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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  Happy With My Purchase - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By jswen1 - July 17 - 2:16 pm

  Ive had the RAV4 LE AWD model for 2 weeks. Am liking it very much so far. Rides nicely. Averaging 28 mph combined hwy and city, higher than I expected. Had 03 and 09 Honda CRVs prior to this. Both were dependable. Test drove the 15 CRV but ruled it out because of wind noise. The CRV vibration problem so many reviewers mention is also cause for concern, though I didnt experience it on the test drive. Also test drove the Suburu Forrester but found I liked the RAV4 the best of the 3 SUVs.

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  Real Nice Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rogers - July 17 - 10:30 am

  Went from a Dodge Quad-Cab to the Tacoma Double Cab, nice change up. The Tacomas V6 has as much HP as the Dodges V8 (5.9L). I like the overall quality and the ride quality plus the various conveniences. I welcome the extra interior room over last years model. Very nice truck, good job Toyota.

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  Love my Little Filly! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cher - July 17 - 8:00 am

  My Tacoma can go just about anywhere, in any kind of weather! :) Tacomas are the most eye-catching small pickup available, with an outstanding reliability record. I have hauled heavy loads of furniture and appliances with no problems. Makes for an outstanding second vehicle. Not very family oriented though...

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  Needs a little design rework - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By solarweis - July 17 - 4:29 am

  Its not a bad little car, we call it our "road rat", I use it as a commuter car mainly on the highway. Ive expressed concerns with the steering wheel not being straight while going down a straight road, about it pulling and having to hold pressure on the steering wheel to keep it going straight, Toyota says the car is fine. I dont agree, I dont want to exercise the entire time Im in the car driving. It wears out the edge of the left tire, it took a while, but both front and rear exhibit the same problem, due to tire rotations. New tires and alignment indicate the rear Toe is out of spec, but its not adjustable. The engine is noisy when your trying to speed up, it roars, so strange.

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  Great Convertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By paulapi - July 17 - 1:16 am

  I am 55 and this is the most fun car that I have ever owned. The quietness on the road is remarkable. There is no wind noise and the car rides as well as any sedan I have owned. Tight feel and great ride!!

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  Toyotas best truck ever - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Steven - July 16 - 3:36 pm

  I have already towed on a 16 hour trip and it was like I was driving without a trailer.

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  Mostly Pleased After 6 Months - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By LN - July 16 - 3:13 pm

  Always a rush to see my cars exterior. Quick acceleration; excellent stopping; super traction in rain; exhilarating drives with sport mode transmission. Overexposure to hard plastic: interior needs makeover on door panels, dash and console. Replace hard plastics on doors with soft vinyl & carpet. Charcoal color doesnt hide scuffs, dirt. Use metal on door/console panels where simulated aluminum is placed. Poor fit/finish where tilt/telescope wheel merges with dashboard. Easily damaged vinyl cladding around gauges & speedometer. Awkward wiper controls. Detached 12v outlet in console when using car vacuum. A/c slow to cool hot interior. Amazingly silent engine when idling.

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  Transmission problem - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By dvance - July 15 - 11:46 pm

  My 2003 5-speed only has just over 77,000 miles on it and the bearings in the transmission are going. I bought a Toyota specifically to have a long- lasting, good car. I called Toyota customer service and got the same story about not taking it to a dealership for routine maintenance so they couldnt help me if the car hadnt been properly maintained.

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  Not what I expected - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Trucker72 - July 15 - 9:33 pm

  Well Ive owned them all. I own a construction company and needed a truck that has a high towing capacity and horsepower rating. Ive put 21,500 miles on the 5.7L and has not proved to be what I expected. I am very hard on trucks but am adamant about service every 3k miles, and fuel filter every 12k. At 6800 miles the valve train started making noise so I took it in to discover my truck had leaked over a quart of oil in a 4 month period. My engine was totally overhauled. I was hauling a 9k trailer up the grapevine and my tranny overheated and would not shift.. had to wait till it cooled down.. weak.. Now brakes are shuddering. Toyota and quality dont go together anymore. Will be my last.

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  Picked a Winner - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By GEB - July 15 - 9:03 pm

  Cant say enough good stuff about this automobile. Broke it in according to the manual (1000 mls) then took it to Niagara Falls and the hills of NY Finger Lake region, about 1800 miles. Great ride, great room, great comfort, great gas mileage. Consistent 20 city/26 highway (with air on at 65-75mph) plus lots of get-up-and-go when needed (love those 266 horses). For me the proof will be in this cars longevity. Our family buys a car and squeezes evry bit of usefulness out before "donating" it to the junkyard (usually about 12-15 years). With this recent jaunt, I have high expectations until that time.