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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  2002 Hot Momma Solara - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AngelaM - December 19 - 10:00 am

  VERY fun to drive. Unless a super need for speed, I see no point in buying a V6. The 4-cylinder has LOTS of pick- up. I frequently drive 80 mph on interstate and there is not the shaking of every imaginable part of the vehicle that I was used to before I bought the Solara. Car brakes very well (have avoided several wrecks by quick stops). Although this car was a little beyond my means (Im a college student), Ill buy yet another red Solara when its time. LOVE IT.

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  Just what youd expect from Toyota - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By c.harry - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This truck is so much fun to drive. It corners great, it accelerates like a sports car and I smile everytime I get behind the wheel.It could have a little more towing capacity, but it does fine for what I use it for.

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  The wonderful Camry - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Jock - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best car I have ever owned. It is an attractive and comfortable car and has been extremely reliable. Its very well built and is surprisingly economical with gas for the size car it is. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Great Buy - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ademaswim - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this ar, great ride, comfortale environment, great interior design. The only problem I have is I should have bought the V6 engine instead.

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  Camry Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Cherry Jones - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth riding car. Drives and rides like a Cadilac. I like Everything about it.

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  LOVE MY CAR - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By NOEMI - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY SOLARA I HAVE HAD 2. I LIVE IN MASSAPEQUA, BUT I WORK IN BROOKLYN I DO ABOUT 64MILS ADAY OS IM IN IT A LOT I LIKE SOUND AND LOVE THE SETS. IT GIVE ME A GOOD DRIVE. BUT I DONT LIKE THE SETBELT. I HAVE TO KEEP ON PULLING IT THE IS THE ONLY THING I DONT LIKE.

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  my 2000 Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Olympicluv - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had a Solara for the past three years and I LOVE it. When it comes time again for another car I will be purchasing another Solara.

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  I LOVE MY SUV :-) :-) :-) - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By CHUBBS - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I WENT ON A VACATION FROM NJ TO FLORIDA. I LEFT ON A SATURDAY AT 6:00 AM AND BY 6:00PM I WAS ALREADY IN GEORGIA. I FUELED UP ABOUT THREE TIMES. I LOVE MY SUV!!!

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  The Time of My Life - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By flwrbabe - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Being in the automotive finance industry, I was faced with many options. When I decided to look for a car, I was looking at several factors. Price, options and reliability. The Toyota Corolla met all 3 criteria and had so much more. With 3 models to choose from, they offered something for the student on a budget, the sports car enthusiast, and the person looking for a nice luxurious feel. Comparing the Corolla to other vehicles in the same category, it offered more standard features and even bested them in some areas. The Corolla offers more trunk space, better mileage, and much more. This is a purchase you wonÂ’t regret.

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  Best Little Car Ever - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Doodoo - December 19 - 9:16 am

  This car replaces the Echo, which was a good car, just ugly. Now since the ugly is gone its perfect. My new Yaris is beautiful. The short shifter lets me sap up as much as the little 1.5 engine can be expected to provide. I get over 10 miles more than the Kia Rio per gallon out of the Yaris I feel good about saying that this is probably the best little car ever made.