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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  Camry XLE 2010 problems - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Speckled Hen - April 12 - 7:23 pm

  Problem switching the radio over from XM to Sirius. I have had so many problems with this car. The remote key does not work well. You have to hit the button several times for it to unlock. The interior starting falling apart about a month after I bought the car. The visor on the drivers side has the stitching coming out, the front passenger seat fell apart. The engine also makes a loud and strange sound. The dealership said that this was a new engine that they just starting installing in the 2010s. This car has been so awful. I wish I had looked around more before I purchased. I also do not get the gas mileage that the sticker promises. When driving highway I only get 27 mpg instead of the 32 mpg stated.

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  ABS ISSUE - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By tenabell - April 8 - 8:53 pm

  My 2008 corollas ABS have now caused me to be in 2 wrecks..they lock up completely and my car just slides.If the roads even a little wet its worse..I was told most likely a faulty sensor?? Anyone else with ABS issues?

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  Good value - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By rob328ic - April 8 - 2:33 pm

  We bought an 04 4WD SR5. We have a dog, 3 kids, and travel with lots of stuff (kids 4, 2 ,4 mos). Rides well, no build issues. Fit finish ok (a few panel gaps). Mileage has been poor but typical. This is a 4 speed trans too. Older 4WD has not been an issue, we live in Maine and works well. But it lacks little things. 2nd row lock for seat fold up to enter third row. No fold flat. No remote start option or camera accessible cup holder in 2nd row. Lack of lateral support in front seats. No power lift gate (my wife has tough time reaching this). Overall I’d consider a Suburban or Denali over this if I made the purchase today on a new 07-08. Used however I’d get the Toyota.

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  Big mistake - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By aaa - April 6 - 3:40 am

  First of all, I am an experienced mechanic. My wife wanted this car for the kids, she likes it. When I drive this truck here are the things I find wrong with it: right rear blind spot, you have to fold down the right rear seat to see your blind spot and to reverse, brakes issues (2 sets of pads & rotors in 1 year) suspensions is very poor, interior is cheap, as far as engine and transmission goes Toyotas quality is there. Other than that I would rather buy the Yukon or Tahoe, its a much better quality truck thank the Sequoia any day. If you have the money to spare, then buy the Landcruiser of which Toyota put a lot of quality and its day and night compare to this piece of junk Sequoia

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  would not buy it again - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Pudtat - April 6 - 2:00 am

  From the very first week the car has had a vibration. Paint scracthes easily. Has a mildew smell from the A/C. I was told by the manufactuer rep that the vibration was normal. Not happy with this car at all.

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  Ill never own a Toyota again - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By bz13 - April 5 - 9:03 pm

  Sure my Toyota looks nice and is comfortable to ride in. My 2007 Camry has 78k miles on it so its safe to say I drive it A LOT. Heres the problem things shake loose. The drivers side visor fell off, the curtain side airbag panel falls off constantly, the recalls galore and now today, the lock for the glove compartment fell off. This was the straw that broke the camels back for me. Im selling it at a loss and buying a new car. One that holds up.

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  Good - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By jsleesi - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Engine makes valve noise start in the morning. Dealer told me it is normal.

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  Rough Ride - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By EM from Daly City - April 4 - 3:01 am

  I gave my reliable 10 year old Lexus ES330 to my son & bought the 2015 Rav 4. I have been driving my Rav 4 for almost a year now and so far reliability has been great, its what I would expect from Toyota. I chose the 2015 Rav 4 over the Honda CR-V for the Rav 4s exterior styling although the CR-V that I saw at the Honda dealership had a nicer interior. I must say I am quite dissapointed with the 2015 Rav 4s rough ride and engine noise in city-suburban driving but highway driving is a lot smoother and quieter. I am getting around 20-21mpg in suburban driving, and around 25mpg on the so-called real life highway driving with most of the time just me and my wife in the vehicle. City Toyota Dealership Service Department in Daly City, California is fine, but it is not the top notch, luxurious and quiet Lexus Service Department that I had gotten used to. Overall I am pretty satisfied with my purchase of the 2015 Rav 4 but I must say I cannot get used to the 2015 Rav 4s rough ride in suburban driving.

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  Very disappointed in quality and cost - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By jman82 - April 2 - 6:11 am

  This model year must have been the peak of Toyotas lack of attention to quality. The engine oil issue is a complete quality AND customer service fail. After suffering through that, in the last month Ive had to replace the entire AC system. Last year when the car was 4 y/o with 100k miles the AC started blowing warm. Dealer did not find leaks, recharged, and it was ok for the rest of summer/fall. This spring, same thing. This time dealer found "lots of pin holes in the condenser". Read: no trauma, just a quality fail. Ive never seen this and my prior cars were all over 200k miles. Now, *perhaps* a result of the condenser fail, the compressor seized. Total bill to fix AC: $2500

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  Bought into all the talk - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By John - March 27 - 7:13 am

  All the talk and ads stated just how great this truck is and it just isnt. Just bought it and if I could return it, it would be back at the dealership now. It produces 381 horses, but at 5600 rpm and redlines just over 5000 rpm. You cant use the so called power when you want it or need it. I transported a solid wood desk that two guys physically placed in the bed. Drove just over 56 miles and used almost 1/4 tank of gas. I can say that because I just filled up the truck next door to the furniture store and drove home. Estimated gas rate is 15 to 19, real world really getting 12 on the highway. I dont drive much city traffic. If you want a truck do your reading and look it over well. The brochure told me what I needed to know, but I let others tell me otherwise.