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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  Hard not to like! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Really Picky - November 23 - 12:53 am

  Ive driven Explorers, 4runners and Grand Cherokees, this is by far the most car-like ride quality of any mid-sized Sport Ute. Its also the best average gas mileage Ive ever had with a Sport Ute. The rear seats are some of the quickest to lay flat that Ive encountered.

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  Okay, but nothing to rave about - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By woods - November 22 - 3:36 pm

  This is an okay car that gets good gas mileage. It started burning oil at around 85,000 miles, and is now going through a quart every 1,000 miles - not what Id expect from a Toyota. It handles okay, but not as well as my 99 Ford Contour, and is really underpowered. Does not do well in snow, but it does start up reliably, even in subzero temps.

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  GREATEST CAR IVE OWNED - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Susan - November 22 - 2:23 pm

  This is the greatest car Ive owned. Fun to drive, responsive and the gas mileage is better than claimed. I HIGHLY recommend this vehicle. I dont really see why anyone would want the V6. 4 cylinder has plenty of get-up and go.

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  NOT WHAT I IMAGINED - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By bennettsbebe - November 22 - 9:24 am

  Maybe my expectations were too high, but I am not as impressed as I thought I would be. The rear view mirror cant be adjusted as it hits the ceiling because of placement, the paint is peeling. The front has mysterious issues no one can diagnose including jerking randomly, speaking of jerking the tranny does it too when it wants. The headrests are not adjustable, and the seats are not as comfortable as I hoped. I do like the quite cabin, the amazing sound system, the safety features, and the gas mileage, I have gotten as much as 31.5 on the highway. Still I think that Toyota started cutting corners on many of their vehicles staring in 05. Next car: GERMAN even if they are maintenance needy.

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  No complaints - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By James Lumbert - November 22 - 12:06 am

  This car is a great car for the money. Plenty of room, has all the extras, not bad on gas and a bit sporty with spoiler and alloy wheels. looks almost like the Lexus of the same size.

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  Elle OnWheels - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Elle OnWheels - November 21 - 11:56 pm

  The thing burns through the oil. If you dont supplement it, immediately it wears down the seals and eventually will blow your engine. The thing burns through tires like crazy too. My engine has blown..but Im not opposed to trying again with another. Ill just be extra careful about the oil! Also, dont try putting anyone above or below the age of 8 in the back seat. Carseats dont fit well and neither do legs.

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  Good solid Camry - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By bobbie bizarczek - November 21 - 4:17 pm

  I bought this after VW bought back my diesel. I have driven a Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra SE-R, BMW 320, and Passat TDI. The pickup is not the same as the other cars, but I now drive 25,000 miles/year, mainly on the highway. The 2015 LE Camry is very comfortable. I prefer the seats on the Camry very much to the other vehicles. The view is excellent, just a small blind spot on the rear view mirrors. I am very pleased, was able to get a 2015 with 18K miles for a very good price.

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  Good solid Camry - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By bobbie bizarczek - November 21 - 4:17 pm

  I bought this after VW bought back my diesel. I have driven a Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra SE-R, BMW 320, and Passat TDI. The pickup is not the same as the other cars, but I now drive 25,000 miles/year, mainly on the highway. The 2015 LE Camry is very comfortable. I prefer the seats on the Camry very much to the other vehicles. The view is excellent, just a small blind spot on the rear view mirrors. I am very pleased, was able to get a 2015 with 18K miles for a very good price.

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  Good solid Camry - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By bobbie bizarczek - November 21 - 4:17 pm

  I bought this after VW bought back my diesel. I have driven a Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra SE-R, BMW 320, and Passat TDI. The pickup is not the same as the other cars, but I now drive 25,000 miles/year, mainly on the highway. The 2015 LE Camry is very comfortable. I prefer the seats on the Camry very much to the other vehicles. The view is excellent, just a small blind spot on the rear view mirrors. I am very pleased, was able to get a 2015 with 18K miles for a very good price.

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  Gas mileage - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By DTown - November 21 - 3:40 pm

  My model has the "information display" with temperature, average mph and average mpg. This feature, especially the mpg can impact your driving habits. Especially with gas over $3/gal. I am more careful about quick acceleration and braking. I have a 26 mile commute to work taking 45 minutes. I average 22.5 mpg. I traveled from Philadlphia to DC and averaged 23.8 mpg. The gas mileage is better than I expected.