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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  200,000 mile+ keep going and going - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By FC7737 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my brand new Camry in 1992. Now it has 200K mi on it and still running great. No major problem at all, just normal wear and tear (tires, tune-up...). Mine is a V6 model: very strong engine, good gas mileage. I installed a tow hitch in the back and tow a uhual box. I can move my 2 bdrm apartment without spenting lots of $$. Ive seen bad condition Camry before, those are the one that got rebuilded from accident car thats why quality is so bad. So if anyone is looking for a good car, avoid those accident car (salvaged title car)

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  good combination - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By mickey - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I like this car, because of its handling and usability. Yeah, its not a true sport car (no RWD or even LSD), but it is relatively fast, very fun in twisty mountain roads, and autoX. It has good MPG and a lot of space in the trunk, too. So, Id recommend this car to anyone who wants good performance and usability (not for family though).

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  Excellent - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By alais - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I would diffently purchase this car again. I have had no maintenance problems. The paint has held up well. It is an overall great car.

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  This is one awesome car! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Kevin Burk - October 9 - 8:16 am

  I spent the last several months researching luxury sedans..Acura, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes when my 18 yo daughter said I should see the new Avalon. This car does not disappoint, feature rich (the back seats recline!), car is larger than last years as is the interior. The ride is as smooth as the LS430. In the sedan genre this is the most bang for the buck of all that I looked into. You can pay more...get less and still not touch the beauty of this car. If you are looking do yourself a favor to check it out.

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  I am impressed! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By BobtheBrit - October 9 - 7:16 am

  This is a company vehicle and I could not be happier. Toyota has really thought about this vehicle and it shows. The ride is comfortable and quiet. The handling is quick and sure-footed. The sound system is superb. I love the Bluetooth and I am on the phone a lot! I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who needs a small SUV with a big feel. The fold flat seats from the back door is a great feature. This is a GREAT vehicle!

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  Camry SE V6 wins in very tough segment - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By kwap - October 9 - 3:40 am

  Fantastic motor, it feels effortless and with a combined(city and highway) reduction of only 3 mpg it was a no-brainer decision to get the SE V6. Another factor which pushed me to the SE V6 were some of the other features that are standard with the V6 but are costly options on the 4cy SE like the display audio with Nav/entune, smart key system, SofTex powered driver’s seat with lumbar, acoustic windshield and also the great 18” wheels which are only available with the V6. The redesigned interior is very nice, a huge improvement over the previous model and nicer than the competition. After considering the Kia Optima(nicest looking), Hyundai Sonata(ghastly looking), Passat TDI(very intriguing), and Fusion(too bad I was not getting a car next year) I found that the Camry SE V6 provided the best of the bunch.

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  Great improvement from previous model - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Greg - October 8 - 10:56 pm

  Having owned the 2005 Highlander, I find the redesigned model to be better handling, more powerful, smoother transmission, and vastly larger feeling inside. Being our family vehicle, I found the 2005 model to be basic transportation but nothing special to drive. The 2008 model I actually enjoy driving and find it has some level of excitement, as well as far more practical access to the third row seat. Mileage has been slightly better than advertised 24 vs 23 on a recent highway trip. Found very comfortable on a long distance trip.

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  Not a Bad Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By yan - October 8 - 7:26 pm

  Full tank, I get about 360 miles before the gas light comes on and refill is around 11 gallons. Overall Im satisfied with the car. The recall was a system wide measure that Toyota took to make sure that they would gain our confidence and Im not concerned, knock on wood. They even said that not all cars are affected. Steering is a problem, the car veers from side to side like having a gust of wind hitting the car. I could never keep the car straight on the road, it gets worse as I gradually increase speed. I took it to the dealer to check my alignment and it fixes the problem...mostly. I would still feel a slight drift, but not as bad as before.

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  A Great Wagon Toyota should make again! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By autophile - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my wagon a year ago (3/01) from a local dealer. It was in great shape with 79K miles. The 4-cylinder is peppy, reliable, and smooth. It gets good mileage too and ride comfortably. I put a bike rack up on top of the luggage carrier and it hauls 2 bikes very well. This wagon handles like a car, almost a luxury ride, and Ive experienced no mechanical problems save the power antenna (that locked in the up position). I now have 95,000 miles and it runs just like new. I would highly recommend either version of the 1992-1996 Camry Wagon. My 1995 model runs and looks great. Consider the Toyota Camry if you can find one. They are solid, reliable, and comfortable.

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  The Best!!! - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Randall Selby - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota Sienna is the best, and most reliable vehicle we have ever encountered! We have never had any problems with it, exept for a broken seatbelt once. My sister had a Ford Aerostar, and it was a piece of JUNK! IT CAUGHT ON FIRE, AC WENT OUT, AND TRANSMISSION WAS SHOT JUST 10K AFTER SHE BOUGHT IT! Also it wasnt just her AEROSTAR THAT HAD PROBLEMS, FRIENDS DID TOO! If I were you I wouldnt buy an American car, because to be honest, they dont compare to Japanese or European cars! ALSO, I DONT THINK THE ONE WHOS SAYING ALL THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THE SIENNA IS TELLING THE WHOLE TRUTH!!!!!!