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!Highlander - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By mr21991 - August 15 - 2:40 pm

  all people writing a review on this issue about the toyota highlander you need to open your manual owners booklet before you complain regarding the problem of your highlander...first evry 5,000 miles you need to wheel rotation 2nd you need evry 12-18moths wheel alignment 3rd you need to retorque all under chassis evry 36 moths...very important to check your oil and coolant transmission fluid every week...God bless all

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  Replaced deer totaled Corolla with a newer one - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By JB - August 15 - 10:18 am

  Its reliable

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  Reliability...what reliability!?! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - August 15 - 3:53 am

  My family has always owned Toyotas and reliability was always ok but not perfect. When it came time to pick a car for myself after graduating I thought the sensible thing would be to buy a Camry. I was wrong. This car has been nothing short of a nightmare. In less than a years time of ownership, I now know almost everyone at the dealer service desk by name! First it was transmission problems which have never been completely resolved. A dead battery caused by electrical issues,(not my fault) that left me stranded. Radio died after only 3 months. Exterior paint has not held up well though first winter. Other more minor issues including a tail-light bulb that keep going out.

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  Miss my 2004 - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Don - August 14 - 11:33 pm

  I sold my 2004 LE to buy this 2009 LE. This is my 4th Corolla since 1993. I have always found the newly designed models to have things that I enjoyed more than the old ones - until the 2009. I still respect the reliability, the no-frills, down to earth, never-break-down-at-3AM Corolla experience. It is basic, solid transportation. We all know that. The 09 looks sleek and nice and it is, until you get inside and you wonder who fell asleep at the wheel, literally. The armrests are useless, the CD holder spaces are gone, the coin tray is so tilted all the coins fall out, the wood grain is gone on the LE, the knobs look outdated and the interior looks cheap and flimsy. What were they thinking?

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  Poor MPG - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Tom H - August 14 - 11:20 pm

  If youre considering the RAV4 for its great milage, consider this... I travel 60 hwy miles, and another 20 on rural roads daily. My ave hwy speed is 72, and Im no leadfoot around town, either. With this mix, I should be getting 25MPG consistently. After 4000 miles traveling the same daily route, my RAV4 averages 21.5MPG. One tank gets 19, the next, 23, and the next 21.5. Dealer says theres nothing wrong. So, if youre considering sacreficing the roominess and comfort of a larger SUV to get better milage with a RAV, think twice.

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  Fuel Economy - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By PRin NM - August 14 - 7:56 pm

  I drove this 07 for 4000 miles in Florida, then cross country to NM in late March. Averaged 51-52 mpg at sea level in mixed driving. Now 52-53 mpg at 7000 ft. altitude. I just learned something very interesting today. Toyota service rep. informed me that the car runs everything on electric. The gas engine is there only to recharge the battery! To maximize fuel economy, minimize gas engine operation. Accelerate rather quickly to operational speed and then drive with a light foot. Coast whenever possible. I love this car! My only negative is the inability to raise the drivers seat. My wife is 55" and cannot see nearly as well using the rear view mirror as I can.

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  Not Impressed with Imports - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Qzardesigner - August 14 - 6:30 pm

  Owned domestic cars for 20 yrs. Bought this to test the Import waters. I am disappointed. The driver side floor mat is worn, and Toyota will not replace under warranty (Dealer replaced it as a courtesy). The lug bolts break off at the recommended torque, again not replaced under warranty (Dealer again replaced as a courtesy). The carpet in the rear seats is worn from the floor mats rubbing against it. Highway gas mileage is supposed to be 40, I get somewhere between 33 and 38. The paint on the hood is chipped from bugs hitting it. Lousy handling. If this is what you get with an import, forget it. I have problems with domestic cars, but at least I am not paying a premium for the vehicle.

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  Pats review of 2006 RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Pat in Kentucky - August 14 - 2:16 pm

  Estimated gas mileage is not correct. It has lots of road noise. Has been dented very easily in parking lot, the metal is very thin. We bought the base model with mag wheels, black luggage rack, 6 airbags, floor mats and grocery cargo net, we paid for the extras. The spare tire cover faded very quickly and was exchanged for a one time only exchange. This cover has faded again and is purple instead of the midnight blue the real car color. I was told by the dealership there was nothing else that could be done. I am not happy, and I will not purchase another Toyota product. When other people see the purple tire cover they ask questions!!

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  Good Pick Up - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hooray_beer - August 14 - 8:30 am

  Solid and reliable. I now have 120K and have only had to replace the power steering pump which I got from the dealership. It went out again in one month. I went ahead and replaced it on my own. The gas mileage is terrible for a truck of that size. On a good note, this is a great PU that I feel safe with my two kids and wife in. I also feel confident that I can go anywhere at anytime. PS. I pulled a Dodge 3500 4x4 w/Cummins pullin a Chevy 1500 SB out of the sand with no problem. 4 Wheel Low with a forgiving tow strap.

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  Best Ever - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By toyotaown2 - August 14 - 4:12 am

  This car is a blast to drive, and great to ride in. The room inside is exceptional for a car that provides this type of performance. No matter if you are in the front passenger seat or back seat. All the little features really make this car special. Great gas mileage and got a great deal. Without a dobut this car is a great choice, and oh, Lifetime Waranty makes it all the more special.