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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  Chose XLE Hybrid over Fusion Hybrid - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By moviefan - December 10 - 1:55 am

  I was researching new cars for many months; primarily the new Fusion hybrid. I was at a dealership all ready to order the titanium hybrid and for some reason they couldnt get in the order banks. So I left, ready to return in a few days. Not sure what made me have a change of heart, but I started looking at the Camry hybrids. So I took one for a test drive (I rented one back in June for a vacation and liked it) but I dont remember it being this comfortable. The Fusion was gorgeous, but the cabin was too confining. The Camry just felt all-around much better. So at the end of the day I bought a fully loaded brand new XLE for over $4000 less than sticker with 0.9% and I couldnt be happier!

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  Great value for the $$ - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By jim - December 9 - 7:43 pm

  I bought my 4Runner new about 3 years ago and just turned 60,000 miles. Have had no trouble at all, had to replace tires and front brakes at 50K and that is it. Car has a great ride, decent power, ok gas mileage around 20 city/highway, very comfortable. I also own an 05 Explorer Limited and I cant compare the two vehicles, the Toyota hands down in every way is better. Toyota also holds its value, my Explorer is a year newer with half the miles and is worth less.

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  Great mix of style and reliabilty - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By wnyken - December 9 - 7:26 pm

  This will be my 5th Toyota in the family since my 1989 Camry. I chose the SE model for the sportier look and crisper handling. I also like the black leather and black and chrome trim. The only thing I could wish for would be either/both bluetooth connectivity and/or satellite radio capability on the base radio. Other than that, it looks good, rides wonderfully, has lots of space for people and/or luggage and gives me good gas mileage while doing it all.

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  Camry 09 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Tony - December 9 - 4:23 pm

  My wife just received the car a few weeks ago and Im quite impressed. I drive a 2003 Lexus that I purchased new and its almost identical, but with more up to date features like cooled seats, MP3 connection, bluetooth connection for a cell, etc. I agree with a previous review about less HP, but Im sure this might be related to fuel economy which is satisfacory on this car considering its a full size sedan. Overall, a very good car.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By JDW - December 9 - 6:50 am

  Mine came with the X-SP package with leather and 20" wheels. Very sharp looking truck (was drawing crowds of people the first time I drove it to work). The truck is a pleasure to drive and the 4.7L V8 moves this 5000+ lb. vehicle out in short order. It feels like Im driving a Lexus luxury car from the cabin.

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  Excellent all around car. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Demtrek - December 9 - 4:56 am

  This is my 3rd camry. The previous 2 were wonderful problem-free cars. My new camry is their latest model and rides just as nice if not better then the other two. I tested about 4 other models and none rode like the camry. It is sheer joy to drive on long trips.

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  Wife took over my truck! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rod - December 9 - 4:43 am

  In my previous review, I mentioned longer life for brake rotors, come to find out the front brakes were under excessive load and not balanced with the back brakes. Problem has been fixed and I am proud to report smooth stops! The truck is great and I plan on keeping it until it drops dead around 500,000 miles. Truck has plenty of room for your "stuff", SUV owners should consider this truck as an alternative with more room in the back (-w-camper shell). It is easier to park in the smaller spaces at the shopping center, I traded a size pickup for this reason got tired of backing up and trying again to get into a spot.

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  2001 Toyota Tacoma - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toyota Lover - December 9 - 4:26 am

  I bought this vehicle brand new in 2001 and still use it for delivery business. I have put 328000 miles on it with only minimal problems. Replaced auto transmission at 300000 but that is the only thing major gone wrong with this many miles. Still starts easily and drives perfect. Does not smoke or burn oil and runs like a sewing machine. Most dependable reliable vehicle ever owned.

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  Bens Review - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By bmatula1 - December 9 - 3:36 am

  Excellent performance, comfort and reliability. Performance is excellent for a relatively large car and a V6 engine. Amenities like automatic windshield wipers and keyless entry/start set this car apart from others.

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  new owner - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By rod - December 9 - 1:13 am

  This is a very comfortable car, plenty of power and excellent quality and engineering.