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 Truck, Great Value - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Doccruz - March 21 - 1:50 am

  I love this truck, its a true Toyota. I cant wait to go off road. The V-8 is awesome and smooth as glass.

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  Fifth Camry is a real disappointment... - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By JeffH1542 - March 21 - 12:55 am

  The performance of this car is fine and the ride is the same as my other 4 Camrys. The problem with this car versus my other Camrys is the materials used in the front bumper and the under skirting is all plastic. I am very particular about keeping my cars detailed and if I would have really looked this car over I probably would have looked for something else. The front bumper just cracked approx a foot in front of the right tire. The crack is approx 2" in length. I took this to the collision department at the dealership and was told this was going to be a problem with this model because of how low the bumper is and how thin the plastic is. This showed up after having the car for just 2 months. Today I go out in the garage and look at a new crack at the plastic mud flap on the right side in front of the rear tire. I actually got under the car and when looking at the undercarriage it looks no stronger than a Tonca truck. I serviced my own vehicles and was under each vehicle and know that this vehicle doesnt live up to the Toyota standards that I had become used to. Going to the dealership tomorrow and voicing my dissatisfaction with this vehicle.

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  Fifth Camry is a real disappointment... - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By JeffH1542 - March 21 - 12:55 am

  The performance of this car is fine and the ride is the same as my other 4 Camrys. The problem with this car versus my other Camrys is the materials used in the front bumper and the under skirting is all plastic. I am very particular about keeping my cars detailed and if I would have really looked this car over I probably would have looked for something else. The front bumper just cracked approx a foot in front of the right tire. The crack is approx 2" in length. I took this to the collision department at the dealership and was told this was going to be a problem with this model because of how low the bumper is and how thin the plastic is. This showed up after having the car for just 2 months. Today I go out in the garage and look at a new crack at the plastic mud flap on the right side in front of the rear tire. I actually got under the car and when looking at the undercarriage it looks no stronger than a Tonca truck. I serviced my own vehicles and was under each vehicle and know that this vehicle doesnt live up to the Toyota standards that I had become used to. Going to the dealership tomorrow and voicing my dissatisfaction with this vehicle.

• 

  Fifth Camry is a real disappointment... - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By JeffH1542 - March 21 - 12:55 am

  The performance of this car is fine and the ride is the same as my other 4 Camrys. The problem with this car versus my other Camrys is the materials used in the front bumper and the under skirting is all plastic. I am very particular about keeping my cars detailed and if I would have really looked this car over I probably would have looked for something else. The front bumper just cracked approx a foot in front of the right tire. The crack is approx 2" in length. I took this to the collision department at the dealership and was told this was going to be a problem with this model because of how low the bumper is and how thin the plastic is. This showed up after having the car for just 2 months. Today I go out in the garage and look at a new crack at the plastic mud flap on the right side in front of the rear tire. I actually got under the car and when looking at the undercarriage it looks no stronger than a Tonca truck. I serviced my own vehicles and was under each vehicle and know that this vehicle doesnt live up to the Toyota standards that I had become used to. Going to the dealership tomorrow and voicing my dissatisfaction with this vehicle.

• 

  Trans axle noise 35 mph to 55 mph - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By eugene riotte - March 21 - 12:33 am

  Vehicle did not make transaxle noise when purchased! After 1500 miles it started a howling noise at light throttle, 35-55 mph it is getting worse, Toyota Tech is supposed to be checking on the reason for it, it has been 21 days and I have heard nothing, I am very dissatisfied with this car! I was told there was a production change, I think I got one of the bad ones. The service dept. replaced an axle at about 5 thousand miles and the axle bearing, but this did not correct the noise I am hearing.

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  Happy As Can Be - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Birdman - March 20 - 11:46 pm

  Ive had my Toyota Tacoma for 2 weeks now and the more I drive it the more I fall in love with it. I owned a 2002 Toyota Tacoma but there is no comparison. The 2005 is so roomy on the inside, its wider, it stands taller; there are more bells and whistles as standard equipment. Best decision I ever made was to trade in the 02 for the 05. No wonder its truck of the year

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  Rattle Rattle Squeak Squeak - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By 2Noisy - March 20 - 9:00 pm

  The sunroof rattles like it has marbles in it. The left front rubber insulator between body and frame squeaks when its cold. The lumbar motor in drivers seat went out and was $750 to replace. There was a support tapping me in the back, so it had to be fixed. It has been to dealer for the noise and is still not fixed. The seat is ok now. I am running H/T tires and handling is great. Radio still sounds great with its 10 speakers. Handles and rides well on trips, but rattles from sunroof will drive you crazy.

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  Extremely disappointed - engine problems - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By dat22 - March 20 - 8:16 pm

  We purchased a used 2003 toyota camry 16 months ago and have repeat problems with the engine/head bolts stripping out of the engine block. This is a know issue related to NHTSA Item Number : 10037592, Summary : TOYOTA: THERE MAY BE DAMAGED CYLINDER HEAD BOLTS THREADS. *RM, and specifically with engine 2AZ-FE. Dialership and Toyota executive level have not done anything to help. I will not buy another toyota.

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  92 to 09 - 17 years of progress - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lars - March 20 - 8:03 pm

  Have a 92 4X4 Toyota Xtra with a V6; 16.5 mpg at best. Was looking at an 08 ($1,000 rebate), but the 09 has better standard features; 6 airbags, 4-wheel ABS, plus traction and stability control. That, with the new for 09 Timberland Green color, swung my vote. Granted, the 92 is a 4X4, but the 09 rides so much better. The interior is a huge improvement - as some 08 reviews said, its very car-like - although outward visibility to the sides is better in the 92. I live up a steep hill; the 4-cylinder has plenty of power and, contrary to some, I like the gated shifter. 23 mpg in mixed driving; less than 500 on the odometer. Expect to get better than the 25 hwy EPA once its broken in.

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  driving is fun again - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ross - March 20 - 7:23 pm

  Ordered my Prius June 2004, dealership called me the 31st of Jan 05 to tell me some one didnt want their Prius that had just come in, did I want to come take a look at it. Wasnt expecting mine till June of 05. It wasnt the color I ordered and didnt have VSC, high intensity headlights and fog lights but it did have the 6 CD JVC stereo. I took it. All I can say is poor guy that decided he didnt want it. Ive been driving for 40 years and suddenly I feel like a kid again. This car is really a blast to drive, it has just as much get up and go as my 93 Bonneville but gets 46.5 average mpg so far, rather than 22. It is surprisingly roomy, I love it.