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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  Not a work truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By tommy2 - November 3 - 8:30 pm

  Truck is nice to have parked in your driveway so that your friends can praise its style. But dont hook up a 4500lb loaded trailer or put 20 sheets of 1/2" plywood in the back. It will strain and groan to get going, and by the way, dont pass any gas stations when loaded. Otherwise, it is nice and quiet, ride is smooth, takes pumps well, and stops when you need to. I have 4000 miles in 5 weeks, and will be trading it off next month for a truck that I can use for my work

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  Avarage - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By AJ - November 2 - 4:38 am

  Underpower needs more under the hood

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  2004 Tocoma Extracab - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By CHAS - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Very, very poor gas milege for a 4 cylinder engine. Cannot make 20 miles to the gallon. Rides a little rough for a 4 X 2 vehicle.

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  Really Disgusted - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Paul - October 25 - 2:30 pm

  My 2003 Camry is my third Toyota and my last. At 55K miles, I had to replace the steering column($400+) and now at 60K, I have a slow leak in the steering seals and that requires the entire steering rack to be replaced for $1300+. Everyone says how great Toyotas are...not any more. This recent recall will send customers running away from the brand. I am done with Toyota...back to domestics!

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  "Auto. Celica is a DOG!!", Toyota Rep - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By liberty - October 22 - 2:00 am

  After explaining problems to Toyota Rep, he said "Celica GTS with an Automatic trans is a "dog". It performs exactly like you described, theres nothing mechanically wrong with the car." He said "You signed for the car, you own it." I was flabbergasted. I asked if Toyota planned to continue to manufacture this car he said yes. You cant rely on any power when accelerating from a stop. I floor the gas pedal at a stop, I get no acceleration. DO NOT BUY THIS DOG!!

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  Rattle Trap - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Run - October 22 - 2:00 am

  My Rav4 rattled at the bottom of the windshield and the breaks started to squeak before I traded it. I repeatedly tried to have the rattle fixed but it always returned. If you want a quiet car, get something else that is what I did. The Rav4 is easy to park and drive on flat roads, but struggles to make it uphill.

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  Cant get comfortable - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Ouch - October 18 - 11:00 pm

  At first I loved this car for the way it drove, but after spending some time behind the wheel, I realize Ive got to get rid of it. There is no possible way for me to find a comfortable driving position. The problem is that the steering wheel and pedals are almost in the same vertical plane. Either Im reaching for the wheel or my knees are bent and almost on the dashboard. Dont know how anyone else deals with this as Im only 56" !! Also my head is too close to the visor, I have to duck to turn it down. This also means that in a crash, my forhead will smack up against the same. Tried everything. Very disappointed.

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  Great Ride. Small Build Problems Dealer Doesnt Fix - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By homebase - October 18 - 7:47 am

  I have 4,000 miles on my 2011 Camry XLE 4cyc leather Nav. It has a smooth quite ride, engine is strong enough, zero sportyness. The turn signal mechanisum makes a clicking sound whenever the turn signal is engaged and the wheel is turned. The climate control needs to be adjusted continuously while driving. Other than the two minor problems I am going to have to fight with my dealer to fix, it is a great car. The first time the dealer looked at the car he kept it 4 days before he told me everything is normal. I dont think I will ever buy another Toyota.

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  2002 Sienna - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By passonit - October 17 - 10:00 am

  None, needed a van to transport kids since the 3d seat in the volvo wagon wasnt big enough anymore.

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  GT-S Performance is horrible - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By MikeD9999999 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  DO NOT BUY THE GT-S AUTOMATIC! This cars performance is horrible. Its acceleration is nil from a stop. It is ok after you get in second gear.