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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  Just love it! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ben - October 25 - 1:00 pm

  I just bought my Toyota Solara SE V6, and I am very pleased. I had a hard time finding a car that I wanted, and the more I drive it, the more I love it. The cabin is super quiet with little road, engine or wind noise. Makes those long drives very relaxing. I love having the extra power when I need it. If you buy a Camry, buy the V6, because I found the four cyl to be less responsive. Styling is beautiful! Great car, for a great price.

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  refelct - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nancy - October 25 - 11:36 am

  I enjoy my vehicle I have only had it for about 2 months, To this point I am very pleased and all of my 17 yr olds friends think that I have the finest truck.

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  Limited 99 - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By rogersd - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this product because there is not a more rugged SUV on the market. It drives live a truck, but that is what makes this durable long lasting truck what it is. Although, after driving American made SUVs the 4-Runner is a much more substantial, sturdy, squeek free vehicle. It feels less "loosy goosy" than the Explorer. Fit and finish is what sold me on the 4-Runner. The 4-Runner is not as plasticy as the competition. Toyota knows how to make good vehicles, that is what I paid for. I could have spend what I did for an RX300, but they are really different vehicles all together.

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  One great car. - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By tigkoly - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I picked up my Prius on Sept. 30, 2000. I have a one way drive to work of 60 miles and currently have just over 52,000 miles. I drive 74 mph back and forth to work every day and even at that speed have plenty of acceleration when I want it. The gas milage is great. I have saved about 490 gallons of gas compared to a car that gets 28 miles per gallon. I drive almost exclusively on the highway and I get right at 38 mpg @ 74 mph. The only bad thing I can say about this car is that the front end is so short that I get alot of chips on the hood from road debris. That is the only bad thing this car has to offer.

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  Great Car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By abuttimer - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I highly recommend this vehicle for anyone interested in a car that starts every time. Keep gas in it and worry about more important things in life than your car.

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  Everything Except a Rearview - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By walter99 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Blast to drive. Very peppy, great brakes, outstanding handling, and ubelievable milage for the amount of fun you will have driving this car. One warning. Test drive this car before you drive. Depending on your seating position, rear and side visibility can range from below average to non-exisistent.

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  Toyota Reliability - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Camryrose - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Originally traded my T100 to get this car. I was saving to get Camry Solara. This car has been so reliable and economical I couldnt justify selling it after only having it one year. The only maintenance this vehicle has required was the 60,000 mile maintenance, oil changes and a new set of tires.

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  Unsurpassed Quality - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By coda1970 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Well optioned 4x4, L package, power door locks/windows/moonroof. Looks very sporty, recieved several compliments. I bought it for the wife, I wasnt fond of cute-utes. Fell in love with it after first 100 miles. Unbelievably stable, even in 35 mile cross winds.

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  Good - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Meccaman - October 25 - 2:00 am

  great car

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  What do I fix - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By toyotajeff - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck when I was looking for a 4x4 and ended up being happy even though it is a 2wd. Other than general maintenance I have yet to repair anything ( in fact most mechanics Ive talked to have yet to make repairs on this model). I love my taco and I never had any problems with the interior but I think they had an access of clocks cause they used the same one in my 87 4runner.