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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  My Corrolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Daunch - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I love my corrolla ~ It is comfortable and roomy for myself, husband and two kids! We also have enough room for the stroller and stuff you have to drag around when you have kids in the trunk.

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  big switch - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By jimboy - August 14 - 10:00 am

  FORMER SUV OWNER: This is a very solid, responsible car, a member of the ultra-low emisions group. Its green. This is a great switch from the gas-guzzling, environment-wrecking SUVs

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  Minivan Rebel Turned Believer - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By A true convert - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This is for a 2004. This vehicle handles well in different weather conditions. It has excellent environment control. I like the sharper pick-up for quick response. I am short and my husband is tall, but this minivan fits both of our needs well. I highly recommend it after comparing it to the new Quest and the Oddyssy. You cant go wrong with the new design and the reputation of Toyota.

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By wgolembusk - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Although its a mini van, its the best car Ive ever owned. I purchased the higher end interior package. I love the leather seats, the look of the interior with the wood grain dash board. The radio controls are on the steering wheel. The interior is very spacious. Plenty of room for lots of cargo. Excellent car for those who show dogs. We carry three golden retrievers, grandpa, and my husband and I along with whatever luggage or gear to the beach. The fold up second row and the fold down third row make it very convenient to go back and forth between cargo and passengers.

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  Get your own - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Stuman - August 14 - 8:13 am

  As we see more and more of these on the road it is no wonder. These are fantasic vehicles that handle great as well as ride excellent, get great mileage and has outstanding looks. We all love it!!

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  Reliable and economical - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - August 14 - 7:03 am

  Bought it in July of 1995. Since then Ive averaged 17k miles per year. It now has 184,000 miles and still runs great. Never needed any major repairs. Gas mileage is good (generally between 20 and 22 mpg in mixed driving), but power and especially handling could be better. The power antenna and locks sometimes stick in the winter.

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  "Irresistible" - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bruce - August 14 - 4:06 am

  I have two one for me and my wife. This is the best car I have ever owned. Ive had the cars for ten months and average from 41 to 45 mpg in the winter and 46 to 51 in the warmer weather. Its comfortable, has good pickup and I really enjoy driving this car. I love the GPS system and although that was not a priority for me I am glad I have it and will never buy a car without it. What is surprising about this car is the amount of interior room. at 175 inches in length 3 inches shorter than a Nissan Sentra with much more interior space. In fact the exterior dimension, this car falls into the small car class and the interior has about the same amount of space as a mid-size car.

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  Smooth but FUN! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By TTSSN - August 14 - 2:06 am

  Upgrading from a 2002 Toyota Corolla S. Toyota has served me well so why wander away: No more Celica or MRS, dont want a Scion, Solaras arent the prettiest of things...Lets get a Camry SE! My Corolla had a decent aftermarket suspension setup, and my new Camry SE handles better through the canyon roads with more power to boot! Driving to/from work, the drive is smooth and relaxed. JBL sound system with the sun roof open is great driving down the coastline. Havent taken it on a long (50+ miles) drive yet. For now Id say the the interior is very comfortable. Plenty of room for four adults. The exterior is gorgeous. Even had local police comment on it at an intersection!

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  2006 Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By My 06 Av - August 14 - 1:50 am

  The car is absolutely beautiful, very comfortable and refined. We drove it home and it indicated an amazing 34mpg. We were very happy with the car with the exception of an odd noise. I believed it to be fuel injectors or something of the sort at first. By the time we were at 1500 miles it was very loud. We brought it to the dealer. They gave us a loaner and called us later to advise they were replacing the motor. After a few weeks with a brand new loaner, we received it back. It now is as quiet as our 97 Avalon was.

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  03 Camry LE Review - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By g - August 13 - 1:26 pm

  Ive had this car for 5 years and have put over 100,000 miles on it. Comfortable riding car but with a fairly generic feeling interior. Okay stereo. Not a good handling car, tends to float over the road providing a fairly vague feel. Taking my eyes off of the road to adjust the radio can result in drifting into other lane, even if just for a second; no feel of the road here. Reliability is not what I would have expected. Did sunroof cables and intake manifold at 70k ($1500). At 107k miles, now needs a new steering rack. Nice car for trips, but disappointing otherwise.