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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  Great used car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Simon - June 19 - 12:13 am

  I read many of these reviews and I was on the lookout for some of the various issues that owners were concerned about. I paid approx. 10K less for a certified 09. If I had purchased new, I would say the car is not worth the money, as a used car...its a no brainer. I got a "good" car, good panel fit, no rattles, whisper quiet at 70mph,killer fuel mileage and low insurance cost. Im 63" with a bad back...no issues with seat comfort.

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  Over 200,000 Going Strong - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Ward - June 18 - 7:33 pm

  I am the second owner of this car. Have used dealer to maintain according to schedule. Other than 3 small fender dents, looks and shines like new, despite salt and heat of northern Ohio. Still gets 21 city, 26 highway. Runs on Sunoco regular gas! (Needs at least middle premium with other brands.) Original motor, transmission, AC all working fine. Drivers leather seat showing wear. Wish I could drop a hybrid engine into it.

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  Buy It Now - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By rrobinson60 - June 17 - 5:43 pm

  I had a 2008 Nissan Frontier before I got this truck. The need for a change obvious because I really did not like driving it. Fuel economy poor. I did my research and ran across the 2011 Toyota Tacoma. When I saw that it came in a double cab 4 Cyl. I was ecstatic. The truck drives like a car. I am a pretty big guy and I have plenty of head room and leg room. The stereo system is great and it looks much better than the Frontier. I havent had it long enough to determine the fuel efficiency but I drove it 50 miles the first night and it barely moved off of full. I highly recommend this truck to anyone.

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  another great avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By bernard levine - June 17 - 2:33 pm

  over 10 years this is my 3rd and best avalon yet... amazing comfort in front with all the push buttons needed and easily handled... flat floor in rear with reclining seats and fantastic passenger confort... been getting compliments over the past 2 months of ownership.... just fearful of having it valet parked, because many cant handle the keyless operation with the push button ignition-but its been getting more and more popular... moving up to 20 mpg in the slow city and expect 29-30 on the highways

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  Loving My 2014 Toyota Avalon - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Linda - June 17 - 1:02 pm

  Its an awesome car that I plan to have around for a long time!

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  2000 Camry love it - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By David Carrier - June 17 - 11:30 am

  Love my 2000 Camry.You raise the hood to check the fluids, you close the hood... because it needs nothing but usual oil changes,etc. Although i have had to put on brakes on him a couple of times (70k miles). Thats the only thing, really are the brakes. Other then that ... love that car. Got my dad away from Cadillac after he saw the way my Camry wasnt in the shop!! dave

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  2ND CAMRY - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By LIN - June 17 - 9:43 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND CAMRY-I LOVE MY CAR-THERE ARE MORE SAFETY FEATURES-IT HAS PLENTY OF POWER-I HAD GREAT SERVICE FROM MY FIRST CAMRY AND FEEL THIS WILL BE THE SAME EXPRIENCE. A FUN VEHICLE TO DRIVE!

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  I love this truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By blade329 - June 17 - 8:33 am

  This is the finest truck I have ever driven. Its got power, style and it is pretty darn comfortable to drive. The MPG is fair, but it is expected for a big V8 truck. The interior is very roomy, has a zillion cup holders and a lot of storage. It did not come with a bed liner so I got the Line-X spray in for it. Love it. It gets a little bumpy at times with the bed empty, but so has every truck I ever had.

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  2010 Camry SE V6 - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By AJD - June 17 - 8:03 am

  Just picked up a 2010 Magnetic Gray Metallic SE V6. Loaded with everything minus Navigation. Considered the Mazda6, Altima, and Acura TSX. This car is very smooth and very quick. The V6 is silky. Does not handle like a sports car, but then again, its not one. However, it is a perfect car if youre looking for a smooth ride, nice features, a touch of luxury, and some serious heart racing acceleration with the V6.

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  2011 Camry XLE - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By jerryaustin - June 17 - 4:57 am

  We purchased a 2011 Camry XLE 6-cylinder 2+ weeks ago. I have been very impressed with the car so far although I know all new cars drive well. We traded in a 2001 Honda Accord wiht 160,000+ miles on it. Loved the Accord, but the Honda dealers in our town have very few vehicles and are charging MSRP for the ones they do have. I know the Camry is supposedly boring, but thats what I wanted. I want quiet and reliable. Our old Honda was a little noisy, but to be fair it was a 10 year old car. A few reviews I read reported the Honda reported the Honda as noisy primarily due to the Dunlop tires which were selected for enhanced mileage. I might have bought another Honda, but there really