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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  Purchased in Kissimmee, FL with 179K miles - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Darren Tomas Jackson - August 3 - 7:25 pm

  If you locate a 2002 2.4 liter SE with more than 170k miles on it.., that has a condensation visual appearance exhaust, BUY IT! You wont go wrong. These motors are pretty much bullet proof, besides the normal replacement of worn engine parts, batteries, tires and struts. The owner of my Camry always kept Amsoil in every sump the car had..., including the coolant. I truly appreciate this, for this is why I made the purchase. The previous owner obviously knew the importance of quality lubes (synthetic) and other chemicals. I took a leak down test of the vehicle, before I actually purchased it, and without going through the technical part of things, both the compression rings and cylinder walls revealed that of practically a new car. I expect to get 500k miles out of this little transverse inline 2.4 liter work horse. The car as a whole, endured the punishing heat of Central Florida since 2002, when it was purchased new. The paint in nothing to write home about.., but that engine is build correctly. Im a diesel guy! I own a 7.3 liter Ford Excursion with 236k miles on it. Hardly broken in.., for a diesel that is. I put the 2002 Toyota Camry longevity and reliability on the same platform as my Navistar 7.3 liter diesel. It just that darn dependable!!!! In conclusion, I will keep it on a steady diet of Amsoil 3000 Series HD Diesel motor oil. The drain interval for me is 25k, so all you have to do is change the oil filter every 7k miles, religiously. This is a sound practice that Ive used for more than 15 years, but with the 3000 Series Diesel synthetic oil only. I also own a 1986 Dodge 318ci pick-up with 617K miles on it, using the 3000 series Diesel only. If you come across a 2000-2006 Toyota Camry 2.4 liter..., BUY IT. Itll be the best investment youll ever make. Darren T. Jackson (Chicago, IL)

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  I went with the Camry. - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By bach229 - August 2 - 12:21 pm

  After 1100 miles, I have to say this car is great. The SE handles better than the other Camrys and is fun to drive. Excellent transmission! No CVT, of which Im not a fan. Very comfortable seats, good sound system, feels fast for a 4 cylinder. Love the interior layout, very roomy. Averaging 31 mpg so far in mixed driving. I drove Accord, Altima, Sonata, Optima, and Mazda 6 but liked this best of all.

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  gas saver, so quiet - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Rita - August 1 - 11:11 pm

  It makes me love driving even with the heavy traffic. It is so smooth and quiet. I only do not like the white cup holders.

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  Second one I love them - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve - August 1 - 6:10 pm

  This is a totally awesome vehicle, broke it in with a 3000 mile cross country trip, and it satisfied every desire I had in a car. Everywhere we went people were impressed, and constantly compared it to a Lexus (got to love that).

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  Over two years and not a single problem - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Frequent buyer - August 1 - 2:00 am

  We switched to Sequoia from a 4Runner. I dont want to bore you with the initial decision making and comparisons I made. We have had this SUV for two years now. Have taken it to all nasty road conditions. The car drives as if it is on rails. The has a much more dynamic feel than the 4Runner (ironic isnt it/). More importantly, this SUV has never had to go back to dealer . Not even for an adjustment. I cant say the same for our European cars. I really recommend this SUV.

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  Good - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Kevaroni - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Good reliable Car with fair gas milage. Nice quiet ride requiring little or no maintenance past oil changes

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  BEST OF THE BEST - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By ARTHUR - August 1 - 2:00 am

  PURE FUN TO DRIVE. I JUST LOVE DRIVING MY 4RUNNER.

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  Great Car & Not everyone has one! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By jcmckain - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought a loaded 03:Love the auto lights & wipers & JBL sound,dash display, heated seats-even in Dallas, finish out, moonroof, spoiler,etc. Great acceleration & handling! Very roomy-70 yr old parents could get in & out of front & back very easily. Fits 3 in back very comfortably. I also like that fact that not everyone has one-you see so many of the same cars (Camrys,LS300s & the ubiquitous Suburbans,which is our other car), the Avalon has a greater interest appeal. I enjoy driving it around town after driving Suburbans for 12 years, its all sporty, yet luxurious & professional for client meetings, etc.

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  exceptional performance - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By chuns_chan - August 1 - 2:00 am

  it really fun to have a V6 engine wih 194 hps. the suspension is soft and high perfoem on the rough road!

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  Best Car This Family Has Owned! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Jason - July 31 - 2:36 pm

  I forced my husband to purchase this car after many Fords and a variety of other American cars. The car will not die! It does leak oil after 130K miles! No smoke from the tailpipe. No major repairs just the brakes and oil. Just the maintenance. I love this car and right now with gas prices at $4 we cannot be happier!