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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  Really Great - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By fredlisancnc - June 12 - 3:00 pm

  Just had 10 year anniversary. Soccer mom. Purchased new. Has been a dream vehicle. Now have 135,000 miles. Drives like luxury vehicle. Has been extremely reliable. Have just needed reg. maintenance, i.e oil changes regularly, 18 month brake jobs, (heavy city travel). On 3rd set of Michelin tires, on 3rd battery. Had to replace motor for power window and an alternator. Am now having timing belt, water pump, and ac and ps belts changed for first time which is normal maintenance. Now in its 10th plus year, starting to have a few issues. Valve gaskets are now leaking oil and need replacement. Repair described is approx. $1000 for belts, wp, and new gaskets with labor. Heavily recommend vehicle.

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  Miss my 2012 Hybrid - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By camrygirl2 - June 11 - 6:53 pm

  Kept the car up until 12,000 miles. I regret getting rid of it. I was averaging around 40-45 mpg. The most I averaged was 63 mpg! This car is very stylish, comfortable & great on gas. Very quiet, nice & smooth; however, it almost sounds like a spaceship. It has plenty of power. I felt confident driving in California while merging on to freeways/highways. It had more power than my 2005 Camry LE. The interior is nice & plenty of room. Some plastic parts seem a bit cheap. The only thing I worried about was how long the hybrid battery would last & how much it would cost to replace it. Also once replaced would it cause other electrical components in the car to malfunction. This was a great car!

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  get the V-6 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By natureloveit - June 11 - 5:46 pm

  Had a crv 2002. This Rav4 is better in every way. V-6 is fast but still very quiet and economy pretty good with 5 speed automatic. Like the fact that you can pick your options.

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  Lexus w/o the price tag - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Paul - June 11 - 12:23 pm

  The new avalon hits the mark of serious comfort and sports car. The new v6 has exceptional power. The interior design w/ computer display along with the hide-a-way stereo, cup, and cassette player just adds more of sleekness. The dual exhaust just says "come on and try to pass me"! The mpg is another big hit. You get a high powered 268 horse pwr engine that gets 32 mpg. Not to mention it only takes regular unleaded gas. In this day in age where gas prices are more than $2.15 a gallon that is a real perk. If you like luxury w/o the big price tag this is a car you cant go wrong with. Its also healthy to say the Avalon retains its value whole the better than other cars in the same market.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By cam_ - June 11 - 11:34 am

  This is what I have to say about these certain Topics: Fuel Economy: Excellent for a car of this style. A sport car style with great mileage. People will appreciate this car when gas prices shoot up. I get 33 mpg (mix highway/city). GTS model required premium gas. Performance: Under powered but thats alright, but that is the trade off for good mileage. GT model gets 140hp while the GTS gets 180hp. Either model is fun to drive. If you think 140hp GT sucks compared to the GTSs 180hp, keep in mind that the 2013 VW golf hybrid turbo makes 170hp.. GT or GTS is equally a great buy. But if you like the sound of "Lift" (similar sound to VTEC) get the GTS.

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  My First 300 miles - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Prius - June 11 - 10:00 am

  It is a very thoughtfully designed car with the user in mind. The only possible objection I canmake, and it is getting used to, is the inability to see the front hood of the car. But it is great fun to drive and I am eager to use it more often than usual. I am hoping that the battery replacement 8 years from now will be significantly less costly than the current estimate of $2,000.

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  Great for short people - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Leeni - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 Echo. The interior is what sold me on the Echo. I am not quite 5ft and the placement of the gauges is very pratical. You are sitting high so no pillows for seeing over the steering wheel. Now it may not be the best car but if a low price is a priority , well it is hard to beat. It is peppy and no more than manditory maint needed

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  A Zippy Little Car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By expressoroad - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I can now go on a trip and forget the cost of gas. 42 mpg on the road at reasonable speeds. Plenty of space for luggage, beach stuff, etc. This was a spur of the moment purchase. I lucked out. A lot of people think its "cute"...not a big concern of mine, but hey!

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  Big Car Fun to Drive - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By MacFoster - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Camry 2003 models are fun to drive, big size for comfort and space. For the price you get more value and reliability at par. A very good investment mile for mile. Fit & finish is truly Toyota (inspect Nissans for comparision), then youll know.

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  2nd Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Snorkler - June 10 - 6:36 pm

  Well this is my second 2007 Camry. It is still roomy, comfy, and fun to drive. The power is good for a 4 cylinder 154hp engine. No rattles, I have now 10k miles. I think this car will last and be low maint w.o. a timing belt to change, ownership should be cheap. I am averaging 29 to 30 mpg. I drive mix of light city and highway at 75 mph hwy. The radio gets static when I turn on the rear defrost. Overall the car has a large rear seat big trunk with fold down seats and lots of storage.