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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  aspen green camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By eal - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Great car. I would recommend it to anyone. Love the color, love the comfort, yada yada yada.

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  My First Toyota - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By marksecoshop - May 29 - 7:33 am

  After owning 5 Hondas, I decided to try a Toyota. Ive been very pleased with the overall performance, quality, and simplicity of this vehicle. The vehicle fits me very well (510") and it is comfortable to drive for an extended period of time. I am a little disappointed with the gas mileage Im getting. Im averaging 32 MPG (28 city and 37 highway). Great trunk space. The interior materials are top notch for a vehicle in this price range. Note: The trunk lid doesnt close as well as it should even after being adjusted.

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  Base Camry 2009 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By tp - May 29 - 2:50 am

  After having several Accords I bought the 2009 Camry (base 4 cl automatic) on reliability and price - got a wonderful deal. I was going to buy an LE but found that the base model was identical except for remote unlocking (instead of electric central locking in the base and manual instead of electric seat adjustment - the two not worth $1,500 more to me). Ride is very quiet compared to the Accord and acceleration is OK and the car is quite big inside. Accord may be a little more fun to drive, but Camry is cheaper and quieter. In sum, after a bit over 1,000 miles - I am very happy so far. At the same price, I would have been tempted by the accord, but they are not the same price.

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  2009 Prius - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By SJM - May 29 - 12:06 am

  I have nearly 6,000 miles on my Prius so far and have not yet been able to break the 41 MPG average, despite an 80 mile per day commute - this is disappointing as the sole reason for purchasing the Prius was to gain maximum fuel efficiency. My hopes are that this will change as the weather starts to warm up, but, dont you think Toyota would have accounted for cold weather in the MPG ratings? Otherwise, I enjoy driving the Prius.

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  Fun4life - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Nichole - May 28 - 10:40 pm

  I purchased this car in lieu of the 4 dr Camry, its so much sportier. Great handling. The trunk is HUGE for a coupe so Ive got lots of room for shopping bags. The turning radius is awesome and it just glides over bumps in the road. The V6 has lots of power for get up and go. A must for Atlanta traffic!

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  My Baby - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By Sierra Miles - May 28 - 4:30 pm

  Im a senior in high school and i love my red toyota celica. I would honestly not drive anything else. It gets great gas mileage. Its perfect for a girl like me. The trunk is spaceous and i cant wait to take it to the beach.

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  Love my Camry! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By jPrindable - May 28 - 12:50 am

  There is plenty of room for my infant seat in the back, even in the rear facing position. The 4 cyl. engine has PLENTY of pick-up-and-go! The seats are very comfortable, the controls are easy to use, and I love the ability to add limited options that are most important to YOU.

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  Just replace the brakes and its perfect - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Sugarfixx28 - May 27 - 10:20 pm

  I lovingly call my Solara MILAGROS because its a miracle that I was able to get this car. This is by far the best car I have ever driven! At first I was shooting for an AUDI, but when I came across my Solara, wow was I surprised! With the exception of shaky brakes, its perfect! I even turn heads where ever I go (Milagros is Periwinkle). Its a luxury sports coupe, handles the road beautifully, especially the turns! The sound system is spectacular (trust me, Im an Audio Engineer, I know what Im talking about!) The 6 disc CD player is such a great bonus, the trunk is huge, and theres lots of leg room in the back, more than any other coupe Ive driven. I love it!!!

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  So Far so Good - Update - 1 year - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Dave - May 27 - 8:23 am

  This vehicle has been more than I expected. Mileage has been terrific on the highway. 27 mpg at 70 mph; 23- 25 mpg at 80 mph. Engine has great power. Van is very quiet and smooth. Seats are very comfortable. Would recommend the upgraded radio/cd player with bluetooth. The added on bluetooth by Toyota is just so-so.

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  Best Overall Large Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By JOHN M. - May 27 - 6:56 am

  Tremendous quality in design and manufacturing. High reliability.