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 Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Mario - August 18 - 10:40 pm

  The new Tundra has a greater turn ratio which I like, I like the fact that I can make a u-turn without the need to stop and back-up. The freeway ride is really smooth, however the suspension is a little stiff and I notice some bumps on city driving, but nothing major. Gas consumption is worse than my 07, which has me baffled, since its the same 5.7 engine. I get 18mpg on the freeway, about 14mpg city. Brakes are massive, and can stop on demand. Overall, a great truck that exceeds my expectations.

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  Looks Are Deceiving!!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Joe V. - August 18 - 9:43 pm

  This is my 5th Camry. So far its been wonderful to drive! I took it on a 230 mile round trip and recorded 33.9 mpg. This was with A/C all the way. The interior is much more comfortable than my last 3 Camrys and the exterior styling is oh so chic. For the basic LE model, I think you get a lot of bang for the buck.

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  Regular Cab 4 cyl manual - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Scott - August 18 - 4:03 pm

  I am 64". I fit in the truck just fine, the problem is little room for my size 14 shoes, the toes hit the bottom of the dash. The telescoping steering wheel needs to come another 2-3" farther away from the dash. As is, with the seat all the way back, my arms at 10&4 are nearly straight, not that comfortable. In 5th gear, the stick knob is in the way of the temperature control. The gears are vague with the need to double clutch to get it into first at times. Otherwise, I am happy with the truck. There is plenty of power with the benefit of good gas mileage. Bed is great but cargo will skate around on slick surface. Im hoping the frame wont rust in ten years.

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  So far very pleased - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By sporin71 - August 18 - 3:35 pm

  We got our Blue Prius III almost a month ago and are very pleased so far. Living in Vermont, we had the car delivered with snow tires on it and between those, and the ever-cold tems, we are averaging just 40mpg so far. But that is to be expected under the conditions. I expect around 50 when temps go up and the LLR tires go back on. With the snow tires, the car has been very good on the snow covered roads and I highly suggest that anyone dealing with regular snow falls run dedicated snow tires on this car. Im a big guy, 6 tall and 300+ and this car fits very well. Only negative so far is a plethora of squeaks and groans from the hard plastic dash... worse in cold weather.

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  Great handling Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Tony - August 18 - 12:50 pm

  This is the 3rd Camry my wife and I have owned--and by far the best. Handling is excellent-with little sacrifice from usual Camry ride. Performance is generally good for a 4, but a little lacking on upgrades. Very roomy and comfortable. Loved the stability control during a Cleveland winter. We like the styling a lot- different from usual Camrys. No problems so far (11,000 miles over 14 months).

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  07 Solara Convertible - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 07Solara - August 18 - 5:56 am

  Overall, this is a nice car. Traded a 06 C230 Benz for it. MUCH better car. This ragtop is quieter, smoother and more powerful. Was amazed at how quiet it is with the roof up. My old sebring was never that quiet. It has the fit and finish of a Lexus.

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  Really like my Rav - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By LoriLou - August 18 - 1:43 am

  really like the SUV. Even more than I realized I would. Its a little stiff interior wise but could be Im used to car. Handles extremely well and easy to park and manuever it tight spots. Really like the looks of the vehicle. 4 cyl seems to have sufficient pick up necessary to deal with city and highway traffic.

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  RAV 4 6 cylinder - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Happy driver - August 18 - 12:03 am

  Its a pleasure to drive, non-fatiguing. Its get up and go on the highway is great and city driving is very easy. Parking is easy - both parallel and horizontal. In one month I have put on 2000 miles. The cabin is very comfortable as is the ride. I ask myself why I waited so long to buy one. The mileage is way above what it was rated to be - 35 mpg on the open road. Very pleased and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Not So Good w/ Standing Behind Product - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By cmadeira - August 17 - 11:13 pm

  Good ride and plenty of power - nice styling - had problem with design of 3rd row seat resulting in a bent latching mechanism - Toyota will not stand behind the product and repair under warranty. Also having trouble with bad exhaust odor in cabin after heavy acceleration - this seems to big a very common complaint from owners, but dealer in Austin did not know what to do about it. Will probably consider other makes next time around.

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  Sexy Tacoma - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Styles - August 17 - 6:36 pm

  I love this car, its unbelievable, my only complaint is the clock location, youre better off looking at your phone or watch, its like under the steering wheel and youll get into an accident trying to find it. My only complaint about it is the fuel economy, its ok, I get about 240 on the tank but it seems like the gauge empties pretty quickly. Im sure its amazing for a truck. My main advice to anyone looking to get one of these is go with the v6 and a prerunner, its much higher up than it seems and I love the horsepower and the feel of the ride. You wont be let down.