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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  Love my matrix !! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By RDavis - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. Ill be buying a 2nd one when the 2005 come out.

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  Satisfaction - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Hornet - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I was the owner of a Chrysler Sebring Convertible (1998) which was purchased new. I would never buy another one. I purchased this Certified 2001 Solara Convertible (SLE V6) and found it to be a superb vehicle. I have owner Audi, Mercedes, Infiniti, Volvo and Toyota automobiles over these many years. This is the best.

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  Great car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By wfcondon - March 22 - 10:00 am

  The only flaw Ive found, after six months of driving, is that rear visibility isnt as good as Id like. Otherwise, this car is perfect. Its peppy and fun to drive, its economical, its comfortable (even for 66" me), and its a head-turner.

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  Superior Reliability - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Stacey L - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Has been the most reliable car ever had - formerly Ford, Saturn, Chrysler. It was a RENTAL car before we bought it and weve not had anything every go wrong. Now it has over 70k miles. Only oil changes, tires, maintenance needed. We are happy toyota converts, especially when compared to the engine failings weve had with other makes.

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  Great buy - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bob Culp - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I gave up a mercedes 500 SL for this car and I am happy I did. I looked at every convertable on the market. I had decided on Lexus sc430 till I test drove it for a day. The Solara has the appearance of the Lexus with twice the room and half the price. This is a fun car that combines the function of a practical car with the the thrill of driving a sporty eye catching car.

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  Quiet comfortable reliable ride no racer - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Jerry-Chicago - March 22 - 10:00 am

  One of the most reliable cars. Very quiet and comfortable. First year got better fuel economy figures than factory data. Maybe cause i was gentle driving my new car. Next year heavy loaded made 2600 miles trip with average speed 82 mph and 27 mpg! My only wish is a little bit harder suspention like on new SE models.

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  Why bother looking at anything else - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Basementclub - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I waited 6 months before rating the 4Runner so I would be objective and not name struck. This vehicle is second to none, you can forget about other SUVs...at about 40-50% less than the price of "other" performance SUVs, you are getting rear end kicking performance, comfort and build quality 2nd to none. Dont even listen to anyone comparing this ride to an Exp or Path...I have taken this vehicle on rough roads, icy roads, and deep snow, the 4Run handles them all with ease. Drive this bad boy and you will see...

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  Excellent Choice - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By AnonymousGA - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This has been an awesome car. It has not gone in the shop once since I have had it. It is extremely comfortable and the back seat area is very spacious. It drives like a dream. It gets great gas mileage for being an SUV.

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  Great Van, Worst than expected mileage - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By wpali - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Great design (split foldaway rear seat is a must for 3 kids). Bigger than my old Silhouette. Noticed my mileage is less than 20 mpg on mostly hwy driving while a friends 2004 XLE is getting 25.9 on his computer. Based on actual fillups so far the computer mileage is pretty accurate. Also seems to be some engine hesitation when trying to accel at low speeds..need to push the pedal fully to get the engine to respond. Anyone else notice this?

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  Marks - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mark - March 22 - 9:40 am

  Why buy a Lexus? I couldnt be more pleased! It is the perfect cruiser for a big guy and his passengers. Im so glad I took the time to do the research to pick this car.