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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  Reliable and economical - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - August 14 - 7:03 am

  Bought it in July of 1995. Since then Ive averaged 17k miles per year. It now has 184,000 miles and still runs great. Never needed any major repairs. Gas mileage is good (generally between 20 and 22 mpg in mixed driving), but power and especially handling could be better. The power antenna and locks sometimes stick in the winter.

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  2006 Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By My 06 Av - August 14 - 1:50 am

  The car is absolutely beautiful, very comfortable and refined. We drove it home and it indicated an amazing 34mpg. We were very happy with the car with the exception of an odd noise. I believed it to be fuel injectors or something of the sort at first. By the time we were at 1500 miles it was very loud. We brought it to the dealer. They gave us a loaner and called us later to advise they were replacing the motor. After a few weeks with a brand new loaner, we received it back. It now is as quiet as our 97 Avalon was.

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  Reliable Tacoma - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave - August 13 - 2:56 am

  I bought this truck with 58K and now have 103,000. I have the 5sp manual tranny. Ive not done anything but regular maintenance. I average 28mpg. Not real comfortable over long trips but very reliable and gets the job done. I wouldnt trade this for a new one.

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  Money well spent - 32k o.t.d. - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By hammer - August 13 - 1:03 am

  So far very good with this Ltd. Galactic grey mica v6 2wd 4runner. I live in the south where snow is not an issue so 2wd for me. Powertrain is top notch - can barely feel transmission shifting. Rides surprisingly well for a body on frame suv, quiet at speeds under 80. Interior is laid out nicely with easy to use climate and radio controls - jbl 10 spkr. 6 disc in dash changer stereo is a nice system with full sound. Room up front is fine, even though it has a low roof with the sunroof, and rear leg room is fine - but toe space is minimal back there. No third row on my model... dont need it. Cargo area has a double level floor option that is very usable and smart.

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  Quiet & Smooth like a Lexus - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mutant Ninja - August 12 - 10:00 am

  You do not know you are driving a Hybrid. It just drives like a very regular car. It feels smooth and quiet like a Lexus ES or LS. I like the CVT. It is really smooth and transparent. Electric motor assists the gasoline engine when you need the power. Sweet! I have not achieved 35 MPG yet, I only get between 30 and 33 in Kansas City. For the driver and the front passenger, seat belts are particularly hard to grab/reach. There are some fitting issues. The auto-dimming rear-view mirror is wobbly on all cars at the dealership. The NAV display has strong magenta color cast. The JBL stereo does not display CD-Text correctly. (It has trouble with the artist name!)

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  First Toyota - like it dont love it - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By lewis - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Ride is smooth compared to my old Ford Explorer and Jeep Commander. Drives more like a car than a SUV. Quiet ride. Radio and Controls for heat/ac are confusing and seem awkwardly designed. I am 511" and my head is almost hitting the roof so this car not designed for a tall person. Got the auto start from dealer and it came as a separate key fob and you have to turn off car from outside to get in and than restart - a stupid feature. Horn sounds like it is from a corolla from 1985. I added the side body moldings for $200 - car seemed naked and i wanted some basic protection for doors in parking lots. No auto trunk opening - that is a big drag - overall had it 4 weeks and really like it

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  Unexpected - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By andram - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I was looking to replace my base model Yaris with a more feature laden car. After driving the Subaru Legacy, Forester, Outback I was drawn back to Toyota. I appreciated the reliability and confidence you get by owning one, they truly are well built cars. I originally drove an S model Corolla, but wanted to try out a manual Camry. Luckily the dealer had a 2007 5 spd Camry on the lot, I was surprised. It drove great, competent but not sporty handling, great brakes, and very spacious. Having driven both the 2007 2.4L 5 spd and the 2011 2.5L 6 Spd Camrys, I can say the 2.5L 6spd combo is the way to go. Very smooth, plenty of torque. They are hard to find cars, but well worth it!

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  Sold - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By sold - August 11 - 4:56 pm

  No repairs and always starts to 180000+ miles. Still getting 32 miles to gallon.

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  First Month with the Camry Hybrid (2007) - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ron Turner - August 11 - 3:23 pm

  My wife and I have been driving a 2002 Camry 4cyclinder XLE and love it dearly. Never a moments trouble with this auto and fairly descent fuel efficiency.. avg 23mpg. Last month we purchased a 2007 Camry hybrid EXPECTING that this Toyota would be as elegant and fun to drive as the 2002!! The interior of the 2007 is not as nicely appointed as our former Camry and the overall driving experience is inferior to our 2002. The shifting process from gas engine to the electric motor drive is far from seamless and the average fuel consumption is only about 29mpg. We are both quite disappointed with our new Camry. The limited trunk space is also a major concern to us.

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  2002 Sequoia Limited 4x4 - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By HS - August 11 - 5:43 am

  Fun vehicle to drive. It is very well built and plenty of standar features. I felt that the 10 speaker description on the window tag is misleading. They count the front door speakers as two because is has a tow elements (tweeter and wolver - if I am describing it right). But even count this speaker as two each, I still can not find two of the ten speakers. The sound system could be a little better.