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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  After BMWs & Saabs, I didnt expect to love this van - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By anthony94114 - July 12 - 8:58 am

  I love driving. Always have. When, professionally my hauling needs exceeded the Saab and BMW wagons Ive had, I hunted for a van. Ultimately, the combo of power folding mirrors, gated shifting, sunroof and no run-flats was what sold me. Not passion. I just needed those things to be content. I found a CPO 40,000 mile XLE that had been well taken care of. Then I added a Diamond Certified Toyota warranty when I found out they were pretty cheap. It was a total surprise to realize this rig is a great driver. You have to shift it manually to really use the transmission best, both for accelleration and braking but carving HWY 1 in rural Marin County is a blast. at 125k now, its still super.

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  Excellent Driving Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Faye Volcy - July 12 - 7:20 am

  This is my second Camry. Performance and comfortability are excellent. The design is great. However the front and rear bumpers are a bit disappointing. The camry sits so low that I scraped paint when I parked and didnt even know it. It was a small scrape. I returned to the dealer to have it fixed and was told they would have to replace the whole front bumper. Since then, I have noticed many Camrys that have the same problem as mine. I didnt have it fixed because I would probably be replacing bumpers forever with the design of the car. I will replace it when I get ready to sell it which will probably be soon. The cars exterior is too delicate for me.

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  Sleek & Sexy Solara - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Trae1204 - July 11 - 5:06 am

  This is my first Toyota, and I DO love it! I must say, it wasnt my first choice, but after driving it, and really looking at it, I fell in love. (And it does resemble a Lexus.) I too, get constant looks and remarks from strangers about "what a sharp looking car that is!" Its awesome on gas, I feel safe, and its reliable. (Im a sales rep, so this is all SOOO important.) Only complaints I have are similar to others-not so quick when accelerating, rain drips off doors when you open them, car is long in front so its difficult to judge distance parking etc, and I have a major problem with glare off dash onto windshield when driving in sun. Other than that, Im addicted!! (Want the convert!)

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  The 92 Camry - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Nick - July 10 - 11:06 pm

  Good Car! I bought this car off my grandparents, and they did not baby it. For the first 5 years my grandfather drove 19,000 miles year, and then he gave it to his wife. The car has over 131 K miles now. Runs great on regular gas. 4cylinder gets about 26 avg. mpg. Only had 1 major problem and that was the transmision went due to pulling a boat for 10 years. Also muffler went after 12 years other then that this was a great small car and has all the features you could need. Greater stater car for kids. Power windows, locks, mirros, cd player, etc.

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  I love my camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By peachofcake - July 10 - 8:56 pm

  Of all the cars Ive owned, the Camry changed my opinion on what a good car should feel like. I had no idea I could have such a smooth ride, a quiet cabin, and a reliable car all in one. After the first day owning my Camry, I decided I was never going to own another American car. After 2 1/2 years, I have replaced tires, brakes, and the battery, but everything else is still working like fine without any repairs.

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  Good Quality Truck, so so Mileage - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By AD - July 10 - 6:53 pm

  Purchased in 5/02. Build quality has been superb. In three years here is what has been replaced (except for maintenance items): Oil Pressure Gauge, Security Transmitters, and Brake Rotors--all by Warranty. Front Ball joints replaced under recall. Truck has been very solid. Good travel truck for a family. Interior has a tendancy to scratch and show scuffs. MPG is not as good as I like (~ 15) but considering the size and weight it is inline. Original tires were poor (Dunlop) replaced with Michelin cross terrain and are much improved! Blind spot is quite large and recommend small mirror additions to address. Would purchase again if gas prices had not jumped so much. Great vehicle!

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  Reliability is not all - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By james - July 10 - 5:20 pm

  That is my first Toyota and after driving my Audi for 10 years. Everybody said Toyota is reliable and Camry is comfortable. I think cars like Audi, raise your expectations from what a "car" can deliver. Camry is extremely uncomfortable compared to my Audi. It vibrates a lot on the road. The road noise is high. After two hours of driving, you easily feel it when you get out of the car. Worst of all, the whole car waves, once one tire hits a road obstacle or a dip. That is, the suspension on each wheel are not that independent. The car is not that stable on sharp turns either. This is a technically poor car. I guess people who claim Camry is comfortable, have never owned an advanced car.

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  Love it. - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By osol4now - July 10 - 3:50 pm

  Love it. Drives like a champ. Great gas mileage. I was a little skeptical of hybrids, but I love this car. More room than I thought.

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  Fun, Safe Little SUV - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Bob Alkov - July 10 - 3:36 pm

  The 2005 Toyota automatic 4 dr AWD RAV- 4 is a fun, safe little SUV. It replaced a 1996 Toyota RAV-4 with manual that we drove to 90000 miles. We need it in the winter as we live on the side of a mountain at the 7000 ft level that gets lots of snow in winter. It has a lot of safety features such as side air bags for driver and all passengers, side impact door beams, stability control with traction control and antilock brakes with brake assist and EBD. Also gets 25 mp gallon.

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  Pleased with my new Tacoma - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Al - July 10 - 1:33 pm

  Just purchased a 2010 Toyota Tundra Grade 4dr Double Cab SB (4.6L 8cyl 6A). Although I have not had occasion to tow yet, the 4.6 seems to have all the power I need and accelerates well. The double cab and increased overall length will take some getting used to. Had I been able to get a diesel, I believe this would have been the ideal truck. I wanted a diesel primarily for long-term efficiency (mpg), dependability and low-end torque (off-roading and hauling). It represents a very good value IMHO and rides like a dream. I traded a Toyota FJ cruiser in on it and am so much happier with this vehicle than the FJ. The FJ is "toy-like" by comparison.