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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  Outstanding! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By kipkoss - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2004 Sienna LXE Limited AWD with GPS in Winter Haven, Florida and have just completed a 5,000 mile drive across the United States and Canada. The vehicle performed flawlessly. The 2002 Sienna LXE is not only the most utilitarian vehicle I have ever owned, it is also the most luxurious. That is an incredible combination. I havent been so excited about the purchase of a new car in the past fifty years, even though Ive owned a number of Cadillacs and Mercedes.

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  Best Car On The Road - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Ga Boy - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This car gets 34 mpg. It rides great,handles superb. I was pleasantly surprised at the great inprovments Toyota has made to the new Camry.

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  Went in for a Scion out with a camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By sl2f - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I went into the dealership looking for my first new car as a graduation gift from college. I went in expecting to buy a Scion xA ended up test driving the new 2005 corolla and then was convinced to try the Camry. Long story short, the Camry at below invoice with 0.0% apr was actually only $30 more than the new 2005 Corollas with the 4.9% apr offered. Great car, very roomy and drives like a dream.

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  Fits The Bill - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Santa3 - June 22 - 12:23 am

  Powerful on acceleration, all wheel drive for various weather conditions, reasonable gas mileage, up to date electronics, plenty of interior space for 5 adult passengers and a nifty interior and exterior design all go into making our V6 AWD Venza a real pleasure to drive. Venza fits the bill for any car buyer who feels lost between the bloated low mileage truck frame sport utility vehicles and the claustrophobic small frame cross-over vehicles. Buy this car - it is a winner!

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  Shes pretty! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Me - June 21 - 10:30 pm

  I LOVE my car!! It drives super nice and so smooth! However, there are a couple things that Im not necessarily fond of - the radio seems like its on the other side of the car lol and I think the back seat is a little small. But other than that I really dont have anything bad to say about this car. Its super cute and I love it!!! :D

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  Great car! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By SWFL - June 21 - 5:26 am

  It seems to good to be true! I just want to know if this car will ever die on me? Going on 90,000 miles and all weve ever done to it is regular maintenance, replaced tires once, and replaced the battery once also. BTW, this is my 4th Camry, I never had any problems with any of them. Seriously, how long will this car last? Would love to read about long term mileage owners.

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  I love it, very dependable - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Ttommmeee - June 20 - 8:20 am

  I have 147,000 miles on mine and am very happy. On trips we get 43mpg and often average 40 and up to 65 according to the road and traffic. Driving a whole day without filling up is also fun. It is EXTREMELY quiet, I didnt like the 4 cylinder vibration at idle on the other cars, there is none on this one. All issues were covered by the warranty, the gas tank, computer systems and steering were replaced under warranty (even after it was expired). I never replaced the fuel rheostat and it somehow fixed itself. Oil just never gets dirty. 7500 miles + works fine for me. I always take it to the dealer. Maintenance is less than any other car I have owned. It is just KOOL!!

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  I love it! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By katiek68 - June 20 - 12:30 am

  I LOVE my Camry! Its the first 4 cylinder vehicle Ive owned, but Im very happy with the power it has. I agree in other reviews, though, about the transmission not being able to figure out what gear its in when its driving below 40 mph. It took some getting used to at first. But, other than that, I have no complaints! It says it gets 26mpg, but Im averaging about 29-31 city/highway, which is my favorite thing about the car. I feel very safe when Im in it and I love driving it. All 4 windows have auto function and that is definitely a plus. My first Toyota and Im very impressed!

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  Excellent truck, on and off road - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By AZDriver - June 19 - 9:13 pm

  I have had my Tacoma for a year and half and this truck is great! The truck is comfortable, spacious, and has excellent power. I use the truck to take me on my trips camping, snowboarding, fishing, and many other adventures and this truck seems to handle them all with ease. It also has a great ride on the road.

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  Great car! Love it!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Donutdolly - June 19 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my Venza when my Lexus 2007 350ES lease ended. Once I took a test drive, I decided on the spot to buy the one on display--4 cyl Blizzard Pearl and fully loaded. This is such a terrific car for in-town and road trips. I put 5000 miles on it the first 6 weeks! Love every feature. 15 min after I drove away from the dealer, I parked at a shopping center and got asked, "What is that??? I love that car!" Hardly ever see others on the road, but I couldnt be happier to own this Venza. Have had Mercedes, BMWs, Volvos, Lexus in the past, and this is my favorite.