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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  My new Camry broke down within 3 weeks - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By CJdong - July 6 - 10:00 am

  The car is good and runs smooth, however, my 3-week old camry broke down. The engine needs to be rebuilt, and the dealer takes a long time to order the part and unwilling to fix it in a timely manner. Servicepeople at the particular dealership have extremely bad attitudes. Its a big trouble. I cant say its reliable from my horrible experience with this particular car. But I can say its the worst new car I have ever bought.

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  Dont Hesitate to Buy - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Shaun - July 6 - 9:23 am

  Had a 2000 Tacoma, new to 65K, no problems, ever. In fact, never even had to replace tires, brakes, or any normal items, just oil changes. Huge difference in the new models, and all of the changes are for the better. Smooth ride, much more power, comfort, good gas milage for a truck (getting 18 ish city), fun to drive, roomy interior. I drove the auto, which was very smooth, better gas milage, and faster than stick. I still went with the TRD sport, 6 speed though as I like to control the gears. After reading the reviews and doing the homework, I knew this would be a good truck. After buying one, Toyota has excceded my expectations. Nice work Toyota!

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  All great except the roof rack - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By edmundsperson - July 6 - 8:21 am

  The roof rack is fixed 27 inches apart only. The racks cannot be moved beyond 27 inches for a larger separation. I have not been able to find an after market roof rack that will fit on the roof for a greater separation. Toyota claims to have researched this problem by asking people. Toyota also said no one uses the rack anyway. LOL. If you need to carry bikes, surfboards, kayaks, canoes, etc. you will have to carry them with racks that are only 27 inches apart. Would that 27" separation be safe? Toyota must think so in their design. Good luck!

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ken - July 5 - 10:43 pm

  Majority of driving is highway travel to second home. Always loaded with tools and gear, ride is great and V8 is really responsive. We havent experienced an interior/exterior defect or even a squeak. It is a limited with navigation/backup camera, etc. Navigation was perfect in NYC travel. Since I am really a clean freak with a black vehicle, the fit and finish had to be perfect. It was. The AWD is secure, especially during heavy rain and New England snow. I do not like cross over and car based SUVs when you really need a truck. When needed, this vehicle can easily pull a 22 foot boat. Buy one.

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  Wow! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By janie - July 5 - 10:00 pm

  I just bought my Prius 4 days ago and I love it. Traded an Infiniti FX35 which I also loved, had a hard time giving up, but wanted the increased gas mileage. No disappointment there! Mileage was 43 mpg on the way home from the dealership. Last trip was 49.8 in mixed city and freeway. I read the reviews and now I understand what people were saying about making a game of how much mileage you can squeeze out. The car is also very cute and the gadgets are great - love the bluetooth and navigation. So far everything has been easy to figure out and set up, although the books are basically useless. Better just to experiment on your own. Overall very happy so far.

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  Solid medium size truck - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By zx10rrider - July 5 - 4:59 pm

  No Tacoma "Fan Boy" here. This is my first Toyota vehicle and there have been no surprises so far. The 2013 Tacoma has been what a truck this size should be. Powerful, quite, smooth at highway speeds. It does have a firm ride thanks to the TRD off road pkg. I am 61" and the cab had plenty of room in the front and rear seats. Parking this truck is no major chore with the short bed. I paid $500 below invoice or $30180 before TTL fees. Overall I am very happy with this truck.

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  Good but a few issues. - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Todd - July 5 - 4:50 am

  Ive really enjoyed owning this car for the past three months. Its smaller, lighter, tighter - and thus - more fun to drive than my last car (Mitsubishi Galant). I seem to be getting better gas mileage than a lot of the reviewers here (28-29 with a good deal of stop- and-go commuting)... not sure why that is. The car seems solid and confindence inspiring despite some rattles/buzzing from the rear deck (which I was able to decrease greatly just by jamming some foam rubber in the crack between the plastic pieces on the c-pillar and rear deck).

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  Great truck wish I could buy another - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Bill - July 5 - 3:36 am

  Purchased the truck brand new in January 2008. So far Ive done some light to moderate towing with it, driven it on a few trips, and I have to say its very comfortable to drive, tons of room, tows great, and pretty good gas mileage running around empty on trips. Average 16mpg city/22mpg highway. Bought a Toyota because of the reliability and because its built in the USA. I have no complaints about the truck. At 25,000 miles and 0 issues it sure beats the Chevy I used to own.

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  Fun to drive - RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By srlobdell - July 5 - 2:43 am

  I have been driving my 2007 Toyota RAV4 for about 5 months. I love driving it. The 6 cylinder engine and 4WD are sporty and fun. It is incredibly easy to handle, park, etc. The driveability is like a sedan, but the SUV body type lifts the driver for better visibility. I cant compare the maintenence cost to other SUVs, as Ive only previously owned cars. The interior of the 2007 limited edition RAV4 is very comfortable and loaded with options. The cargo area is huge and the fifth door makes loading it very easy. I love this car!

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  2003 Toyota Solara SE - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mreusser - July 5 - 1:13 am

  I have enjoyed this car, it rides better than my 2001 Accord did. The only problems we have had is the bearings in one wheel went out. Other than that all we have done is replace the tires and have regular maintenance done.