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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  Avalon, Toyota, 2001 - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalon - September 20 - 2:00 am

  An excellent vehicle... smooth, quiet, and powerfull... more room and comfort for front and back passengers than the many SUVs I test drove... roomy trunk... big enough to feel secure, safe, and comfortable, and small enough to still feel somewhat sporty.

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  Voted Best Midsize Sedan for 1994 - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By krg61 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is overall the best car I have ever owned. Sleek and comfortable, no major problems when serviced regularly. Definitely a car for either rush hour or for road trips. When it came down between this and a Honda Accura, the Camry won, hands down.

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  The Greatest Car in the World - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By TheMan - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is so perfect there is noyhing negative to write!!!

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  Beautiful car - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By coolcar - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is georgous... although its been around for 3 yrs now, the body is still beautiful!! It looks fast, drives fast (especially around the corners) and still get looks from other drivers. GT base engine is surprisingly fast, even with an automatic!!!

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  Hard to beat - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By prnitz - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The SE version of this car with the V6, 5 speed, leather package and moonroof are the way to go. Mine is black over charcoal. Beautiful car with typical Toyota quality build. Only thing I would add is a little more horsepower to keep up with the Acura and Accord in the same class. All in all, could not have made a better purchase for the money.

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  Wonderful Workhorse - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Frann - September 20 - 2:00 am

  We upgraded from a 1992 SR5 4WD PU to this Tundra because our rough rock business needed a bigger vehicle. The ride is very smooth even off road. It pulls our trailer without problems, even when the truck bed is loaded with rough rock material. The interior is extremely comfortable and for the most part, the lights and buttons are located within visual range and within reach. Would, and have, recommended this model to those who ask.

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  Its hard not to love this car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jedi - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I just put 1,000 miles on my new XRS and Ive enjoyed every mile of it. It took me a little time to learn how to really drive this car. You can shift at around 4,000 rpm and get a really smooth ride out of it. Or you can rev it up to its power band (6,000-8,000 rpm) and get a lot more speed out of it, But keeping it in the power band takes a little practice on the open road. looking at the car you would not think it handles nearly as well as it does. It has a low center of gravity which gives it great handling around turns at high speeds. Do try and See this car in person, pictures do not do it justice. Its truly a joy to drive and its practical.

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  YOu Love it Or you hate it. - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By GEORGES - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing to say about this car ...power is adequate and handling is great....But options are very expensive. Good SUV

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  Pleased with Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Hans L. - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The more I drive this vehicle the more I like it. It took a little getting used to, since I drive 3 other vehicles. Overall Im fully satisfied with my choice of getting the Highlander.

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  what a super car! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By ellen - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my new car less than a week,but I love it! It rides great,it is very roomy inside,easy access to all the controls. I love the sun roof and the alloy wheels make it look spectacular. I was torn between the corolla and the civic until I drove the new corolla. The civic was too small inside,i felt cramped when I was behind the wheel. Not that you will be sitting there often,but the back seat is so roomy, even for a man with long legs. I also like all the little compartments for your CDs or whatever. you also get two AC adapters. I would highly recommend this car.