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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  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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  I thought I was alone! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bill - August 1 - 1:36 am

  Im glad I found this web site. Just wish it would have been before the purchase of a 2007 Camry. As a previous Toyota owner, I thought it was a no brainer. However this car has serious throttle and shifting issues. Sometimes the car runs other times it cant get out of its own way. I called my dealer and Toyota. The dealer said he could reset the car to factory settings but that might make it worse. Toyota corporate would not admit there is a problem. I filed a complaint, whatever good that will do. I traded the car for a major loss. I will never buy another Toyota and will tell my story to everyone I know. As they say, buyer beware. p.s. the dash rattled!

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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!

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  Great car, but POOR quality - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Steven Daly - July 31 - 1:00 pm

  I have owned a 1993 Camry and a 2001 Camry, and this 2008 Camry is terrible compared to those two. I am so disappointed in the cheap plastic parts, the terrible squeaks and rattles and the horrible transmission. This vehicle is by far, the best looking Camry I have had, but the worst quality of the three. It has already been in the shop FOUR TIMES. My other Camrys were never in the shop for anything other than oil changes!!

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  Venza Problem aread - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By johnboy47 - July 31 - 10:31 am

  There are three problem that we are experiencing with our 2011 Venza. First, and most important, is the fact that small animals are getting under the hood and into the interior of the car (clove compartment mainly). This is due to a design flaw that exposes openings on each side of the vehicle where water drains off the windshield that are not screened to prevent this from happening. Second, the gas mileage is poor. We have the base 4 cylinder engine and there is no way this vehicle is getting the posted mileage-absolutely no way. Thirdly, there are serious problems with being able to see in the rear of the vehicle, making backing up in traffic a real challenge.

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  New to Corolla - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Huxley - July 31 - 1:50 am

  If you want to save on gas but still want to buy something thats has some style to it, this is your car. I loved the redesigned look of the latest Camry when it out, and this new 2009 corolla is like a smaller version of the Camry. The exterior of the S model is beautiful in person, most pictures dont do it justice I think. The interior is nice and there is plenty of room for a family of five. Myself, my wife and our 3 girls (one who is still in a safety-seat). The JBL stereo upgrade is well worth it, it sounds great with plenty of deep bass, and the added Bluetooth support that comes with it is a God sent. We are so glad we chose the Corolla, it fits us just fine!

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  My Jigger bug the Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By joanne - July 30 - 5:06 pm

  This car was built for me. I love it. It handles well and go when I need it. My hubby call it the jigger bug because of it size but inside it not so small. It handles well and rides like a dream. Would I buy a second one you betcha.

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  Excellent all-around vehicle - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By offroad - July 30 - 3:03 pm

  This is a great alternative to a Tahoe or Expedition. They handle well for a fullsize truck and cornering is flat with slight understeer when pushed too far. The traction control seems to do more harm than good. No way to turn it off either. Almost got it stuck 3 weeks after purchase going places I previously took my 4x4 pickup. Climbing a muddy hill, engine cuts power when tires slip leaving you with no momentum. Even with street tires, it should do better.