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 Vehicle! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By TCS - July 18 - 2:26 am

  Just about everything youd want except for heated seats and an upgraded stereo/gps system. Averaging 20mpg... sweet engine transmission combo. TRD Package.

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  First Impressions - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By John - July 17 - 11:40 pm

  I traded in my 2002 Camry XLE with 162,000 miles on it. What a great car that was! Of course with such a great experience I had to consider the new Camry. It is much sleeker in design although it is still Rather bland. It is very quiet and smooth which is important to me as I do a lot of hwy driving. The seats are comfortable but not quite up to my 2002. Toyota did cut some corners with interior quality but overall it is still excellent. It is also a little smaller inside than my 2002 although they claim it is larger? I also am not a huge fan of the deep dash board and the fact that you sit a bit higher then the previous model. The stereo is good but not as crisp in sound as it could be.

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  rag topper - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By cruzin - July 17 - 10:33 pm

  After shopping for a midsize convertible I was down to the Solara totally loaded, or the Saab 9-3 linear. Both were excellent vehicles. However I thought I got a bigger bang for the buck with the Toyota, which had nav, body side molding, auto starter, pin striping and side airbags. The ride is as smooth as a larger convertible. The power is ample esp. with that slap stick which is a lot of fun. The top works nicely but the boot deal is a pain, unlike the Saab, but the mileage, ah that is great. On a recent trip I got 32.7 miles and thatÂ’s regular gas. All in all I like this car and seem to enjoy it more and more each time I drive it.

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  Big Fan - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Dan - July 17 - 10:33 am

  Recently bought my Prius V and am on my 2nd tank. I got almost 52mpg on 1st and am headed for 55mpg on 2nd. Has more then enough power for everyday driving regardless if on highway or just around town. The Radar cruise control and Lane keep assist features are amazing - once you set these on the highway you barely need to steer or brake. Great sound system and screen for the navigation system. There is plenty of room in this car, Im 6ft 2 and I comfortably fit in both the front or back of the car. LED headlights are great at night.

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  Standard Vs Touring - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Mead5.0 - July 17 - 12:50 am

  I just recently purchased my Prius used with 6000 miles. Here is a little information I havent seen. Toyota gives you a slightly better warranty on a used vehicle than on a new one. Mine went to 7 yrs, 100,000 miles. If you try the standard model and are not satisfied with the ride or handling, try the touring model. I had decided not to buy the Prius as I had taken it at a high rate of speed over rough road. The dealer said to take the touring model over the same road. It felt like a different car. Wifes opinion also. The only thing I dont like are the super bright headlights. They cant seem to regulate them. I told them if they cant, to put standard lights in. We just love this car.

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  It just doesnt die ! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By sheeep - July 16 - 7:33 pm

  I did research,found Yaris was the 1st reliable car among all(2 issues/100 cars,Camry or Accord with less than 20 while Impala with 60 some).I bought the cheapest one available in the area with 86k miles in 2009(29k mile/year average !!!) with no hesitation.I AM A HAPPY CAMPER ! I am racing the heck out of it and have 130k miles by now.It just refuses to DIE.Its incredibly peppy like Edmund said. With a DROP-IN K&N air filter,80mph in a blink and 110mph is not a dream.Mine got 29.8/35.7mpg.The car is surprisingly spacious inside. NO repair at all so far, just belt and oil.And I dont see any engine downgrade yet. Not even a vibration while moving.

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  Another Happy Prius Owner - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By gary256 - July 16 - 1:03 pm

  My model V had already been ordered by the dealer. The only other models available to see were a III and a IV, and they were already sold so I couldnt drive one. I decided to take the one coming based on research and the reputation of the Prius. Two weeks later it arrived. I am extremely pleased with my choice. The car met or exceeded all my expectations and is remarkably fun to drive. I find myself driving slower and enjoying it more. I love the Sandy Beach color and the wheels on the V really set it apart from the others.

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  Highly Recommend - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Lovin it! - July 16 - 8:30 am

  I had been looking at all the big diesel trucks (Dodge, Ford, Chevy) but I found for 99.9% of what I needed to do this truck would be more than enough. The Toyota reputation really drew me to this truck and hasnt let me down. The only bummer is the mileage (I am getting 15 in mixed driving) but everything else is great.

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  Best looking Car Ever except a Ferrari - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By Snappy21 - July 16 - 12:20 am

  I love my 2005 Celica, it is red, I dropped it (Ibach springs), great 17 inch rims, new exhaust pipe, new intake in the engine. Looks like a Ferrari F430. I make people who drive other sports cars really jealous, because their cars look boring compared to my RED JET PLANE.

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  1ST 4 Runner Ever - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Parker 4 Runner - July 15 - 7:43 pm

  My SUV had 4 miles when purchased. I really enjoy sitting high and seeing the road. I can feel the solidness in the sterring, the brakes the turns and even on a wet day it feels safe in handling. As a female riding this well put together vechicle, I feel safe and secure and the V6 power is the greatest. Respect is the key word when driving, respect other drivers and respect the road, and this vehicle reputation brings all the respect back at it. I love it. I also have a 1996 camry that I would not trade for anything. Thank you Toyota or making a short size feel super sized.