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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  LUXURY WITHOUT ALL THE EXPENSE - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Baby-Doll - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my Solara...what else can I say. I did not upgrade to the V6 because of finicial responsibility, but I am still trilled with the 4 cylinder. It has alot of pick me up compared to my 92 Accord. It feels like a V6 to me. Love the stereo....Go buy you one today!

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  Love the Matrix XR automatic - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Kay N Jay - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Matrix. After waiting several weeks for delivery, I like the car even better than I expected. The engine seems quieter than the test car was. The ride is very smooth, and my Matrix (with 17-inch wheels) handles turns nicely. Overall I am extremely pleased with the car.

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  Research pays off - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By msupakeng - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I relied on user reviews and Edmunds for months to help me find a new car to buy that I would be pleased with for years to come. I reveiwed several cars before choosing the Solara. Its sporty yet large enough to be practical. It accelerates quickly & breaks smoothly. I love my high quality automobile. I would recommend not only researching the cars themselves but also the financing. The only thing I dislike about my car is the sleazy dealership it came from. They ripped me off. I wont even drive my car by there let alone get it serviced there. So be sure to know all the facts about leasing & buying before you go to the dealership.

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  Love my avalon - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By JJ Opus - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Extremely comfortable seats - Ive had two back operations so I need good lumbar support. Can drive all day with no back pain.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By ccheval - September 7 - 10:00 am

  My city driving economy is fantastic, 33.7 on my last tank. The doors fit perfectly, the finish is excellent. This car has more horsepower and torque than the Civic, yet slightly better epa numbers.

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  Im glad we waited! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Queen Mariah - September 7 - 10:00 am

  After keeping our 1993 Toyota Previa for 215,500 miles (original drive train and transmission), we are loving Toyota! We NEED AWD, and were disappointed that the Siennas didnt come with AWD. Alas! the 2004 model has it and we have had our new Sienna for two weeks now. LOVE IT! Dealers dont seem to want to work hard to find them with AWD, and the first dealer told us that we had to take whatever came along because they were in such hot demand! Cant seem to keep my husband out of my drivers seat! (Except when hes watching the DVDs with the kids.)

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  Great car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By jose - September 6 - 11:23 pm

  This is a car for those who prefer quiet and comfort to a sport like driving experience. It provides all the right stuff. I have driven the competition, particularly the Mazda3, and yes it is a more spirited driving machine. However, where in any week or any place will you need such a driving experience? I would buy another in a minute.

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  Toyotas are Very Reliable - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By BT - September 6 - 11:56 am

  Im a 30-year owner of Toyota--had a 1981 Toyota Corona for 16 years and sold it to a friend who drove it another three years before trading it in. I had a lovely 1998 Toyota Camry -- only problem before sold it was getting an oil leak stopped--it was costly to get to, but the part was cheap to fix, labor was excessive due to how hard it was to get to. Had a Buick in 2005, and was really glad when purchased this 2004 Camry in 2007 with only 9,000 miles on it. Car has a popping sound when turn wheel to park in garage at night. Am told if it bothers me, labor cost to get to part is about $250; its not bothering me that much yet. Was in an accident in 1988 Camry; it saved my life I think.

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  2008 Toyota Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By norske - September 6 - 9:06 am

  Have had it for 2 days and love it. Wanted it solely for mpg, so bells & whistles were not a necessity. Its just plain fun to drive. Parks like a dream (no depth perception so thats important), feels bigger than it is, good interior room, shifts great, acceleration is good, great Toyota a/c, thought dashboard design would be awkward - not, will be a great commuter car (70 miles a day). Other subcompacts have similar mpg & more base options but are more money, If you can find one, buy it, most bang for $.

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  2007 Toyota HH - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By utahsteve1 - September 5 - 3:13 am

  I just purchased a new 2007 hybrid Highlander and broke it in over the holiday weekend. Drove approximately 1350 total miles. First 800: varied speed from 45-70 on 2 lane highway with lots of hills in rural areas. Averaged 29.1 by the dispaly and on paper. Second 550: set cruise control at 70 on interstate and averaged 28.7. This seems good to me. Vehicle is very comfortable over long distances and seriously quiet. Rides nicely and handles well. Have not used AC but heater seems to work well. Am very happy with my purchase and hope that with increased mileage that the gas economy will improve.