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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  Reliable but lacking - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By prodriver82 - July 18 - 1:08 pm

  I bought a 2009 Toyota Camry in November 2011 as a replacement for a 2005 Chevy Trail Blazer with 126,000 miles & we had for 6 years. At first, we liked the Camry. Took the car on at least one long distance monthly trip. Every month for a year. But even before we made it to 7 months, we were looking for a SUV platform vehicle to replace the Camry. The Camry is what it is. Solid transportation. It just wasnt our cup of tea. If your considering a Camry to purchase, steer more towards the SE or the XLE versions. You will be happier.

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  2001 Toyota Celica GT-S - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By matt - July 15 - 11:53 am

  Since I have had this car it has been nothing but problems. It has been in the shop for about half the time that I owned it but with the time that it has been out of the shop it has been great. This car has out performed all the cars that I have had in the past with great gas economy.

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  Looks good - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Wayne - July 15 - 12:33 am

  I had one for a year, Toyota was good to replace the two transmissions that failed, I was on my 3rd tranny, when my engine light came on due to a sensor in the tranny. The inside squeaks, the seat belts are hard to get and rattle on the passenger side, if left hanging there. Paint chips way to easy. The brakes squeal, but they fixed that too. I went to a different brand of car, and I must say Toyota did listen to my problems, but I am sorry I am done with Camry. This was the 7th Camry and the last, I feel Toyota quality is slipping big time. Trying to be number one in sales has made them number 5 in customers eyes.

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  Tall drivers beware - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By JD - July 12 - 8:20 pm

  Am in the 2010 Tacoma for 2 weeks now and its clearly evident that for larger - especially taller - drivers this is a cramped truck. It appears that the truck will be able to carry out most of the tasks I need it to do but if you are over 6 tall I would recommend a full size truck. Perhaps it didnt help that I had a Dodge Quad Cab before but there is no storage for tools, etc. in the cab...no room period. Once you have adjusted the drivers seat there is no leg room in the rear so the double cab doors are for access and will not seat 4 adults.

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  Great Mileage - But Uncomfortable - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By E S - July 11 - 12:16 pm

  We love this car from a standpoint of the mileage, great GPS display, etc. BUT, after driving in this car for more than an hour - both my wife and I get so uncomfortable it is painful! The seats are very, very uncomfortable.

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  READ - Serious Alignment Problems - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Intruder - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Pretty good value but far too many problems on delivery. Tried 2 different dealers for warrantee repairs but couldnt get ANYTHING fixed. These cars have a sub-standard suspension. Many Camrys & Solaras pull to the left and it cannot be fixed. Before buying, take any comparable car for a ride and compare the cornering and then let go of the wheel on a straight road. It will probably pull to the left. Lots of discussion about the problem in Web forums. Search on Toyota Owners Club Executive cars - alignment problems.

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  Got a lemon - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Reno Desert Rat - July 11 - 1:56 am

  Horrible experience. I really want to like the FJ however, have had the following. Electrical problems (no wipers or head lights). Automatic tranny surges. Best mileage at 65 MPH is 18, around town 9-12 with a light foot. Had lift kit problems and dealer told me Id have to take it to an outside shop. Second week I had it, took it to a car wash. Windshield leaked like a sieve. I have 3800 miles on it and now pursuing legal recourse through Lemon Law. Dealer does not back vehicle. I have had in the dealership 8 times to no avail.

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  2010 Camry SE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Paul - July 8 - 10:10 am

  If you are buying this car based on Toyota quality,you are wasting your money! Look at the rear speakers in the trunk. You can not find a lesser quality car speaker.While in the trunk, lift up the carpet look at the piece of junk cardboard over the spare tire. Look at the paper thin plastic splash guard under the radiator and motor.Ive only had this car 2 months and this is what I discovered (not counting recalls)Dont buy this junk!

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Joe Someguy - July 8 - 3:36 am

  My dad got a five year lease on a Corolla CE in 2001 and it was an amazing vehicle. He just changed the oil twice and the tires and it never gave him any problems. Its a very reliable car.

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  My new Camry broke down within 3 weeks - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By CJdong - July 6 - 10:00 am

  The car is good and runs smooth, however, my 3-week old camry broke down. The engine needs to be rebuilt, and the dealer takes a long time to order the part and unwilling to fix it in a timely manner. Servicepeople at the particular dealership have extremely bad attitudes. Its a big trouble. I cant say its reliable from my horrible experience with this particular car. But I can say its the worst new car I have ever bought.