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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  I will never buy another Toyota - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By neveragaintoyo - May 1 - 12:54 pm

  Bought this car new after 2004 Toyota Corolla S had manual transmission failure. This car then had manual transmission failure under warranty. Then the ECM was recalled, failed and was replaced. Then the transmission failed again and out $3500.Then the ECM failed after one year so no warranty and out $700. Will never buy another Toyota again.

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  Front seat - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Pat - April 27 - 8:16 pm

  I bought the Matrix because I love the exterior design of the car. After driving it home, I notice how sore the under part of my leg just above the knee was. I have written to Toyota and the dealer where it was purchased for some help or advise to no avail. I do like the car except for that but I think it is also a little under horse powered.

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  Rattling dashboard - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Karen - April 27 - 7:03 pm

  I bought my 2008 rav4 4x4 base model in February 2008. It was the best vehicle I ever owned until it hit 850 miles and thats when I could hear a loud constant rattling coming from the dashboard, more specifically the center console. The vehicle was brought back to the dealership 4 times and was never permanently fixed. The master technician, who was great to deal with even replaced my vents in the center dash with a new RAV4 on the sales lot. At times it sounded like a popcorn machine! Finally, a field technical expert from Toy inspected the vehicle and determined that it was A NORMAL OPERATING CHARACTERISTIC! Very disappointed, 1st and last Toyota Ill ever own.

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  Not So Good - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Joel Hall - April 26 - 11:10 pm

  I purchased our new 2009 Corolla to do some extensive traveling. We find the car excellent in the city, but on the highway it is terrible. The car is uncomfortable - seats, armrests, lumbar support, left foot positioning, blind spots. The worst problem is a vibration at highway speeds that the dealership says is normal. We are so disappointed in our new Corolla and are considering dealing it at only 3000 kilometers.

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  something not right with this car. - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By lchow - April 24 - 5:48 pm

  my car stop showing the EV icon the one with the car icon with the EV inside and the mpg fall down to 35 .anyone have similar problem?

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  toyota has some lemons - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By billboxman - April 24 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Sequoia repaired by the dealership 10 times in the past 18 mo. for VSC concerns and activation. toyota replaced the master brake booster @1135 miles,front calipers rotors and pads @17000 miles and again @ 34000 as a TSB.after going to arbirtation, I won toyota will replace my SUV with a new one. But toyota made it as hard and as possible, didnt care about my families safty or LIVES, and tryied to discredit 7 of the 10 repairs because the dealership didnt charge toyota any money, but still tryed to repair. In closing, stand up for your legal rigths even if toyota trys to make you give in.

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  Expensive to maintain - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By doug128 - April 24 - 1:26 am

  I enjoy driving the Highlander but I have found it very expensive to maintain. I have had to replace 7 wheel bearings and the drive shaft to the rear wheels because of the bearings. It has 93,000 miles on it now. Brakes have also been expensive as it seems the ABS sensor are quite sensitive to failure and have had to replace some with the brakes which makes it very costly. I bought the Toyota as it was rated as a reliable car. It has turned out to be very expensive!

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  Toyota is slipping; NOT worth $45k - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By DLu - April 21 - 2:43 am

  We purchased the 2011 Limited AWD with the "premium" package in April. First impressions were that it was pleasant/ unoffensive, about what youd expect from a minivan. The transmission is surprisingly quick to downshift for passing and shifts smoothly. However, the cheap materials, especially the fake wood (which they should get rid of and stop pretending its fancy!) and the shoddy stitching on the leather, are very disappointing. I recommend getting the LE and save $20k to upgrade your kitchen or buy a Miata. When I got a tire replacement (see below), a lug nut was cross-threaded and ripped the bolt off. I have not had a major problem like some, but these are a sign of poor quality!

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  You get what you buy - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By louie - April 18 - 2:20 pm

  Its a nice little car. Great for small family or single folks. I had to get rid of it less than two years with it. The odometer, gas reading, dials etc in the middle is just too weird. Not very strong engine. Cup holders are one size and wrong spot to have it. Auxiliary plug is on passengers side. Too difficult too reach when on drivers side. Seats are uncomfortable and hard. Miles per gallon are 33 with city and highway. Side compartment storage in front too deep and thin.

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  Cut Corners - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Don B - April 17 - 4:50 am

  Doors close very tinny - hood very flimsy at highway speeds - very underpowered with V6 - constant shifting with cruise - transmission whinny at low speed. Does not compare to my 2003. Gas mileage is no better than my 2003 V8. Toyota seriously cut corners on this machine. Not recommended -- mine is for sale.