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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  2004 TOYOTA SOLARA SLE V6 - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By anaconda - October 13 - 10:00 am

  totally awesome car..great dealership..paid only 60 dollars over invoice..car rides like butter..great suspension..powerful..interior comfort cant be beat..exterior design makes it the hottest looking car around..many great improvements over the original 1999 design..

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  SOLARA 2004 - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By HEIDY - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT A SOLARA 2004 V4 HAVENT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By dben - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I put alot of miles on my vehicles & the 4Runner is the best value for the money and for reliability, creature comforts & resale value. It may cost more up front but resale value & low repair / maintenance expenses more than make up for it. (I got a better deal on it than I thought possible (under invoice)).

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  My first SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Shinzon - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I just today purchased my new Toyota 4 Runner SR5. This is the first SUV I have acquired. So far, it is awesome. It is fun to drive, very quiet on the road and it handles excellent!! I also like the fact that the SR5 comes pretty well equipped.

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  2003 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By RhinoOz - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my 4Runner!

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  Best Mini-Van on the market - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By luvmySienna - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I used to be a die-hard fan of Dodge Grand Caravans. You have to see the new 2004 Sienna. I love all everything about the car. The windows roll down on the sliding doors. Its the only mini-van I know that does that!

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  2001 Toyota Avalon XLS - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Louis Schmidt - October 12 - 9:16 pm

  The Toyota Avalon handles very well on the road. the leather interior is easy to clean & maintain. The engine is very clean & well maintained and performance is as good as the day I purchased it. Highway mileage is 30.5 mpg.

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  SUV Great Electronics NOT - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Western Michigan - October 12 - 6:46 pm

  Switched to Highlander from Lexus RX 330. Pleased with the design and drivability - comfort is excellent as I am 6 ft, 3 in. Very much like the smart key system and the functionality. Very displeased with the electronics. Satellite radio requires a very expensive and labor intensive installation - I obviously didnt read carefully enough or I would have likely purchased a different vehicle. In order to install satellite radio the dealer indicates that the headliner has to be removed - even a seat removed. WHAT WAS TOYOTA THINKING? The GPS mapping system lacks detail - I live in a city of 40,000 and most of the side streets arent noted. GPS service on my cell phone is more detailed.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Str8 - October 12 - 5:56 pm

  I traded in a 03 Mercedes Benz for this car. This car has more room, more options, better gas mileage and it cost less that the Mercedes. You simply get more car for the money.

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  Toyota Highlander: The Mario of SUVs - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By jc22 - October 12 - 2:00 pm

  I purchased my V6 Base AWD Highlander early December 2010 because I was expecting my second child in January and simply wanted something affordable, safe and solid to drive the family around in. After an extensive pre-purchase research and 3,000 miles later, I can best described the Highlander as the Mario of SUVs. The Highlander, much like Mario in the Super Mario Brother video game franchise, is not the biggest, strongest, fastest or best looking SUV around. But it just seems to do everything just right (e.g., affordability, fit and finish, interior space / configuration, engine, controls, safety features, comfort, dash layout, MPG) much like Mario. So it is the perfect all-around SUV