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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  Better than I expected - Camry XLE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Ray - June 25 - 10:13 pm

  I just got my Camry XLE 4 Cy and I am loving it, it has plenty of power good fuel economy, the exterior on the XLE looks great with the chrome grill, chrome exhaust pipe and other small details only available on the XLE. The Interior is luxury with tan leather, blue tooth and great sound system (JBL) and insulation. I just came from a Mercedes 2008, CLK 550 and I am not missing I thing. The Camry XLE is great.

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  Love it! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By fanearnhardt_3 - June 25 - 8:25 pm

  I have had my Camry now for 1 1/2 months. So far so good, I absolutely love it so far. Going from a 2005 Chevy Malibu to this is amazing. The seats are confortable and its alot nicer then my old car. It feels a lot safer than my old car. The XLE has the auto climate controls and the rear vent which is really nice. I wanted a Toyota Camry for a long time. The Camry is updated for 2012, which was a bonus. I love the sun/moon roof. I like everything about this car that is why I bought it! I couldnt find a car that I liked more and as soon as I rode in it, I was sold.

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  My FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By bob - June 25 - 8:06 pm

  Have 6k miles and love this truck. No problems. Get between 25-27 mpg hwy 21 city. Added K&N filter to truck. Rides smooth.

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  Car is outstanding, seats are awful. - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By derbarkasmann - June 25 - 10:53 am

  Superb quality, everything in the interior is where it should be and works very easily, adequate power (4 cyl), but the seats ... did anybody actually sit in one for several hours before finalizing the seat design? I love the car but will never take it on a long trip because of the seat.

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  Happy with it - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacomaowner - June 25 - 5:13 am

  I am more than satisfied with the ownership experience, from the performance, features, and low maintenance to the positive comments I get from others about the truck. I only wish I had specified the "outside temp / compass" feature and I also wish the radio had a aux" input for iPod and XM radio input.

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  Corolla S- A giant leap backward - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By larbike - June 25 - 3:23 am

  Very disappointed. I replaced my 16 year old Honda Civic with a new Corolla S. The Corolla has developed atrocious steering, handling,and braking issues after 3000 miles. This was not evident during test drives. The fuel economy is not that all impressive at around 28 mpg. The dealer has tried to help but these issues are related to the vehicles design cannot be corrected. Amazing, using advanced technologies and materials- Toyota has managed to replicate the driving feel of my dads 53 Chevy which had worn ball joints and air in the brake lines.

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  I love my Solara! Desert Toyota too! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Vegasbuyer - June 24 - 11:00 pm

  This was, without a doubt, the most stress free vehicle purchase in my 30+ years of driving. While my wife and I are die-hard Toyota owners, 35 years ownership of 10 different Toyotas between us, we had our price range and the dealer we wanted. Get a Solara convertible with the 6-cylinder engine. This car handles like a dream and is great on the freeway and city streets. Its great on a cool evening in the mountains and when the sun heats up the Valley come June, the AC is unbeatable. Great pick-up off the line and terrific sight lines. I suggest your next car be a Solara convertible

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  Traded it in - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By John - June 24 - 5:10 pm

  I traded a 2005 camry SE v6 for this underperformer as was the 05 v6 3.3 It is a good interior and exterior design and should be copied by other car makers, but the MPG for the 2.4 is poor. It is reliable but the tranny stinks and is a task to drive if your doing a lot of turning and stopping. Its fine on the road, mpg 25 avg, got 30 on the highway was best I ever did.

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  I love my new car! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By kathleen - June 24 - 4:53 pm

  I just purchased this yesterday! I went to the dealership for a used SUV. Discovered the Venza and fell in love. This is a beautiful CUV. Roomy, luxurious and very eye catching. It has zing...so much Im bound to get a ticket! Its very attention getting and handles much better than a standard SUV. Its so nice. Im so happy with it. Its a soundproof car drive, but has the size of an SUV. Home improvement store, auctions and grocery runs will continue with this CUV. Its a very nice vehicle. Great price for this auto!

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  I love my RAV4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Dan - June 23 - 10:36 pm

  Once I decide to trade in my car I wanted something with more cargo than my Nissan Altima. My first choice was the new Mazda 3 5 doors. While doing my research I came across the Toyota Rav4. It rates the same MPG but has more cargo space, about the same price and looks way better. Reading reviews and comparing all the competitors I chose the 2009 Toyota RAV4. It has the power (4 cyl), it has the looks (no cheap black plastic going around the bumper) and the Toyota Reputation. It rides nice, quiet and firm. Driving in the city so far I got 26.2 mpg and still going up. I cant wait to see how much I get at our road trip to the north.