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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  Solid performer - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Brian Kissel - January 12 - 10:52 pm

  Very economical, ecological, spacious car. Definitely a trade-off in the "fun to drive" category, but it does what it was built to do very well.

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  Love this car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By bugslab - January 12 - 7:13 pm

  Wow. This car is wonderful. I cannot believe what they have done to 2007 Camry. The new look has gotten rid of the family "Grandma" look. Its fun to drive and I feel safe driving it. If you have not driven one yet.....it time you do!

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  New RAV4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Richard Bruce - January 12 - 7:07 pm

  Consumers Reports gives this car a "Recommended" and I totally agree. Although it is not on par with a $50k luxury SUV, it is a good, solid, comfortable car. For the money, I think you would have a hard time finding anything comparable. Ive only put 500 miles on the car since I bought it, but it seems to handle very well, and has plenty of pep for freeway driving and passing. If the long-term reliability meets Toyotas legendary standard, then it will be one heck of a great buy.500

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  Fully Loaded Camry Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By TKCamry - January 12 - 5:23 pm

  Excellent acceleration for an economy hybrid. Less than 8 sec to 60 mph. And it gets good mileage so far - about 37 mpg. It isnt a sports car, but it handles well; is quiet on the highway; and seats are comfortable.

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  2008 Toyota Camry SE - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Tim - January 12 - 11:16 am

  First of all it is the 4 cyl/SE model so it looks great, (I was driving an Infiniti fx35 before this and was never so happy to spend 50 bucks less a week on gas). I have 2000 miles on it so far and it is more quiet than the fx, more roomy (it is hard to believe but the fx is small inside) better features, 2 perfectly placed car adapters. 17 inch rims make ride a bit higher so I am not hitting curbs when parking. I never wanted to buy a camry before, they looked like your parents car, now they look like MY racing car.

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  2008 Toyota Sequoia Platinum - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Frank Di Bartolo - January 12 - 9:53 am

  I wanted an SUV that would give me all the bells and whistles of my Audi A8 and a great ride. I got all of this with my Sequoia Platinum. I drove everything out there from Caddies to Fords and all the imports, I found the Toyota to be the best choice. Fold flat seats were a very important factor for my two large dogs.

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  Knock on Wood! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By 05Rolla - January 12 - 8:03 am

  I purchased this car with 6 miles on it. I love this car. Every time Im tempted to purchase a new car, I just cant imagine departing from my Corolla. Made in the USA by GM workers, this car has quality. Besides some initial, and minor, warranty issues, Ive done nothing but change her oil and give her a new set of tires. I can only imagine this being an awesome buy as a used car because it really is quite versatile. Decent trunk, spacious interior, decent design.

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  Love my Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Leah - January 12 - 4:43 am

  Has as much or more power than any prev. vehicle Ive owned. Very quick take offs when needed! Really performs well. Hugs the curves. Has a smooth ride, almost like gliding, especially in electric mode. First couple tanks of gas, we got just over 36 MPG, but that has consistently gotten better. The stereo is out of this world!! I think it comes standard. This car has been mistaken for higher end cars, one thought it was a Lexus, another thought it was a Mercedes. People always overestimate the price of the car. Overall, I LOVE THIS CAR!!!

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  This truck is fun! - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By CHESTER_TRD - January 11 - 4:53 pm

  As my first foreign truck, my 2010 Toyota Tacoma DBL cab, 4x4, TRD Sport, short bed is fun to drive on and off road. It is small enough where it is simple to park anywhere and just big enough for 5 small or medium sized people plus cargo. For tall people and the front seats pushed back, there is just enough room in the back for children. It has a solid feel, enough power, but fair on MPG. It looks good on the outside and inside. I love this truck and will probably buy another foreign truck in the future.

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  Headding for 300,000 miles - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By egret100 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new. Currently has 282,000 miles. Each year I say I am going to buy something new, but everything, EVERYTHING, still works on this truck. It still has the original clutch, alt, starter, etc. Only has oil and filter changes. Ive grown attatched to this vehilce.