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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  Checking-in at 47,000 miles - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jaazcass - January 4 - 4:57 am

  1) Sliding door not working properly: The minivan has one automatic sliding door and one manually operated sliding door. Shortly after purchase we recognized that the manually operated sliding door is not getting closed. After multiple visits at dealer service garage they told us that we should multiple times slam the door until it is properly closed. The problem is, if the door is not ajar the interior lighting is remains permanently on and it drains the battery over night. This is the second battery, which is not working anymore and I must purchased the third. 2) Brakes: All four brakes (disk and path) needed to be replaced before 40,000 miles 3) Brake noise: During turning the brakes makes noise. The service garage changed the front brakes one more time after it was replaced before, but the problem didn’t go away. 4) Safety built sensor damaged: The safety built warning light was blinking permanently until the sensor was replaced. 5) Air-conditioning: The air conditioning failed during a vacation trip. Toyota service told us that this was to be replaced anyhow due to a recall. 6) Under chassis plastic part fall of: Parts were replaced. 7) Tire Inflation Monitoring (TIM) signal: The left rear tire was replaced. Since the TIM warning light is blinking. After 3 visits to the service garage a permanent fix was not possible. Still blinking. At least they have used a high quality bulb, because I was hoping the bulb will be damaged. I try to find the fuse and deactivate the TIM,s module, because the service garage have no ideas anymore to fix it. 8) All four tires needed to replaced before 40,000 miles 9) All service and repairs was performed at authorized and certified Toyota dealer ship. My rational for buying for Sienna was, because at that time this was the only minivan with AWD, which is really important for Michigan winter driving condition. Additionally Sienna 2004 offered the Electronic Stability Control, which is an important safety feature. The price was higher compare to other minivan such as Honda Odyssey, but I was thinking that the premium price I am paying for this minivan is justified for the high quality of Toyota. At that time there was a quality image associate with Toyota. My wife, when she saw the Sienna for the first time she didn’t like the appeal of it. She told me that this minivan has a charm like “a used toothbrush”. I encouraged her to buy this minivan for the good quality and now my wife never lessons to me for car buying decisions.

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  Pretty disappointed - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Karen Boyd - January 4 - 12:45 am

  I have purchased Toyota products exclusively for 26 years. Things have declined - material, fuel consumption.

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  First and last toyota - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By yota - January 2 - 7:10 pm

  This is the worst car Ive ever driven. Whatever small gains you get from the electric steering assist are nullified by any small gust of wind. You cant relax in a car when youre blowing all over the highway in the slightest wind. Furthermore, the seats are doughy and unsupportive. If youve ever had lower back problems in any car, this one will bring them right back. My Volkswagen had firm, supportive seats and I forgot what it was like to have a sore back after a trip - until now. Cheap backseats too - pull on a corner when theyre "locked" and it will have enough give for you (or a criminal) to reach into the trunk. Awful creamsicle backlighting treatment on the dash too.

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  Toyota truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By tsand33 - December 30 - 7:56 am

  My Tundra struggles to get things done. It struggles under heavy loads and really sucks the gas. Its towing capacity is considerably less than that of the F-150. I also have a 2004 F-150 and its out performs the Toyota 10 to 1 in terms of power and capacity. It also has a better design and better interior

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  2007 (2.4) Camry - An expensive mistake - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By PADRIVER - December 29 - 10:56 am

  Ive owned Camrys before but this 2007 (2.4 L) is the worst. It is totally underpowered. It constantly hesitates, looking for the proper gear, when you punch it. It is dangerous. Total lack of frontal visability. Grossly angled windshield with large front roof supports make looking forward like looking into a tunnel. Large rear view mirror blocks off even more of frontal visability. Good luck with curbs when you turn right! Dash rattles. Gas mileage is disappointing, 21 in town. My 3.8 Town&Country got 19! Ride is bad. No head room. This was an expensive mistake. I will dump it next year for sure and eat the loss.

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  2011 camry problems - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By ctrev - December 26 - 2:18 pm

  At 2600 miles the following problems occured. Transmission-slips going from 2 to 3 Catalytic converter is in the consol and heats up so badly you could fry an egg on the consol. Do not know if the plastic there can stand the heat or gases will be emitted from the same location. Gas mileage fell like a stone to 32 hywy and 21 city

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  I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND TO BUY TOYOTA - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By pb - December 22 - 3:33 pm

  My car only has 66,000 miles and I had to spend so much money to get it fix 2 weeks back the car was giving me a problem of stopping middle of road and was not going over 40 mph I took to dealer and he said some animal somehow got in the car and chew all the cables (how animal can get inside from the bottom of the car) I believed what he said and paid $700 to fix it after 2 weeks all of sudden my car stopped right in center of the highway and I towed to the dealer and now he said it is related to the prior problem and I have to pay $1,100 to fix this. Never ever buy Toyota.

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  Front End Shimmy - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By nursenicholas - December 19 - 3:33 am

  Have had the car for over a year now and have been having a front end shimmy at highway speeds. This started at 9000 miles. The tires have been balanced over 3 times and now Toyota corporate is coming out to investigate vehicle. The dealer is telling me I may need new tires at 18,000 miles. New tires will cost over 1000 dollars. Loved the car at first but now am not sure. JBL audio system is poor and muffled in my opinion. Have a tear in the leather in the passengers seat and Toyota denied the warranty claim to repair it. This car has been in the shop so many times I cannot even count on both hands. I would urge any new car shopper to drive and consider all options before you purchase.

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  Prius Touring 4 not so good - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By disappointed buyer - December 15 - 3:56 pm

  Oh man the seats are very uncomfortable, small and even on a short drive can create back pain. Also very difficult to get in and out of the front seat. Visiblity very bad, the back seat head rest impede view through the back window. Very little storage, crummy single cd player. Interior trim around instruments and center console made with very cheap plastic materials. No spare tire! Wow Toyota how the mighty have failed. I had a 2007 touring Prius and loved it but this 2016 falls short on every aspect in comparison other then mileage.

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  I cant believe anyone has anything good to say about this car! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By hatematrix - December 13 - 8:21 am

  We bought the Matrix because we travel and it had the room we needed and thought it would get the gas mileage we wanted. Okay-1 out of 2. But the car is a death trap. Weve had 4 accidents because of the blind spots. A salesman from Toyota called and asked if I would be interested in trading my car--I told him no one would want it and I wouldnt want to sell this car to an unsuspecting innocent person. Ive had several Toyotas and never had a complaint. But the only thing I can find positive besides it starting everyday, is the handle to close the hatchback and the abundance of drink holders. Starting everyday is good!