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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  98 4Runner - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By betsypalafox - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Extremely reliable, relatively comfortable, superb handling, and good performance for a V6. Only flat spot has been brakes (warped rotors repaired 2x under warranty). Really shines off- road (and this one regularly goes way off-road), & we havent found the stiff suspension & AT tires to be as jarring for in-town use as we thought we might. Great versatile vehicle if you need something for mom type use, as well as driving over rocks & through canyons in semi-arid west Texas.

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  Avalon - a space shutle? - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Anton911 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  The test drive felt like I was driving a Camry with bigger body. Very ugly and uncomfortable interior, exterior is not for everyone. Very poor corner handling, although engine is alright. Suspension is camry alike.

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  Its a " 5 door Sienna " - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By stoneharbor2000 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Edmunds: There was no selection for a 5-door 2000 Sienna on your website. I love the car, runs great.

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  RAV 4 buyers beware - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By The Pilot 2 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  MY RAV gets 24 MPG on highways while my Pilot gts 21MPG.Why the small difference. Both use premium gas and carry just my bag and lunch bag. Got rip off buying this car, swear will never get a TOYOTA, 6 of my co-workers got their cars from my Pilot dealer while 13 more are in line and gettin their first car. Its a personal crusade of mine to vear out every friend and acquaintance out from Toyota delearships

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  The Wilder Side of Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Joker0561 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  The relationship between the Camry and the Solara is a lot like the whole Clark Kent/Superman setup. For example, no one would suspect that the mild-mannered Camry sedan (a splendid example of automotive perfection in its own right) and the Solara, with its slick styling, beefy V6, and road-hugging 17 inchers, are one and the same. The truth is that this is about as close to a Lexus as you can get without actually getting one. Interior materials are of the highest quality, and for a Toyota, thats REALLY saying something.

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  One of the Very Best - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mcus02 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a true drivers car, the second you sit down, you feel right at home, everything is where it should be and the seats are comfortable. The car handles smoothly and there is a bit of understeer, which is a good thing in a front wheel drive car. A interesting character of the car is the size, it is considerd a midsize coupe, and feels just like one. I give the car almost a 10/10 in every catagory, please do yourself a favor and seriosly suggest getting one. P.S. Please E-Mail me if you have any questoins.

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  2004 Tacoma 4Dr. 4X2 TRD Limited. - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By TrackerDan - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This trucks only 300 miles old; but it is a pleasure to drive, quiet, and well prepared to do business. The 3.4 V6 will be running like new long after it is paid off. A big improvent in the automatic transmission. Cabin noise is whisper quiet. You will want the limited package for sure. A big difference in the seating comfort with the limited upgrade. The stereo is nice. The truck halls you know what. Im saving up for the turbocharger.

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  Sound and Reliable, a real joy. - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By skokie - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This Highlander rides and performs like a dream. Owned 2 Honda CRV`s and the Highlander rides much smoother.The exterior and interior are very finely crafted and a real joy to admire. The engine is a 6 cyl and the full time 4 wheel drive will be a pleasure to drive with confidence this winter. A truly beautiful vechicle!!

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  Love it, just needs a few tweaks - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By aquila - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I could not be more pleased with the smooth drive, "wood" trim, sound system, etc. The drivers seat can get a bit uncomfortable, and the blind spot on the left is especially hard to see. I get great gas mileage, and I love my cruise control. Great car to own.

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  Love Our Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By smokejumper1967 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  We had had our Corolla now for 3 months and have used it for three long trips of over 400 miles. The mileage was great at about 36+ miles per gallon at upward average speeds of between 70-80 mph. It is very zippy and has a good burst of energy to pass slower vehicles. A true value and worth the money.