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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  The Amazing Camry!! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Sweet Cheeks - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This car has always been very reliable, with minimal maintenance probablems.

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  Best yet - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By marvinikatz@att.net - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I drive alot, like 40,000 a year. Ive had no major or minor problems what so ever. Gas mileage could be better. I bought the truck in N.M. and at high altitude, got 28-31 mpg. At sea level, mileage dropped to 19-21, or about 100 miles per tank of gas, which is 15 gals. Id buy another one.

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  Fun, interesting, AND economical - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By mhartley - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I have to admit I expected a fuddy- duddy car that would get great gas mileage. I was completely wrong. The acceleration is very good. I would say it is as good as any 6 cylinder sedan. The most amazing part is the lack of a traditional transmission. There is no engine noise, no whine, and no feeling of shifting, so you dont have the verbal clues as to speed. The toys on the high end model are as good as any car made. The navigation system also has Bluetooth phone capabilities. Calls come in and display on the car screen. You anser with a button on the steering wheel that also mutes the stereo.

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  Good car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Highlanderfan - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Now have over 20,000 miles on our Highlander and still love it. We also own a Lexus LS400 but always take the Highlander on trips. Not sure why, but just seem to prefer the Highlander. Is it perfect? No, but it really is a nice road car. Handles well, power is decent and has plenty of room for the two of us. Negatives: too much road noise for "limited" type vehicle. Should have power passenger seat. Would be nice to have opening rear window. Sound system could definitely be improved.

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  AWESOME! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By frankc10 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Great balance of performance, style and functionality. Reliability with the Toyota brand pushes this over the top.

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  2009 Corolla S - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By applecandy - December 19 - 10:53 pm

  Great car for the money, not a sports car but gets some of the best gas mileage in the industry while looking like you are going 200 MPH. 28-35 MPG with the new real 2008 EPA rating system and seats 4 adults. I have owned many BMW 318s and I would take this car any day over them. I wanted a reliable, safe, good on gas car to drive to work, that also looks sporty. I found that and much more. The car comes standard in any trim level with full font and side air bags front/rear and is 5 star rated front and side impact. It even has motors in the seats for active headrest in case you get rear ended. Includes tire pressure sensors. Great, safe, great on gas and looks like a race car!

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  My Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By sdb1rd - December 19 - 1:53 pm

  My Solara really surprised me the first time I had to rapidly accelerate. It took my breath away and the handling is by far one of the best cars I have ever driven. The comfort zone is remarkable. My friends thought it was a small car until we compared it to a Chevy Impala. Toyota hit a home run with this car. The exterior is beautiful with the rakish looking healight assembly and the grill. It is just a flat out fun car to drive or just ride in.

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  My Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By sdb1rd - December 19 - 1:20 pm

  My Solara really surprised me the first time I had to rapidly accelerate. It took my breath away and the handling is by far one of the best cars I have ever driven. The comfort zone is remarkable. My friends thought it was a small car until we compared it to a Chevy Impala. Toyota hit a home run with this car. The exterior is beautiful with the rakish looking healight assembly and the grill. It is just a flat out fun car to drive or just ride in.

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  FJ rocks!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By scarecrow - December 19 - 12:36 pm

  I just bought my FJ two weeks ago and it has been the best two weeks ever! I could not have asked for a better vehicle. Some people complain about blind spots, but once I drove it for a few days I got used to it.

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  Initial Review - Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mark - December 19 - 9:40 am

  A few squeaks and rattles, and at low speeds/traffic, the 5 speed automatic transmission is quirky and can have a problem figuring out which gear to shift into, but this car is a luxury rocket, with great Lexus-type features.