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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  1995 Toyota Camry 4 cyl - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By agf - March 16 - 2:36 am

  I bought this car for $3500 cash when it had about 80K miles on it. I have put $100K+miles on it over the years. I keep all repair receipts. Over the past 2 years I have probably sunk $1000 a year into maintenance/repairs, mostly maintenance - tires, decided to paint, timing belt, struts, new radiator etc. The AC and heat are amazing, rear defrost amazing, reliability not perfect but pretty great. No complaints. I have noticed lately when accelerating the automatic tranny hesitates around 45 MPH- I do not gun it, I barely let off the gas a bit and it shifts fine. I heard this from another long time owner, who did the same thing. Comparing to a car payment, this car is very inexpensive- low tag registration due to its age and much lower car insurance as well. Unless you need a fancy car for clientele, this engine and body type are are excellent mode of transportation- point A point B- that is what a car is for. I do not travel for a living, but have taken long trips in this car- I am small and love the ride- it is more squarish so I can see out easily. My husband is large and tall and does not think it is all that comfortable for his long legs. Overall a smashing great car!

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  1995 Toyota Camry 4 cyl - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By agf - March 16 - 2:36 am

  I bought this car for $3500 cash when it had about 80K miles on it. I have put $100K+miles on it over the years. I keep all repair receipts. Over the past 2 years I have probably sunk $1000 a year into maintenance/repairs, mostly maintenance - tires, decided to paint, timing belt, struts, new radiator etc. The AC and heat are amazing, rear defrost amazing, reliability not perfect but pretty great. No complaints. I have noticed lately when accelerating the automatic tranny hesitates around 45 MPH- I do not gun it, I barely let off the gas a bit and it shifts fine. I heard this from another long time owner, who did the same thing. Comparing to a car payment, this car is very inexpensive- low tag registration due to its age and much lower car insurance as well. Unless you need a fancy car for clientele, this engine and body type are are excellent mode of transportation- point A point B- that is what a car is for. I do not travel for a living, but have taken long trips in this car- I am small and love the ride- it is more squarish so I can see out easily. My husband is large and tall and does not think it is all that comfortable for his long legs. Overall a smashing great car!

• 

  Happy Camry Owner - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Happy Camry Owner - March 15 - 6:13 pm

  So far I really like my new Camry. I have had it for a little over a month and a half. I was hit by someone in my old 98 Camry and this is a nice upgrade. The car rides very smoothly, which I really like, and it is fun to drive. I love the body style and the interior. The gauges are really cool and the stereo setup is great. The power drivers seat is awesome and the lumbar support works well too. I enjoy driving the car every day and tend to stare at it whenever I park or look out my window at home.

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  The last of a dying breed - 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  By sandman1020 - March 15 - 1:08 pm

  We have had our 4 Runner for about a month now and it has been nothing less than spectacular! When we began our search for an SUV we did not want the new trend of the crossover SUV. IMHO a crossover is nothing but a station wagon and most car companies are switching to that trend. Luckily Toyota has stuck to tradition with the 4 Runner by keeping it a true SUV in every sense. The 4 Runner is a true body on truck frame masterpiece that is very fun and easy to drive on the road and is at home when the pavement ends. It has a strong 4.0 V6 at 270 horsepower and 278 pound foot of torque. It will tow up to 4700 pounds which is enough for and ultra lite travel trailer, boat and other various toys.

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  Best minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jeffv - March 15 - 10:10 am

  Toyota has done a superb job. We have had 5 minivans. 4 Chryslers and one Pontiac Montana. We buy all of our vans with high milage with the exception of the Montana. I would take a Sienna with 190,000 miles over the others with half that. At 190,000 it is still tighter and smoother than the Montana with 50,000 miles. We have taken a number of trips with all 8 of us plus the back stuffed with luggage add a car top carrier & we still average 22.8 miles to the gallon. The best we have seen on a shorter trip was 26.7 mpg with no luggage. I just put the top rated new Michelin tires on it & it is so quiet you would almost think you were flying. I will definitely buy another Sienna.

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  corolla = good - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By greenrolla - March 15 - 2:00 am

  its a great car for a daily comuter!

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  I love this Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Thomas D. - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a dream. Plenty of power. Quiet and very comfortable. Loaded with all the features. Overall excellent buy.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By suvfan - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I am extremely pleased with my new 4Runner! The ride is amazingly smooth, acceleration is quick. I dont feel like Im in a truck at all. It drives and rides like a car. The space is great. The double-decker cargo system is very useful. I love the standard running boards. There are a lot of storage compartments, which is always nice. I love the back-up mirrors! I have always been a 4Runner fan, but the newest model is even better! There is more room on the interior. Older models were nice too, but always felt a little too cramped in the front seats. This new model is very nice and spacious.

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  CoRoLla is a GrEat CaR - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By RaChEl - March 15 - 2:00 am

  my first new car - and i love it!! great on pick up and small enough to fit into tight parking spaces. tons of compartments for knick knacks and very, very roomy!

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  Awesome Starting out car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By bosshogg62 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I just graduated college and were looking for a cheap, reliable car. We got a great dealer rebate and with good credit, got outstanding financing. I would recommend this car to anyone whos in the same boat we are. Theres not much room in the back seat if youre a grown man, but I dont plan on riding in the back a whole lot because its a blast to drive.