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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  What a Truck! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By pleased - February 21 - 1:20 am

  Traded in my 08 Tacoma PreRunner for the Tundra and havent looked back. The truck handles like a luxury vehicle but still has the bold look of a truck. The 4.6L has plenty of power for my personal use, actually more than I need. Love having a truck bed over 6 ft and 4wd. MPGs have been about averaging around 16 mixed driving, I was getting 20 mpg in my Tacoma but the sacrifice is definitely worth it.

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  Almost a good car - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Last Chance - February 20 - 11:10 pm

  At 1000 miles the engine developed a cold engine knock that Toyota would not fix. They said it was the new piston design, and not a problem. When I unplugged my GPS from the console power outlet the entire console top came off with the plug. Very cheaply made. I dont drive it very much anymore because I hate the cold engine knock, and Im afraid of what else they might have compromised when they designed and produced this vehicle.

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  By far the best truck I have ever owned! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By steved - February 20 - 11:03 pm

  I bought this truck in july 07, I have worked it very hard, heavy duty trailers towing a bobcat, ski boat 24 ft camper, 2500lbs firewood in the bed. I have owned 2 silverados, 1 f150, 1 ram and an expedition. This is by far the toughest truck i have had. The ride is great, the engine is very snappy, the transmission is smooth. I have not had one problem with this truck with the exception of one of the rubber strips coming off the roof from the automatic carwash. No biggy. Contrary to other statements, my tailgate is very strong, I have loaded my 700lb Arctic Cat in the bed many times with no issues. Love the fact that its built in America with American materials. Good Job Toyota!!

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  Solid buy for new or used - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By Landon - February 20 - 10:56 pm

  I purchased a new 2015 Toyota Corolla in June 2015. I have been driving it for about 6 weeks. It is a pleasure to drive. I am 62" and I fit fine. The CVT takes some time to get accustomed to. I have had a Celica and two Tacomas. I had a Honda Prelude also. I considered Civic and test drove a similarly equipped one. I didnt like the Honda as much and the Corolla was $2000 or more less expensive. I recommend the 2015 Toyota Corolla. Its not a race car and its not pretending to be one. Its fun to just take a drive or commute in. The one thing for taller drivers is the center armrest and left armrest are so low taller drivers like me have trouble getting the seat low enough to comfortably rest our arms. Yes, the seat moves up and down....about 2 or 3 inches. All said if the Honda had been cheaper I "might" have thought longer but probably would have made the same decision going with the Corolla. My last Toyota lasted 14 years and there was still nothing wrong with it. I expect this car will last me or future owners 15-25 years if maintained.

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  Ive Owned Two - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Kenneth Jordan - February 20 - 8:34 pm

  Because of special needs within my family I selected the 2011 Avalon because it had large side windows front and rear, unlike many cars whose rear windows, especially, taper almost to a point, and it has a full bench seat in the rear without the raised bump in the middle that makes it uncomfortable for 3 passengers. Its overall size and ride makes it very comfortable to ride in, and there are many little conveniences built into the passenger compartment that are very useful. Some of these characteristics changed in later year models. When my car was rear ended at 55MPH its collapsible design absorbed the shock and my wife and I both walked away unhurt even though the car was totaled. When replacing the car I searched specifically for a 2011 Avalon same model and am delighted with it.

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  Mostly Satisfied - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Florida Mike - February 20 - 3:06 pm

  Love the body style and looks. Wish it delivered the gas mileage of my 2003 XLE. My 2003 delivered 34-36 mpg on the highway the 2007 gets about 29 mpg. Transmission not nearly as smooth as previous 4 speed. Very comfortable ride and seating. Very low interior noise level, which adds to the long trip comfort. When going uphill the crusie control makes rapid increases in rpm to maintain speed. Overall build quality very good.

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  Jiggle all the way - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By poggi - February 20 - 12:53 pm

  Purchased my Rav in June 06. At the time, I too was very excited about my new car as are many of the posters for the new 08 model. After almost a year and a half am ready to trade it in. The fit and finish are very good. Reliability has been excellent. My main problem is the ride. It seems that I can feel every crack in the road. Going over bumbs in the road is torture.The ride is harsh to put it mildly. I traded a Subaru Outback for the Rav, the Subies ride was much better than the Ravs.

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  Yaris in the Lou - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris - February 20 - 12:16 pm

  What a great little car, I have driven a hyundai accent hatchback since 2002 and this is soo much nicer, it is more comfortable, the mileage is better, it looks a whole lot cooler, the only thing that this doesnt have is all of the standard features, but overall I have no complaints.

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  First Toyota Lemon - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By araustad - February 20 - 7:03 am

  I have been a loyal Toyota driver for the last 20 years. The 2007 Camry is first Toyota Lemon I have owned. First year the O2 sensor failed. The air bag covers fall off and need to be reattached regularly. The ignition coil had to be replaced year 3. All day project to change spark plugs. Rear seatbelt failed year 1. Sun visor attached by thin brittle plastic housing, failed year 3. In winter driving the car disables steering to keep you safe if you enter a slide. I prefer to have steering. I would like to sell mine, but I would feel like I was taking advantage of the person buying it.

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  I love this car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bill - February 20 - 5:46 am

  This new Camry is terrific. I havent experienced any problems at all. The ride, the fit and the build quality are what I was expecting after owning Toyotas in the past.