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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  02 Camry LE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By C.S. - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. It has a good body style, interior is simple, good build quality. It seems to have plenty of power for a 4 cylinder, and will run right beside a V6. Toyota seems to have hit the jackpot. Another good thing is that a new body style wont appear until the 2007 model year.

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  Good Value - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Satwant Tulsi - August 18 - 7:40 am

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  So soon ? - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By Ernest Bottomer - August 17 - 10:49 pm

  Recently purchased a pre-owned 6cyl.2012 rav4 with 22,000. Noticed a low level droning starting at 40 mph. It would go away with foot off the gas. Took it back to Toyota and they said the Transmission had a bad bearing . Will put in a re-manufactured Trans. Hope that does it.

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  So so - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By BigB - August 17 - 10:46 pm

  This SUV is great until you have to fill it up. It says it is suppose to get 20+ MPG, but I have only gotten 15- 17 MPG, a huge disappointment. If I knew that this was going to happen I probably would of gotten a Ford Escape. Though I do love the traction control like nothing else. On pure ice I have been able to keep control of this baby with no problem. It is absolutely amazing there. Pick up is okay, the driver seat takes a little getting used to feel wise.

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  Comfort, most notably the front seats terrible - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bruce Gross - August 16 - 11:54 pm

  Truck has great performance if you drive with ETC activated, does not get the MPGs as advertised averages; averaging 16 MPG around town. Has already been to the service department for an annoying chirping sound cuased by the engine mounted high pressure fuel pump; replaced the pump and have same issue but has resolved itself with 18 k mi on it. Premium technolgy package with JBL is worth the cost. My overall impression of the truck is not good the steering feels vauge on center and is unresopnisive; toyota should have applied the tundras handling characteristics to the tacoma and it would be a home run. Overall i am not satisfied with a $37000 overpriced truck; terrible front seats my 08 Tundra was superior in comfort & handling. Cmon Toyota wake up Im sitting in some of the cheapest and poorly designed seats for comfort Ive ever sat in!!!!

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  Satisfied - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jordan - August 16 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased this truck because I needed something to haul stuff for gardening, home improvements, etc. I was sick of putting things in the trunk of my car. I wanted a truck with good mileage and styling. I didnt want to pay a lot. This truck accomplished all of this. At 64" tall, it was also the most comfortable, compact truck I could find.

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  Mad - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By mary - August 14 - 10:40 pm

  I bought the Matrix because I heard Toyota was a great car. I owned my Matrix for a month when I noticed paint chips on the hood, roof & back bumper. Took it to the dealership, they had the hood redone & touched up the roof & the bumper. That upset me. I thought it should have been repainted. Mind you I spent the extra 2000 & for the protective coating. One month later its chipping on the hood & roof again. They sent me to the gentleman who repainted & touched it up the first time. I dont believe its his fault. They should be dealing with it.

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  Great Car, Excellent Performance - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By asifalimirza - August 14 - 11:10 am

  I purchased this car new, now I have 46,000 miles on it. It is a great car, and its 3.3L V6 is smooth & Powerful hitting 0-60 in about 7 sec. The interior is very quiet during driving, even on the Hwy. I do have the issue that others mentioned where there is a slight delay in the transmission when slowing down and than accelerating, but it seems to have gotten less over time. The other complaint i have is that Toyota quality seems to have gone down. The drivers side power Windows dont work properly. If i open the window the glass it would fall out of the slot. Had to have it repaired, which cost me $200. Other than that, I love this car. V6 gets me about 22 to 24 MPG

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  Great Reliability, just underpowered - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rking - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Keep changing the oil and this SUV just keeps on going! Rear seat only good for small children, lots of load room. Most reliable SUV I ever had, just no trouble at all. Not a high speed cruiser, but it doesnt tear itself apart from the power either.

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  Camry beats Accord - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Kerri Wood - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Tested a 2004 Toyota Camry LE and a Honda Accord LX. Purchased the Camry. The Camry was more comfortable, had a quieter smoother ride, and felt like a more expensive car. Although the Accord had a sportier feel, it falls short in other areas. The Accord would definetly be my second choice, but overall the Camry is the better choice in my opionion.