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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  My Favorite Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Alan McIlwain - December 5 - 8:06 am

  This car is more fun to drive than anything Ive had before. It has pickup and acceleration when you ask for it or it can cruise along at 50+ MPG. It is comfortable and easy to drive, once you figure out how to start it! The back will carry a card table lying flat. Ive dropped the back seats for lumber or skis and even a bulky computer desk. Ive loaded bags of earth and dogfood in. Its a great family car! On the down side, the beige interior is filthy already - not good for dogs and kids. Highway noise is higher than Id have expected, but city noise is low.

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  95,000 Miles & Still Running - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By 3camrys - December 5 - 5:16 am

  Ive purchased all my Camrys used. This one was three years old when I purchased it with 34,000 miles. Im almost at 95,000 miles and Ive had no problems at all! Always go with the Certified Used Vehicles with a good warranty because you never know if the previous owner took good care of it or not. If youre looking for a reliable, comfortable, economic car, go for a Camry.

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  An excellent little commuter car. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris from MI - December 4 - 9:46 pm

  Ive owned my Yaris liftback for about a week now. Just finished my first tank of gas and got 38 mpg. That is a combination of city and highway. I spent a lot of time researching all the options, including the Civic, Fit, Aveo, and Scion xD. I was mostly looking for a second vehicle that was affordable, reliable, and got exceptional gas mileage. The Yaris, I believe, provides the best combination of these things. Just like every other Yaris, it is made in Japan.

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  love my car?truck? - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Linda - December 4 - 9:03 pm

  1st time suv owner. Drives great and quiet. I have a few complaints but so far overall I would recommend this vehicle

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  All Around Great Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Ben Franklin - December 4 - 6:26 pm

  This is an all around great car. Good performance, good layout on the inside, soundly built, quiet - low road noise, large trunk. It has good pick up - there is a computer control of how it accelerates and this can act a little funny some times. It "learns" how you drive and adjusts for your driving style. Im not sure its always the best thing, but not a reason to avoid this car.

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  My dream car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Elaine Boudreaux - December 4 - 1:53 pm

  After reseraching many convertibles, I decided on the Solara based on my satisfaction with my 2001 Camry which I intended to keep as my work vehicle, however Hurricane Katrina claimed that car. The Solara convertible was so comfortable on the test drive that I knew this is the car I want.

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  Bargain at this price - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ColoradoToy - December 4 - 12:50 pm

  I just cant believe that for under $28k I drove off with a real 4x4 (ladder frame, coil springs, locking diff, 17" wheels, 4-Low, etc) third row seats for little kids, lots of power, convienience and safety features, and Toyota quality. I see people spending that much for Subarus and much more for Pilots and Volvo XCVs and RX-330s and quite frankly they dont really offer anything in comparison to this vehicle. They cant tow, the cant do real off-road, and they just arent as strong of a vehicle. It gets better mileage than our RX-300 did and blows it away in acceleration. We live in Colorado and every now and then we go down some rutted, rocky road and this thing gobbles it up.

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  Really Cute Fun Car! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By sampleuser04 - December 4 - 11:13 am

  Let me just say, 3 years ago when the Yaris first came out, I hated it. But now I own one in Jolt Yellow and its such an awesome car! It drives nice, better build quality and material then my 06 Corolla. Lots of standard safety features. It gets so many looks, with the colors alone. I love it and I am very happy! Most people really like my car too! Its not meant to be a speeder, but it does take off quickly when needed! The brakes are great too! I love the little side blinkers on the 2 door.

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  Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Marcia - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I like the vehicle and have had no problems with it. Sharper looking than some of the other Large SUVs on the market.

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  Best Car for Money Period - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By John H - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Only fault is cheap tires. Factory tires were General. Sorry, sorry tires. Hydroplaned awfully. Had it not been for ABS, would have wrecked at least twice in last two years. Bought Goodyear tires, all is well. Still, a car that sells for $28,000 should have Michelins. Very quiet! Very comfortable for 62", 300 lbs guy. Gas mileage only 21 in city (20 with AC), but close to 30 on highway. I would like power & handling more like Maxima. However, Maxima is no where near as comfortable for big men, no contest here. Fit and finish better than any other car Ive owned in my 55 years, period.