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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  JVS 99 Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jvj - August 11 - 7:33 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned in over 40 years of buying them. I like some of the other reviewers are sorry that Toyota has decided to discontinue this model. I would have bought another if this one ever quits on me. I like coupes and it really fills the bill for me. The 4 cylinder has been just fine. Good on gasoline and has been very dependable.

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  Better choice than a Jag - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Aaron - August 11 - 5:16 pm

  We traded in our Jaguar S-Type on the Limited. The Avalon offers just about all of the same goodies and then some as the S-type at about $15000 less. The reliability ratings and customer satisfaction reviews were what convinced me to buy the Avalon. The S-Type had numerous little problems and two big mechanical problems and from what Ive read and heard, the Avalon is much more reliable. The ride is considerably quieter and smoother than the S-Type, although not as responsive and sporty. The gadgets are just as comparable to the Jaguar, auto dimming mirrors are a luxury I cant live without now. The ventilated seats, oooo la la!

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  Fuel Tank Problem - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By ROBERT WILFORD - August 11 - 4:10 pm

  It is almost impossible to fuel the auto due to the collapse of the fuel bladder. I understand this is a problem only in cold weather. Maybe someone will find a solution to this. Would pressurizing this tank with about 5 psi of air pressure prior to refueling expand the bladder to normal size?

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  Corolla S Rocks! - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Michelle - August 11 - 3:53 pm

  I picked up my 2007 Corolla S about 2 weeks ago, and my husband and I are Toyota converts! We love it. We especially enjoy thumbing our noses at the big oil companies! I find it very fun to drive, and I am a sports-car person. Ive even gotten double takes from Lexus drivers because it looks hot! We are looking forward to purchasing a brand new Camry in about 3 years to replace my husbands gas-guzzling F-150. This Corolla replaced another gas-guzzler, my Jeep Liberty. I love the look and quality of this vehicle. Theres not a squeak or rattle to be heard. I LOVE IT!

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  6 months and loving it - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By mike colvin - August 10 - 5:23 pm

  Economical, comfortable, and easy to get in and out for a smaller vehicle. For around town and highway driving the power is sufficient. I am happy with that since more power will sacrifice economy. The fold down seating allows for more hauling capability. It has roomy and comfortable back seating.Also the sound system is good. One thing I dont like is the clutch pedal has to be pushed all the way to the floor to start the vehicle.

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  Modestly Priced Rocket - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Rhinoman - August 10 - 2:33 pm

  All I hoped it would be, except for quality of interior materials - hard plastic looks cheap. Leather does too, but it isnt a Lexus; you cant have it all without paying for it. But, oh, the acceleration! Add a K&N air filter and its even better. Mileage is great, and on 87 O to boot. Considered and drove the RDX, but that thirsty turbo 4 using premium just killed the deal. Too bad the MDX (the car we traded for the Rav4) was designed with the engine the RDX should have had. We have the optional pearl paint. Really looks great. The ride is better than our MDX had and this Rav4 is much more nimble.

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  So far so good - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By big fan - August 10 - 4:03 am

  The Sequoia is one of the best SUVs we have owned or test driven. Its a great vehicle and one of the smoothest rides. Its also a great looking car. The color of our Sequoia is Arctic Frost and it is one of the most beautiful colors ever. Its a creamy white with an irridescent pearl flakes in it. We had the headrest DVDs put in for our boys and they can both either watch the same or different movie or connect their gamecube. Its great for long trips. I will definitely keep the Sequoia in our family. We have gone from being Ford drivers to Toyota. Our next Toyota will be a Tundra for my husband.

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  ALMOST PERFECT FOR THE FIRST 36000 MI - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By ovi - August 10 - 1:33 am

  We purchased the RAV4 in feb 2006 , it works very well in city drive , highway ride is dominated by infernal noise , the design is nice but the quality of this vehicle is nonexistent . After the first car wash i noticed a lot of white paint chips on the front hood then soon after 36000 a two thousand dollars array of repairs started : rear shocks, front brakes , intermediary steering shaft , belt tensioner ,dash glove compartment door . At 74500 miles every time i stop an a traffic light i have to shift in neutral because of very heavy vibration and noise and the CD changer works occasionally . The technicians at the dealership find all this normal , if soo , TOYOTA IS NOT FOR ME.

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  Replacement tires are hard to find - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By D.J. - August 10 - 1:23 am

  We bought our Highlander Limited 4WD over 4 months ago and it is an excellent SUV. The only thing that we have problem is that this model is equipped with Toyo Open Country A 20 P245/55R19 103S tires which are almost impossible to find. We got two flat tires while parked at a garage a few weeks ago - one tire is repairable and the other one isnt since the nail is near the sidewall. No tire center has this specific tire in stock. One tire center quoted us $230 per tire while the dealer quoted us $300. Other than that, the whole family loves this new SUV.

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  love this car! - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By kylee - August 9 - 11:30 pm

  I LOVE this car! From the rich leather interior and exterior classic looks; love the heated seats! The interior is so roomy and the trunk is large. I get so many compliments on this car; especially the color. Desert Sand Mica. I WILL buy another Avalon in the future. Although, not too soon, as in 4 years, I only have 20,000 miles on the odometer. If you are considering a new car purchase, I would greatly recommend ANY TOYOTA PURCHASE. The quality and reliability are 1st rate. This car also has the split-bench front seats and I love them.