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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  Steering Shaft and Rack Problems - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By chris - January 26 - 1:36 pm

  I loved this car, until I hit about 50,000 miles, then I noticed a knock in the steering, Total cost of repair on the vehicle will be close to $3000.00. Needs steering shaft and rack. Over 36,000 miles this is not covered and I just turned 52,000. I took it to the dealership complaining of an occasional knock at 20,000 and then again at 30,000 and they could find nothing wrong; they told me to get an alignment, this made it a little better but know it is highly annoying to drive the vehicle. There is a Tech bulletin out there for this problem, too bad they dont recall these parts. With the bad publicity you would think they would rectify this problem. I am not sure I would get another Toyota.

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  Toyota Wisdom?? - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Jan Mayes - January 26 - 3:41 am

  Please tell me why... ~one cannot get a Prius Four Touring with a sunroof? (Trying to buy a four and build up is not a good option...so far the lights are not available. Also the 17 in wheels are not available for the Prius Four.). ~there are a white console (urinal?) and white steering wheel accents? (The designer who thought this was a great idea needs a new job, as do the execs that approved it.) ~There are only options for two or three displays on the navigation screen. (The split screen on the navigation system is a pain. An option for having just one display should be added to the two and three display options.) This is my fourth Prius (1st, 2nd, and 3rd gens over 14 years). The 3rd gen is still my favorite, basically because I could get everything I wanted on the car (sun roof, plus package, ground effects, etc.)

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  04 Sienna LE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Hoops1 - January 26 - 2:13 am

  Love this van. Good looks, comfort and convenience. Needs a power hatch which is only available on the XLE model. We somehow manage 29 mpg on the freeway. Toyota needs to simplify their option packages and regional differences as they are WAY to confusing!!! Honda has it down right. We are uprading to an 05 XLE soon.

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  Prius V lives up to expectations - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By bc158 - January 25 - 2:49 pm

  After 2500 miles, MPG is averaging 43+. Car is roomy, surprisingly comfortable and even has enough power to not be a problem. When the power button is pressed between 35 and 65 the performance is surprisingly good. So far no issues at all just pleasant motoring - even from a person who prefers the European/German type ride and handling.

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  Worth a good look - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve - January 25 - 12:03 pm

  I purchased a new new Tacoma PreRunner after testing a 2006 Tundra. I was pleasantly impressed with the Tacoma styling and the handling, particularly when compared to its big brother. My only disappointment (and it is minor at this time) is the mileage of the automatic being rated at 6 miles/gallon on the highway less than the 5 speed standard Tacoma version.

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  Its a No Brainer - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Joe Faz - January 25 - 8:20 am

  Well I cant be too detailed as I have only driven my Prius for about a week now. It is fun and economical and not a bad ride for the cost. The only problem that I am having is that the windshield has an annoying rattle when I go over almost any bump. I am hoping to bring the car in and have it fixed. The car is very responsive and I cant believe the gas mileage that I am getting (average about 50mpg). If they fix this rattle in the windshield then I will highly recommend this car to everyone - as it is, everyone asks me about it. They all seem amazed and amused by its unique look, and it renders much more room then one might think and to top it off its very affordable.

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  Cant wait to jump in and drive - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By AOD - January 25 - 8:00 am

  I am 42 and I have owned 51 vehicles since 1984. I always thought Toyota had a bland design so I never bought until 2007. Now I LOVE Toyota. Seems all their efforts go into the important aspects of a vehicle, not "bells and whistles" I am so JACKED about my new Tundra and struggle to find anything significantly wrong. Just LOVE the Tundra!!!

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  Would Buy Again - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Two Time Owner - January 25 - 5:46 am

  Our first van was totaled with no injury to occupant. We haul grandkids all over and love the Sienna. The automatic sliding door malfunctioned after vehicle was out of warranty - replacement part too expensive - disappointed about that. However, overall it is a great van.

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  Disappointed After One Year - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By oldgoldtop - January 25 - 4:23 am

  Thankfully I only have one more year on a two year lease. This is my first and last Toyota. The Entune was originally great but updates have rendered it very unreliable and nearly useless. Bluetooth is now constantly disconnecting and reconnecting which drops calls and streaming music. Phone text messages rarely will download anymore since recent automatic updates to the software. Navigation is cumbersome and voice recognition on search function is pathetic. The touch controls can often be activated by mistake if you are not careful. In fact that ugly dash touch panel was almost a deal killer for me. The climate display can be impossible to read in the sunlight. Just too many things not implemented well. Dealer service seems uninterested in dealing with the unreliable Entune. Seat heater controls are located on the center console which I find inconvenient and poorly designed. Prefer they be on dash. Exterior styling is appealing to my eyes but so are many other sedans these days. Ride and handling is acceptable for my conservative driving style. I do lie the active backup camera system but would lie some front sensors. The front is very low and easy to scrape on the sidewalk when parking. The lane change sensors work well and a nice feature although unlike my previous car, there is no audible warning .

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  Consumer - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By steve - January 25 - 3:46 am

  Comfortable car, good to drive powerful 3.5L with V6 engine. compare to Nissan Maxima and Altima v6 engine and Honda Accord. Id rather buy Toyota Camry a little cheaper price and the model look good too