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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  Best of the reasonable priced cars - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jeepers - September 9 - 6:16 pm

  Got an electric blue with all goodies. Have had convertibles for 40 plus years. This is the best all around car I have had. Why are they stopping making it??

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  I really love this car. - 2013 Toyota Yaris
  By septembersrain - September 9 - 4:14 pm

  I originally had this car as a rental. I actually felt its reliability and eager anticipation of me using the passing gear. I love how the car feels bigger than it is. The interior could use a bit more softer materials to make it easier to keep clean and scratch/damage free. It also needs arm rests, Unfortunately that isnt a standard feature. When given premium gas, This car actually gets quite perky! Needless to say, I returned the rental but bought one exactly like it with 3 doors instead of 5. I love it! The black pearl paint really glimmers in the sun....

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  Love my RAV - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Ifti - September 9 - 3:40 pm

  After months of due diligence I decided to go for RAV4. I am pleased with the decision I made and my friends and collegues are impressed too. Its zippy, good on mileage (22mpg city/30mpg highway), compact and good pick (better than my previous v6 dodge intrepid). Its great value for the price. Great looks and great performance backed by Toyotas reputation, I think its the best compact SUV in the market. Safety features, especially side curtain air bags, helped me get good insurance rates and peace of mind, of course.

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  2nd Time Around - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By THEAL - September 9 - 2:53 pm

  This is my 2nd Camry. My first was a 2002 which I love and still have. My 2005 is even better. I love the steering wheel mounted radio controls, the extra cog in the tranny, and the slight bump in HP and fuel economy. This car is smooth as can be. Great car for long trips. Interior materials are better quality than the 07 redesign. I love the fact that all I have to do is general maintenance. I have no troubles with this car or my 02 (which now has 140,000 miles). Have not had to see a mechanic not even once. As far as sportiness, there is none to be had here, look elsewhere. But if you are looking for a good car, that is smooth, quiet and reliable, then look no further than the Camry.

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  Proven, Capable, SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By onthe4frnt - September 9 - 1:21 pm

  Bought this used with 89,000 miles from a friend who took very good care of the vehicle. Cant be happier with my new purchase, extremely reliable, no rattles or squeaks. Gas mileage is the only sticking point, but was expected when purchasing the vehicle. Surprisingly, Im getting better gas mileage than what I expected. The trip computer on the car states 21.9 - 22 MPG, but calculating the mileage by hand is about 19 - 20.5 mpg. Thats with 50/50 city/hwy driving. Navigation is decent, slightly cumbersome system, not as easy as Garmin. Leather is like-new and heat seaters are amazing!

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  Fast Rav4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By cjd2966 - September 9 - 12:46 pm

  Fast little crossover with loads of power. Sport handling is excellent with firm ride and tire grip. Good amount of storage and great flip seats. Perfect for us and our dogs.

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  The new Ultimate SUV - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Chad from Mill Creek - September 9 - 10:50 am

  Drives like a sedan with a bit of sport feel. In the snow its an animal, you cant loose control and I tried.

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  Economical Sports Car! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By GUY_HANDY - September 9 - 9:50 am

  I have owned this car since new, body #251. This has been an exceptional car with the only mechanical problem being a belt tensioner that squeals a bit on cold wet days (Toyota has a Service Bulletin, and I should have had this replaced under warranty). This car feels so tightly put together, I honestly think Ill have it for another decade. Its economical on gas and insurance but delivers real sports car fun. Handling and braking are exceptional (corvette territory). Acceleration could be better but 0-60 in the low 7 sec range is just fine. Sixth gear on a long highway trip is a relaxing idle at 80mph. Highly stable even at triple digit speeds (youll never hit top end... 155mph)

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  Best in Class - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Jugdish - September 9 - 5:46 am

  Replaced a 2003 Chrysler T&C Ltd, had many problems covered by warranty, but got sick of down time. The Sienna has a far better ride than the chrysler and seems to have a better reilability history. Passed on the Sienna XLE Ltd, as I thought the price did not justify the difference in options. Overall a great ride.

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  What you see..... - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By kevink - September 9 - 12:23 am

  Yaris is exactly what you see is what you get. The power is impressive for a 1.5L 4 cyl and trans is smooth shifting. I average 33.7 mpg; coming from a Tundra V8, I cant complain. Seats are a little tight for my middle aged expanding backside, but this car is aimed at the skinny youthful set. Center mounted instrument pod stinks!