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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  Great car with lots of potential - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By toy4x4boy - May 23 - 10:03 am

  Bought my 1999 SE V6 5-speed used with 53,000 miles, now have 80,000. Besides the clutch that recently wore out, have had no problems. I have lowered the car and added 18s and this thing handles awesome now and the ride is way better than the floaty stock ride. Car has great power, never feels lacking, plenty of passing power. Fuel economy is not as good as I hoped though, lucky if I can break 27 mpg on the highway, I would think 30 mpg should be achievable with a 3.0 V6. Quailty is outstanding, interior materials are top rate mostly. Seats are very comfortable. Vehicles like this make you wonder why anyone would buy a new car, great value here.

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  Overall good choice for mid sized sedan - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By mossimo142 - May 23 - 3:07 am

  I was deciding between the Camry and Chevy Malibu. I went with the Camry due to the rear leg room and resale value. I dont necessarily agree with Toyota having a higher resale value because the Malibu felt like it was built better. The dash on the Camry seems cheap and the parts dont fit perfectly causing wiggle room when pressed against. The seats are also not comfortable for trips longer than 30 minutes. They feel like generic foam, offering little support even with lumbar. The MPG calculator consistently registers 1-2 MPGs higher than what the car actually gets. This is somewhat disappointing, but I still average around 31 with 75% highway driving.

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  Happy Buyer - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By TriciaM - May 22 - 8:10 pm

  I bought my sport edition in Feb. and have never been happier with a new car purchase. I wasnt going to get the 6 cyl. but am glad I did as I really like the power for freeway driving. It has a lot of room and is really comfortable for road trips. I was looking to buy the Honda CR-V but as I couldnt get the one I wanted, I am totally glad I ended up with the RAV4. I love the Bluetooth feature also which the Honda doesnt offer. I couldnt be happier with my purchase of the RAV4!

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  Prius V inferior to Prius - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By edickinson - May 22 - 3:50 pm

  I continue to be very disappointed in the 2012 Toyota Prius V. I purchased a 2012 Prius V and Prius in October of 2012. I find many issues that make the Prius V an aggravation, dangerous and displeasure especially when compared to the Prius model. These are the reasons: 1. The divers seat’s manual adjustments are terrible and can create dangerous situation to adjust while moving, 2. The engine is not adequate for the weight of the vehicle, 3. The electronics and comfort are inferior to the Prius, 4. Wind noise, 5. Gas mileage is not meet expectations and not as good as Prius, 6. The radio has interference with even local stations. I would not recommend this model and will trade it.

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  my experience - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Paul Day - May 22 - 1:56 pm

  This is my first Toyota, and if it keeps on doing what it is doing now (gas mileage 32.2MPG, fun to drive, comfort, very reliable etc. I will have to say it needs a trim molding on the lower door panels to keep other car doors from denting when it is parked in parking lots.

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  Sienna LE/Symphony Pkg. - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By NewToyotaOwner - May 22 - 10:00 am

  To date we have 2200 miles. The V-6 is very smooth and power is adequate. Fit and finish is very good. Interior layout suits our family. Was able to purchase below dealer invoice.

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  own it forever - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By blairinmaine - May 22 - 10:00 am

  great little car good handling (dx) great on gas no major problems yadda yadda yadda

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  Great Car for the Bucks - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By francisdelapena - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had this Car since October 2001. It is fun to drive, and gets great mileage for less then $12.00 for a full tank of gas. It has a smooth engine, it does not seem to have the jumpy engine when you press the gas, thanks to the VVT-i engine. It feels very durable when you drive. It does not feel like it is going to fall apart on me at all. The A/C is very good, it can get very cold very fast. The interior is very spacious with enough head space above.

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  Wrong choice. - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By iyt2000 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I lease the car for 2 and a half years. Got it new and the very first day it broke down on me. They replaced back suspension unit, cutting down the wire on my speaker (putting me in we did not do it situation). Tried to declare it as a lemon, no such luck. Ever since then it is a very unpleasant experience. Customer service is good only when it comes to change the oil. Refuse any responsibility when it comes to something serious. They turn you down smiling. Very noisy, troublegiving car; does not feel safe at all. 5000 miles ago replaced both front struts. MPG is exaggeration; was never able to make as much as they promise.

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  Highlander AWD 6cyl - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By KevinW - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Highly recommended,car like ride and handling. Somewhat small interior. Typical Japanese suspension and seats (both very tight), unlike the plush, cushiony feel of American designed cars and SUVs.