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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  oh what a feeling - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By lauferdm - December 24 - 2:00 am

  i took my 2wd up a steep and muddy dirt road in Crown King AZ on a rainy day and the limited slip was amazing. i even purposely stoped on a nice grade and started up again and tthe tires didn`t even spin and both had traction! it felt like my 2 previous 4wd tacomas. GREAT TRUCK

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  the best - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By miguel - December 24 - 2:00 am

  if you dont have enough money to buy a lexus es300, dont worry just buy this camry and it will do the same job for a lot less cash.

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  V6 Magic - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Marv - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent automobile with the utmost in reliability and performance. Just love getting on the freeway and opening up or passing when traffic is tough. The V6 engine is more powerful than I imagined. Comfortable, handles great too. Designed for California roads!!!

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  This may help someone - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By JF - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I ve been searching for an SUV for almost 5 months. Finally I ve decided to buy a 4Runner Limited V8 2WD 5S.A.. So far I think is a great "car". I cant call it a truck nor an SUV, because it rides like a car. I am very happy with it and this vehicle is definitely a keeper.

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  Toyota dealers needs work - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Colin Drew - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The dealer is the cars biggest downfall. So far they have told me that the CE model is not avaible with ABS, cass/cd player, side airbags, and cruse control, even though it is listed as options. Toyota will not make the CE with the advertised options. You have to move up to the LE or S model to get these options. The only problem that has occured is a recall on the Power train axle assembly, and the head lights turn on at night after car has been parked for several hours. Toyota said it is a broken light senser on daylight running lights. I am waiting on a trunk mat that was listed on sticker but not with the car.

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  09 LE 3.5V6 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Joe P. - December 24 - 12:36 am

  I bought my Camry in Sept. This is my 1st foreign vehicle. What a surprise. This vehicle is the best. Im averaging 28 MPG in mixed city and hwy driving. It is a pleasure to drive. The power is great, it handles very nicely, has much interior room and the aesthetics are great. My wife has an 00 4 runner with nearly 300,000 miles on it. I can only hope that I have this car for that many miles. I really like this vehicle!

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  Very nice at 100K+ - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Derrick - December 23 - 9:36 pm

  I bought this car used with around 60,000 miles on it. Im now at just over 110,000 and not having any problems with it at all. I got fog lamps placed on it as well as aftermarket cruise control. I have a 5-speed manual and it responds great. It only has a 4 cylinder in it so in any race I end up losing but it handles very nicely on the highway for 16 hour drives and doesnt cost much in maintenance except for a few things that that have needed to be replaced, but doesnt seem bad at 110,000 and still runs clean and smooth. I wish it would hurry up and break down so I could justify going to get a Tacoma truck now.

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  Excellent Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By eviltwin - December 23 - 6:50 pm

  This is my second Toyota pickup truck. It replaced a loaded f150 crew cab that replaced my T100. Really like the truck, wish the mileage was a bit better, but its getting about 17 now, and that is with a good percentage of stop and go. 18000 miles in a year and a half and its never been to the dealer. Engine has good torque and is very smooth. Plenty of access under the hood for routine service items, not like my f150 that had everything buried. Interior plastics are ok, doesnt feel like a Lexus, but is just as good as the ford it replaced.

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  Update to my Aug 08 review - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By onebeacon - December 23 - 5:10 pm

  After more than 6 months of driving my 09 TCH I still think its one of the best cars I have ever owned. I was getting between 34-42 MPG when I first got it, but that was being easy on the gas peddle, now, with much more aggressive driving, Im getting 28-34 MPG. Still impressive for a large car. I just found out my car ins. for the hybrid is HALF the cost of the Highlander I traded in!

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  Love my camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By kelly - December 23 - 4:46 pm

  I have had my Camry for almost a month now. The ride is awesome, fuel economy is great. Transmission is very smooth and quick! I had an 06 Camry and the 08 is far better in all ways! Suspension is much improved.