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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  Great vehicle - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By bendgolfer - June 5 - 12:46 am

  Very fun to drive, but also very practical. Mileage is great, even at 75mph +. Acceleration is awesome, great for passing. Just need two more inches of leg room and this car would be a perfect 10.

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  Wonder if engine will hold up. - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Worried - June 4 - 5:16 pm

  The 2007 Toyota Tundra is a nice truck, but I have a few complaints: the engine sounds like a diesel until it warms up, the ride is jarring, and it is hard to see when backing up. Toyota seems to use a lot of cheap plastic material; some have started to discolor already. When I ask the dealership for help on issues that seem to be abnormal it all ends up being normal; like the clattering engine, the vibration in the steering wheel and cupping tires, and transmission down shifting.

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  I could ask for a whole lot more! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Sad - June 4 - 1:33 pm

  Fuel economy is 22-25% below sticker numbers. Has uncontrollable torque steer while under full throttle @15 mph. The cars pulls to the right then back to the left, dealer says "thats nature of the car". The motor thuds when it comes on and is anything but seamless. Lift gate squeaks, drivers side passenger door rattles. Vehicle has 3,000 miles on it. While driving with the windows down, the brakes will squeal and the motor whines noticeably also the wind buffeting is horrible. Suspension absorbs pot holes well. Vehicle is hard to control in turns and uncontrollable if accelerating hard in a turn. Captains chair arm rests and stereo are cheap. AC vents poor for 2nd row passengers.

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  review - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By zazmau - June 4 - 3:36 am

  Bought it from a dealer with 1800 miles on it. In the shop for a rack and pinnion (?) and an oil leak and two windows stopped working. Both times $1000.+. Routine maintenance other than that. Not bad for over 200,000 miles in nine years. Always starts right up. Currently getting 30mpg hwy, 27mpg normal driving. Cup holders work fine for me. I only use the back seat for stuff. Wood grain areas sun damaged and peeled off. I am 53" with short legs so the seat length is too long for me and hits in the calf of the legs.I use a back cushion to keep me forward in the seat. Mechanic says the oxygen sensor needs replaced and I would get better mpg. How much better can it get? I will get 300,000 miles out of it.

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  About as good as it gets - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jimmyn - June 3 - 10:26 pm

  We traded in our 2003 Element for something with better mileage and a better ride. Lucky we got it right before the last round of gas price hikes. I like sitting in traffic with the engine off, it is nice to know that we are not wasting any fuel then. I am happy overall, of course I wish there was more power, but I know the trade off would be worse mileage. I can live with it. It is comfortable for 4 adults, and everyone who has riden in it has remarked how nice it is and how "cool" it looks inside. Over the past couple of fill ups we have gotten 44.6 and 49.5 MPG with about 50/50 city/ highway driving. Much better than the 20-22 we got out of the Element. Happy with it so far.

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  Great Car!! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Hugh - June 3 - 3:33 pm

  Within months of purchase my wife and I drove to Western Montana (over the continental divide) and back to Minnesota. We got 53 MPG at a time when gas was about $4.00 a gallon. Extraordinary! Theres plenty of room inside, but I do not like the touch screen -- you cant see it in bright sunlight. Im glad they got rid of it (for the most part) in the new ones. I wouldnt trade this car for any other on the road. Its the best car I have ever owned. I disagree with those who find it slow off the mark. It has plenty of get up and go.

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  poor seating - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By rick - June 3 - 12:18 pm

  I traded in a buick enclave,huge mistake!!! the ride quality,interior noise is terrible. Toyota should be ashamed of the poor seat quality on the front seats,i have put 300$ in the drivers seat at a custom shop to get it where it is even acceptable. the noise level inside at highway speeds is bad at best.for a car in this price range Toyota needs to get their game on. im back to buick!

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By DGJ - June 3 - 7:03 am

  We bought the Toyota Sienna after we compared it side by side to a Honda Odyssey. Basically, we like the ride of the Sienna more. It feels like a car, we thought the Honda rode like a truck. It is spacious, comfortable - even on the third row and has all the features that Honda has but more options for the same money. I would highly recommend the Sienna.

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  My 5th vehicle, my 2nd Camry - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By wbrem588 - June 3 - 5:50 am

  After having a great experience with my 2001 4-cylinder Camry (which I still own - soon to be passed onto my sister (216,000 miles by the way!)), I just couldnt bring myself to purchase a new (to me) mid-size sedan that wasnt named Camry. While the Camry has always been called bland, and "an appliance," this generation of Camry is probably the best looking one, in my biased opinion. The SE trim is just so understated and sharp looking, from the low-profile rear spoiler to the reshaped front and rear bumpers, and the black-tinted headlight bezels and chrome exhaust tip, these little details just bring the look of the Camry together really, really well. The only thing I would change about the exterior appearance would be the wheels. Theyre very clean looking, but the charcoal 18" wheels on the V6 SE models are damn good looking. The interior is also very understated, with a clean and ergonomically biased design. Interior quality has been top notch so far! All buttons and logos are very easy to read and are located in logical spots on the dash and steering wheel. The gauges are very large and easy to read, and the 2 small LCD screens on the dash are just as easy to read. The steering wheel feels nice in the hands, and the grip bolster extensions feel just as good, and the paddle shifters are a very nice touch. The 6.1" touchscreen is very easy to read (can you see a pattern yet?), is very responsive, and the Bluetooth works like a charm. I do also appreciate the very deep center console, and the damped glove box. The seats are shaped nicely, and are comfortable, but I do notice on longer drives a little bit of pain in my back (Im 63", 290 lbs.). I will play with the lumbar adjustment each time, and that seems to do the trick. My thought is that I just havent adjusted fully to how these seats fit me, and perhaps Ill get used to it over time. Its a very minor gripe to me. The 2.5 4-cylinder and 6-speed auto combination have been rock solid in the month Ive owned the car, and the oil is still easy to change! (albeit with a couple of added steps compared to my 2001). Its a very peppy little engine, and will satisfy the majority of those who drive it (but by all means, get the 3.5 if you can!). Other than that minor thing concerning the seat comfort, I have zero complaints about my 2014 Camry otherwise. I love this thing, and I always look forward to driving it everyday. I plan on owning it for quite awhile, at the very least until its paid off, but even then Ill probably still hang onto it. People say there is a reason for why those who have owned a Toyota once always buy them again. Theyre damn good vehicles, and have that rock-solid reputation for reliability to show for it. The Camry isnt flashy, and yeah, everyone and their mother drives one, but theres a reason for that. When shopping for a mid-sizer, a Camry should always be on your list for consideration.

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  Built for a purpose - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Billy Bob - June 2 - 10:53 pm

  I needed a truck that could seat three people (including booster seats) in the back, have strong safety features, and still be able to handle off-road conditions for camping and hunting. I ruled out the Honda Ridgeline because its undercarriage is more vulnerable. The Tacoma is designed for high clearance, and low roll-over risk, which means the floor is high and the roof is low. The transmission and transfer case are well protected. Everything else, including Tacomas flaws, derive from these design goals. The fronts seats are low. Toe room is bad in back. With side airbags and stability control, it is the safest thing out there. The roof meets 2010 IIHS standards for a "good" rating.