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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  I highly recommend this car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Navyguy - April 24 - 4:23 pm

  In 2003 I bought a new Toyota Camry LE and I recently sold it. I bought a 2007 Lexus ES350. Overall I loved the car it is very reliable. I drive 70- 75 mph and get over 30 mpg. I had no issues with the car all I had to do was basic things like replace the breaks, and get a 100K tune up. I highly recommend this car. Lexus and Toyota are just hands down better than the competition. I am a tall guy 63 and there is plenty of room for me to feel comfortable. The back has plenty of room and you can also store quite a bit of groceries in the trunk. Overall this is a solid car but after six years it was time for an upgrade.

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  Love This Old Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By cddc - April 24 - 7:10 am

  Edmonds does not show the 2002 Toyota V8 SR5 Access Cab Tundra so I am putting it in with the 4X4 version.

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  Still lovin it! - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By yolee1 - April 24 - 12:31 am

  An update to a review I posted in 2010. Ive had the car for 2 years, 68000 miles on it now, absolutely no problems with it is so far. I love my car! Recently replaced the low profile tires which were a bit expensive but must say work great in the snow (feel more comfortable driving this car in the snow than I did driving my last small SUV, handles great). Getting in and out of the car is more of a challenge (especially for my hubby) but I love the sporty look and feel of it so I guess thats the price you gotta pay. We definitely made the right switch from Chevy to Toyota, our Chevy parts supply guy is probably wondering what happened. Hope to drive my Solara for the next 10 years!

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  Lucky me - I now own 2!! :-) - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Alyssa516 - April 23 - 11:13 pm

  Back in 2006 I had hopes for the super red - sigh - only a black one available but color of car not that impt. I love driving this car. Now I have just gotten my second one, a 2008 Super RED. Its TDF imho. After owning various Lexus ES300, GS300 and ES350 models since 1993. Im thrilled to now currently own 2 sport looking and super comfortable drive cars. In fact they remind me very much of my husbands stunning SC400 Lexus sport coupes. If you have the chance to get one of the SLEs before they are no longer available (sad, this is the last year for my fav. car) try to get one!:-)

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  WOW :) - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Elsie - April 23 - 11:00 pm

  Im so glad I decided to buy a new car and not a used one. The car is super nice and comfortable. I personally believe its a young womans car. The experience of driving and owning this vehicle has been great. All my rides are smooth and comfortable... totally recommend it.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By bxNel2007 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  It was a wise choice, this car is great on gas, easy to find parking, and it looks funky.

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  buy it - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By alex2 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, easy to drive with very good handling. Not a speed demon but neither is anyhting else in this class. Great on trips, highways and aroung town. Would highlt recomend.

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  Solara convertible shakiy and shudders - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rep - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Review by Cleveland Plain Dealer auto editor says the car is "less than mediocre" because the car shudders and shakes over the slightest road bumps as does the steering wheel. Poor rear visibility with top up due to large non- adjustable rear seat head rests and blind spot from side of top. Would like auto lock and unlock latches for top as in BMW 3 series. Would like automatic boot for top as in Audi Cabriolet even if it would cost some more. Would like option of body side moldings as on 2003 model. Seat belts dont move easily when tethered in belt hoder which also unlatches.

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  Best car ever - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By mfleming - April 23 - 8:06 am

  This is easily the best car Ive ever owned (Ive been driving Acuras for the past 10 years). It is good looking, extremely comfortable, and packed with every safety feature known to mankind. Handling is accurate and acceleration adequate for anything but the Indy 500. Mileage is outstanding, better than anything except the Prius and Civic Hybrid. I have found the EPA ratings to be quite achievable. In my opinion saving gas is a compelling civic duty.

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  Great SUV with so so fuel economy - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By City Hunter - April 23 - 6:06 am

  This is my first toyota SUV, traded in my older Camry. A smooth and powerful V6 engine, quiet and comfortable ride, nice interior layout and romminess. excellent build quality. But strong engine vibration when cold start, eventually will gone after engine warm up. need to bring back to dealer to check up. Steering and handling are secure but not sound. Fuel economy only so so, Im conservative drive and try to lite on gas. I only get around 15 mpg mix driving. Rear door hatch is heavy to open and close. Overall is a very nice SUV with some negative.