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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  Good reliable car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By davecooper928 - October 7 - 4:40 am

  I bought a 99 Camry about 5 years ago that had 160,000 miles, hoping to get a couple of years out of it. It now has 330,000 miles and still going strong, very very reliable, starts every time, I do nothing to it except regular oil changes. Only thing wrong with it is that when it rains then freezes you cant get the doors open, so the door handle broke off. Minor thing overall. The engine and transmission work well and just a reliable, if plain car. Would recommend it to anyone.

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  Second Camry se NEVER AGAIN - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Kerlyn guerrero - October 7 - 3:30 am

  Car had made with reciclaje materials poor quality interior Car is noise and shaking on the high way Toyota said is SE sport edition but the only sport is the paddle shift the suspension is horrible For call sporty car also rear bumper are miss lines The worst Toyota know the problem and just hidden from the customer I m stock with my car cause I paid a lot thinking this will be a long life car so now is no value on in

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  Two month review - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By GLW1946 - October 7 - 12:43 am

  In most respects the Prius is wonderful. Though its not a performance car, its competent, comfortable, and quiet. The only serious dislike is the center control counsole, which complicates control of the heat/ac and radio -- and the digital speedometer and other gauges/displays. Analog gauges and traditional knobs and levers to control the heat/ac and radio would make this a better car. Of course, its the Prius gas mileage performance that makes it a winner. Ive gotten about 45 mpg overall at 2000 miles.

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  Very Nice - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Dan - October 6 - 11:56 pm

  Got my Rav one month ago. First thing is that its great on hills and excellent off start. Holds plenty of gear with great cargo room and system. Seats are great but had leather put in aftermarket (not an option on sport) I miss my satellite radio so awaiting for dash fit kit, but sound of jbl speakers are great. Waiting to see how it rides in snow. Fit and finish of parts are clean, tight and look great. Great on long highway trips and fuel economy has been 26 mpg. Wish it had full time 4wd ability for heavy rain and snow. Toyota needs to offer satellite as option or the connection for it. Only serious complaint is that you cant read radio and clock display in daytime or with sunglasses on.

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  So far so good! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Joanne - October 6 - 10:16 pm

  I came out of an 07 F-150, so I wont compare apples to oranges. I love the responsive steering. The V6 has quite the pickup, particularly on the highway. Its easy to lose track of how fast youre going, as the drive is very smooth. Love all the gadgets and cubbies for stuff. I have a bad back so seating is important to me. This seat is very comfy and easy to adjust. My son says the back seat is more comfortable than my husbands Lincoln Town Car! Very happy with my new car. (My boss wasnt too happy as I work at a Ford dealership!) Not many of these around yet, so I get lots of looks and questions. Highly recommend this vehicle!

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  4 yr / 100K Review - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By BCC - October 6 - 8:50 pm

  After 4 yrs and 100K+ miles on my RAV4 I have had no problems whatsoever. What a great car. This is my first Toyota. No wonder people love em. Has been to the dealer for routine maintenance only. I seem to have finally done something to it: there is a slight squeak under the dashboard that I plan to have fixed soon. Besides that all I have spent on it is fuel and oil only. Too bad the new one is an oversized version, this was the perfect size (and I am 6"1 220 lbs).

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By steve majeed - October 6 - 8:10 pm

  This is my second Tundra. The first one was very reliable. This one drives really nice, lots of power, great handling, plenty of room in front and the backseat is awesome. If you are looking for a big truck this is it. The only drawback the interior is cheaply built for a Toyota, too much plastic which scratches very easily. The dash lay out needs some work, the radio and controls needs to shift closer to the drivers seat.

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  Spunky little truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By cardude - October 6 - 8:06 pm

  Ive had this truck for a little over two years now. Traded in a horrible piece of GM junk (2000 Pontiac firebird), needed a truck as I lived in a very rural area where trucks are a necessity. Reliability has been through the roof, especially compared to all of the GM cars and trucks that we have owned over the years. I went with the absolute base model with auto trans as the only option but fit and finish is still excellent along with a plethora of standard features. It doesnt even feel like a truck with the elegant but tough looking interior and almost car like handling. GM shouldve taken note long ago or they wouldnt be in such dire straits. Overall I am very pleased.

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  Very uncomfortable - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Megan - October 6 - 5:53 pm

  Have had the car for a week and it is extremely uncomfortable. Wish I never bought it. My back and neck hurt badly.

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  LOVE This Car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Karen - October 6 - 9:40 am

  This is my favorite car EVER! It has just as much cargo space as my old Honda CRV (maybe even more USABLE space because the back seats fold down completely flat). Ive been getting 48 mpg with next to no change in my driving habits and driving it is just a blast. I swear it seems like it had better traction in the snow than my all-wheel drive CRV. Its very comfortable and all the steering wheel controls make adjusting volume, temperature etc. a cinch and you dont have to take your hands off the steering wheel. The sound system cranks so while Im sitting in stop and go traffic burning no gas I can jam and enjoy myself. All cars should be this environmentally friendly and fun to drive!