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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  Worth the money and the ride - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By hydrosport - July 4 - 7:30 pm

  I have owned my tundra for four years. It has been a workhorse and still rides like the day I brought her home. Mileage is 15/18 which isnt bad. No problems and engine is still silky smooth. Would buy another one. Tows my boat well and limited slip is very sure footed.

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  Poor Navigation System - 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Scott - July 4 - 7:40 am

  We love the soft leather seats and smooth ride. The Navigation System is difficult to use and not very intuitive. The Nav System in my 2006 Acura MDX is far superior...easier to use....has much greater utility. Wish I had saved the $2K and bought a $200 hand-held GPS instead. We always have to mapquest destinations because of the Highlanders frustrating nav system. Other than that, nice vehicle, although getting the advertised MPG is a challenge, so far, unachievable....best weve gotten is around 23MPG combined.....you really need to drive conservatively to get close.

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  New Toyota Camry Transmission Problem - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Marc - July 4 - 7:30 am

  This car came with a defect in the software governing the transmission. The glitch causes a 3 - 4 second delay when rapid acceleration is needed. This is a safety hazard, and is the reason I strongly advise people to consider a different car manufacturer. Toyota has done nothing to address this issue, which I noticed immediately after driving off the new car lot. I did not test drive this car before signing the paperwork, but instead drove a test model "just like it" which did not have the glitch. The dealership and corporate office have shown an utter indifference, and deny that this is a safety concern. It IS a safety concern, so please consider a different manufacturer.

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  2005 Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By 05 TACOMA - July 4 - 5:30 am

  I think the build quality of the previous generation tacoma is much greater. I have had dashboard problems with mine, engine ticking problems, cigarette lighter port problems, and door panel problems. All of this within the first 10,000 miles. My 1997 tacoma had 147,000 miles on it when I sold it, and I had not as much as one problem.

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  fender fill cap cover and seats - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By tomm - July 3 - 11:20 pm

  The fill cap cover on the left fender has 4 protruding sharp points, that will cut your hand. The front seat (one piece) is the worst design for comfort I have ever experienced. The hood rattles even though the dealer has worked on the vehicle 4 times. The accelerator is located so far to the left that your leg stays in a cramped awkward position all the time. The transmission is real iffy, weak and the engine sounds as if it is gasping for air. I will never buy another Toyota tomm

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  loving my new car - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By CAROLE CAMMARATA - July 3 - 11:53 am

  Test drive tells you if its going to be your car! Thought I would get a Honda crv but loved the toyota better!

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  Perfect family mobile - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By metrojo - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Very nice amenedies for a van. The style is better than most. The interior offers a very quite and comfortable ride. Acceleration is very good- no problems getting onto the freeway. The van is remarkably well built and trouble-free. The engine and tranny are smooth and work effortlessly toghether.

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  Tundrabolt - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By bobafett - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Love the truck. It is very powerful and responsive. Milage is Ok - around 16 mpg overall 18 on the highway.No mechanical problems.

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  My First Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ddrakopoulos - July 3 - 10:00 am

  my new vehicle drives great on the highway and city driving. It will get to 100mph but my average is 55mph. Driving in the snow this past winter was easy. Driving in the heavy rain the tires gripped the road well. Best of all cornering was excellent in bad weather. I am averaging 47.7 mpg. Still waiting for the big 60mpg. Currently, I am planning a long road trip to Fl, AZ, CAL, and back to NY for vacation this summer.

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  Fantastic Vehicle! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By C.R.C. - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Although gas mileage is a bit lower than the sticker indicated, 50 m.p.g. around town and on the inter-state is rather amazing. then there is the wonderful experience of filling up every two week for about $7 - even with todays high gas prices.