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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  Best Car ever! - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By rippingmk - December 9 - 6:46 am

  Original Owners of this 2001 Toyota sienna got it way back in 2001 and just keeps on chugging along. Only one big big project was done on it and that was transmission replacement because the fluid was getting burnt. 99,741 Im expecting to see 100,000 miles within the next 2 weeks!`

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  More of a blog - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By John Beven - December 9 - 4:56 am

  I have put 1000 miles on this RAV4 Sport 6. It goes very fast, and has many carelike qualities. A good thing. I cannot understand why Toyota puts that stupid radio antenna, waggling on the right side; especially in light of its excellent build quality. I have the JBL upgrade. So, it is incongruous to see a 1990s whip antenna! It comes with light truck tires. Mine with Yokahama Geolanders. That is nuts. One orders a sport 4 X 2. I will NEVER go off road. The logic is vacuous. Hence, I changed to the new, quiet, stickier MXV 4 S8 from Michelin. What a joy!. Now at 70, it does not sound or feel like a tundra. I have been to LA and back to LV. Excellent. The V6 for trips. The I4 for town.

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  pgprius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By PGville - December 8 - 7:46 pm

  This has been a wonderful car have gone 13000 in one year no problems. Mileage averages about 46mpg. Minimal polution

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  I Love My Sexy Yaris!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By goldieee - December 8 - 8:56 am

  I drive the 3 door hatchback and its the cutest little car ever, cuter than the Volkswagen buggy, Minicooper, etc. People always comment about how adorable my car is. Im always happy at the pump because it only costs me about 30-35 dollars to fill up the tank, and it lasts about 1.5-2 weeks. Its roomy, comfortable, and reliable! :)

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  Great Ride - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By The Barbarian - December 8 - 7:10 am

  I bought the matrix because I needed a utility vehicle that had good gas mileage. The back seats fold perfectly flat, and with the front passenger seat down, I have 8 ft of plastic covered space I can haul lumber and gardening stuff in for home projects.

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  Better than expected - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Sheroo - December 6 - 10:00 am

  We got this car for my wife. She is petite and wanted a sporty look and I wanted something safe with good gas mileage. This was the perfect balance. We have driven it all over northeast and even taken it camping. the boot space is terrific and can accomodate almost anything you need. gas mileage is almost 31/38. Braking is very good and it handles very well in snow and city Ice. We r in Buffalo, NY and u dont have a better place to test that. She loves the look and the drive I love the handling and utility. My Wife wants to keep it forever.

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  THE AWESOME AVALON! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By WAVESURFERX - December 6 - 10:00 am

  DRIVING THE AVALON XLS HAS BEEN A GREAT EXPERIENCE. THE CAR IS QUIET, QUICK, LOOKS GOOD AND IS VERY COMFORTABLE. HOWEVER I AM GLAD THAT I PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRENTY BECAUSE IT PAID FOR ITSELF DUE TO STRUT AND AIR CONDITIONER/BLOWER PROBLEMS. IF YOU WANT LUXURY AT A REASONABLE PRICE GET AN AVALON. PS - THE TRACTION CONTROLL SAVED MY BUTT MORE THAN ONCE!

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  Its Awsome Baby! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lilpioneer12 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car that hold four people comfortably and it is real quiet compared to previous comvertables

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  I Love this car!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AlwaysAToyota - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Solara about a month ago and I absolutely love it! Ive had 3 Toyota vehicles in the past so I knew I would buy another, and I havent been disappointed! This is an attractive car and it drives even better. I love the power of the V6 and found it was good on gas. The interior is really comfortable and spacious and the radio sounds excellent too. I purchased mine in red in the SE sport trim and have gotten so many compliments on what Im driving! So if youre looking for a car thats affordable and want to look good driving it go with the Solara, I feel youll be just as pleased as I am.

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  Wanted it all! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Nicole Vargas - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I promise you I feel like I got it. I had an appointment at a BMW dealership but thought that I would give myself the peace of mind of looking at EVERYTHING! I said to myself that I would only get a SUV with a third row seat or a BMW. I was feeling that the only thing out there with a fold flat was the explorer and I really did not want a Ford. I am so glad that I did not settle. I am also glad that I gave the Highlander a chance. The minute I sat in the Highlander I knew that I was going to drive away in it. I was comfortable and VERY nicely appointed. The best deal out there. Appointed better the the BMW and cheaper. What more can I ask for!!