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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  An 8 Camry owner - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Camry forever - July 31 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Camry LE was the 8th Camry Ive had since they came out almost 20 years ago and I will always come back. I have had nothing but excellent experiences with Toyota dealerships over the years, with any problems Ive had. (and they have all been minimal). Ive road tested other cars, but always come back. Best overall value for the money.

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  my car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By jennifer - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving in this car. I think it is luxurious both from the outside and inside.

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  First non-US purchase - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Don - July 31 - 1:26 am

  Nice performing/handling vehicle. Zero to 60 in 6.1 seconds with good city mileage of 19.5 mpg. Nice design from rear, but front end is pretty blah.

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  Sleeper Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By amp - July 30 - 8:36 pm

  The Solara has become a member of my family, the older ones only trading hands because the previous owner purchased a new one. It is definitely the favorite car of my family due to its reliability and performance. I now have a red 99 Solara that started out as my grandpas Pan-American highway vehicle. Now it is my college companion. She currently has 176K on the odometer and still lives up to the "Sleeper Solara" reputation. With 176K my Solara is not as sharp as it used to be, but that doesnt mean that the Germans are safe from her. Furthermore, Ive personally seen some of the goats from Detroit faint with fear.

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  Follow up - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By incognito - July 30 - 5:36 pm

  Follow up on first review since now have logged 1000 miles. My wife has a 2 mile commute and on her first tank received 48mpg. I took over on the second tank of gas commuting 34 miles a day. Ive received 58 mpg average covering 410 miles while still having 1/4 tank left. Weve discovered this car is not built for short trips. Premium gas has made a difference in performance and mpg- buy octane 92+. Having navigation has been a huge positive. Back-up camera comes with navigation which is worth the extra $1800. First Toyota purchase and first hybrid experience. My wife and I are sold on both!

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  1st time toyota buyer - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By shunshin - July 30 - 10:00 am

  auto is very comfortable. Back seat is roomy and eazy access in and out. sufficient power.Sound equipment is adequate for factory equip. Break in requirements is ? Under 55 mph and vary the rpms between 2000 and 4000. Hard to do.

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  The best buy not the best car - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Rivera - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The Celica 2002 in my opinion is the best buy available on sporty coupes, but if you compare speed with the Subaru impreza and the Acura RSX youll see they do better. Anyway, the car is just great and amazing is a great value and it has it all for less, moonroof great music, excellent performance, awesome breaks, great seats, the best look of all sporty coupes, great warranty,and the best realiability and resale value, remember is a Toyota.

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  Smooth - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JGH - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has lots of room and comfort inside, more than other comparable vehicles. It had two small defects when delivered and the dealer took care of them promptly.

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  Smooth SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By cal1951 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great first SUV. If you want security of 4WD, but not the rough ride or truck like feel of most of the SUVs on the market, this is the vehicle to test drive. Both my wife & I are comfortable driving and riding in it. Not as much interior storage as some of the other SUVs, but nicely laid out and finished.

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  My new Baby! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By dacia - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I just upgraded from a 2000 honda civic and I have ne regrets. It sits much higher and is easier to get in and out of. I really need that since I just had knee surgery 6 months ago and it was so hard to get in and out of my civic. I love the new body style and it rides great.