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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  Toyota camry the boss - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Paul Hyde - June 4 - 12:09 am

  My brothers toyota camry is at 345,000 miles and still runs with no major problems. Very little maintenance over the past few years. Did have an engine rebuild at 165,000 miles because of recall. The best car my family has ever owned.

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  2012 Camry LE - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By nicolasg - June 3 - 11:43 pm

  I bought a new Camry 2011 XLE 4 cyl in April 2011. Its a nice vehicle, not the best vehicle, but seems solidly built. On 2 separate occasions ive had (2) different new Camry 2012 LEs that I had by the dealer to drive. The whole interior feels extremely cheap much more so than the 2011, the center of the dash is just cheap plastic, also the steering wheel has a lot of cheap plastic as well. Its very difficult to see the gauges as the information seems to be in hard to see small letters. Braking is good, and the mpg was only 27 ok pick up as well. But what was Edmunds thinking when they said the interior was a higher quality than previous models. Very cheap and inferior feeling to it.

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  Supercharged, 2012 Tacoma Sport 4x4 - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By cansa - June 3 - 11:37 pm

  I purchased a Blue 2012 Tacoma Sport 4x4 with the Sport upgrade package that gives you Bilstein shocks, and 18in chrome wheels. After 4k miles I added the supercharger and TRD exhaust. As warned the supercharger does whine on acceleration but settles out on the highway. Dead stop 0-60 times are 6.4 but the real performance enhancement is the 60-80 MPH response. Prior to the supercharger and exhaust being installed I got at best 19.5 -21.1 MPG on the Highway and 14-16 combined. Now I get 21.5 to 22 highway and 18 combined. I strongly suggest getting both the supercharger and exhaust as they really up the performance and gas mileage. The truck rides nice and manuevers in town well.

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  Simply A Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By HappyHybrid - June 3 - 7:56 pm

  This is a superb car to drive or for a ride. It has more than enough power to get you into interstate traffic or pass other cars. I get about 42.3 MPG, the other driver gets about 38.6 MPG. Our driving is at the edge of the southern end of the Rockies @ an elevation of 6,000 feet. It handles both the hills and elevation with ease. Handling is sure. The fit and finish are what Detroit dreams about. Seat adjustments make interior comfort great for the driver and passengers. The A/C is superb. In summer, the car really cools down quickly, even in our desert environment. The sound system is the best "standard" system I ever had in a car. It is quite pleasing.

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  Very reliable car, I love it!! - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By pwijegun - June 3 - 4:16 pm

  I bought this car with 158000+ miles back in 2004. I have put on another 30,000 miles since. I drive a lot and this car has not let me down ever. I even went on a 50 hour (round trip) road trip in it last year. If my car drives this good when it has 188000 miles, I can only imagine how good it was brand new. I would always buy Toyotas with no fear (new or used). Great car!!

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  Excellent Family Car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By stinkytofus - June 3 - 2:56 pm

  I have a camry 2010 LE 2.5L i slapped on michelin primacy mxv4 tires, what a difference, like riding on a cloud, only had to do oil changes, change brake pads, rotors, nothing else !! it is a 2010 model so comparing it to 2013 and 2014 models the interior and exterior is lacking but overall i am satisfied with this car, as it provides decent mpg and has ample room for my friends and family, can drive it for many many more years to come

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  Rav4 4x4 Limited: the BEST QUALITY SUV 4 THE MONEY - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By ncreviewer - June 3 - 11:25 am

  Ive owned at least 6 or 7 Toyotas. Land Cruiser, Camry, T100, 4Runner (3), Rav4s. The first Rav4 we bought was in late 2010: a Base Rav4 4x4 2011 model. We love it and still own it. We decided to trade in our Honda in on a 2012 Rav4 4x4 Limited. What a great vehicle! Comfort, power, all the 4x4 traction a business SUV could want. Sure, youre not going to pull stumps. But for an architect & real estate broker, it works great. We can take clients out to undeveloped lots in the winter and get back out again. The Rav4 4x4 Limited also has the way cool hands-free door entry system & 1-button exterior locking. Leather, power sunroof, bluetooth & more.

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  Love this car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By kathy Shaver - June 3 - 9:00 am

  I have had this Corolla for two years now. It was going to be a temporary car until I found something fancier. Well, Im still driving it and loving it. I have had expensive cars for 38 years, Mercedes, BMW Jags, and they have all been expensive to maintain. This is the most basic one I have ever owned but its one of the most reliable and least expensive one to run especially with the new gas prices. It has enough get up and go for heavy traffic and I never feel like I will be stranded like I did when I was driving a Jag. There is nothing I dont like about this car.

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  Cant beat it - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Ross - June 3 - 1:06 am

  For what I payed for it you cant beat it. From taking the kids to school practice etc.. the Camry is an excellent car. It is hushed and smooth on the highway. In the city (chicago) it absorbs the numerous bumps with no problem. For all of the people complaining about the performance. IT IS A V-4. If you wanted fast buy a mustang. Perfect everyday car. I am averaging 25mpg. Majority city driving. It is a great family car without the big sticker. Very safe car also. Has 6 airbags standard. Has an I-pod jack with 3 gig of storage for mp3s.

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  Back Problems - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Rick Paul - June 1 - 5:57 pm

  I have to get rid of this car because I cant drive it without being hobbled by back pain even for short distances. The front seat has a "lumbar support" that digs into my back just above my belt line. Ive adjusted the seat every which way possible. Ive tried after market seat cushions and pillows to no avail. I wanted to give this vehicle a chance because there are many things to like about it compared against the other cars Ive test driven. I will lose money when I rid myself of it after only 3 months. Otherwise, I like the smooth power delivery and most notably the quality of the interior. It comes without a lot of frills that come standard on some competitors, like adjustable speed intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, and push button start but it has a high quality feel. The interior switches and the fit and finish are top notch. This is why I bought it. IF YOU HAVE ANY BACK PROBLEMS, OR EVEN IF YOU DONT, TAKE A LONG TERM TEST DRIVE OR RENT ONE FIRST. IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO DO THIS, DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.