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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  Sienna review - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By KidzHave4 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car in March of 2003, after having had a terrible experience with a Ford Windstar. Love most everthing about this car, although we have had some trouble with both passenger sliding doors. One is electric and the other is not, but we have had to have them looked at 3 separate times for loud squeeking noises in both doors

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  Boring - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By too bad you got it - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I would have bought a Camry, test drove one but got the Nissan Maxima GLE instead. I just stopped by this site to read Camry owner reviews. Boring reviews, no one is that excited about anything with the car. Must be a boring car to get boring reviews. Check the Maxima reviews. Now that is one group of excited and impressed owners. Glad to say thatI am part of that group.

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  Camry XLE` - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Lurich - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Very good luxurious sedan

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  The Best of Toyota - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Z-MAN - May 24 - 4:06 pm

  This car is worth every penny... and that isnt much to pay. The quality of Toyota is everywhere within this car. The gas mileage is great, it looks great, and performs the same way with the Toyota dependability. It is roomy enough for family travel, great leg room! Load it up and go. Whether youre going around town or on a long trip, you cannot go wrong with this vehicle. I now know what my next vehicle is going to be!

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  Basic 4WD Toyota compact pickup - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Western Plainsman - May 24 - 6:40 am

  The pickup rides surprisingly well; seat is okay; sufficient legroom; good passing power in 4th gear; 22 MPG at 70 MPH so far...1,500 miles. Bought the cheapest 4WD pickup Toyota makes; only option is Air. Ive added floor mats & a factory cruise. My wife inherited the Tundra 4WD. She didnt want the Tacoma because it has none of the goodies. Hey, but its paid for!

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  Love my car! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Christine - May 24 - 3:33 am

  This car is sporty and fun to drive. The rear seats have much more room than any convertible Ive ever ridden. Its a wonderful car to drive daily in the south. Vacations in the car have been wonderful.

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  I love my Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Dawn Lietz - May 23 - 9:00 pm

  I live in the No Nevada area where there are a lot of mountains and long distance driving. I average between 39 - 41 MPG! Plenty of power, fun to drive, excellent vehicle!

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  I Believe This Car Will Last Forever! - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By doctorken2k - May 23 - 2:56 pm

  My family bought this car new 15 years ago and after two major accidents and having the belts, the starter, and alternator replaced, this car is still going strong after 204,000 miles. The only time this car goes to the shop is to have the brakes changed and tires replaced, rotated, or balanced and that is a rare thing for this car. I change the oil myself. I never had a transmission problem out of this car either. Although this car will probably last forever, its body will not. The paint is chipping and interior is detoriating, but that comes with ever old car. Soon, I will be getting another Toyota or Scion although there has been recalls. Those recalls will pass like time and Toyota will become a reliable brand again. I am afraid to drive anything else especially the big 3!

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  Love the 2005 - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By CChappell - May 22 - 11:56 pm

  This is my 4th Avalon and it is clearly the best. Handling is much smoother and you get more features for the money. The new engine provides quicker acceleration to negotiate in heavy traffic. Best year by far!

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By freedom - May 22 - 5:10 pm

  Couldnt be more boring, at a stop light you could be surrounded by 3 more of the same color as yours. But who cares. Its the best car I have ever owned. Drove it for over 7 years and it never failed me once. Went through brakes frequently and OEM tires failed at 25k. Stereo was great. Everything always worked all the time. Never had a single repair only maintenance. It had 111k, miles when I sold it for 7k in 09. Wanted a Sienna. It was fine but I should have held onto the Camry. Got great gas mileage. 28 in the city. Its nice that it doesnt have a timing belt, only a chain so no need for that service. Will be hunting for one with side airbags next time.