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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  Get some snow tires... - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Todd - July 4 - 12:53 am

  I bought this car back in April of last year and posted a review in July. Since then, Ive had my first experience with it in snow and have some advice for those that want to buy one - get. some. snow. tires! The performance tires that come on the car are great on dry asphalt but I couldnt do a thing with the car once a half inch of snow was on the ground. No go; no stop; no turn.

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  POV from a minivan mom - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By hdd - July 3 - 11:10 am

  This is a beautiful car. I previously owned a Nissan Quest, so the transition to a car was tough. But the handling and styling on this car made up for the loss of space. Im surprised more people dont spend the extra money and upgrade from the Camry to the Avalon. It looks like a Lexus!

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  Reliable, fun to drive car - 1996 Toyota Celica
  By Pat - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I never had any problem with this car, but I take care of it regularly, 3K oil change, 15K, 30K, 45K, 60K maintenance, I changed timing belt around 72K. I never spent a penny repair this car actually.

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  Great car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By KGW - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This has been an excellent family car. With the exception of a weather seal around the window on the drivers door, a couple very minor trim problems all repaired under warrenty and one recall (cruise control) that was repaired while I waited, I have had no problem with this car. Mine is a V6 with a 5 sp. manual (rare) and is a great performer. It is not a true sports sedan ie BMW but it aint bad. My teen age, son bless his heart, reports that it will do 0-60 in the 6 sec. range. After 68000+ miles I still have the orignal brakes. I usually take it to the dealer for service and wait for it and I am back on the road in a little more than an hour. We love it!!!

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  Corolla LE - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By paradise_city - July 1 - 8:53 pm

  For an economy car it has ample room for a normal sized person. I like the pep the car has and it can zip around with ease. Nice body styling with very easy to use dash panel controls. The interior does not appear "cheap" like some of the other economy cars. Smooth ride on good surface but you feel it when the road gets bumpy.

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  New Prius a Great Buy - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By DWood - July 1 - 1:33 pm

  Just got a 2007 Prius. Back seats hard & bench like. Wouldnt recommend long drive for passengers in back of this car. Back seats fold down for extra storage, its just right for my sweetie and me to take trips with all our gear, and fewer stops to refuel! Handles very well, fairly quiet, shift between the electric motor and gas engine not noticable at all, good pick up for passsing. Nice storage in 2 gloveboxes & center console. Holds 2 cups, large or small. Dash equip easy to read and operate, cruise control a bit awkward, under the right side of steering wheel. Overall, extremely happy with this car.

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  A sweet ride for computer geeks - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Ron Weber - July 1 - 3:20 am

  We got the navigation system, which I really thought we didnt need, especially since you cant get it with the entertainment system. But the touch screen just cant be beat for information and fun if you like computers. The car is very luxurious and the ride is just about a perfect compromise between comfort on the road and on dirt or sand. I dont know what those folks who knock the ride are talking about. The 20" wheels do make for a little harshness, but big bumps are taken in stride. Dont even think about getting the four cylinder engine. Even the 6 cylinder is short on low end torque, but pulls nicely once you get moving.

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  Transition from performance to economy - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By DB1947 - June 30 - 3:16 pm

  Replaced a 2002 Acura TL Type S, went from fast driving to a more relaxed pace. Hybrid has made this transition easy. While responsiveness and acceleration is less, overall performance is on par. I drive a little slower, dont take the passing lane as often, but end up arriving in the same amount of time, but feeling more relaxed and having used way less gas. I still routinely hit 80 MPH, but try to keep it lower, while averaging about 38-39 MPG. Interior is comfortable and very quiet. Handling is a little soft, but adequate. No major complaints: steering wheel is too narrow and hard to grip for long periods, rear visibility is difficult, brake pedal angle is to high.

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  2003 Toyota Corolla LE - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By brian - June 30 - 8:40 am

  This is one of the best cars in the world for the price and more. I love my Corolla. Turns on a dime, great gas mileage avg 25-27 mpg at speeds of 80-90 all the time. Over 6 yrs ownership, and oil changes and tire rotations are your only maintenance items needed. Excellent ride, great interior, lots extras, @ 74,000 miles it still feels new, with new tires and struts, this will feel like a brand new car. Everyone that drives in my car, complements it in one way or another. Compare it to any car out there and it can compete. Better reliability than a BMW or Mercedes for half the money.

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  2011 LE 2.5L Auto Updated 5-14-11 - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By mkrahn - June 28 - 10:13 am

  This is my second Camry the first one 2007 V6 logged on 189K very strong performer until trans went out back in Aug 2010 thats when I took delivery of the 2011 2.5L auto which now as 45K. There is little difference between the years, but for 2012 that should change new model make over. No problems so far the engine along with the 6 speed transmission verses the older model using a small 2.4L and a 5 speed transmission makes the difference I think.