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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  2011 LE 2.5L Auto Updated 5-14-11 - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By mkrahn - June 28 - 10:13 am

  This is my second Camry the first one 2007 V6 logged on 189K very strong performer until trans went out back in Aug 2010 thats when I took delivery of the 2011 2.5L auto which now as 45K. There is little difference between the years, but for 2012 that should change new model make over. No problems so far the engine along with the 6 speed transmission verses the older model using a small 2.4L and a 5 speed transmission makes the difference I think.

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  54 MPG ON HIGHWAY - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By earwood - June 28 - 3:59 am

  Have had more than 40 vehicle and I can say this vehicle is worth the price espicially with the gas prices. Good power for the average driving. Seats are comfortable and plenty of leg and head room. I can say it is worth the money and your time to drive one.

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  Typically reliable quality Toyota - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve - June 28 - 2:30 am

  Nice truck. Reliable, quiet. 4 cyl has enough power 95% of the time. I dont tow loads. Manual transmission helps with both power and gas mileage. Access doors are just right. Dont need the silly looking full rear doors.

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  Love My Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By paulb67 - June 27 - 7:50 pm

  With all its faults, I love my truck. Great lease price, not a single mech. problem in 50K miles. Seats feel a little loose and have been to dealer several times to no avail. Gas mileage stinks on this as a daily driver no towing anything, but love the comfort and power. Also mirror on doors slightly loose.

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  Best out of 4 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sahil Mehta - June 27 - 5:46 pm

  I have owned three Camrys in the past. All of them I bought brand new. Everyone in my family has one and they all love it. No one can beat Toyotas reliabilty. My last 1999 Vamry drove for 260000 miles until I got into an accident. This new 07 camry is sturdy and has nice safety features. The Camry also has better leg room and more space. I have the LE 4 cyl. It has great performance. I love the tilt telescoping wheel.

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  The Practical One - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Bob in Ohio - June 27 - 3:30 pm

  One of the more practical vehicles on the road the 2009 Rav4 offers efficient packaging, two competent engines and enough safety and convenience to satisfy just about everyone. If you had to choose only one vehicle to transport a family, haul furniture and find its way through inclement weather this compact to mid-size SUV is tough to beat. There is some comfort loss in exchange for space, especially in the rear seat. The cushions are rather flat and dont provide much support so make sure those that will inhabit the space take a test ride. Road and wind noise isnt in the luxury class but it is livable especially when you consider the relatively light weight of the vehicle vs. the size.

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  AWESOME DEPENDABLE CAR!!! - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By mal1028 - June 27 - 1:43 pm

  I personally have had my 1998 Corolla for over a year and I love it. Nothing has gone wrong on it other than a minor exhaust leak. I recommend this car for sure. It has always started during the freezing Canadian weather, and never let me down. Never broken down! it currently has 251 kms on it and is still going strong. 5 stars I would rate this car.

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  Coming From Maxima - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Sam - June 27 - 1:13 pm

  Great ride, quiet interior, great gas mileage. I went from a Nissan Maxima to the Camry for the gas mileage. Wow what a great car. The seats are very comfortable which also wrap around you. My first tank right now is around 38 mpg and the car also has ok pickup. I love my Bluetooth system, I got fully loaded with spoiler, it looks hot.

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  Still too new to tell, but so far, so good. - 2012 Toyota Sequoia
  By 2body1head - June 27 - 12:02 pm

  Just purchased this beast yesterday coming from a 2006 Tacoma DBL cab. No difference from the 2011s and prices were basically the same. So, went for the 2012. Love Toyotas in general. In my opinion and history, very reliable. Absolutely humongous inside and comfortable. Ride is not as "plush" as the Suburbans and Denalis, but still good. 100x better than my stiff and bouncy ride Tacoma. Still have to fiddle with the NAV and controls but seems user friendly enough. Drove about 50 miles mixed highway/city and computer avg showed 15-17 mpg. Will post later after a few months for follow-up review.

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  Fun to drive economy sports family car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By nyedward - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car for a couple of weeks, but Ive been in love with it since day one. It looks small from outside, but once youre in, its emazing what you can fit into the cargo room thats available. Head room is owesome for all 5 potential passengers. I have a couple of friends that are over 6 tall, and even they found it to be very comfortable. Its not as powerful and sporty as it looks when it comes to speed and performance, not that I was looking to race in it.