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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  Best small truck for the buck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By suisunian - September 22 - 4:20 am

  I have had this truck for 2 yrs. 24K, 20 mpg avg noted in past 40 fill ups. Narrow seats with center storage arm rest, rather it had a bench seat for big butts, brake/gas pedal too close togeather. driver arm rest door panel cracked, rear shocks leak. Wish it had a long bed.

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  Disappointed with Toyota. - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By BJ - September 21 - 10:26 pm

  Owned 4 Toyotas and am underwhelmed with this vehicle. Previous van was a Kia and would not trade a Kia for Toyota ever again. This van has terrible fit and finish. Drivers door, rear gate and trim all are poor. This van is cheap and uncomfortable. The engine has sounded like an old truck in cold weather since the day we bought it and have been told that is normal. If that is normal then they are all garbage. We bought this van based on reputation but we were wrong. I guess Toyota should take a lesson from themselves. Go back to making good cars.

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  Nervous - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dave - September 19 - 11:50 pm

  Ive had my Sequoia for a little over two years now and though I love driving the vehicle and it works well for my family of five, I am 15,000 miles past my manufacturers warranty and already have over $2,000.00 in repairs. I was lucky enough to have purchased the extended warranty so I havent had to pay for these repairs out of pocket but I am very worried about what this vehicle is going to cost me in the long run. I am pretty sure I will dump it when it is paid for. This is a shame because I really like the vehicle from a users point of view. My last issue was with the fuel pump at 45,000 miles. The part alone is over $600.00 from the dealership. That excludes labor.

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  Buyer Beware - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By belaircarguy - September 15 - 11:53 am

  Traded my 03 Camry 4 cylinder auto for the 07 4 cylinder auto. Toyota made many improvements since 03, including more comfortable front seats, better rear seat room and comfort (rear seat is slightly higher than the front seats for easy view from the rear), air bags all around (front, front seats, side curtain), and better auto locks (these now unlock when you shift into park). Toyota made a real goof on the engine and transmission! The car hesitates (mostly when cold), and has a lack of power when accelerating from about 20-40. Transmission shifts up and down at highway speeds, which is annoying. Car pulled to the left (3 trips to the dealer to fix). Trans module replaced, but no help. Take a 4 cylinder with automatic out on the highway for an extended run. Use the cruise control and determine if you can live with the erratic up and down shifting! Perhaps the V6 is better.

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  lower ball joint failure - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By chuck fabian - September 14 - 6:40 pm

  I have been an owner and was a very happy Toyota customer for over 9 years. My current experience with the front wheel of my 2004 Toyota Tundra falling off, has made me a very dissatisfied customer. Toyota had issued a recall for a lower ball joint problem including some 2004 Tundra trucks. I was told by Toyota that my truck was not covered by this recall. They have refused to pay for damages. I would like to issue a warning to Tundra owner CHECK YOUR BALL JOINT AS MINE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IF you have had to have your ball joints change please contact the national highway safety board.

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  Huge disappointment - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By DisappointedOwner - September 12 - 12:50 pm

  I have had my Tacoma for 6 months. I could not be more disappointed. I always thought that Toyota meant quality. It does not. I have had my truck back to the dealership eight times. Once for rattles and rear leaf spring problems. Once for rattles and the bad radio - waited 5 months to get that replaced. Five other times for rattles and squeaks in the doors and dash - still have not got those fixed. Speakers on the passenger side buzz. As soon as I an break even on the truck Im selling it and buying a Ford. Soft searching shifting at low speeds.

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  Not bad, but could be much better! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla Driver - September 12 - 4:10 am

  While the Corolla is a decent car, it does not stand out in any way and needs lot of improvement. Redesign the interior, move the clock to the radio area (add date/day of week); improve steering feel; illuminated controls for door locks & mirrors; 8 way power driver’s seat w/lumbar support; radio backlighting should be blue to match other controls; make the LCD bigger and higher resolution so it contains more info at a time (see Elantra). Every cheap gadget these days has high-res LCDs with a wealth of information! And get rid of the pixelated fonts; fog lamps on XLE. Heated outside mirrors standard on the XLE (Elantra offer them standard on all models); no intrusive hinges on trunk.

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  After 5 years, some issues - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By robro - September 10 - 4:50 am

  This van is really dull first of all. Design is dull, driving it is dull, nothing stands out. Here are a few gripes: 1. Known issue - engine will not start if the IAC valve is dirty. 2. Rear brakes squeal. It was covered by warranty, and they issued some tsb, but how are we supposed to keep up with these private tsb tickets? 3. Turn radius stinks. Three point turns, I am beginning to hate them. Just for this alone, I might switch to a honda odyssey, used!

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  5000 mile review - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By danfitz2 - September 9 - 8:06 pm

  I purchased a 07 2X4 Limited Rav4 (silly name) on May of 2006 and have to date put on about 5500 miles. About half are city and half are highway.

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  Disappointed with ride/handling - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By i50fwe - September 7 - 2:42 am

  I have less than 500 miles on new 2011 Venza and Im ready to sell it. Very unhappy with the handling. At highway speed it requires constant attention to keep it straight. It just seems to wander out of the lane. It doesnt ride as smooth as I expected either. After first 2 hr trip I thought tires might be over inflated. I checked but all were set at 32 psi. After second 2 hr trip I have same complaint. Must be the electronic steering. This weekend I took my 2007 Honda Accord on same normal trip and remembered how great it handles. It required very little attention to keep in straight. I bought this car to be my primary road trip car because it has larger interior than Hond