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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  So much for Quality and Reliability - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By HJ - June 21 - 4:46 am

  I am completely dissatisfied with this vehicle! My wife and daughter drive 140 miles round-trip every day. I bought a Toyota because I thought it was a high-quality, safe, and reliable vehicle. I have had many many problems with this vehicle. While most of the problems do not affect the safety and reliability of the vehicle, one problem most certainly does – intermittently the car will not start – completely dead – no clicks no nothing. I have to jump the vehicle to get it started. I have had the car in for service several times and they keep telling me they cannot find anything wrong. I guess it’s a figment of my imagination.

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  Outstanding Car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Justice - June 21 - 12:06 am

  This car delivers exactly what it is marketed to do. It provides a very smooth ride with all of the practical needs. I am still on my first tank of gas, and I am wondering if we will ever need to fill up. It is extremely quiet. You can hardly tell if the car is running. I almost turned the key to try and start it again because I could not hear the engine.

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  Unexpected Gonverner on the Vehichle - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By kimblecathy - June 20 - 11:46 am

  I thought I thoroughly researched this Sequioa...Not !!! My car does not go beyond 96MPH. I complained to the dealership . I called Toyota who stated there was a governor on the car. I find this disgraceful !!! The top speed should be as seen on the speedometer. How can they get away with this. I will file a consumer complaint for material misrepresentation. I hate car manufactures and now this confirms their dishonesty. What else is Toyota hiding?

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Ray - June 20 - 10:20 am

  I have never considered a Toyota ever. Ive had almost every make, Honda, Nissan, Volvo, VW, Chevy, Ford, BMW. A Camry was the least likely. I must admit Im blow away. The exterior is beautiful, the interior is laid out elegantly. The ride is firm and supple. It isnt super agile, but agile enough to be fun. Overall its a lot of car for the money, I couldnt be more satisfied.

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  Excellent car that is underestimated - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By cdig - June 20 - 6:56 am

  I feel like Im driving a much larger car than it is. It feels solid and smooth. It handles more like a sedan than a hatchback. I dont feel like Im driving a tiny plastic toy like the Honda Fit that my wife drives. It has good acceleration for passing on the highway, but not as sporty as a Honda Fit. Stability is excellent on slick pavement. There is very little engine noise while cruising on the highway. The acceleration is smooth and quiet without any jerky gearing.

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  The Best Bang for the Buck RAV4 V6 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jimmy Drew - June 19 - 11:13 pm

  Only had the car about 3 weeks now. The vehicle is really impressive with the fit and finish and the room inside. Love the design also. Quality all round is noted in this vehicle. Mileage is impressive for such a potent engine. This vehicle cruises at 80 mph and you feel you are going 50 mph. The upgraded radio is even worth the extra bucks.

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  Best auto - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By lynda - June 19 - 7:16 pm

  Driving a Toyota Sienna is like owning a Lexus. The seats are made for real people. The pick up is ok I wish it had a little more power. I do hwy and rural driving. I would buy another one.

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  Thinkin this was the best for fuel - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By BEARBORG - June 19 - 5:53 pm

  Driven the car for 7.5 months (50,000 KM-now)and I am extremely disappointed as its not fuel efficient at all! All I have been told is...wait for engine break-in. Only made 26 mi/gal (doing 95% highway driving) in the Winter, now up to 32 mi/gal in Spring. Ive complained each month about the fuel economy when taking the car in for reg. oil changes. The other items I have had continual problems with are: air leakage by your head-along windows, squealing fan belt, flat tires that will not hold patches and plugs, these are constant and ongoing. I built cars on the internet comparing/researching prior to buying...due to the miles I make. My goals were gas savings,comfort,value.. Nothing was met

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  Best Car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Orin Beitlich - June 19 - 10:33 am

  This was my first Toyota ever and I wished I had done it sooner! I now have reached 100K miles and it runs the same as when I bought it. I have never had any major problems with it. Front brakes around 50K and regular maintenance at recommended mileage. Original Tires replaced at 36K which is better than expected. BF Goodrich now have 64K and still good tread. I have never done a wheel alignment on this vehicle. I have tracked my mileage and it was exactly the 24 MPG overall that Toyota said it would be. It is only FWD so in winter I take it easy but this has been a very reliable vehicle for us. The utility has been great and removable seats are wonderful. I am very satisfied with it.

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  Great all around ride - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By zach d - June 19 - 3:06 am

  I bought my 4runner in the winter of 2007 looking for an all around mountain car. It has been everything I have wanted plus more. Maintenance on it has been nominal, apart from the usual oil changed and tire rotation. In the hills this car is unstoppable being able to take any incline i throw its way. The only down side is after 70 miles per hour you begin to feel a little unsafe because of the narrow chassis, and the wobbles it gets while turning at high speeds. Fuel economy for my 5 speed manual has been around 22 on highways.