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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  camry - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By homerj - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This has been an excellent car. I bought it with 49k miles on it and it now has 115k. I have only changed the oil and replaced the battery at 70k. that is the only maintenance performed so far. It consistently gets 35 mpg on the freeway and above 30 in town. It is a 4 cyl/5 speed combo. I wish that all cars were this reliable.

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  What a Relief - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Alan C. Nash - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Many hours of research and planning went into the acquisition of this vehicle. I looked at the Altima 3.5 SE, Accord EX V-6, and the Mazda 6. This was my conclusion: The Altima is not a very exciting vehicle to look at. It performs well, and that’s it. The Accord is plain, and is missing key areas such as a select shift and a quieter ride The Mazda is a Ford. Based on my initial experience with this marvel of modern automotive genius, I have experienced its power, quality, and thoughtful features. This vehicle is almost as perfect as you can get to a 4 wheel Beyonce Knowles. Perfect is an understatement .

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  No Regrets - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By vtwin13s - August 22 - 2:00 am

  We have only had the car a week, but I can say this is the best choice we made. We had narrowed our field down to this car or the Accord. Solara won due to it being very quite on the hwy and it seemed to be a little quicker off the line. Toyota has a winner here, if only the other manufacturers can bring their products up to this level.

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  First SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By toolmanjohn - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This being my first SUV, I was looking for a 4wd vehicle that would drive nicely on road. The 4runner exceeds my expectations. I will have this vehicle for MANY years to come. My Limited has all the power stuff, and the V6 is very powerful. Its just as quick as my sedan was. The 4wd system is primo! Excellent traction in snowy conditions. No stopping it on uphills. Worst thing about buying a Toyota was BUYING a Toyota!! Typical of dealerships they played every game.

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  WOW..do I love this van!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By kylemommy - August 22 - 2:00 am

  My first Toyota, and boy did I choose a good one! I love this van...after coming out of a Ford Windstar (they should be ashamed they produce such a substandard product!), this Toyota is AWESOME!! no comparison...The seats are so comfortable and the automatic door is great. The folding rear seat is helpful and the inside is so spacious. If you have young children I highly recommend the DVD system...it is a life saver!

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  2002 Toyota Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By jordysnana - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car. it is si luxurious, yet sporty and comfortable.

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  Toyota Does It Again! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By twouldbeme - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this model a month and a half ago, and Im still raving about it. The ride is incredibly smooth, the interior accents are brilliant, and the luxury is exceptional. I have the XLE V6 model, with navigation system, and I have never been so pleased with a vehicle. I have owned Toyotas for the last 12 years, and this one is the best of all.

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  Another great Toyota! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Chicagoland area - August 21 - 3:13 pm

  Spent 3 months researching all the SUVs. Dont know why I bothered when Toyota builds the best out there! No complaints, not even about the 3rd row head rest or the lack of memory seats. 3rd row head rest are always down and my wife is the only one that drives the car. I love the European style shifting. It adds a lot of fun to the drive when you want to drive the back roads. I didnt expect any luggage space with a 3rd row for this size of SUV but you have some. Engine and handling remind me of my 99 Lexus ES300. My 5th Toyota and not my last one!

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  Fuel economy - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lon - August 21 - 2:13 pm

  Highway rating of 27 MPG is close. I have achieved 26 MPG consistantly on daily commute of 70 mile roundtrip with secondary country roads and some city. Very happy overall.

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  A Great Little Car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Kade - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 6 years ago with 59000 miles already on it. It has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned and is very comfortable. Ill never buy anything but a Toyota again.