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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  Unsafe! Do not buy! - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Melanie H - April 6 - 12:59 pm

  I lease a 2015 Toyota Sienna. The power sliding doors have been on recall for MONTHS now without any permanent solution. Temporary solution is to turn off power to the door. My power has been off for MONTHS, yet Im still paying my full leasing price. No one will take blame for this and I keep getting bounced from one person to another. Today I was on the phone for hours being transfer and did not get any solution. The doors are on manual yet it took me 25 minutes to get the door to stay closed today, in a store parking lot with 2 kids while being 8 months pregnant. Finally get it closed. Get home, taking my 2 year daughter out of her carseat and the door magically slams shut! When it was in the locked open position. Thank God No one was hurt. Im so glad this is how Toyota treats their customers. I can not wait til my lease is up and they can shove this van up their butt. I will NEVER get another Toyota nor recommend this company to anyone. This van is completely unsafe.

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  My good friend - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By topcat - April 6 - 10:00 am

  It has been the most reliable vehicle I ever seen. It took me everywhere for last 6 years without giving me any trouble, not even a flat tire.great milege. I am getting 40/mpg on highways.

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  Burning oil like crazy at 100K - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By kimby - April 6 - 10:00 am

  oil burning began at 76K. At 100K looking at $3800 motor replacement. Car has been maintained (oil changes, tuneups) BEFORE required. Toyota cant explain it.

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  Overall bargain - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Kimmons - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had the 2000 Celica GT since 03/2000. No mechanical problems or complaints. Good pick-up, great fuel economy. Sporty car with luxury features without the initial or maintenance costs.

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  Excellent! - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tony Y. Shen - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Its an excellent car, one of the most, if not the most, comfortable car in the market.

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  Consider the Vibe too! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Gogginsmit - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I test drove both the Vibe GT and the Matrix XRS and contrary to what the Toyota salesmen may state, the cars are interiors and mechanics of the cars are identical. Really, the main difference is that Pontiac consistently seems to offer more rebates, financing incentives, and seems to haggle more. Be sure to price out both before you make a decision!

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  03 Corolla LE disappointment - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By bbarbarajt - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I know this car is well built but I am a little disappointed. Choice of hp would of been nice; I thought 130hp was enough but I wish I had more. I think the braking needs improvement; after getting the car home I noticed it has drum brakes in the rear ABS in the front. Rear disc brakes would be alot better. I still dont see the rear heat ducts.Maybe in time I will get use to it; if not I know I will still go for another Toyota (known for quality) like a Celica or a Camry.

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  2005 Avalon-Transmission Problems - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By camadden - April 6 - 8:56 am

  I bought a new 2005 Avalon last year (my first experience buying a Toyota) because I had heard such wonderful things about it and the Camry. Boy, am I disappointed ! The transmission is horrible. It "bucks" when accelerating from a stop or slow driving. I was told that it needs to "learn" how to behave from the driver. During one service appointment, they "untaught" it to see what would happen. No change. My kids get car sick, its so bad. The dealer told me to keep checking with them for a "fix". If there is no "fix" soon, I plan to get rid of it while its still under warranty so it will have a good selling point.

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  Corolla at its Best - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Alex - April 6 - 7:26 am

  This is a car with all the same things as a normal car but great fuel efficiency.

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  Acceleration still not fixed - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Lois - April 6 - 5:26 am

  This is my 3rd Camry since 1993. Stuck with the Camry since Ive always had good luck. Heard the 2007 had problems with acceleration, but figured they had fixed that on the 2008. Having same problem with 2008 as people did with 2007. Problem is still not fixed and I want to slap myself for not test driving my new car. Once you get on the highway, it rides beautiful, but my ride to work is all stop and go.