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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  Camry XLE with 6 cyclinders .. at the 4000 miles - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Bob A - June 20 - 4:11 am

  We have [previously owned 3 Toyota Camrys. This well equipped XLEs sedans performance is fine with us. Very good engine response and a comfortable interior for the long ten hour drives. Radio wise, strongly suggest that you turn off the surround sound option since this greatly improved the listening quality to hearing music. The GPS system is pretty good but Google Maps is more precise. For a house number, Google Maps get you to the front door. Camrys will get you close by one to houses away. Providing verbal commands, the system does not always accurately catch it. Perhaps my Bostonian accent? The headlights are excellent. The side mirror detection alerts that another vehicle is my blind spot is a terrific safety feature. For carrying stuff, it offers a very good trunk size and the rear seats fold down. too. Gas mileage, for this six cylinder engine, it is about five MPG less than my 2008 Camry with six cylinder engine. WHY? I dont know but I expected it to be same. The car is pretty is quiet. We like and enjoy the car.

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  Awesome Mud Pig - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Voodoo Mudder - June 20 - 12:26 am

  I have owned this truck since June 2006 and am absolutely satisfied with my purchase. No major flaws. Fun daily driver with power accessories not available on some offroad vehicles. Serious offroad capabilities. Would buy it again. Pricing not a problem if you negotiate. LUV IT!

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  Great ON and OFF Road - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By chrsmall - June 19 - 11:36 pm

  GREAT SUV. Not made for everyone. Definitely not a "family" SUV. NO carpet. Small back seats. This is one tough SUV. Incredible off road for a stock SUV. It will hang with the best of them. Then, on your drive home... it will outshine all of them with its superior on-road performance. Great quality and reliability that you wont think twice about. 9 out of 10!

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  GOOD & BAD OF TOYOTA SE SPORT - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By B OB SUMMERS - June 19 - 10:50 pm

  The styling of my Solara is very sleek and has been compared to the Lexus.The interior is beautifully trimmed with everything in its place. gas mileage on the open road is great. The only problem I have is the SE Sport is too stiff. I should have gotten the SE.

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  still going strong - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By lemaire - June 19 - 9:39 pm

  352000 kil.all original except for front brakes and stabilizer bar bushings...of course the tires are new and the oil and filter have been changed at regular intervals....would buy another 04 tomorrow..best car I have ever owned

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  Update after 2yrs. of ownership - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By piratemorgan - June 19 - 6:41 pm

  The Camry has done its job for me and the Mrs.. Were still not tired of it, as we were with our Impalas at this point in ownership. Build quality has been excellent, no rattles, no problems, one recall (floor mat). A great experience. I do have one complaint that I can forgive, and hope its fixed in 2012 model, the transmission. Very awkward city and country road driving, constantly "hunts" for gear, refuses to "coast", downshifts or upshifts at precisely the wrong time. If you ease into the gas it shifts within a few feet and drops you into a sluggish 2nd gear in an attempt to save fuel I guess. But alas, the "tricks" its doing doesnt help that much in mpgs. Well live with it.

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  One of the Best Ive Had - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By LHC021121 - June 19 - 4:03 pm

  Put 24K miles on in the 15 months with no problmes. Several 2000+ mile trips to hunt pens.Tires wore quickly but Toyota dealer gave me 2 Michelin and I bought 2 in a compromise. Much better mileage (24+ at 65-75 mph) than previous 02 Highlander LTD and many more passenger and cargo options. Wish they put the power passnger seat. Laser cruise is a pain but sonar is great for close parking garages. Havent used sunroof but love window shades and did put extra tinting in up to the legal max after purchase. A great distance vehicle. 02 RX300 just gets used for local trips now. Rarely fold seats as keeping them up leaves plenty of cargo space in the hole and can haul 7 people to dinner. Great

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  2004 Prius is worth the wait - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Nancy Caskey - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The Prius is so unique and fun. Not only does it make great environmental sense, it is a sure conversation starter. If you do a lot of commuter or in-town driving, this car will help pay for itself, especially if you get reimbursed by your employer for mileage. Do the math...you can count on 50-60 mpg in-town, depending on how you drive. If youre a lead foot, you may get less that 50 mpg. You have to reprogram your driving style. This car gets 45-50 mpg on the highway, because you are running primarily on the combustion engine. Not so bad though compared to most cars! It is definately worth the wait and/or hunt. Get on a waiting list.

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  2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By opticalbay - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The only problem, is the car is so quiet, my daugher forgot to turn it off in the garage. We noticed the lights on the dash. Excellent small car for driving back and forth to work,

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  2004 Prius Review - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By lclm505 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for six months and have had no problems. The mileage is great and the car is fun to drive. It handles well on the highway and was easy to drive on long trips.