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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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By gage - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2004 Solara SE Sport in Septemeber, right after they went on sale. It is the only version offered with its unique suspension, 17" wheels, and body kit. It has been an enjoyable car thus far. Many people have commented on how nice it looks. It is a lot different than the previous model, as I have a family mamber that has a 2002 model. So far with the V6 engine, I have consistently gotten 25 mpg, which is excellent for a car like this. I strongly recommend it to others, as it is well-built, and a pleasuable car to own.

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  LUV OUR NEW TRUCK - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By hrspeech - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Super smooth V8 . . . cant believe how quiet the ride is . . . we love our new 4Runner . . . best SUV on the market

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  4 RUNNERS R 4 US - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By COJACK1601 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR TO DRIVE. FULL CONTROL AT ALL TIMES. VERY REPONSIVE. FULL OF HIGH TECH FEATURES.

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  2400 miles after purchase - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By gunner12 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Taught chasis and suspension. No rattles or creaks. Engine 3.3L has lots of torque, tons better than that whirring 3.0L of old model, nice grunting rumble under load. Smooth tranny. Responsive steering, breaking action is a bit slow to catch, could scare you when pedal pressures are low, wont stop quite as nimbly as you might expect.

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  Its the bomb! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By noofmom - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my first minivan in years. Looked at oddysey, liked the concept, not the dealers. No 2004s at the time I was looking...but found out the 2004 awd Sienna was out...tried it...with my 18 yearold grandson...we loved it from the time we set foot inside...even the 18 year old thought it was a cool ride. 120 lb. neufoundland dog loves it. Sonar, laser assisted cruise control, ac outlets, send row windows that OPEN...none of my friends want to take their cars anymore. I think Ill sell my house and move in to the car.

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  Why drive anything else~THIS IS THE BEST - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Grannyspitfire - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Great fuel economy. Great functionality throughout. Love all of the room. Lots of cups holders and storage throughout. Only complaint would be outside noise. I wish the Sienna would be as sound proof as the Camary.

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  Camry beats Accord - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By D Pierovich - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Weve had many Accords over the years but didnt choose Camry because of the milk-toast styling. We finally decided to give Toyota a try in 2001. The car may not look as good from the outside as an Accord, but the comfort and the low noise level on the inside far exceed what Honda can offer. Driving is smooth and enjoyable. The 4 cylinder is very responsive and actually "zippy" with only 2 people in the car. Standard stereo speakers are great. 30-32 MPG is normal.

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  Room & great mileage - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By maukajt - August 17 - 2:13 am

  Have owned since 2/06. XR model auto, it gets the best gas mileage! People always asks us is we have a hybrid, as they cant believe the mileage, as well as the room. This age of over $4 per gallon gas. It has been a godsend as we are on disablilty. Even though we only have 4000 miles and have owned it for 2 yrs 4 months, we have not had any problems. It is a well made vehicle.

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  will keep forever - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Joe - August 16 - 11:40 pm

  I purchased this car used from a private party and, with its low mileage, low profile tires and after-market rims, I fell in love with it at first sight. Im still in love with its manual transmission, plush ride and still-in-style good looks after five years of care-free driving. They say the Solara is a mature womans car, but this honcho couldnt care less!

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  Love this car!!! Jackpot! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By sarahf - August 16 - 6:33 pm

  I bought the 4 door, as I sometimes have to use a carseat, manual trans. I bought this car to commute to work 100 miles/day 5 days/wk. I get average 40 MPG at avg. 70 mph. Great on gas! Comfortable. Large trunk. I have a 3 y/o who sometimes rides with me, we have a larger carseat, it fits! I have not been disappointed with this buy! I have put 8000 miles on it so far!