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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  Happy it is in Demand! - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob Harvey - April 1 - 4:04 pm

  Have several offers for it above "Edmunds Values." Several are willing to pay $1,000 to $2000 above "blue book rated value"... Soon as I get a few projects done with its functionality, "Show me the MONEY!"

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  Toyota Avalon XLS - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By TomR - April 1 - 11:33 am

  After 54 years of marriage, and ownership of at least 13 cars, this is the first one that my wife truly loves!

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  Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By lvrebel85 - April 1 - 12:03 am

  This car has been with me almost six years and its been a good run. This was my college car so it probably got quite a bit more abuse than most, especially in the Nevada desert with 115+ degree days. I love the reliability and with regular maintenance still runs like new at 140k. Its at the age where more problems pop up (bad cam/crank seals, timing belt, transmission, pwr window regulator, brakes brakes brakes) but I think any car would do the same. fuel econ worsens with the age of the car too. They dont make camrys like this anymore or else Id buy a 2010 - shame. My next purchase will be a 10 Ford Fusion; hopefully it will be as good to me as my camry.

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  A Surprise Decision - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Surprised and Happy - March 31 - 11:03 pm

  My BMW 330i was fun, solid and hugely expensive to maintain. I researched many options and while looking at an FJ Cruiser, the salesperson suggested a RAV4. I was surprised at the V6 performance and handling was also unexpected. I loaded it up and chose the Limited because of the heated leather seats.The outside spare was not an issue because I was looking at an FJ. The center dash stack is space ship like and the gauges dont all read top of dial for normal. Im 6ft 3in. and I can wear a cap with the sunroof. This is a very comfortable car with deceptive interior room and storage space, and it is kinda fun to drive. Got the extended warranty and waved good bye to $1000 repairs.

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  Real world car - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By philip k - March 31 - 3:10 pm

  This is our 2nd Highlander. My wife and I liked the 2001 so much, that we decided to buy the 2007 before the upcoming redesign. The size and practicality is perfect for our family. We live in upstate NY, so 4 wheel drive is important, but the vehical never goes off road so we dont need a heavy 4x4 SUV. The Highlander meets all of our needs.

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  Great buy - 2016 Toyota Sienna
  By Carol R. - March 31 - 2:43 pm

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  Love my Sleek and Sporty Corolla S! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By thill357 - March 31 - 2:38 pm

  Being that this is my first car, I dont have much experience on owing other cars, but I can tell you that I truly love this sporty Corolla S! The exterior looks sharp with the alloy wheels, fog lights, spoiler; it completes the package! The black cloth interior with the super bright and sporty gauges are awesome! The black interior is much better then the tan LE cloth. The only thing I dont really like is where the digital clock is located. It really makes you take your eyes off the road. The engine has enough pep to get you moving; not crazy fast nor super slow. I have also been averaging 35mpg! Cant beat that! I would reccomend this vehicle to anyone! A great and reliable Toyota!

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  Not as good as i thought? - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By junior - March 31 - 1:46 pm

  Had since 06 and been reliable except for the following. Had to have all brakes put on at 65k and Im easy with the brake pedal so not sure why Id need new brakes already but ole well. Horn stopped working after 45k miles. Needing tires now but thats a wear and tear item. They held up quite well knowing I have them still on and the car has 71k on it. Lights keep going out here and there. License plate light and one of the front hi beams keeps going out for some reason. The flashers dont work and havent since 48k miles. Not sure why? The dealer said it a electrical problem and my warranty wouldnt cover it. Other than that no major issues. Engine fine for now. Thank god!

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  Your clothes will get dirty - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Bob R. - March 31 - 1:23 pm

  The front doors dont seal properly hence theres always dirt, mud, or grime that builds ups along the bottom edge of both front doors. This continual dirt of course gets on your clothes whenever you get in or out. After working extensively with Toyota (learned this is a common design flaw with other Toyotas to), they offered NO solution. Anyone who spends good money on their wardrobe should take heed and look for something else to drive, unless they dont care about their clothes. Because of this terribly annoying design flaw, weve only put 1,700 on it after owning it six months. Its not the car keys we grab first. Instead its only a car for when my spouse is using our other vehicle that happens to be a 1999 Dodge van. To think I wasted this much money on a car we hate to drive is the ultimate in buyers remorse.

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  High mileage review - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By 43Ejumper - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Only problems in 162000 miles: replaced catalytic converter, both O2 sensors, lft. rear axle seal, thats it. Dealer serviced completely. Extremely reliable transportation.