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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  Tall People Beware - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Erik Savage - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The car runs great, but is not designed for everyone. Leg began cramping to the point of numbness days after I bought it, but the dealer and manufacturer were unsympathetic; politely listened but took no responsibility. Scouring the internet, I found similar cases for people 6 and over (Im 6). Ill have to sell the car at a loss after driving it for only a few weeks. Buyer beware: take a LONG test drive.

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  Some Issues - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By sandi - December 14 - 4:10 pm

  I bought the Yaris mainly for reliability and gas mileage and so far the vehicle has been good for this. BUT there are some issues that I wish I had known about before purchase. They are significant enough that I may have chosen another vehicle. 1. You cannot drive with the windows open because of a strange sound effect that hurts your ears. 2. The sounds system is TERRIBLE. 3.Cup holders in TERRIBLE places. 4. Air smells like dirty feet when you turn it on. On last oil change they found NO cabin air filter. 5. Just plain too small. My teens cannot sit in the back seat so we have to take TWO cars on trips. There goes mileage savings.

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  Im not keeping it... - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Termitesforhire - December 14 - 4:00 am

  About a month ago I started shopping for a more comfortable car for my 36 mile commute to work. In an ironic twist of fate, I wound up with a 2012 Camry SE. The car rides well and handles alright for such a large sedan, but the front seat is a deal breaker. Six hundred miles in and I know for sure Im not keeping it. Ive sporadically driven it the past two weeks and its killed my back. I looked long and hard for a comfortable car and got stuck with this. Ive already spoken to my dealer, who is more than willing to try to get me into something comfortable. If that doesnt work, I will be switching back to my old car, which has fortunately not sold yet. If you are at all a tall person, examine this car carefully to make sure that you can get comfortable in it. Im 6 (not freakishly tall) and apparently the Camry is horrible on taller drivers. Google it. Its a shame because its an otherwise great car. After having this purchase go so poorly Im afraid to buy any car now.

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  Should have got the Fusion - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Me - December 13 - 3:46 pm

  Regret buying the car. Wish I would have gone with the car I really liked, the Ford fusion, because the Camry is not as good as they are made out to be. Not a cool car at all and not really reliable.

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  Not Impressed - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By James - December 13 - 10:00 am

  A salesman talked me into this heap. I like to offroad and he told me all sorts of crap about other makes and models, so I bought it. It"s like a coffin inside. Very dark. No sunroof. Bad interior lighting. Hummer H3 and Jeep Wrangler are both more capable off-road. Plus, you can barely see out of it. And now the windshield is cracked cause of poor flat design.

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  Very Disappointed, Uncomfortable Seats - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By AngelaE - December 9 - 11:40 pm

  This is my third Camry, after owning 2000 and 2002 models. I did not like the LEs interior from the beginning; it seemed cheaply made and had sharp angles. We wound up buying an SE because my husband preferred the sporty look and insisted we couldnt go wrong based on our experience with our previous Camrys. The following day I realized that this car has the most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat in. Every time I drive it I wind up with a headache or sore neck. The headrest cannot be adjusted backwards or forward and pushes my head forward. I took it to the dealer to see if there was any solution, but they were unable to help. I am ready to dump this thing and I have only had since May!

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  Rough Ride on Camry SE - Should have kept LE - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By camryboom - December 9 - 3:38 pm

  Great looking car, but it rattle my teeth to ride over just about any road. The only time the ride is smooth is when the car is stopped. Every bump on the road is sent into your seat and up your spine. Someone please tell me this gets better over time. Also, the stereo is blah ... my 2011 had a cranker. This one has no brut force. Big disappointment there ... would take my 2011 back in a heartbeat.

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  Good truck, except for the year 2000 - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By mostsleek - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck used with 25000 miles. I knew about the brake problems and had my rotors turned at 35000 miles. They are already starting to go with only 40000. The brakes will only last about 5000-7500 miles. Then at 40000 miles the fuel pump went. I had to fight with toyota to get the repair and tow paid for. Eventually they paided, however, the engine light came on 1 day after the repair, and I noticed that a bolt was mising from the cab.Once again i fought with toyota to fix the repair that they said that I did. The truck is great, the first year, 2000, models have alot of problems. 31 TSB and 2 recalls.

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  First Toyota/Last Toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Back to Nissan - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new 2004 Solara SE Sport on 9/4/03. From day one, car pulls left and tire pressure warning light is always on. Have taken to dealership 5 times, they have opened a case with Toyota Technical, and still unable to fix. Am developing quite a few muscles holding this car on the road. Have discovered numerous reviews on the internet stating the same problems with this car. Very nice looking car if they could make it go straight.

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  Camry 07 - not what I expected - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By disappointed - December 8 - 1:23 pm

  This is my third Toyota, and my last one. Im disappointed seeing that every time this car consumes more gasoline. Ive been measuring the miles/gallon since I purchased it, and it never goes higher than 23 mpg in a mix of city and mostly highway. Also, it hesitates when I press the gas, and 3 seconds later it accelerates with a jump! It doesnt feel safe!