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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  Great Experience! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By annu62179 - March 15 - 11:09 am

  We have had our 2012 XLE for about one month now, and could not be happier with our decision. Clean, conservative styling, plenty of space and power, fantastic interior design, I could go on and on. This is our familys 3rd Camry, you cant go wrong with it. Highly recommended!

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  Fun, Reliable, Well Built - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Gabe - March 15 - 10:20 am

  I have had almost no problems with my 3 year old RAV 4 after 3 years and more than 60.000 miles. Had a slight rattle on the glove compartment when almost new, easily fixed by a great Toyota dealer service. Mechanically, no problems whatsoever. Also no problems with body or interior components. Only complaint is interior sound insulation which is not "Wrangler- terrible" but could certainly be improved. Some improvement after getting new Michelin highway tires. The engine has good power delivery and reserve for typical use. Highway behavior is excellent and handles more like a sedan. However do not expect the acceleration and torque that comes with much bigger but less fuel effic SUVs

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  First Class Fun & Reliability - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Charles - March 15 - 7:26 am

  Ive owned my Solara for just about a year now. Its been quite a reliable, enjoyable, auto that looks quite attractive still. The only problem that Ive noted is that it is quite difficult to see out the rear passenger window when trying to back out of parking spaces, or merge into traffic. Otherwise, the car is more enjoyable and reliable than I had expected.

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  2009 Camry Hybrid - great mpg! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By gail - March 15 - 4:06 am

  Just a note to say that I sold my Hummer for a Camry Hybrid 3 weeks ago and the gas mileage just keeps getting better. Although its rated for 33/34, Ive been able to get as high as 45.3 mpg highway (without cruise control) and 57.8 (with cruise control). I do have a heavy foot and even my cruise control has a tendency to creep up around 75 mph. In the city it seems to average closer to 30 but I love it so far.

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  From high school to adulthood and beyond! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By kitteh - March 14 - 11:11 pm

  One day my dad got a call from a dealership saying my desired 4door sedan in seafoam blue Echo came off the truck and on the lot!! We were there in a heartbeat and bought the car without me test driving it! I just somehow knew that I would love this funny weird little car at first sight! 11 years later, I still have it and love as much as I did the day I drove it home with my dad from the lot. I showed it off to everyone I met and people laughed at me saying I have an ugly car. Well I laughed at everyone when the gas crunch came and still laughing now as gas is over $4!! Who needs a silly high maintenance ego boosting Prius when I get 40mpg city and 50mpg on the highway going 100? MUAHAHAHA

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Garf - March 14 - 8:10 pm

  Ive had it for a year and I really enjoy it. Live in SA hillcountry and tow 6300lbs TT and get 10MPG with 89 octane. Very solid towing truck with plenty of torque on the climbs. 3 large adults and 1 small child and a dog share most of the ride and all give it a thumbs up. I like the transmission brake or downshift with descents, it helps with controlling the vehicle.

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  Young look, old reliable toyota - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Bill - March 14 - 5:36 pm

  I traded in a gas guzzling Trailblazer for this useful utility wagon. No complaint thus far and Im loving the sportiness relative to the big clunker.

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  just the best - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By leofreshness - March 14 - 1:26 pm

  this is the best car ever. i got it at 80000 miles and now has over 100000 miles and no problems. am the 2nd owner. when i got it i had to learn to drive manual. so you now what a clutch goes through when someone uses it for the first time. and till this day it been the same clutch since it was made and its still good and soothe. great on gas i got around 36 city and 45 highway normal driving. no engine problems just great. if you want a car that gets great gas mileage, will drive past 300000 miles cheap and just pure reliable get this corolla but only a manual one. the autos are great but i believe they wont last as long . and the manual will get better mpg.

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  LOVE IT!! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By texas_softball_mom - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I went from an F250 Crew Cab to a Suburban and i thought i loved both of those vehicles... until i met my Sequoia! The rack and pinion steering is amazing. I can park that baby anywhere, that is a new thing for me. It is alot of fun to drive simply due to the great handling.

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  excellent! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By ml - March 14 - 10:00 am

  this is our second sequoia and we love them both! only complaint is the gas mileage. ride is like a car. tons of room. very flexible cargo area.