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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  My Blessings - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Blessings - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for almost five (5) years. I have been in three (3) car accidents with it. It was nothing but the power of GOD when I was in the three (3) different car accidents, my child was not in the car with me at no times. On January 2, 2003, I was coming from work and slid on Black Ice on the Garden State Parkway. Once again I was fortunate and Blessed my car finally came to a complete stop right before I hit the wall. A driver speeding in such hazardous condition going nowhere probably slid on the same Black Ice and ran right in the back of my car and smashed it. Sincerely, On My Bending Knees

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  Close Game - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By AndrewEnder - July 2 - 2:00 am

  We were initially deciding between the Protege5 and the Matrix. Decided to purchase the Matrix because of its sturdy "flatbed-like" backing when the seats were folded down vs. Protege5s convertable sofa like folding seats. The rides a bit rough - not used to the stiffer suspensions. But, generally, its a great car for its versatility. The road noise is just a bit loud.

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  Good choice. - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Bill - July 1 - 8:06 pm

  This is a well made van. Of course it is the only van we have owned. It is basically a Camry.

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  4 Runner Transmission Problems - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ken - July 1 - 7:40 pm

  Car was a great car until about 70K. Had a couple little issues. One is a rattle that we have been unable to solve somewhere in Dash. Car is slightly underpowered. V6 strains over those hills when you get any kind of steep roads like Flagstaff, AZ or mountains west of Denver, Etc. Shutting overdrive off helps immensely. At 81K would not come out of 4 wheel drive. Replaced 4x4 actuator in transfer case ($1500). At 90K same problem, dealer says it needs a whole new transfer case costing ($3700). This will now become a 2wd 4 runner until its sold. I am told by dealer Toyota will do nothing. Very disappointed in the quality. Any car that u have major stuff before 120K is a sub par.

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  traded in my Silverado - 2018 Tundra owner - 2018 Toyota Tundra
  By gracie - July 1 - 4:56 pm

  traded in my Silverado and glad i did. Tundra Limited rides more like a truck- which i like - seat is very firm initially but is softening up. Rides higher which i like for better visibility in traffic. better turning radius. lots of electronics (almost too many) and not marked clearly - will learn them in time. No "shark fin" on the roof!!! Nice looking truck and hopefully it will be dependable. Handling on snow packed roads is worse than Silverado - needs more weight in the back. The pickup bed (not counting wheel wells) is actually quite a bit wider. Have not met any Tundra owners who have anything bad to say about their trucks. What I dont like - Can only start with a smart key (for security) which is great until you need another key (very pricey)

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  sudden loss of engine oil - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Alan - July 1 - 4:53 pm

  A friend with 30,000 miles on same model reported sudden loss of engine oil with no engine light. I talked with local maintenance supervisor about this. He reported this was a regular problem, especially at 50-60k miles. Replacement rubber hose hard to find. No recall yet but he expects one any day.

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  Solid, Dependable Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Phil - June 29 - 10:30 am

  I recently purchased a 2005 Toyota Camry for traveling purposes. It has 71k miles and the car has been wonderful so far. It has a nice comfortable ride, and the car is also stylish. I love the steering wheel audio controls, and the spoiler on mine. The 2010 model is even more beautiful. Not too many passenger cars can compare with the Camry.

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  Decent Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Jennifer - June 27 - 7:13 pm

  I enjoy my car. Its not a luxury car by any means but it is definitely better than any of Toyotas other models. It drives really smooth, but I have a 4 cylinder so it lacks power. Nevertheless, it is still a cool car for a college kid. I love the exterior, but the interior is nothing to brag about. Its quite simple, which is fine with me. The gas mileage is not what its cracked up to be. The corolla is the best toyota car when it comes to gas per mileage.

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  Many annoying defects - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By CBB - June 27 - 4:36 pm

  I have had a significant number of problems with my Solara (none involving the engine, thankfully), including significant rattling in the dashboard (6 repairs, and counting), rattling/loose passenger window, whistling of the door seals at highway speeds, defective tire pressure indicator, defective rocker (retracting) mechanism in sunroof, defective driving lights, etc. Very shocking, given Toyotas reputation for reliability.

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  My Trusted Car - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Hax - June 26 - 11:02 am