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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  Venza is a Class Act - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Susan Semegran - August 27 - 5:50 am

  I have been in my Venza for a month and I love it. Its beautiful and the ride is powerful and smooth. Interior appointments are easy to use and very classy. Interior has a lot of room in the front and in the back seat. Lots of storage room. Who needs an SUV. The Venza does it all. Toyota does it again. I had my Rav4 for 8 years and loved it. Now Ive gone the next step up with the Venza.

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  Brake problem - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By RICE - August 27 - 1:23 am

  My wife bought rav4 2005 from maplewood brach and it has a sever problem of brake during snow and cold weather. It slides on very little snow. Even if you are driving low and try to stop it skids. It doesnt stop immediately as you step on the break. It keeps going with a sound gggggg struggling to stop. So my wife is not happy to drive during snow time.

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  The first 1320 (miles not feet) - 2013 Toyota 4Runner
  By mistere - August 26 - 9:31 pm

  Storage (lack), the roof rack is 43 inches long. Short for transporting a kayak. Interior has no small storage areas. A small tool box or cross lug wrench would have to be left loose in the back. Console is one large deep box, just dump everything in there and take 15 mins to find something. I made a second shelf with another divider. Spare- on a steel wheel. Either I buy a another alloy wheel or let a new tire go to waste. Cant be put into normal rotation. Gas mileage- 190 miles local city driving 13.6 mpg. Driving 70-75 mph 21.2 mpg. 70-75 mph mountainous roads 18.5 mpg, 60-65 mpg 22.8 mpg. At 1k miles cant comment on quality or reliability. Basic model is nicely equipped.

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  Great Tow Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By GMG - August 26 - 8:56 pm

  Just returned from 4000 mile trip from Az to Mn. Averaged 19-20 MPG at 75-80 mph. Got as high as 22 mpg low of 18. Had 2 people and 300 lbs of stuff. Truck virtually drives itself. Very quiet and tight. This truck tows 4000 lb boat effortlessly. This is no commuter vehicle but if you need the towing capability and interior room this is a great choice.

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  Mirror mirror - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Nole Buddy - August 26 - 7:13 pm

  Great highway mileage (56). Seattles hills cut into city driving mileage (48). I like its quiet creepy silence, especially on our bicycle warriors. But... I hate the auto adjust rear view mirror. It just doesnt darken enough nor stay dark enough for me. Dealer has no solution for me. And I just found out that Toyota doesnt have a repair (shop) manual for sale. Silly REVERSE bell rings, but ONLY INSIDE THE CAR!!!

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  NASCAR-loving Grandma - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Carol L. - August 26 - 3:43 pm

  Im a 70-year-old widow who wanted an age-appropriate "sports car" which would cause youngsters at stop signs to turn around and stare approvingly at it. Do they ever! Mine is Lunar Mist Metallic and has great pickup, but is NOT a comfortable ride for passengers. It has a fantastic sound system for CDs, and I smile every time I slide into those leather seats and drive off. I also have an older Toyota sedan for long trips and passenger comfort - so my new Solara is (so far) used just for happy, fun, reliable city driving. I can recommend it highly for older singles who love to drive but dont want to spend their money on a Lexus. My new Solara is my favorite gift to myself!

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  was good until after a year - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By kevin1001 - August 26 - 1:51 pm

  i had the car for a year with 80,000 mile on it and everything was excellent for the first year. after the year past, my mpg just tanked on me and i was only getting 12 mpg. it got loud when i am driving on the highway, the rear speakers had static sounds. the brakes just sucked with the crappy ABS in it. then i got into my accident. the passenger seat belt didnt lock when my passenger side got hit, the airbag blew. then when they went back the seat belt lock. good car, but not good in accidents.

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By george - August 26 - 7:43 am

  This vehicle is excellent!! The car of the future ahead of its time! I traded in my suv pickup that was getting 18 miles per gallon. Im getting 45+ now! Anyone that commutes a distance to work, this is for you. The savings in gas almost pays for the vehicle. The fact that it is smart looking and larger inside then it appears provides an enjoyable experience.

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  Poor cvt trans, poor paint,change maintenance terms - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By satx59male - August 26 - 5:56 am

  Switched from Altima and Malibu-2nd Camry since Nov 09/2010 model, 2nd recall, same problems- paint scratches easily, "bad glare" from plastic around clock, lots of sun in Texas; Need "keyless" entry in "base" model. Have to pay $1000 more for le. no, no! Trans.searches for gear especially between 40-45 mph. Still doesnt ride smooth even with Michelin tires. But, better than Altima and Malibu as they are"sport" sedans. Toyota needs to change/adjust service warranty as low mileage tires were rotated due to 6 mns main. terms. Caused me to schedule unnecessary service. Sent Toyota customer service complaint last week.

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  Greatest "car" I have ever owned! - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By jefe76 - August 26 - 4:07 am

  I am writing this review as I await the salvage yard to take my dear RAV4 away from me after five great years of service following a REC. The number one thing to recommend this car to any potential buyers on the used market is that I drove this car on several camping trips ranging from Georgia to Rhode Island and never had a problem or worried that I may encounter one. I honestly believe this car was the best city car ever made. Its ability to maneuver through Philly while surviving the rigors of neglected streets was astounding. The two problems that I had with the car were this: 1.-The engine is incredibly weak, even with a manual transmission. 2.-No room for adults in the back seat.