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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  09 LE 3.5V6 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Joe P. - December 24 - 12:36 am

  I bought my Camry in Sept. This is my 1st foreign vehicle. What a surprise. This vehicle is the best. Im averaging 28 MPG in mixed city and hwy driving. It is a pleasure to drive. The power is great, it handles very nicely, has much interior room and the aesthetics are great. My wife has an 00 4 runner with nearly 300,000 miles on it. I can only hope that I have this car for that many miles. I really like this vehicle!

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  Excellent Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By eviltwin - December 23 - 6:50 pm

  This is my second Toyota pickup truck. It replaced a loaded f150 crew cab that replaced my T100. Really like the truck, wish the mileage was a bit better, but its getting about 17 now, and that is with a good percentage of stop and go. 18000 miles in a year and a half and its never been to the dealer. Engine has good torque and is very smooth. Plenty of access under the hood for routine service items, not like my f150 that had everything buried. Interior plastics are ok, doesnt feel like a Lexus, but is just as good as the ford it replaced.

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  Update to my Aug 08 review - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By onebeacon - December 23 - 5:10 pm

  After more than 6 months of driving my 09 TCH I still think its one of the best cars I have ever owned. I was getting between 34-42 MPG when I first got it, but that was being easy on the gas peddle, now, with much more aggressive driving, Im getting 28-34 MPG. Still impressive for a large car. I just found out my car ins. for the hybrid is HALF the cost of the Highlander I traded in!

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  Love my camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By kelly - December 23 - 4:46 pm

  I have had my Camry for almost a month now. The ride is awesome, fuel economy is great. Transmission is very smooth and quick! I had an 06 Camry and the 08 is far better in all ways! Suspension is much improved.

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  Two Small Complaints - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By J Watson - December 23 - 1:06 pm

  I bought a 1998 Tacoma and loved it, sold it for Jeep Grand Cherokee, when I saw the new Tacoma and drove a friends I went and bought a new one two weeks later. I have only two complaints with the Tacoma. First, the cigarette light and the aux. power port are not live unless the key is in the acc or on position (cant charge my cell when out of the truck). Second, I live in Pennsylvania and when its cold the motor idles high until the engine is warm (Im a volunteer firefighter and the high idle causes a problem for quick response on cold nights). Toyota has only made a very good truck and made it better. Oh by the way, the 4cyl does very well with the increased size and weight.

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  Great little car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By lilnel - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic mileage, excellent reliability, minimal problems.

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  Gas up and pay - less - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JK Liu - December 22 - 10:00 am

  There is a reason why there is a 6 month wait for this car. It has exceeded all my expectations in performance, comfort, convenience, consumption. If you want to half your trips to the gas station, and half the bills everytime. This is the car to get! I will trade-in my other car, an SUV for a hybrid SUV as soon as possible.

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  Waited 9 months to get, and was worth it - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By larry ganoung - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Least gas milage 37.5, 42.4, 47.5,50/s to 60/s up to 68.8 Best gas milage, and this includes highway and hills. Speed up to 70,71,72,73,74+, you think you are doing 40 or 50, it is so smooth and quiet, you have to watch your speed. the first day I drove it, I was on 70 mile speed limit, interstate, and did not know how to operate cruise and did not want to go over 45 or 50 with a new car. Later on interstate, My wife said you are doing 70, later she said you are doing 75, and later she said you are now doing 81. I would not normally, go over 70 to 74 or 75 max. The speed limit is 70. I defintly learned how to use the cruise control. It has the best map system, and easily seats 4 people

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  Test Drive - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By papo - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Solid construction and futuristic design. Always ahead of the industry. As always a great design, making it a beautiful Truck. Thank you TOYOTA, you’ve done it again.

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  18000 miles of satisfaction - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By navycommander - December 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought an XLE V-6 (the mid-year newer engine w/ 5 speed) with every option, specifically for an everyday commuter car for the two of us. The best $27K (out the door) Ive spent in a while. Front cabin is roomy, visibility is great, trunk is huge, avg 26 mpg composite, comfortable ride, adequate stereo (usually we replace a cars stereo with $2K of premium gear, but the XLEs JBL is good enough). Only problem was the accessory drive belt shredded after 18000 miles. Dealer replaced it in one day with a loaner (3 yr warranty). Overall, this car beats the Accord EX -- we test drove those 3x before buying the XLE after our first drive, and havent regretted it.