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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  Good car, but some concerns - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ubermunch - January 29 - 8:00 pm

  Good car, but the first one we got had a huge flaw in the mounting of the drivers side door which cause water to come into the car. Car was swapped for a duplicate model and weve been happy so far. Check the door for fit. Car drives very well but dont expect sporty speed or cornering - its not that kind of car. Interior is well designed except for crummy cupholders. Love the aux jack and its location. Multifunction display is actually useful. Roof operates well but the lack of independent control for the rear windows is odd and annoying. Roof quality is excellent but the blind spot is larger than my previous convertibles. Overall: B+ to A-

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  A Great Car for the Individualist - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Herb - January 29 - 7:13 pm

  The convertible is generally wonderful; great ergonomics, unique style quiet interior, and great ride.

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  2000 MR-S - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mark Cookson - January 29 - 10:00 am

  These cars are excellent. The performance is great, the handling is even better, and youll never get more looks from people with another car. One thing I do need to warn you about is the pre-catalytic converters for pre- 02s. They are known to go bad and will ruin the engine. The easiest remedy is to simply gut the pre-cats. Its most likely illegal to do but techincally wouldnt make the car fail emissions. It only takes away its LEV rating. Id much rather lose that than my engine. Another route is to have an engine from 2002 up put in there as they dont seem to be affected. (disclaimer, I assume no liabilty if you gut the pre-cats. its easy to do but requires a bit of work.)

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  1997 toyota rav4, 5spd. manual, 2WD - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By mustafa - January 29 - 10:00 am

  It is fun to drive. Nice body styling. Shifts a little rough. Good gas milage. Could have a better AM/FM Casette.

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  4WD Tundra - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Stoney - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Great 4wd. Over built engine will last a long time.

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  Great Choice...very happy - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By jcolumbu - January 29 - 10:00 am

  After being a lifer Chevy/Ford person, my wife bought a Camry and weve been hooked on Toyota since. I spens a lot of time looking around at the Big 3 and decided to go with the Tundra and Im glad I did. It has been rock solid...no problems, good power, handles great. I dont use 4WD much other than the winter, but it is nice to have. The brakes seem fine to me, I was surprised to see others complaining about them. Ive had heavy loads in the bed, it sagged down low as expected but took it fine. Id recommend this to anyone.

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  Toyota Tundra 2002 - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By troy slicker - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent fullsize truck, with excellent build quaility. I would buy another in a heart beat.I live Arizona and the summers are hot and A.C. is excellent. If you buy Tundra get the V8 you will be happy.

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  Best 1/2 ton on the market - bar none - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Greg1234 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I find it comical these clowns that give it realy low ratings have nothing better to do than put down trucks they wish they could afford. After owning a 81,91 F150, 96 full sized bronco and multipul Honda cars and minivans I came to the conclustion the Hondas were superior vehicles to Fords. Honda does not make a truck so I bought the tundra. As far as people saying they are not work capable, that is just pure garbage. Its funny that my Tundra will pull my trailer loaded with my Kubota tractor (together weigh in at just over 5000lbs) over Parleys summit easily at 70mph. My Bronco w/ 5.8L barley did that alone.

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  Best SUV on the road - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav4life - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Extremely smooth and quiet ride. No drifting on the freeways, and very spacious for front-seat-only commuters.

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  Great Family Sedan - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Oliver25 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Our second Camry. 1st one went over 160K before we sold it. This one is a fine example of the top engineering and materials that Toyota puts into their cars. Dont be tempted by those low priced GM cars. You get what you pay for.