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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  GREAT LITTLE CAR - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By GF - July 10 - 6:56 am

  I only had to wait 2 weeks for my Prius. The gas mileage is the obvious reason you buy this car but you will be pleased find out its not just some cheap economy car. Its roomy inside and has lots of cool features. When I first got the car, I was averaging 47 mpg. Now, with the help of a few websites, I am actually learning how to drive the car and achieve better results. On my last tank, I got 54 mpg. Buy this car if you can find one. You wont regret it.

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  Electronic Transmission feels Unstable - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By 2010camrync - July 9 - 11:50 pm

  Electronic transmission and drive-by- wire make the automatic shifting a rough ride. The car feels unstable and leaves you feeling like youre not in complete control. Very disappointed in this car and really quite surprised that Toyota released this car to consumers with such an unruly shifting pattern of this electronic transmission.

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  4-RUNNERS EXPERIENCE - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By TENNIS GUY - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Solid SUV, stable, good traction. The brakes are excelent although I heard a lot of bad comments regarding them. I only had 2 problems: the glove compartments lock got broken and the rear double cup holder got broken too. The tapestry doesnt appear enough resistant to endure many years. The engine is awesome, as well as the transmision. In 5 years I spent: $150 on the lock, $200 on the cup holder and $ 90 in an original batery. That are the reasons that are making me considering buying another 4-big-runner

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  Good car; poor gas mileage - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By steve9723 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I took a step down from a Camry to a Corolla because I wanted a more fuel efficient car. Unfortunately, I get about the same gas mileage as my Camry (23-24 mpg) - others who have Corollas have said the same. I like the car, but Ill go back to a Camry next time.

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  SRS Warning Lights - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By clbfsb - July 8 - 12:10 pm

  I owned this car(new) 1 day and the SRS warning lights went off and they continue to go off intermittently. 5 days after purchase, along with the SRS light, the VSC(skid) lights are appearing. 6 days after purchase, the dealer doesnt know what to do and I am asked to bring the car back for an undisclosed amount of time. They will provide a loaner. I read the Tundra complaints on this and they are the same. The lights were not on when I took it back for service and they said they couldnt do anything for me unless they saw the lights. After turning the car on&off 100+ times, they saw the light and have the code (s). We will see what they do/say but so far, I am not happy. Will post update.

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  More money left for beer and pizza! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By The_Dude - July 7 - 10:43 am

  I recently replaced my 05 Saturn Vue with this car. I just like the idea of being able to travel more than 300+ mi. in 11 gallons of gas as opposed to +/- 300 mi. in 16 gallons of gas in my Vue. That is 5 gallons less and 100 more miles. My last fillup, I got 38 mi to a gallon. You cant beat that for a reliable, inexpensive non hybrid fuel efficient car. It drives pretty decent, acceleration from 0-60 is sub par (under 10 sec) but I bought it for its fuel efficiency in mind. Since I installed an SGII, I am more conscious about how I drive and how much fuel I use. It can be fun to drive with the manual but the automatic is not bad once you got it going.

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  Love it - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By CE - July 7 - 5:53 am

  I love this car. This is my third Corolla, the only thing I wish for, when I back out, the visibility is not as good as I would like it to be. It has great road feel, very positive steering and drives like a sports car. For the price it is a good bargain. I have not had a single adjustement, who ever put this car together did a super job. Congrats TOYOTA keep up the good work.

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  Gas mileage less than advertised mpg - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By millese - July 6 - 7:04 am

  I purchased a 2012 Toyota Hybrid Camry a few weeks ago and am disappointed with the gas mileage. I drive around town mostly, no fast starts, coast whenever possible - getting about 36 mpg on the last 2 fillups. I took it to the Toyota mechanic and couldnt find anything wrong. He said there is no break-in period needed to get the expected average 41 mpg. Frustrated owner! Ill be back to the Toyota dealer pounding the door very soon. Unsure of next steps if no resolution -

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  Expected so much more - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Chris - July 6 - 5:26 am

  I have had this truck for a year and a half now and its falling apart. None of the lights work inside, I can not turn up or down the volume on the radio, the steering has gotten so loose and I could swear the tie rods are broke. I had high hopes for this truck but no go.

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  This car do the job, but is cheap inside - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Cheoto - July 4 - 11:13 pm

  This car do the job, no expensive, great fuel economy, good exterior looking and a lot of space. However, keep in mind that inside is all plastic, a lot of death space to cover (sometimes is difficult to see the cars and people around) and the acceleration is poor. The driving is solid and the car is not noisy at all. Overall, the car is only for good economy but the cheap materials (interior) and only four start rating for crash need consideration. The engine and interior are a lot better isolated that the previous years (I have a friend that have the 2006).