3 but not as quick. Road noise quietier than Mazda 3/Elantra & equal to Ford Fusion. More legroom than Mazda/Ford esp. for passenger (center console on Ford Fusion/Mazda is annoying). Overall great experience

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  Good Boring Van - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By 631rob1991 - October 11 - 7:10 pm

  Drove it to 240,000 miles with no problems. Great quality reliable ride. But about as boring as can be and had a smaller interior then most other mini vans. Overall positive thoughts about the 01 Sienna.

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  Topless fun - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By steve68 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, easy to own, and good on gas. Try it through corners!

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  Toyota Quality - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By mehollin - October 11 - 10:00 am

  180,000 miles and still going strong...this car has had no major maintenance (only replaced brakes, battery, and alternator).