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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  I can see why... - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Pat - December 29 - 7:50 pm

  After owning this car for a year and a half, I can see why it is the best selling car in America. My car gets around 27 MPG while being very comfortable, and the 4 cylinder engine, while not having tons of power, has good mid-range torque. It is a very comfortable car on the highway, and handles corners pretty well. The steering is, well, boring, but it gets the job done. Seeing as my car only has 93,000 miles on it, I plan on keeping it as long as possible.

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  OK car.. - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By w0by - December 28 - 4:26 am

  Ive had my 2010 Corolla S for a while now. Im happy that its getting around 30.5mpg in the city driving, I don’t drive much on the highway. The wind noise is pretty quiet.. Things I dont like: It has a 4 speed automatic transmission, why isnt this a 5 speed or 6 speed? Come on Toyota... Loud road noise on concrete highways. Very loud. Unbelievably loud. My friends 2010 Elantra is silent compared to this car.. I hear creaking coming from the drivers side front pillar and back pillar on passengers side. I also hear a weird rattle underneath the dash that sounds like a tan can. Who knows? Ive never had a new car with rattles and squeaks...??

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  Near 200k Miles Camry - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Asdy - December 27 - 2:03 am

  I love my Camry. It is very quick for an old/cheap car. I havent received any major problems with it since other than replacing the radiator once and a few oil leaks. The interior is nice when comparing to other cars in its years and price.

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  Not cool but wouldnt give it up - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By polskibear5 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I just had a chance to replace my little yota with a 2004 nissan altima and I said no. This is the best car in the world, even if it lacks power and looks. Its reliable, and really efficient. All that a collage student really needs.

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  Get the feeling - true SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By MikeB - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I have driven everything from the BMW X5 to the Honda Pilot and VW Toreag. The 4Runner was the best of the bunch for the $$$. Great ride, handeling and excellent build quality. A true SUV not like these car based suvs built for soccer moms. Got mine as a 2003 leftover for 12K less than sticker.

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  Toyota 2003 Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By JoWho - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Im not very happy with this car. The seatbelt locks up even when brake isnt used, ABS kicks in when not needed, veers to the left even after 6 times at dealership.

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  2001 avalon - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Harris - December 26 - 10:00 am

  i purchased my avalon on a feb 2001, recently owning a tercel. this car is plain ugly such as the poor imatation of a 95 s class tail lights, the grill which is too big with such bad looking fake chrome and the 15 inch rims with have no style, and also the boxy styling on the top it looks like a tall box on wheels far away. on the other hand avalons v6 has great acceration for a boat but steering a little off which is to light. it has a extremly quiet cabin, and offers gernous leg room in the back. the sound system is GREAT in this car, this 6 inch wroofer sounds like a 15 inch when turned loud. what should i call this car....hmmm its just like a old man lexus es300.

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  Great Car For The Money - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By 03matrixXRS - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought my XRS last night, 4-6 weeks until I take delivery. The car offers more versatility for the money than any other car we looked at in the price range. Its great if you are looking for a fast, fun car that can still handle a bit of cargo. It looks great, but I wish there were more of an aftermarket!

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  Poor tire and Nagivation Problems - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Pro. Env. Eng - December 25 - 4:00 pm

  The typical Goodyear Integrity tires are very poor under wet and light snow conditions. My research at Tire Rack confirms my experience. I have decided to install Michelin Primacy MXV4s to increase the safety of driving under all conditions in eastern KS. The navigation suddenly lost its Bluetooth functions on the NAV system screen, no telephone icon anymore.

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  I love my Camry - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Diane Crangle - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I have not had any trouble out of my camry. It still looks good except for my front bumper. I had a fender bender and I have been back 3 times just to have my bumper painted because it wont stay on the new bumper. The side mirrors peeled after about 7 or 8 years just on there own but the car stays outside 24/7. I enjoy driving it and I dont want to get rid of it because I am so comfortable and "secure" with it.