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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  Not a race car - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By yoski - September 16 - 7:20 am

  The Yaris is definitely not a performance car. If you want to burn some rubber, look elsewhere. Highway miles going 60 - 70 I got 42 mpg while running AC. City only I got mid 30s with AC and driving conservatively. Comfortable and handles well. Had a Tercel before that was still running well @ 177K miles. Tercel gave me no headaches ever, hope this car will be as reliable. Stereo system is so-so but does the job. Radio reception is poor. Interior is roomy, seats are nice, instruments are clearly visible. Everything is manual (windows, locks), so theres less stuff to brake. If youre looking for a reliable economy car that gets great gas mileage and doesnt brake the bank look no further.

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  Awesome SUV - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By bj - September 16 - 5:40 am

  I ordered a Highlander (Sport) model with the TRD supercharger in late 1999 and have owned this ever since. It still rides like new, the car looks awesome with the hood scoop. I have not seen a better looking SUV. The newer 4Runners have too much cladding. This body style is very clean looking. Not the most powerful SUV but very quick. You cant beat Toyota reliability. Excluding maintenance costs, I have spent $0 repairs since purchasing the car.

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  Zero Remorse Factor - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By AustinJim - September 16 - 3:53 am

  Very satisfied after 500 mi in-town, 500 mi highway. All expectations met or exceeded. Get 18+ mpg city; 25 hwy. My previous car was a 91 Acura Legend Coupe and yet I dont feel any let down in handling, acceleration, comfort or quality. The 05 is MUCH nicer than the small-truckish 96-02 body style in ride, comfort, room, performance, and quality of materials. Handles all types of small and large bumps and potholes with a muted, rounded little THuB-THuP. None of the old porpoising after a high- speed bump. No XREAS (SR5) but dont regret it.

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ardalan2003 - September 16 - 1:56 am

  I was in the market for a hybrid car. Toyota Camry seemed a good choice, but with long waiting list and more importantly poor acceleration, I changed my mind. As soon as I saw the 2007 Solara, I knew that I wanted this car. It is very stylish, powerful and comes with features that anyone would love. It is a very fun to drive car and you dont see too many of these cars around either. The price is certainly better than the other competitors. I love this car.

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  nice car - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Mary allen - September 15 - 10:06 pm

  We have owned this car for a few months and it really stands out, but one problem is 2003 Toyota Sienna CE had more feauters than this LE, but not including the Homelink or the folding seats. The fuel economy is average for its power. Another thing is that the Honda Ody. EX without leather cost the same but with much better features like two power sliding doors and 6 CD changer!!

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  Ok but gas isnt cheap - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By fyreman - September 15 - 8:33 pm

  Its supposed to get 25-32 mpg. but in reality, it gets 21-33 mpg depending on the driving you do. It revs about 3k rpm at 70mph and stays relativly quiet. Ive yet to drive it in snow but well see this winter. Its got a lot of room for stuff in back and the seats fold completely flat. It hauls my 69" fishing poles inside with ease between the bucket seats or with the front seat down. If I only had room to haul drywall, it would be a great value.

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  Great compact car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Kathleen36 - September 15 - 5:50 pm

  Drives very smooth and after 6000 rpms speeds up quite a bit. Its easy to park and has a nice interior for a cheaper compact car. Overall, I love driving it and havent had a single problem so far!

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  Nice Car, But... - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By CW - September 15 - 5:10 pm

  I recently purchased this certified pre-owned vehicle. Smooth, quiet ride, but gas mileage isnt what I had hoped. My 1998 Oldsmobile seemingly got better mileage. I purchased the car for reliability, dependability, more importantly, for fuel efficiency. I did a lot of in-town driving & it was less than the advertised 24 mpg.

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  Enviromentally friendly AND fun! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Nancy - September 15 - 2:10 pm

  We have bought Toyotas before, but never and SUV. THe price is the ONLY thing that has given us pause so far, everything else has been great. WOuld highly recommend this vehicle, but recommend waiting for the price to go down.

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  Thumbs Up - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Ivy - September 15 - 1:40 pm

  My job requires that I drive every day anywhere from 10 to 30 miles one way. Im getting 27.5 mpg compared to the 14 from my previous SUV. Thats both highway and city driving. Im hoping to increase mpg slowly. That being said, so far my HH has been great. Happy that I dont visit the gasoline station as often as before. Quiet ride, love it that the car engine is on (electric) and isnt using up gas. Dont notice the change from gas to electric anymore. Maybe it got better or I just dont notice. Smooth ride and great handling. The little plus is that Im not putting out any "greenhouse gases" as one reviewer put it. This puts a smile on my face.