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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  Second Sequoia the best - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By D Harper - December 26 - 4:33 am

  I traded in my 2006 Sequoia for the 2008 Platinum additon. The ride is so much better than the older version and their interior refinements have entered the modern market with competitiors like Lexus, BMW, Lincoln. It gets much better mileage than the old one and all around a much more civilized vehicle.

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  2006 Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By NorthwestOhio - December 25 - 8:33 pm

  Have just over 2000 miles since purchased, over half of it on trip to Florida. Gas mileage just about as advertised on the highway. Ride is quiet and smooth. Acceleration right on the money. Small complaint with windshield wipers leaving smudges on the windshield and hard to remove. Wiper action somewhat noisy. Have an annoying "thump" on acceleration and is more prominent with full tank of gas. No explanation from dealer, except do not think it is a mechanical or safety problem. So far, on the whole, pleased with performance and comfort. Well see about reliability as time goes by.

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  Dont Pity Me - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By aom1 - December 25 - 6:41 pm

  I am one of the few, I imagine, that went from a German built VW Golf (not TDI) to a Prius V. Why on earth would someone do that? I wanted to get out of the lease game, and purchase. VW has great driving cars and great lease deals, but I wanted to eventually not have car payments. That said, I am thrilled with the Prius V. Dont be influenced by reviews that say it has no power. Plenty of power especially in power mode. I only use power mode in heavy traffic and I have to make a quick maneuver. I had to use the sport mode on the Golf for that anyway. This car is very comfortable, great lumbar support in the drivers seat. Gobs of cargo room and the ride is firm but not jerky at all

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  160,000 miles - still going strong - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Alan - December 25 - 6:33 pm

  Our 2002 has 160,000 miles on it and has been a very reliable vehicle. I do all of my own routine maintenence work, and filers, plugs, etc., are easily accessible. The engine and auto trans still run like brand new - does not use any oil between changes, has never needed any internal engine or trans work - and never had any problems with any major components. We live on a rough gravel road, and the suspension was starting to feel a bit lose at 150,000 miles - I installed new struts, link rods, ball joints, bushings, etc. and it is back to feeling very "tight". The Idle Control Valve became dirty and caused stalling problems, but once I cleaned it problem went away.

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  Best Choice! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Shellybelamour - December 25 - 3:16 pm

  I have been driving my new Camry for a month now and I could not be more sure that I made the best choice! I drove the Accord, Sonata, and Altima. I saved the Camry to test drive last and immediately felt the difference during the test drive. It has a wonderfully cushy smooth ride, little road noise, and it handles very nicely. I would compare the drive of this vehicle to that of my Dads Lexus LS. I feel like a million bucks driving this beautifully well made car!

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  Good, economical car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Kelli - December 25 - 1:06 pm

  This is the first car that I purchased brand new.I like the dependability and reputation that the Toyota name provides. I get excellent gas mileage, Ive only done oil changes & 1 tune- up, my interior still looks new, it handles well and has good pick-up for passing and entering the freeway. I like my wood grain interior; it makes my car not look as economical. There is a problem with my factory alarm, but the dealer didnt even check; they simply said Im out of warranty. The back door wont auto-lock. Ive monitored my gas mileage since the first tank & I get 1 week on 11 gallons for 350 miles. I fit into tight parking spots. My biggest complaint is the paint chips easily.

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  Way More Than I Expected - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jedininja - December 25 - 12:46 pm

  I just picked up a 2007 Camry SE V6 and I have to say I am more than happy with it. I test drove the competition. I decided on the Camry because of the value and gas mileage. Overall, its probably the best car in its class and strives for the next class up.

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  keep it forever - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By kevinm - December 25 - 7:06 am

  I bought this LE model brand new. Since then it has been driven by 4 members of the family for a total of over 120,000 miles and runs as good as when we first bought it with no big repairs except the A/C. In fact, it still has the original exhaust system. We are in the very snowy Pocono Mountains in PA. It is only so-so in snow on the road that is over 3" without snowtires but Id still recommend it to anybody. The only better vehicle Ive driven is a Toyota RAV4.

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  Best truck I have ever owned - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By James - December 25 - 6:26 am

  This is the third Toyota I have owned. 89 Corolla, 89 pickup, then this one. All I have had to replace on it in the last 60,000 miles has been oil/filters and tires. It gets great mileage as long as you dont drive too hard (hah, right, NOT drive hard) around 25 mpg. The braking could be better. All in all this truck has been good to me.

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  Not Bad - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By zahava - December 25 - 6:12 am

  like the other posts I have owned Luxury cars and still have one.This is my 1st Camary. I was looking for reliability and fuel ecomomy. Not bad. Had the car 8 months and have 10k miles on it. I am getting the 40 mpg. I do a little more hwy driving. I am averaging 33.8 mpg. Like others I test drove the Kia, Sonata and Honda. Sonata loads you up and Kia is way loaded then bloated (price). The Camary just drove better. Handling is good. Engine peppy. I have owned and still own a sports car so I know the difference. I still have a VW diesel so I am getting 50mpg and 800 miles to a tank but still like this Camary gasser.