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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  Reliability, Performance and Fun - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By shbhatia - April 24 - 7:36 am

  I bought this used 2000 Solara in 2004 with 24K miles on it. It has Potent V6 engine, Stick shift, leather interiors, sunroof... everything. I wanted to go for a BMW 330Ci but got this baby for less than half the price. I am extremely happy with the decision. This car is so comfortable that I can drive from Virginia to NY with minimum fatigue, a sports car can kill you for doing that. Its so reliable almost maintenance free. It very quiet to drive and pickup is unbelievable for a car of this size... it can fit 5 adults, 6+ comfortably... fuel economy is good, looks great. Not to forget the sound system that great too... In short there is nothing bad about this car that I can share....

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  Simply the Best - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By Sam - April 24 - 5:10 am

  I bought my 2009 Toyota Sienna a few days ago and already put 200 miles on it. I love driving it, it is very comfortable both the ride and all the seats. The power of the 3.5L V6 is amazing for being in such a big van. I have 200 miles on my van and i just got to a half tank, the engine is not yet broken in yet. The DVD player is clear and it comes with an awesome JBL sound system. I would recommend the Sienna over any minivan. It comes standard with the Toyota Star Safety System, which has VSC, Traction control, ABS, Brake assist, and 7 standard airbags. Go look at one, you wont be disappointed.

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  Great MPG - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By green guy - April 23 - 7:30 pm

  After 4 weeks this car is great. still learning all the controls. 95 mile trip today ( 2 towns & HWY drive ) MPG is 60.7. Yes I drive a little over the speed limit. Great space, moved up from an Outback. I wonder how it will drive in the winter? Total MPG on both A& B trip OD is 59+.

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  Love my SLE Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By JLB - April 23 - 6:10 am

  I ordered my SLE convertible in June 2005, and it arrived in October 2005. I wanted the ground effects and the only way I could get it on an SLE was to order it from the factory. The car is great to drive and now that spring is almost here, Ill enjoy it even more. I get lots of compliments whenever I drive it. The exterior design is sexy, but not too over the top. Ive wanted a convertible for many years, and Im glad I waited to buy this one. For the price, quality, and reliability, you cant go wrong buying a Solara.

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  "CLASS VAN" - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By JAIME ST. CROIX - April 22 - 9:36 pm

  WELL ALL AROUND VEHICLE. EASY TO REACH AND SET CONTROLS.

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  Simply The Best - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Peggy - April 22 - 8:33 pm

  I did extensive research before buying my first SUV, and have not been disappointed in my selection. My Highlander has been extremely reliable, not one problem in almost 2 years and 42,000 miles. Its comfortable, roomy, drives like a car, and gets good gas mileage. I was worried about having sufficient power with the 4-cylinder engine, but it definitely delivers the power when needed. I cant imagine owning any other car - except maybe a Highlander Hybrid. I would recommend this SUV to anyone who is looking for the best value & ride for their money.

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  Still driving it after 12 years - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By UPDATED REVIEW - April 22 - 5:50 pm

  In May 1996 I bought this 4 cylinder Camry LE and added only the ABS as the only option. Now a little over 12 years later I am still driving her and she has been great. The original engine was replaced in June 2006 because some idiot decided to rev the engine past the red zone on the tachometer which resulted in it blowing up and shooting a piston through the oil pan but the guy owned up and paid to have a brand new engine from Japan installed and currently has 20,000 miles on it. The old engine did have a slight oil leak but now the new one will last at least 100K. Gas mileage is much better than my sisters 01 Accord V6 and even though the 4 is underpowered, Ill take the better gas any day

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  I will never buy a non hybrid again - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By John - April 22 - 8:53 am

  We average between 45 and 50 mpgs. Great little car. Plenty of room inside for four adults. No complaints at all. Wife loves it also.

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  20,000 Miles in 5 Months - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Sky - April 22 - 5:26 am

  Ive put 20,000 miles on my FJ in the last 5 months and have nothing but good things to say, no mechanical problems and it performs better than I could have imagined. I have taken it offroad on some of the most difficult 4WD roads in Colorado and it has performed as well as or better than my 97 Jeep Wrangler. I have been on multiple 10+ hour drives and it remained comfortable to sit in (although on a 5 hour trip 2 passengers in the back seat complained about the rear seats being uncomfortable). Biggest complaint is that for a professed offroad vehicle the front bumper can not accept a winch and I am replacing it with an after market steel bumper that will. Very happy!

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  I love my car! - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tonya - April 22 - 4:16 am

  I have been waiting to buy this car for two years and I am not disappointed at all. It is everything I hoped it would be. I love driving my new car!