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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  LOVE IT - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Susan - August 19 - 2:26 pm

  This is my first Toyota. I plan on buying another of the same one. I love it. Ive owed several SUVs that drive like trucks -very rough - not this one! Smooth like a car. I have a long commute, so it is much appreciated.

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  A nice and practical ride! - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Karen in Florida - August 19 - 11:56 am

  I have had my 2008 TCH with nav system for 4 months and have driven 5000 miles. My previous two vehicles were BMWs, and I made the tough decision to buy a more practical car with better fuel economy. Overall, I am happy with my decision!! I chose the loaded version, with leather seats, moonroof, nav system, bluetooth, and all other available upgrades. Feature-wise, this car is able to compete well with "premium" vehicles. Ride quality and quietness are excellent. Fuel economy is a big improvement over my previous vehicles. I have not yet modified my driving style, and get 30- 35 mpg in the city and 35-40 mpg on the highway (at 70-80mph). With a little effort, those can be improved further.

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  Love of My Life - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Big Red - August 19 - 10:03 am

  Traded in 2003 Tundra, never had a problem except tranny a bit clunky when shifting. Very quiet comfortable ride. Wife hated previous tundra, loves this one. Two compaints: first, contrary to claim that truck is xm ready, it is not. You have to spend about $600 to use this feature (parts and labor) not including subscription. Second, the truck is extremely bouncy on anything other than smooth roads. I did discover that the tires came 10 lbs over pressurized and when I dropped it to mfg sugg. pressure it did improve it quite a bit but still not as smooth as my previous Tundra. Overall though I have been extremely happy with this truck.

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  Prius v exceeds my expectations - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By jbuhl - August 19 - 8:13 am

  Based on the pre release reviews I was hesitant about buying a Prius v. It interested me because I was looking for a fuel efficient car that my husband and I could use for road trips in retirement. I needed to be able to fit two road bikes, preferably without disassembly, two suitcases, and a cooler. The dealer wisely let me keep the car over a weekend while I was making up my mind. All the above fit beautifully. The dog may have to stay at the kennel, though, if we take the bikes. I have been driving the car since Oct. 29 and find myself happier with it every day that I drive it. I am getting 41.8 mpg mixed driving. I am not a hyper miler and drive to blend with traffic.

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  Cant beat the Toyota package! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By driver105 - August 19 - 2:19 am

  I spent a year looking at different makes and models, but kept coming back to the Toyota and Honda cars. I picked the Camry LE over the Accord because of the greater power, comfort, price, and speed shifter. Even though it came w/ a 5 yr. comprehensive warranty, I have peace of mind with a Toyota that I wont be needing it. These cars just dont know how to die! Ive had it for7 months and love it the more I drive it. One of the biggest features was the 0 road noise. I can take long trips and not have my ears ringing at the end. Hondas a great cars also, but for the price, you cant beat the Toyota for what you get.

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  95 V6 LE - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By camry - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Drive very quiet but boring. Front seats are uncomfortable, no lumbar support. I had to replace Axles and rack and pinion at 80K miles. Cassette died at 70K miles. Some engine oil leak and power steering oil leak. Very bad experience with Camry, never go for Camry again. Tip: Get a 4 cylinders Camry, its better and maintence is cheaper.

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  good transportation - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Eric Storm - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Corolla. I still have my 94 Corolla. The fuel economy is impressive for my 02 Corolla.

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  4runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jamesjames - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Seems to be a good SUV, but its a bit on the ugly side. Toyota quality with a V8 for a decent price is what sells the vehicle. If it wasnt a Toyota then it would not be worth buying.

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  High praise for the Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Dr Pete - August 19 - 2:00 am

  In a word, a fantastic car! The ride is remarkably smooth, the V6 quick and powerful (there IS a big difference between the 4 and 6 cyl.), and the interior is intelligently designed, esthetically pleasing, and very comfortable. In 35 years of driving, absolutely our favorite! We can hardly wait to take it on our next road trip.

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  Had higher expectations of the car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By D. Grugan - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Power could be better and the gas mileage should be considering that the car requires premimum. I have a navigation system and its merely a toy unless the owner is in a position to travel to unfamiliar routes. Driver fron seat came up somewhat short on support for my long legs. Also, the power seats do not tilt back far enough for taller drivers with long legs.