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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  .... - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By sommer - July 14 - 2:00 am

  i think that the celica is an ok car. Except it is really light, so be careful. It hydroplanes in water VERY easily. I was in an accident because of this very reason. I like my car, if only they made it safer. I thought it was the tires at first until i got new ones. Just be careful.

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  Base V6 - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By BMac - July 13 - 11:03 pm

  Base V6 is nice, have Value Pack 2, but for the money would have liked rearview to have auto dim and compass, read hatch to open glass, include fuel computer. Bottom line would like some more standard options included for the price, but looks nice and very functional.

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  Great Car - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By gatech fan - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Rides quitely. Very reliable. This is my wifes car and it has served us well

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  Week one - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ragin24 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought mine over the weekend and was off on a road trip that put on just more that 500 miles. I can only hope that as the motor breaks in, the mielage will increase as I wasnt impressed by what I did get in that dept.. Im sure its due to breakin time needed. Comfort was pretty good overall. I wish it had a lumbar adjustment though. What can I say about the styling that hasnt been said already. This thing is a nasty looking truck. I know Im going to love owning this this. No more full size p/us for me.

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  Dependable car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By blackkdogdrive - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my corola, its a car i should have bought several years ago ive always been a chevy guy in the past but i got tired of haveing to repair them on a regular basis. Ihave found the toyota to be much more dependable and a lot better on gas.

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  After BMWs & Saabs, I didnt expect to love this van - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By anthony94114 - July 12 - 8:58 am

  I love driving. Always have. When, professionally my hauling needs exceeded the Saab and BMW wagons Ive had, I hunted for a van. Ultimately, the combo of power folding mirrors, gated shifting, sunroof and no run-flats was what sold me. Not passion. I just needed those things to be content. I found a CPO 40,000 mile XLE that had been well taken care of. Then I added a Diamond Certified Toyota warranty when I found out they were pretty cheap. It was a total surprise to realize this rig is a great driver. You have to shift it manually to really use the transmission best, both for accelleration and braking but carving HWY 1 in rural Marin County is a blast. at 125k now, its still super.

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  The 92 Camry - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Nick - July 10 - 11:06 pm

  Good Car! I bought this car off my grandparents, and they did not baby it. For the first 5 years my grandfather drove 19,000 miles year, and then he gave it to his wife. The car has over 131 K miles now. Runs great on regular gas. 4cylinder gets about 26 avg. mpg. Only had 1 major problem and that was the transmision went due to pulling a boat for 10 years. Also muffler went after 12 years other then that this was a great small car and has all the features you could need. Greater stater car for kids. Power windows, locks, mirros, cd player, etc.

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  Good Quality Truck, so so Mileage - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By AD - July 10 - 6:53 pm

  Purchased in 5/02. Build quality has been superb. In three years here is what has been replaced (except for maintenance items): Oil Pressure Gauge, Security Transmitters, and Brake Rotors--all by Warranty. Front Ball joints replaced under recall. Truck has been very solid. Good travel truck for a family. Interior has a tendancy to scratch and show scuffs. MPG is not as good as I like (~ 15) but considering the size and weight it is inline. Original tires were poor (Dunlop) replaced with Michelin cross terrain and are much improved! Blind spot is quite large and recommend small mirror additions to address. Would purchase again if gas prices had not jumped so much. Great vehicle!

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  Pleased with my new Tacoma - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Al - July 10 - 1:33 pm

  Just purchased a 2010 Toyota Tundra Grade 4dr Double Cab SB (4.6L 8cyl 6A). Although I have not had occasion to tow yet, the 4.6 seems to have all the power I need and accelerates well. The double cab and increased overall length will take some getting used to. Had I been able to get a diesel, I believe this would have been the ideal truck. I wanted a diesel primarily for long-term efficiency (mpg), dependability and low-end torque (off-roading and hauling). It represents a very good value IMHO and rides like a dream. I traded a Toyota FJ cruiser in on it and am so much happier with this vehicle than the FJ. The FJ is "toy-like" by comparison.

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  Avoid - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By TexToya - July 10 - 9:10 am

  This is not a Lexus, you get what you pay for. Most disappointing is tire wear and alignment, I think this car has a basic flaw, the tires showed excessive wear at 20,000 miles and is pretty much gone at 30,000. This despite two alignments (at my own expense). The dealer says it’s normal.