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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  BUY A SOLARA! - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Toyota lover - February 3 - 8:23 pm

  I have put 75000 hard miles on this care in 3 years and I have not had a single problem. Its amazing. Highly recommended. Trade-in value is excellent also.

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  Car of the Century - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Mark Anthony - February 3 - 10:06 am

  The interior is much roomier than my 2006 Corolla. But Im only getting 40-45 mpg combined city and freeway driving contrary to 51-60 mpg on sticker. I tried using mostly cruise control as suggested by one of the reviewer but the lesser mileage I was getting. Better mileage if driving not more than 60 mph. The ride is a little bit bumpy. Powerful brake is great.

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  Super reliable vehicle - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By BruceK750 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in 1999, now has 72000 miles. It has never been back at the dealer since we purchased it. I never thought I would like driving a mini- van, but this Sienna drives like a car. I really enjoy driving it. Excellent gas mileage on the highway- avg mileage in town.

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  I love this Car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Eric Morales - February 2 - 2:00 am

  love the car Bad to deal with dealer

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  Toyota Matrix (Basic Model) - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By steelwife - February 2 - 2:00 am

  First let me say that I have always purchased American made vehicles and was skeptical about buying a Foreign made car. Before buying my Matrix, I used edmunds.com and other sites and did many hours of research. It wasnt until I saw and test drove the Matrix that I realized what I was missing!! When you first sit in this car, it has the feeling of a mini-van. The Matrix handles curves like a dream and is very fun to drive. I paid $16,388.00 for the base model which has an automatic transmission, cruise, A/C, power door,power locks and stereo with C/D player. The floor mats are even good quality and look snazzy with Matrix written at the corners!!!

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  First time Avalon owner - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By SusanK - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, very comfortable and efficient interior and dash display

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  Good truck. - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By johnny coolguy - February 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has a solid look and a solid feel. It has a hefty motor, thought not as hefty as chevy or ford but enough for most people. The four full doors make it great for the wife and the dogs to be comfortable while the interior is comfortable and boasts all the necessities. All in all this is a great truck that looks good and performs well.

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  Incredible truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve L. - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I can tell you this truck is worth every second of wait and every dime! (four hundred thousand dimes that is). The ride is so smooth that you get a sensation of floating over the road. Yes you can feel road bumps and holes, but greatly reduced. The interior cabin is so quiet that nobody knows Im in the car when talking on the cell phone. The JBL Synthesis DVD system is absolutely amazing! I did not even realize until about 2 weeks into ownership that it actually plays DVD- Video and DVD-Audio--which offers unsurpassed audio fidelity. The truck is very powerful and has incredible pick-up.

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  My First Toyota - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Kbuhmann - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I checked out the competition before I bought this and nothing compares. It has been real fun to have

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  Luxury Coupe FLAWLESS - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mar_cee - February 2 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 Arctic Frost Pearl Solara with Ivory Leather interior is great. The exterior/interior is totally different from the previous model, the new model is luxury and old model is sporty. GOOD DEAL on the the new body style!!!!! The drive is great: smooth & quiet. This car is definitely for a LADY!