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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  Camry review - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By RLAP - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car...gas mileage is excellent. I drive 60 miles a day to work and fill up once a week.

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  Great car and having fun! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Alamo guy - April 11 - 8:30 am

  Just into my 3000 miles and I love the vehicle. Comfortable driving .... good acceleration and fun with the top down on a road trip. Plent of compliments from strangers and most are surprised by the price. Biggest problem is getting my daughters from behind the wheel.

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  No regrets - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By C - April 11 - 7:33 am

  Nice car, fun to drive, comfortable firm seats, however I find the head rest uncomfortable, pushes my head to far forward. Good dealership, very helpful, they made me an outstanding deal on my lease. Id be interested to exchange price and lease information with others who leased this model.

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  My Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Richard Campbell - April 11 - 4:46 am

  I traded in my 2004 for a 2007 because I wanted side air bags. Probably the best car I have ever owned.

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  Its a keeper - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Sue - April 10 - 11:30 pm

  I bought my Camry new. During the first 5 years I had to spend some money on unreasonable problems like a clunking noise that sounds like the car was falling apart. My mechanic told me its a manufacturer defect but the manufacturer didnt recall because its not a safety issue. I spent about $300 to fix this problem because it really bothered me. There were some other strange problems but now at 120,000 miles it runs great. I do regular oil change and tune up and replaced the water pump and timing belt at 90K. Also replaced the tires twice and brakes. I just spent $250 for a full service wax and now its shining like new! Im planning to keep it.

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  Love it - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By lizajayne - April 10 - 3:45 pm

  I love this car. It gave us all that we needed with great gas miles, room for the family and all the bell and whistles that any would want in a car of that price.

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  Tunk Is My Buddy - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tunk - April 10 - 3:16 pm

  I have a quirky habit of naming my vehicles, because I usually keep them for 10+ years. I call my Tundra truck Tunk. I like the way it feels when Im driving, and the turning radius for this size vehicle is amazing. The seats are comfortable if you pull the headrests out & turn them around so youre not forced to scrunch your neck to conform. The 236 hp V6 is smooth as silk & purrs like a big cat when youre cruising down a back road at 55 or 60, up or down a hill, where it is lugging down below 2k rpm. The cruise control took a little getting used to because the control "schtick" turns with the wheel, while other levers remain stationary. Heat & A/C superb, back seats roomy & comfortable.

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  This is it... best true SUV - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Brent - April 10 - 4:10 am

  I have had my 08 SR5 2WD 4Runner now for over a month and have put a couple of thousand miles on it. Wow, this is it, the best true SUV. When I was ready to replace my 97 LT 2WD Chevy Tahoe I looked and test drove a bunch of vehicles. After driving the 4Runner for an extended tested drive I knew it was the truck for me. The V6 performs so well in so many areas, the truck is laid out perfectly and thoughtfully, and at 6-5" and 280 Im very comfortable. It is awesome on the highway, very quiet, very solid and plenty of power. Lots of compartments to stowaway stuff. I am set for canoing, fly fishing, biking and camping.

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  Wobbles - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Frank - April 9 - 10:30 pm

  Excellent overall except for front end and windshield "wobbles" when driving over bumps or uneven pavement. Dealer said it was a design deficiency. Toyota cant fix the problem.

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  I like it, it is fun to drive - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By vg - April 9 - 5:36 pm

  I have had Toyota for past 9 years, along with a BMW 540i, and a Buick Rendevous. This one is the most fun to drive, fuel economy is stunning (35-40 mpg).