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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  2011 LE - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By jianxumd - November 11 - 3:10 pm

  Brought 2011 LE 2.5L 6AT with moon roof and alloy wheels around $300 above invoice. Test-drove 2010 Honda Accord EX 4 cylinder. 2010 Nissan Altima 2.5S. Camrys is the quietest when acceleration and with no road noise. Camry steering is a kind loose but predictable. Accord has profound road and engine noise and tighter steering. Accord seems bigger that Camry. Altima size is smaller than Camry and Accord. Like Camry better for daily driving

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  Love the 6 Speed Trail Teams SE - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ARH1956 - November 10 - 6:43 pm

  I am very happy with my Trail Teams FJ. The 6 speed FJ is a joy to drive, performance is commendable & the off road capability is amazing. As a daily driver Im getting 17.2 mpg with 50% in town travel. The Trail Teams treatment is well thought out, all the off road goodies in one package, and the Iceberg White monotone paint with black accents is very attractive as well.

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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Ryan - November 10 - 8:03 am

  My Camry LE has been extremely reliable. But then again, most Toyotas are. My Camry only has about 57k and I plan on going another 100k! Camry is fully loaded, has two-tone paint, leather seats, alloy wheels, sunroof, etc. Was my grandmothers car previously and was in perfect condition (save for a few typical scratches). Still looks like new on the inside, but the quality of the paint isnt as good as I thought. Needs to be cleaned really well to restore the original shine; but then again, it is a 7 year old car. Overall, have been very satisfied with the car. The only problems I have would be with the seats. On long drives they can become uncomfortable.

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  Car You Must Have!! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By MOSSO71 - November 10 - 12:23 am

  Ive been driving this car for around 2 years (was used, 84,678 miles). It is excellent, no problems whatsoever and Im up to 95,235 miles. The ride is very smooth, the seats are comfortable, the noise level is also really low. The controls are very easy to use, and the displays are not confusing. The AC gets cool really quickly, and the heat gets warm quickly. Overall this is a great car that I would recommend. Its reliable and I havent had any problems with it so far. Just I can say its the best car ever!!

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  pleased with choice - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By wwh - November 9 - 11:50 am

  Just bought Highlander for my wife and we love it. Highlander has a little better gas mileage and felt that the ride was a little more comfortable than others. Fit and finish are high quality and most interior features are well thought out such as bottle holders in rear doors. V6 engine is very smooth without any significant hitches when changing gears. Highlander also has no real blind spots and sits a little lower than other SUVs so my wife can get in and out easier.

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  No Problem -Toyota- - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Terry C. - November 9 - 10:16 am

  This is the most solid pickup Ive ever been in in my life! Nary a squeak or rattle anywhere. This is my third Toy pickup and Im impressed with their product. The V-6 provides ample power, I didnt want a six cylinder until I tried one. Buy with confidence!

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  Wouldnt trade it for the world - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By shortierocka1 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  My first time in a camery, smooth, clean ride, sturdy. I felt very comfortable with the power it gave and how safe it makes me feel. I have not had any problmes what so ever with the vehicle. Just keep your maintenence up & you could have this car for years to come!

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  Best Buy for the Money - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Marc Yu - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Great overall value. Warren Brown, the car editor for the Washington Post, just helped his daughter get one and he cant believe how great this car is for the money. The seat material and shape need help, though. Lots of help.

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  great overall vehicle - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By pml - November 9 - 2:00 am

  excellent overall sport utility with car type ride and luxury type felling

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  2001 Toyota Tacoma - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By TJG1000 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  The only regret is not getting the extended cab...I bought a Leer topper so that the dogs could ride with me. The Tacoma offers great gas mileage, fun to drive and light enough to make it through deep snow without getting stuck.