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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  Approaching 200k - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Houston Commuter - October 9 - 10:00 am

  After having bought the Avalon used in 99 with 40K, I have yet to have a major repair. Recommened maintenance, brakes, tires & time belts yes but no major repairs. Now approaching 200k with this track record ... why would I consider anything else.

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  solidly built for a niched vehicle - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By eandlcubed - October 9 - 10:00 am

  it is peppy for a hybrid vehicle. seats are very comfortable for long ride (many trips from dc to detroit). engine is little loud under hard acceleration. the headlights is not too bright. cupholders are too shallow for cans and tall cups. because of the small tire/wheels, car seems to wander in heavy wind,

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  Great car - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By JudyBriz - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Celica in March of this year. I LOVE IT. This is the first foreign car I have bought, and I am now a convert. The handling is great, and it has plenty of get up and go.

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  You wont find a Better Value - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By potomacdude - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 1999 red Solara used a little more than a year ago. The previous owner had leased it and only put 17,000 miles on the car in over 3 years. It now has about 31,000 miles on it. This is the best car I have ever owned. The car is beautiful inside and out and an absolute pleasure to drive. The steering is tight, the ride is smooth and the back seats have ample space. I have had zero problems with this car, and it is now almost 5 years old. I expect to keep this car a long time and would heartily recommend it to anyone looking for a stylish, reliable and reasonably priced car. I doubt there is any car out there that is a better value.

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  Love my Trix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By SpeedTek - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a blast since day one. It would be nice if Toyota would give them a little more low end torque, but once you get them rolling, these babies go! Excellent cargo space and utilty all rolled up into a very eye appealing package. I get so many comments on this car its unbelievable. Very comfortable on long trips, good on gas and fun to drive. A winner in my books.

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  toyota avalonxls - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By bobw - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Rides as good or better than wifes lexus. also has more head-room than the lexus. It is fun to drive and handles well. Have had no mechanical breakdowns in 73,000 miles. Didnt have to get breaks for over 60,000 miles. Most comfortable and fun car as well as most reliable that I have ever owned.

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  My first 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Probos - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it for a week and all I can say is its AWESOME. With out a doubt the best melding of luxury and toughness out there! Love the ride, comfort, handling and power this beauty has, the new V6 engine is just stellar. The ride is much more comfy than my previous vehicle (Jeep Cherokee) but it still feels tight and responsive.

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  A must now with $4/gal gas - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Ken - October 8 - 11:20 pm

  I traded a 2005 Avalon for this car. A bit apprehensive at first, not anymore. My second car is a 2007 Corvette and my wife and I fight for who gets the Prius. I am 62 230 and have adequate room, total volume is more than adequate. Gas mileage after 3000+ is over 50 best was 57.3 worst 43.8 (was driving it like my vette... fast). Mostly highway driving, very smooth surprising power. We are educating ourselves how to get good mileage with the consumption readout. This car is FUN to drive, fun to own, safe with all the safety features, helps the environment by reducing emissions and fuel useage. We figure in 2 years it will pay for itself. Recently we sold our 3rd vechile 2005 tundra. *smiles*

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  Nice Rig - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By GaryODS1 - October 8 - 8:33 pm

  05 Double Cab S/B 4X4 V6 5Speed Auto, SR5 with trailer towing, limited slip Nice truck, much better interior room (I fit!!) I’m 6’6” and a bit fluffy, plenty of power, but smooth and quiet. I’ve only had my truck for about 1.5 weeks, but I’m impressed. The new 5 speed transmission was built for this V6 and economy. In town the engine is turning 1,200-1,700 RPM getting around 18 MPG. On the road @77 MPH / 20,6 MPG, @ 63 / 23.6 MPG. At 70 the engine is only turning 2K The ride is a little stiff (its a truck ya know) but comfortable, quiet on the road. I compared Dakota, Canyon/Colorado and Tacoma, The Taco won hands down for value, fit and finish

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  Good Car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By twocruzin - October 8 - 6:26 pm

  Have had the car for four months now and its working out very nice. It now has over 7k miles on it and we just got back from a 4k trip. Gas mileage on the trip ranged from 27 on very hilly interstate to over 33 on flat interstate all with A/C on. At home we consistently get 30 to 32. We like the higher profile of the car and the ease of getting in and out. The headrests are a problem for short people (5) as weve had to turn one around to accommodate my wife otherwise it pushes into her head. We dont care for the low profile tires as they ride rather hard on the country roads where we live if inflated to recommended pressure (32 psi). Theyre better at 30. Like the 17" wheels though.