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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  The ultimate middle class family sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Sethny - November 29 - 3:33 pm

  They hybrid engine takes a little getting used to. Its now two weeks after I started driving it, and I find I am getting over 40 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. I traded in a 2004 Camry for the Hybrid and the improvements were quite noticable. This is a comfortable, sprited well engineered vehicle. A family car that is great to drive. The gas savings put this car over the edge as far as being the right choice for the family sedan.

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  Honest Review - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By DVanWechel - November 29 - 2:50 pm

  I now have 7000 miles on the car. It is a very solid drive. Great fit and finish and does exactly what it advertises - spectacular gas mileage with all the conveniences of a regular compact car. Likes thus far: 1. Roomier than its Honda Civic competitor (Im 66" and can drive it comfortably) 2. Did I mention the mileage? I consistently get 50+ mpgs 3. Good hands-free link, stereo, gauges, readouts 4. Styling is much improved over previous years model Complaints thus far: 1. A few minor rattles in the dash (but only over rough roads) 2. Useless sun visors when used to the side 3. Annoying reverse beeper 4. Inaccurate mileage counter (its often off by 4 miles to the gallon).

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  Read it and Ride it...then youll buy it - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By KATS RIDE - November 29 - 2:13 pm

  I went on a trip to AZ and asked for a SUV rental. We got an FJ. For one week, I fell in love. One year passed, and last week, I went and bought one. Total happiness. Went from a BMWZ4 to this. No complaints. None. Not a van, nor a 4 door same ole same ole SUV. I like the cup holders and hidden compartment in dash for my stuff! This SUV drives unlike any other I have had, and that includes, Pathfinder, Navigator, Expeditions. Better because it strikes a hit in the unique ride and rides exceptionally well. No truck feeling here. Performs great, rugged but functional. And just take your time backing, just like the BMW, go slow and look. No worries!! I will have this for a long, long time!

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  5th Camry, and Loving It! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By James - November 29 - 6:20 am

  Love my 04 Camry LE! Great car! Great quality! Super quiet, and super- solid! Attractive, upscale design!

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  Awesome Buy - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By LG - November 29 - 4:43 am

  I bought it new 2007 Limited. Love it. If you are talking on phone and Bluetooth is activated. As soon as you start your car your call gets transferred to your car speaker and built in mic. Hands-free driver. No need to turn off or lower the volume, it will switch automatically to call when you receive a call too. Extra storage in the trunk. Cargo net and other good stuff is awesome.

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  The best Ive owned - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By terry A - November 28 - 12:49 pm

  Ive been wanting a 4runner since I first noticed them in the 1990s but I did think they were gutless and too expensive. I finally bought a used 2006 AWD Limited in May 2008 with 94,000 miles. Now I know why they all have good reviews. It is a great vehicle to drive compared to my 2001 Jeep Cherokee. This drives like silk I use regular Michelin tires. Its rides really smooth. I live at 6500 above sea level. The V8 does well but does have to down shift periodically on freeway hills I have noticed small leaks around the sunroof that I need to see about. I changed the timing chain, waterpump, cleaned the fuel system, and flushed the transmission, all at the dealer. Thats the only preventative things I have done. Nothing else is needed so far. I have around 159,000 miles so far and fully expect it go a long way. The engine runs amazingly smooth for its age. UPDATE 1-2018 Still runs great but it needs CV joint boots but will replace the entire axle sooner or later I plan on replacing the timing Belt AGAIN in March the mileage then should be around 199,000. All is well

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  2007 Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Camry - November 28 - 12:30 pm

  I went from a minivan to the Camry. I was afraid that I would miss the space of the minivan. The features gained far outway the space. It drives very easy, lots of leg room, luxerious feel, I am really impressed. I have not missed the minivan once.

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  Still the Front Runner - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Malkee - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The 4Runner epitomizes the definition of SUV without sacrificing the comforts of a luxury vehicle. This is my 2nd 4Runner and my 5th Toyota. You cant ever go wrong with Toyota, their quality, reliability, resale, and overall prices are untouchable.

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  Tremendous Family Car - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By RM - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Drives like a high end sedan, fabulous build quality, excellent ergonomics, powerful and spacious, but more road feel than other similar sized vehicles.

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  Toyota XLE V6 - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Harry K - November 28 - 10:00 am

  My Toyota has been one dependable car. It has never left me stranded, though I have done oil changes and maintenance, incl. belt changes, regularly. I feel its quality from the factory is obvious in its feel and confidence the car engenders. It has treated my family well.