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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  Not EnoughTesting - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Not enough Testing - May 13 - 7:46 pm

  I have had my 4 Runner for 1 month and I must say that Toyota has not impressed me so far. I have a growling noise under the hood and it is really a pain for a SUV with only 2400 miles on it. I also have to agree with other reviews that the sheet metal seems very light. It feels like a $ 6000.00 car (not $36000.00) when you shut the doors, very cheap feeling. I have really outdone the Gas mileage around town averaging 19 plus miles but the Highway mileage is at best 21-23. The services guys say that the computer is learning my driving habits and it takes a while to really get the good mileage(sounds like BS to me). Also I traded in a 2005 Pathfinder and so far the Service at Toyota STINKS.

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  Great Car but too much Air Noise - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By Beverly - May 13 - 6:50 pm

  Great Car, but too much air noise. Instead of feeling like I am riding in a 19,000 car. I feel like I bought a 13,000 car. I feel like I need $6,000 in change. Other than that it is a great car.

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  Now I grin when gas prices go up! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By SlyMinnesota - May 13 - 7:33 am

  Outstanding car! Ive become a fanatic about driving to get the best mileage. We have 1600 miles on our new red hybrid. We took a 450 mile trip on the interstate at 65 mph and got 38 mpg. Came home on a state hwy at 57 mph and got 43.8 mpg! I drove the whole 9 hours necause I didnt want anyone to ruin the mileage I was achieving. Key to getting this great mileage: the sweet spot is 57 mph, coast up to stop signs and shift into regenerative braking (B) when you have to slow down (it slows you down, recharges battery and saves your brakes), accelerate steadily up to speed then ease off the gas to drop back to great mileage and use the cruise control. It is fun to work at it.

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  My RAV4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Tom Cordio - May 12 - 7:38 am

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  Its A Toyota! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Richard A. Klein - May 12 - 5:10 am

  Its a Toyota...of course, its good! I absolutely love my S...traded in a Camry and like the S better. It is easier to get in and out than the Camry.Our local dealership was great also and really worked hard to get me a great deal...along with the extended warranty...and protection package. Since we also have a Highlander, we didnt need a big car....just something to get me back and forth to the office. This car is more than I could have ever imagined for the price.

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  Very Solid Family Hauler - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Maddog - May 11 - 10:43 pm

  I believe the Sequoia is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is great for the family, work, and vacations. very reliable and a pleasure to drive.

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  Best car for normal consumer - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Jim W - May 11 - 10:26 pm

  I love my 08 Prius, I have over 215,000 miles on the car, I purchased it with 168,000. While many of these reviews come from folks that have owned the car for a short time, I am Credit Union Autobroker in Portland OR and have owned and sold over 300 of Prius. These cars in my opinion are the most reliable car a normal consumer can buy. I get about 45 to 47 for my crazy all around mileage, and tend to drive it pretty hard. No timing belt, just change the oil and drive. Front brake pads, last forever, most of your braking if your normal, comes from the regenerating braking system. Have seen FB pads go well over 100K miles. I love these cars and give them 5 stars...my wife stole a V which is the wagon, and not given it back...she love it. My daughter is in Phoenix driving an 08 Touring model... Simply the best little rigs you can own. Jan / 2018 still driving this car...and still loving it..

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  Deficiencies - annoying - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By tedtnj - May 11 - 9:11 am

  NAV system is primitive compared to my five year old TomTom™. There’s no 3D, there are no traffic light cameras and there is no display of current speed limits. Programming the NAV is tedious. In seven years the NAV system has moved ahead one year in its development [see below]. Further, the NAV system voice even at the lowest level #1 is much too loud; and there is no way to lower the volume, save disabling all sound. It is far louder than my 2007 Toyota Avalon Limited at sound level #1. There is a plastic chrome bezel around the instrument cluster. When sun hits the bezel, it is most distracting. Dealer team says that’s the way it is…Ugly situation.

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  2003 sequoia, perfect for the family - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By gregc - May 11 - 2:00 am

  We had a 2000 durango and traded up to this. Its a different class of vehicle. Leather, sunroof, full-time 4wd. This truck has the same displacement v8 as our durango (4.7) but its gutsier AND gets better mileage. Were at 20k, averaging 17+ MPG in mixed driving. Can keep it in 4wd full-time and not worry bout it. We live in "rural" Mass. where we get a fair amount of snow, and need a truck.

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  Hoooaaahhhhh!!! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By The Sargeant - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Wow, Iam very happy The Spyder is the Bomb,Sold my 01 Altima to my son gave my 01 Sentra SE to my wife (Very nice Street Tuned)and finally got the chance to buy me a car just for me HoooaaaHH!