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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  Over paid for hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By steve smith - June 24 - 8:00 am

  Should have kept my RX 330. We thought the mileage was going to be so much better but the joke was on us for paying $4500 more for the hybrid. If you drive the suv in the city for 100,000 miles you might make up the difference. Plus we did not get our tax credit because we leased. The value is going down because gas has leveled off. Can not wait till the lease is up.

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  Toyota Tacoma 2010 Bought New - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By blipnick - June 24 - 12:29 am

  Problems: - Uncomfortable Seats - Uneven Pedals (clutch pedal is higher than the others) , foot is trapped between top of clutch pedal and underside of dash when releasing clutch (wearing workboots, 6 Ft. tall driver) - Stereo system is weak. Use of Aux. input requires turning volume up full. - Gas mileage is poor (25 MPG highway). - Stock rims rusting after 6 months. - 4 wheel drive switch not illuminated. - Requires multiple turn overs to start.

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  My 2014 Camry vibrates makes me seasick - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By ukier - June 24 - 12:14 am

  Purchased new 2014.5 Camry SE automatic. Noticed vibration at light throttle upshifts. Toyota has acknowledged this problem in 2012-2014 Camry automatics and has issued an LSC Limited service campaign to fix software. Took my car back to dealer at 200, 500 and 1300 miles and I keep getting the "normal" story. Well, vibration at upshifts, and for several at low rpm when driving in the 40-50 mph range is not acceptable. Heading to arbitration as I hate driving the car. Be careful when purchasing, take a long test drive. Make sure low rpms doesnt shake test on a smooth stretch of road so you can tell its not just road bumps.

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  My own corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By SheraB - June 23 - 9:23 pm

  I love the acceleration of my corolla and the smooth drive it gives me. I can put people to sleep going on trips! I was hooked up with some alloy rims and I love the stereo. I still dont believe its standard.

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  Hands down... awesome car!! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By happyhybrid - June 23 - 11:10 am

  Just purchased a fully loaded 09 in black. It is a great looking car. The technology in there is unbelievable and I havent even spent a lot of time playing with the navi! The ride is so smooth, and I love the fact that while Im sitting in LA traffic, Im not burning any more fuel and helping the econ as well! I dont think Ill ever buy a non-hybrid again! Havent had it long enough to assess true MPG, but expect to get at least the EPA estimates, which is big win for me. Go get one!

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  Best SUV Ive ever owned - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Steve Cuff - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I had the same 2008 SUV and this one is even better. The electronics are more user friendly. Drove Yukon XLs before this and other SUVs towing a travel trailer. This does that job better than them all and Ive towed trailers for 40 years. Mileage towing 7,500 # trailer about 9 mpg and combined Hwy & City w/o trailer is about 16 MPG, not bad considering the size, weight and capabilities of the Sequoia. Comfort and handling close to my Lexus LS 460. This is a great vehicle I highly recommend. You wont be disappointed.

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  7 years later, still running! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ts Runner - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car used right after college as a single person, now its converted great for car seats, strollers, etc. Has performed excellent during the worst snow storms, and is a great car for beach trips. Cleans up well, low maintenance, and I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

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  Reliable and sometimes fun - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Stiggy - June 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Corolla and it is a great every day vehicle. The only 2 times this car did not start was dead battery and when dealership overfilled it with oil. From handling and power point of view this car performs fairly well - it is easily controllable and very predictable. I found the car to be very comfortable for long rides as well, even at higher speeds the engine noise is manageable and the mileage is great.

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  Awesome SUV - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By shrimper - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Weve had this SUV for 4+ years and have no repairs at all except new brakes at 95,000 miles. We have 110,000 on it now and it works like it did the day we brought it home.

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  Nothing Beats Toyota, NOTHING! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jason N - June 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Toyota, and again I am IMPRESSED. This truck has more than enough pwr to do all I need. I have used it pulling boats, and other cars/trucks as well. The V6 never missed a beat. The 4wd is more than capable of handling anything I have thrown at it, snow, mud, rocks, anything. My mpg has suffered since the induction of ethanol, but whose hasnt? To the reviewer with the overhead compass problem, its just a resistor that needs re-soldered, you can fix it yourself for free in less than 5 minutes, I have done it to mine. I love this truck and am so glad I choose it over another full size. It does it all, plus the pwr outlet in the bed has proved beneficial. Overall best in class!