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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  My little Lexus - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By pghtoyotafreak - February 5 - 3:10 am

  Had an 02 Altima - What a mistake. This car is so much better and such a good deal. Dont buy the LE, you dont get that much more for the money. You save $1100 by getting the STD and only lose keyless, full size spare and power seat. I had keyless AND remote start installed for 250 bucks and dont miss the power seat because I am the only driver and I dont need to adjust. The car is so smooth riding an quiet! The instrument panel is great and reminds me everyday that this car is a baby Lexus. Plus, I am getting 30 mpg in mixed driving with the 5spd auto.

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  I should have got this in the 1st place! - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By JMErbrick1980 - February 5 - 1:40 am

  In the five months that I have had this car, I have finally put away the Advil. My previous car was a 2001 Ford Focus-what a hoot! I have NEVER had to visit the service center once, outside of routine maintainance. With my Ford, I set up camp at least once a month at the local dealer. Good thing they were very helpful. I plan to keep this car for a long time. I know it will last, unlike that "other" car I used to own...

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  The Leader - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Roman - February 5 - 1:26 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle. It is far superior in quality and design than other trucks in its class. I have owned several trucks and Toyota has always been the top in its class.

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  Good Car, Beware the Paint - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Patti - February 4 - 10:51 pm

  This was the only car Ive ever bought relatively new from a dealer. Bought at 60k miles, sold at 90k. It was very comfortable, performance was great, fuel economy about 31 usual driving, up to 40 on road trips. It wasnt great on ice, my theory is the weight of the car was distributed too far to the back to make for optimal front wheel drive traction. The only problem I had with it in that time was the paint. I had the blue color, and that paint would scratch/chip if you BREATHED on it wrong. The front hood was a mess of chips. The paint was kind of a ridiculous worry, but it stressed me out, and made me happy to get rid of it at the end of our time together.

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Ken Andersen - February 4 - 7:10 pm

  So far its a perfect vehicle, and very enjoyable. Very nice fit and quality of construction.

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  170k miles with only one minor problem - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By prichards621 - February 4 - 5:36 pm

  I have owned this car since 2010 and have been very pleased. It had only 25k miles on it when I bought now it has over 170k with only one minor problem. I drove it back and forth from Toronto to the Metro Detroit area almost every weekend in all types of weather and have only had one minor problem: a few years ago that the dial for the heat/air quit working and some part had to be replaced costing me between $70-$100 (its been a while). It has always been excellent on gas and starts up with no problems every time! I just got in an accident and the car is going to be claimed a total loss (no mechanical damage but too much body damage) I am sad to see it go!

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  I like my 09 avalon limited but.... - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Derek - February 4 - 11:30 am

  Seats are too hard, gps is a rip off, people. How Dare you Toyota can continue 2003 made gps installing in 08, 09, 10 models. We paid for what? Crap. You should update it if you charge people $2,000 for it. I really like that car but for sure its overpriced. No question about it.

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  Top Down Fun - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By topgear1 - February 4 - 8:10 am

  Simply, this is the nicest four passenger convertible available that is reasonably priced. It is wonderful to drive and to be seen in. It handles very well & takes road bumps with ease. I do love the DVD Navigation! Im not in love with the transmission as it seems to take its time when shifting sometimes. But, the mileage isnt too bad. Bottom line - great car!

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  Design flaws - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By own no more - February 4 - 7:46 am

  this the 4th toyota i have owned and probably the last. i drive 90% highway miles (hint zero to none use of brakes) and had to replace the rotors and pads at 14,000 miles. Door rattles, 4cyl lacks power for the hills of PA worst when AC is on, but my biggest peeve is when descending down hills at almost any speed the car down shifts into 4th gear and then into 3rd which sends the rpm so high that the pistons could shoot through the hood, not good at all for the motor. i know what Toyota would say that it is to help in braking but id rather replace brakes than a motor. will i buy a Toyota again? not likely?

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  Decent Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Satish - February 4 - 4:06 am

  My last cars were a 2000 sonata which i sold with 100k, then i had a mazda 6 for a few year. I brought this as my wife`s and our kid baby carrier. I was aware of the hesitation and did test drive 2. One had it and i picked the other. I have 40k and need tires.My wife drives very smooth. We took it on a 2000 mile trip and got like 38 mpg. Compared to my 5 speed Jetta it lacks in finish, performance and handling but its a different beast.I looked for post June build date in 07 where all the problems suddenly disappeared per all research i did.