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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  2006 Toyota Corolla S - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Joe - January 19 - 6:20 am

  If you want a vehicle that is reliable and fun to drive then buy this one. I love the way it handles in all weather. I can honestly say dont wait like I did, buy a Corolla its worth every penny.

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  An SUV that rides and acts like a car! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Shonta - January 19 - 4:53 am

  I absolutely looooove my Rav. The ride is so very comfortable that you just dont get tired of sitting for a long period of time. Its feels like more pep than 4cyl, the gas mileage is pretty good, and its a cutie! This is truly an SUV that rides as the most comfortable care you can imagine. I have a bad back, and I no longer have backaches from driving or from lifting things in and out of the car. Its a perfect height for a lady like me who is 55". I am so glad I got this cute little jewel.

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  SUV Alternative - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By C. Holland - January 19 - 4:40 am

  I helped my sister purchase a 2003 Avalon XLS which really impressed me. When my wife and I decided to upgrade our ride quality from a popular SUV, the Avalon was a logical choice. The Limited had comfort features we sought, in spades. The ride is exceptional, good gas mileage and neat appointments. The styling is really impressive and we are constantly getting positive comments from friends and strangers who love the blue color and tan leather interior. I honestly feel considering what you get in this car, power looks and reliability plus resale value, it is an excellent buy.

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  3 Month Update - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By tduke - January 18 - 4:57 pm

  A quick update on my 2013 Limited FWD. Am averaging 25 mpg (actual, not computer). Overall a nice vehicle. However, if you live in a rural location beware, rodents LOVE the wires & hoses in this car. Ive spent $350 replacing various under hood bits after a large rat took up residence (later dying in the cabin AC filter box). The dealer acknowledges this is a problem due to eco friendly material being used that attract rodents. They suggest taking countermeasures like mothballs, hot pepper spray on wires/hoses and fox urine spray in wheel wells. My Buick was never touched for 2.5 years but within 6 weeks the Venza was a buffet. My cat stays busy but cant kill them all.

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  My first Toyota - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Laura - January 18 - 9:10 am

  After endless research this vehicle was the perfect choice for me. The MPG, safety ratings, reliability history, longevity since first introduced in 1968, interior design and features, while a bit expensive, seem very well built. I like the LE simulated wood look. For a small sedan I feel safe and secure. I was disappointed by the lack of ABS and side curtain airbags as optional equipment. However, the crash test results were impressive. This car is fun to drive and has decent acceleration.

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  Great Car!! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Geno Z - January 17 - 11:40 pm

  This is a very sharp car that has a awesome ride and offers a very sporty ride! It has all the power you will need and gets very good gas mileage. Great on long trips and handles very well. Third Toyota I have bought and will continue to buy. Very dependable car.

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  My First Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By David - January 17 - 7:13 pm

  Just purchased my first Camry last month. I liked and test drove all of the available packages for model year 2009. I opted for the 2009 SE with the 4 cylinder. This is a superb vehicle. It has all the convenience of a four door with a large trunk and yet has the looks of a sports car. I chose the 4 cylinder strictly based on the economy. The vehicle hugs the road. If you do a lot of Autobahn type driving purchase the SE and you will enjoy the sport tuned suspension. GREAT vehicle in this price range. The carpeted wheel wells, trunk lid, and engine compartment create a VERY quiet cabin.

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  Lots of room - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By LEN LEE - January 17 - 6:00 pm

  It is hard to find a car that fits a 6 ft 3 in male. the new Camry has tons of leg room front and rear. This car comes with the most standard equipment of any car that I have ever owned. I had the rear spolier and leather seats added. I also had the factory window tint, but the tint is way too light. And last but not least... 37.9 MPG - what more could you want. Overall love the car.

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  Best Car Ill Ever Own! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Native49 - January 17 - 3:00 am

  I bought this car in Feb 2005 with 55k miles. It now has close to 103k, and runs the same as it did with 55k. Ive done nothing to it but oil changes and routine maintenance. It may have a 2.2liter 4cyl and 135hp, but Im almost always the first one out of the gate when the light turns green, and I pass easily on the freeway, even when going up a 9% grade that lasts for 10 miles. I dont drive hard, either. I rarely go above 3000rpm, and never over 3500 (max hp is reached @5200). Ive taken it on two different road trips which were 2/3 highway driving and 1/3 city, and overall gas mileage was 32mpg. I will keep this car and see how many miles I can put on it before it needs repairs.

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  A True Convertible Driver - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mary - January 16 - 8:40 pm

  This is my third different manufacturers convertible and it is by far my favorite. The room both inside the car and the trunk is excellent. I can carry 2 golf bags and a golf pull cart in the trunk even with the top down. It doesnt matter how tall the person in the drivers seat is. There is still plenty of leg room in the back. The DENSO navigation system is easy to use and extremely accurate. The drawbacks are 1) The boot is large and takes up alot of room in the trunk and therefore usually I leave it in the garage. 2)The seat heaters only have one setting. 3)The CD player only holds one disc if the car has a navagation system. 4)The passanger seat is not electric.