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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  4x4 - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By tmtoyota4x4 - January 28 - 8:23 am

  I bought this 4runner with 140650 miles on it and it is strong as new. It could need a little power and get up and go but other than that its ok, plenty of room for me and my friends to pile up in and take it 4wheelin down the beach or muddin. I average about 14/19 (city/highway).

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  Im in love with my car - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Rochelle - January 28 - 6:50 am

  This car is comfortable to travel in, as well as "no effort driving". And the get up and go is there when you need it. Fantastic gas mileage on the highway. What can I say? Im in love with my car.

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  "A Golf Car Dressed As A Minivan" - 2017 Toyota Sienna
  By Steve - January 28 - 6:01 am

  Ive been driving a minivan for quite a few years now & tried them all out, I was really looking forward for this new 2017 Sienna XLE until I actually got it... For starters, Its engine is as noisy as a sports car but drives like a Golf Car, the pickup is terrible & I mean "TERRIBLE", Ive owned a Toyota Camry & was very impressed so going into this Sienna I wouldnt think twice, But this was a terrible mistake... But of course theres no backing out once you sign the dotted line.. I would rather drive a 99 Town & Country, Toyota should really be ashamed of themselves for releasing such a vehicle & should recall all of there 2017 Siennas until they figure things out.. Do yourself a favor & stay away from this minivan for now!!!

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  07 Camry I4 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By palpak - January 28 - 1:23 am

  Love the car. The only thing I hate is the shifting performance of the A/T. It feels like the car is in neutral or stay on the same gear when power is required and you have to press the accelerator harder such that the car jerks when the gear is engaged.

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  Extremely POOR Gas Mileage - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By johnd38 - January 28 - 12:59 am

  Ive had Tacomas in the past with marginal gas mileage of 25 mpg, but this is terrible - less than 20 mpg. Toyota has gotten worse & does not live up to the high standards that it once had. Very tinny when closing doors & Poor Dealer Maintenance. Probably will not buy again unless they improve much more. They are relying on past reputation instead of making a better vehicle. Seems like there is No Engineering; only Sales & Marketing today. Put some Engineering effort into this: Improve Gas Mileage -30 mpg+ can be done & quit all the electronic giz wiz "features". Get back to basics & make a good, fuel efficient vehicle again.

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  Good, but could be better. - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Matrix04 - January 28 - 12:26 am

  Electric windows rattle, grind and pop. Dealer could not address problem. Eventually a window fell out. Engine surges while stopped at light or in traffic. Dealer could not address problem. The door handles have a "metallic" finish that peels away. Occupants have cut their fingers on the edge of metal/plastic that was coming away. Eventually got worse to where you could see the white plastic handle underneath so I peeled away the remaining sharp edges and caution occupants. Dealer offered to repair at my expense. Contacted the Toyota Customer Service Experience Center and was referred back to a dealer.

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  Pure Pleasure - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Gary D Schott - January 27 - 1:30 pm

  This has been one of the finest vehicles my wife and I have ever owned. We have had Mercedes, Volvo and this is by far the best. In 2 feet of snow in CO, no problem, ice no problem. Gas mil. is wonderful. I left the Post Office one day and went to a car wash and had a man follow me for 3 miles just to ask what I thought about it as he and his wife were looking. Not bad huh!

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  Excelllence - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Chuck - January 27 - 9:36 am

  Wonderful car. We might end up with two in the garage. Big and spacious for my four kids. My wife said the other day she is afraid to step on full throttle because it seems it might go on its rear wheels; its fast. Its quiet, visibility is great, and very comfortable to drive, even long distances. Ive never driven all the way from Phoenix to L.A. without my wife helping part of the way, but last June, I did, both to and from. Havent had any problems so far, however, I have a small rattle on the moon-roof which disappears when I go to the dealership. Dont keep your eyes on the gas-gauge though, you might be disappointed, but I expected it when I bought the car. All in all, I love it.

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  1999 Sienna as seen in 2008-bad tranny! - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By R Roberts - January 27 - 8:10 am

  Delighted with the drivability after we bought it in 2005 w/99K mi. Almost no problems the first 2 years.Then in quick succession the radiator and starter failed, soon followed by the tranny. We took it to a reliable tranny shop recommended by our mechanic. They fixed it and we continued to drive it problem free for about 7 months, when the tranny again went out. We took it back to the same shop, who stood by their guarantee, though they kept having problems getting everything right and had to start over about 5 times (cost us only about $200.00 for one addl part). We drove it only 3 months and the tranny again went out; now no longer under warranty from original repair. Selling this $ pit.

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By cwsch - January 27 - 7:13 am

  A very good car. Excellent build quality from Toyota. Has lots of pep and handles very well. There is a little more body roll in cornering than most sedans but it is not uncomfortable. Gas mileage is very good but it will flucuate depending on the steepness of the hills that you have to drive over, but still I drive in West Virginia and average between 46 and 55 mpg on the highway at 65 to 75 mph. It also has great aerodynamics and has no handling problems around large semis. City driving is high 50s to 60 mpg. Interior is very roomy with Lexus type build quality with few complaints. The back window takes getting used to but the car comes with a rear camera display for backing.