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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  XSE V6 BEST VALUE , FAST, COMFY, RELIABLE - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Andrew - September 11 - 1:43 am

  I have had this Camry XSE v6 for two months and 3 thousand miles now. I purchased it with 8 K on it pre owned dealer car and LOVE it. The car is pure vanilla but FRENCH VANILLA ! The quality of workmanship, the quiet ride, comfy on long rides, great looks and a drivetrain with a great sounding fast v6 attached to a quick shifting tranny makes this car fun to drive with surprising MPG as much as 32.8 highway. This car just does everything right !

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  Great Car but..... - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Steve Cebu - September 10 - 7:56 pm

  I Love the car! I think its the best Prius so far. I opted out of the 2009 Prius because of the bladder fuel tank problems and lack of power. The only problem I have with this car is I cant drive it! For some reason the seat presses on my back in a way which causes me back pain. I only discovered this after buying the car. The seats felt good at first but long term driving over 3 hours caused my back to act up and I got a pinched nerve. So really try it before you buy it, if you have a bad back like I do. Other than that the car is amazing I really like almost everything about it. Sadly I will be selling mine because of the seat problems. Toyota had no suggestions.

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  Our Environmental Duty - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By pruistom61 - September 10 - 3:20 pm

  As soon as I saw the Prius v in the showroom, it peaked my curiosity. Having been the previous owner of a 2005 Prius and the current owner of the 2011 Prius, I knew this model must a be a winner. The test drive proved my feelings correct. The mileage so far is in the 40s and the cabin room and comfort surpassed my expectations. Coming from a Volvo XC70, I didnt realize how much rear leg room we would gain with the v. I have read and viewed most reviews prior to the purchase and went with the three version providing with the GPS feature and am very happy with the purchase. Test one for yourself. Like the slogan says, "Once you get you hands on a Toyota, youll never let go!"

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  Love my Camry! - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Michelle - September 10 - 7:26 am

  I few weeks ago I got a new 2018 Toyota Camry SE from a 2012 Camry XLE. I didnt think I would love the new Camry as much as I did my 2012, boy was I wrong. I would say if my dealership had the XSE I would of bought it, but I really didnt need it. However, the SE is just as amazing as the XSE and a few thousand cheaper. The ride itself is much smoother than my 2012. I was a bit bumbed no fog lights, but you dont need them with the auto high beam, which is super cool! Although dual climate control isnt required in my case, you would think it would be standard in a Camry. However, the blind spot monitoring, the radar cruise control and back up camera definitely outweigh the negative of no dual climate control. The radar cruise control is so cool. I still got my sunroof! I was disappointed the illuminated door sills could not be installed since Toyota did not add an electrical plug to connect to. So if you want this, it needs to be pre-installed as an option. I am at least able to upgrade from the black to the standard Camry. I am 5 foot and my husband is 6 foot, so the seat adjustment needed to be comfortable for both of us. This car is definitely comfortable for the both of us and is super soft! The layout takes some getting use too from the 2012. The entertainment system does not come with a CD player which is fine. As long as my Bluetooth works we are all good. Trunk space and access is amazing. Since I am short it is designed where I can actually reach stuff in the back of my trunk. Now, cleaning the inside back bottom part of the window, yeah impossible for me to reach. I will have to get creative or have someone with longer arms to clean it. I really like the way the back window is angled just cleaning will be hard. This care does have some bells and whistles that are great and convenient. The bottom line was the look of the SE, the comfort, drive, safety, color both inside and out, sun roof and Bluetooth. Everything else is a bonus. I do have to say gas mileage so far ranges from 25-35 but I only have 600 miles so far. Cruise control I get the best gas mileage. Overall, I am very impressed. I do get people staring at me, probably trying to figure out what it is. Lol. There was nothing wrong with my 2012 with 64,500 miles on it. My daughter needed to get out of her car so we did a trade 2 for 1. Worked in my favor because I get a new Camry.

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  Hate the Transmission - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By HRM - September 10 - 6:40 am

  My transmission on my 05 Touring is AWFUL! Hunts for gear and sometimes doesnt work (it just shuts down). The problem seems to be random -- dont know what is causing it and neither does dealer. Mechanics cant replicate it. The only fix it to stop, shut the engine off, and restart the car. Its happened FIVE times so far in 2,000 miles! Bummer.

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By BlueLiftback - September 9 - 10:56 pm

  All around awesome car. Easy to park, tons of positive attention everywhere, averaging over 35MPG combined, surprisingly stable at speed, nimble, inexpensive, unique, Toyota build quality... etc...

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  AWESOME TACOMA - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By PRIMO - September 9 - 9:10 pm

  This is my 7th Toyota, but my first truck and Im loving it! I did my homework before purchasing and I have not been disappointed.

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  06 Tacoma double cab Sport Ed. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By elintseeker - September 9 - 8:46 pm

  The ever elusive double cab sport in silver has been worth every penny. Driving this truck is a dream come true. The sport edition ride is silky smooth with the occasional nudge of its blistien shocks, indicating her wild side. The automatic trans is very user friendly and makes me feel like I am preparing for take off from a carrier or something. The seating is suprisingly high as I find myself looking down on most commuters. Though the short bed leaves little for contractors I believe it looks and fits best with the double cab configuration. Thanks Toyota.

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  Satisfied - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By D D - September 9 - 4:20 pm

  With 137,000 miles I have yet to make any repairs. My mechanic told me to keep it well serviced which I have been doing, and it will last me almost for ever. Three days ago it was badly damaged when some one ran into the side. I felt like crying. The car has been very reliable and so good on gas especially since I do so much driving. If it cannot be fixed I will definately be getting another Corolla. It has served me well so far. If I was given the opportunity to change to another car I would not. I love my Corolla.

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  Nice quality hybrid - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Nice quality hybrid - September 9 - 12:53 pm

  I have had the car for 2 months. I bought it as an investment against the rising gas prices. I believe this car is a better city commuter and I use another car for longer distances. I am averging 44 mpg but do take to the highways at 70+ mph. The turning radius is exceptional. The speedometer is set much further out than a normal car, meaning that you can see it and the road without much eye movement. Cruise control is a good way to save gas. You get used to saving more gas by being aware of how you are using your gas and what action will burn more or less. Large cargo area. Get the 16" tires on the Touring Model.