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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  Squeaky rattle car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By helderado - May 27 - 5:20 pm

  My wife bought this car several weeks ago and we cant get over the multiple rattles that appear to come from multiple places like the dash, a-pillars and sunroof. Also there is a very annoying squeak coming from the rear suspension. We have taken the car twice to the dealership and they have not been able to get rid of the noises. Wish Toyota had a 60 day guarantee because we would take this car back asap.

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  Disappointed - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota NEVER Again - May 24 - 6:10 pm

  We purchased this Camry new believing it would be a great car for many years. The last two cars we owned, we have for about 10 years each. Beginning within a few months of ownership we have had the following problems: front and rear struts replaced twice, transmission replaced, transmission speed sensor replaced twice, air sensor replaced along with MANY other irritating minor things. Toyota is OFF our list for future purchases! And yes - we have followed the suggested maintenance schedule!

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  2016 Toyota Camry SE - Disappointing - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Disappointed 2016 Camry Owner - May 23 - 7:40 pm

  First of All, Im a huge Toyota fan! Ive owned 3 Toyota in the past. A 4Runner, 2 Camry 1995 & 2005 which I still have. I recently bought a 2016 Camry SE and had for a week. I am "Not" happy! Its a lot noiser, it doesnt drives smooth as two of my older ones, you can feel every little bump on the road, my tracker control constantly comes on, horsepower is a lot less from previous models, the carpet and door handle feels cheap. Overall I feel like Im driving a 2008 Scion TC (which I used to own) the only difference the Scion TC had a lot more power. Im very disappointed in my purchase. The quality in Toyota has gone down. Im already looking into trading the 2016 Camry in for something that drives smoother! Almost forgot, the steering wheel feels slippery and not tight and firm as my older Camry. Also be careful driving on a windy day. The car shifts from right to left like your fish tailing. This car is made weak, light and cheap!

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  Cheap interior materials and other parts - 2014 Toyota Sienna
  By dbuilder - May 12 - 12:33 pm

  Cheap plastics, fabrics (floors), finishes in cabin makes its interior look cheap even though Ive got XLE+Navi option. Comparing to previous Sienna model with same trim option, it has less leather surface than older models to save its cost. You will find other cost saving effort from Toyata, unless you are paying $40.000+ for limited edition. Check its keyless remote, interior finishes, XLEs leather finishes/quality, they are lower than average car. Especially you are also considering Oddysey Ex-L+Nav I chose Sienna because of its smooth engine feel, but now regret. In sum, $ per value, Odyssey is much better even though you may find Hondas MSRP is higher.

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  Camry - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Served us well - May 11 - 9:03 pm

  Purchased this car new. With 95k miles on it, just regularly changed the oil, brakes once, third set of tires, new battery. Needs new struts (they are noisy), mechanic friend said let it go. No major problems yet. Nice not having a car payment with gas prices rising.

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  Not the Toyata Quality I Have Known - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Yogasong44 - May 11 - 12:13 am

  I bought this car used with 30,00 miles on it and have had regular maintenance performed. Have have had a few major problems that were costly to repair. Common Toyota problem, per my body shop guy: the door handle mechanism broke requiring $800 repair. My body shop guy says he sees about 15 Toyotas a year that have this problem; from Corollas to Avalons and Toyota hasnt done any recall. My roof paint is chipping and is rusted, so poor paint quality because no accidents to account for this. I fear this repair. My gas mileage is only about 24 city, 32 highway. Ive always owned Toyotas and have enjoyed them, and this is my only mediocre one, but makes me want to go Honda next time around.

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  Comfy, but lacks refinement - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By rkramer455 - May 9 - 3:06 am

  Overall its a comfortable vehicle with lots of leg room in the rear. However, using it for travel to cycling events has shown major problems. With a hitch rack on the back and gear inside, the rear end squats and the front raises up. This causes the front to wander dangerously, especially in the rain. The tire wear problem is well known and at 35k miles, expect to replace them. There have been numerous rattles in the doors and currently the rear seat vibrates loudly even at low speeds. The FWD just has poor traction and easily spins its wheels at the stop light.

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  Look at FRAME first !!!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By yomama - May 6 - 12:33 am

  I am the owner of 2005 reg cab 4x4. It has a huge problem with rust on the frame. The rust is not all the way thru but it already has started and I have never seen rust like this so early. Frame actually looks as if it belongs to a truck 20 years old! I would only recomend this truck to someone living in a very dry area. I will not purchase another Toyota because of this. How safe can it be to drive down highway with nothing holding the truck together? I wish I would have known before purchase. Too bad, I get over 25 mpg with A/C on in city!

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  NEVER LEASE OR BUY TOYOTA over rated reputation - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Brenton - May 4 - 6:09 am

  2013 Camry LE Hybrid never obtained gas mileage. 5 Recalls in 1st year and rust found. Dealership stated when you turn car in its our problem dont buy this car. Maintenance package a JOKE . First mandated Service was Start and SHUT off car THREE times to remove CODE. Dealership at 23 months would not change oil or service car make an appointment when YOU PAY. Deafening road noise, dangerous BLIND SPOT needed to add mirror to side mirror. Interior Quality of car completely PLASTIC and seats equivalent to park benches. Have to Hand Pump Front Drivers seat. Non existent compatibility for todays electronics. Do not drive in the SNOW very low body clearance, gas mileage drops like a rock. Listed sales price $32000 absolute gouging could never RESELL this car at any price over $10,000. Toyota as a BRAND has NO customer service, stated GET A LAWYER. Dealership went out of business had so many Better Business Complaints of not honoring car maintenance package as advertised ON TV. Toyota Headquarters representative stated: "We do not deal with dealership issues, maintenance issues, or customer complaints. TOYOTA has NO Reputation and stated we are honorable come back after acceleration deaths DO NOT BUY TOYOTA

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  Hybrid system breakdown! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By keepwarmnow - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Great experience until 100,000 miles. All check ups done at dealership.100,000 miles warranty expires soon after car wont start.I bought a Toyota because they are meant to last.Took car to dealership and they announced it would be 8700 dollars to fix. The hybrid system does not work! CODES POAA6&526-614 and Warrantied only to 100,000 miles. I am at 119,000. I was told the labor on the part is minimal it is the part that is so expensive. I was shocked and then looked on the internet to find that others have found themselves in the same position.When I went to pick up the car at Toyota they charged me $250.00 for the diagnostic test and tried to sell me another Toyota. HA!!