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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  Toyota emerges from the smoke. - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Ray - August 8 - 10:30 pm

  Toyota just got raked through the coals with the "sudden acceleration/sticking gas pedal" debacle in Feb/Mar, 2010, and as was the case with Audi in the 90s, much of the blame falls on errant drivers and not the cars themselves. Audi nearly went bankrupt because of it; Toyota should emerge OK, but has had to drastically cut prices and offer incredible deals to win back the favor of buyers. This allowed me to lease my 2011 Camry (base) automatic for an amazing $210/mo (including tax, license) with zero drive-off costs! Folks, get em while theyre being generous. Its a beautiful car, with loads of space, comfort and value for the money. Just stick to your guns when dealing :)

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  Excellent, quiet and reliable - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By RS - August 8 - 10:46 am

  Car still rides quiet (make sure to use quiet riding tires), has had very few problems that required any major work. Gives 18 city, 22 highway in Summers at speed limit. Take 10% off in CT winters. My car was built in Japan. Only brakes and scheduled maintenance work have been needed. Had engine check light come on after maintenance, but mechanic reset it at no charge. Battery needed change after 6 years. On the negative side, I the old tires wore out unevenly. Now I get them aligned annually. Great SUV. Will buy again if mileage is improved significantly without too much loss of power. This SUV still looks modern in styling and finish.

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  Love it for the Most Part - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Lynn - August 8 - 6:03 am

  I have owned my car for over a year now. Overall, I like it a lot. I had to have an SUV, but it is just too large for me. Anyhow, I love the pick up and speed. It is excellent in the rain - absolutely sticks to the ground! Also, very good in snow, unless you try and go through the UP of MI - forget it - it felt like the car went into rear wheel drive mode. Scary, but for every day IL driving with some snow, it is fine. I hate the amber lights. With sunglasses on, I cannot read the console. I will never get a car with amber lights again.

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  One Great Price Performer - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Johnnybud - August 8 - 4:33 am

  I have had my automatic sedan for 90 days and have put on 9k miles. I am getting a blended 39 MPG and on the highway I am getting 44-45. Unreal, this is with an automatic also. This is a great car... well built, a great commuter car. I love my yaris.

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  <3 my celica - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By SarahDilley - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Best car.. great buy!

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  Great car for a great price - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Gardenia6441 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for almost 4 years now, and I still enjoy it as much as the first day. Ive had one recurring problem....my car squeals after it has rained. Ive taken it to be worked on, and they can never seem to fix the problem. Ive had the tensioner replaced, pulleys, and belts. Also, the cruise control doesnt seemed to be calibrated correctly. Other than that, it was money well spent.

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  This is a great car! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By jawash - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Matrix. It is fun to drive and sporty. It feels excellent on the highway. I have to be really mindful of the speed I am driving because the car just glides. I have 2 children also and have been pleasantly surprised at how roomy this car feels.

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  Awesome - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mikie Ray - August 8 - 2:00 am

  It is like a little space ship. Definitely fast, which was a bit of a surprise! The ride is especially comfortable as the seats are "made to fit". In sum, it is fun to drive, to ride in.

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  Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By beechtiger - August 8 - 2:00 am

  It is an excellent vehicle with roomy spaces for 8 passengers. It is also a well-designed vehicle.

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  Like this truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Rob F - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I was really happy to get one of the first to roll into the dealer. It is a little under-powered for my towing needs, but when my supercharger is installed, look out hills !!!!