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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  Rav 4L - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Brian Uglione - October 29 - 1:36 am

  The Rav 4 is an exceptional value for its class. The handling is very tight. Cornering is comfortable. The stablility and traction control system enables a very smooth ride. The cargo space in ample. You have about 6ft of cargo space when you remove the back 2 seats. I would recommend getting a roof rack to increase your cargo options. The interior is quite functional. You dont need to reach too far to access the dashboard controls. Seats are decent albeit a bit stiff. Safety features abound. Good for family transportation. I am very happy with this purchase. Great gas mileage and lots of features make for a fun, affordable ride.

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  Just what I wanted - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Fla granny - October 28 - 11:36 pm

  Saw, researched then traded a 2005 Nissan Murano and love it! Looks great, drives well, responds quickly & takes regular gas. My first Toyota - a good choice.

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  Very nice car for the money! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By jim - October 28 - 9:13 am

  If you are looking for a quality built vehicle with an awesome ride - this is it. Even with the 4 cyl, this Camry is fun to drive with an impressive ride and great gas mileage. Highly recommended !!

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  It was a dream car - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Jay Dee - October 28 - 7:00 am

  This has been a dream car. Very few problems so far (140,000 miles). Roomy enough for our family, 31 mpg, etc. etc.

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  The absolute BEST car Ive ever owned - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lauren Perreault - October 28 - 2:30 am

  This car is so much fun to drive! I came off of a big SUV and it is so nice to maneuver this baby around. Easy to park, looks like it cost much more (people usually think it is a Lexus or Mercedes) and perfect for me, a Realtor, to take clients around in as it is comfortable for them to sit in the back seat and looks expensive enough that they dont think Im not successful. Mileage is terrific -- 32 around town (LOTS of stop and go as you can imagine) and 44 hwy. I love the whine of the hybrid -- sounds so space age. The only thing to be careful of is that it is so quiet in reverse that people in parking lots dont realize your car is on and moving, so you have to watch out for them!

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  I love my Toyota! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By maltmomma in Texas - October 28 - 2:26 am

  This is a great car! Ive had 4 Toyotas; 2 were Camrys, 1 Avalon and now this Camry Solara. Its fun to drive and I love the new style. I have the fully loaded SLE V6 Fire Engine Red and I love it. I didnt think I would like, or use, the navigation system but it is very useful and I will have it on future cars. I find myself trying to find the quickest route, thus saving on gas. I drive 40 miles to work, roundtrip, and I get about 25 mpg. I do have one complaint. The tires that were originally with the vehicle were listed as warranteed for 6 years/100,000K but only lasted for 18K. My husband balances and rotates every 5K. Our Toyota dealer did replace them though with 4 new tires.

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  2005 Tacoma 4X4, Dbl Cab, Auto - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve B - October 27 - 10:43 pm

  So far great truck. Three tanks of fuel, ave 19MPG with 1/3 city and 2/3 highway. Size is perfect, and seems to have plenty of power for my towing needs. Auto transmition is suprisingly smooth. Some engine noise, but nothing like the small block Chevys Im used to! Dont pay MSRP, theres a dealer somewhere thatll sell them at invoice plus a few hundred bucks.

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  I love my Hybrid Highlander - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Darleen Carstarphen - October 26 - 11:56 pm

  I love the fact that the car is so quiet you forget it is actually on. I also love that it will get amazing mileage when the a/c is off and you run it at low speeds. (This was very important during Hurricane Rita, when we simply could not buy gas anywhere and the roads were completely jammed with people trying to leave town.) It has amazing power, yet it is very earth friendly. Great combination!

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  Camry 2011 - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Abdul A - October 26 - 10:10 am

  The Camry is both easy and fun to drive. The overhead Moon roof lets air and sunshine in without being noisy. This is a six cylinder model and it has plenty of power.

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  Almost perfect - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By Celica fan in DC - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I finally settled on this car after a year of shopping and have been happy with it ever since. The cockpit fits like a glove, with plenty of leg room (Im 62"), the car corners on rails, and has enough power to get out of trouble. Surprisingly quiet with the top up and shear pleasure with it down. The reviewers seem to think something is wrong with the styling, but I still have people walk up to me at lights and tell me how beautiful the car is. After seven years of driving this car, I only have two real complaints - 1. The cup holders are in an awkward spot. 2. Toyota stopped making it.