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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  Toyota Got it Right - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By newcarguy5 - June 8 - 5:41 pm

  Ive owned the AWD Limited Platinum for over 6 months and couldnt be much happier with it. I test drove and researched many competitors, but it came down to this and the Acura MDX (AWD base). They were both around the same price, but of course you get all the bells and whistles with the Toyota, and I am so glad I did. Also, I actually preferred the ride and steering over the Acura. The steering feel is excellent...nice and tight. At the same time the ride is extremely smooth so you really get the best of both worlds. So even with the base V6 you will still enjoy the great ride. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Never wanted a truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mikey - June 8 - 12:00 am

  I personally never wanted a truck. I took this vehicle for a test drive (my wife said it was a "cute" truck) in the parking lot of a closed down supermarket - 1.5 feet of snow with 4 foot drifts (TRD package). It walked through it with ease, so I bought it and added a spray in bed liner and cover. Ive taken it off-road, on highway trips and towed many different trailers. Its done everything Ive asked of it. With the TRD package, the ride is a little stiff until you throw 500lbs in the bed. After buying it, Im not sure how we got along without it.

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  Amazingly Reliable!! - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By mddrum1 - June 7 - 11:23 pm

  Bought the car in 04 with 19K and now have 64K. Only had to change a serpentine belt, tires, and oil. The hatchback lets me carry a 5 piece Pearl Export drum kit with ease. What other coupe can manage that? Fun to drive, very responsive and extremely tight turn radius. Great stock sound system!

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  21 K dollar Rattle Trap - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By johnk - June 7 - 4:13 am

  I started getting rattles from the dash area as soon as I drove it off the dealers lot. Took it back 7 times and they could not resolve it. Told me to drive and bring it back before the 36k mile warranty and they would try again to fix the rattles. Brakes feel spongy and original Goodyear tires were lousy in rain. Changed to Yokohama tires and drives like a different car. City gas mileage is only 22. Highway is 34. Last Toyota for me. Will buy Honda Accord or Civic. Toyota dealer support is lousy. They dont spend much time trying to fix warranty problems.

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  Flat-out Awesome - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By TeamMontoya - June 7 - 3:46 am

  First I want to thank everyone who wrote a review, it was very helpful in deciding to purchase my FJ Cruiser. This is one awesome SUV; comfortable, great power, great looks, and incredible off-road capabilites. The blind spots are there but if you know how to drive with your mirrors then its not an issue. Advise for those that do not know how to use side mirrors. Place your head on the driver side window and turn the mirror until you do not see the end of the rear. On the passanger side lean over and turn the mirror out until you can not see the end of the rear. You now have no blind spots. Try it, it works. I can not say enough about this SUV. Toyota out did themselves. Awesome!!

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  This car is ok, but..... - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By yesitsme. - June 7 - 2:16 am

  I bought this used with 77,000 miles on it. The previous owners too good care of it. The fabric was nice and like new. Someone eventually ran into me at 101,000 and totaled it. It was good on gas, very comfortable and had power seats which I liked. The stereo sounded good when dialed up loud. The car looked nice except for the back looked outdated. I did a few minor repairs plus some major ones. There is a long bar in the front by the engine forget what they call it. It was going to cost me 1,200 to have fixed, I found someone for 700. It had some dry rot. Then around 100,000, the struts were going bad and that would have been 800. The owners had EuroTour Big O tires that were great and lasted a long time. Overall, an acceptable car. Too bad it was totaled.

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  Love My RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By KPT - June 6 - 4:00 pm

  This is my first SUV and I love it. It drives and handles better than my previous car. The gas mileage averages around 24 mpg combined. For the price, reliability, handling and gas mileage, you cant go wrong. I would definitely buy again.

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  2007 SE Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jablusonata - June 6 - 9:52 am

  I have been very dissappointed with the 07 SE Toyota Camry. I purchased new and it currently has about 65k. So far I had the rotars resurfaced; reset the right front end fender; and after replacing factory tires, the back of the veicles makes a loud metal rubbing sound. I have taken it back to the dealer and the tire store and they both are unable to "duplicate" the noise. I wish I could get a straight answer. Has anyone experienced this problem? This is the 1st Toyota that I have ever had problems with.

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  Follow up review - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By asmith9779 - June 6 - 12:26 am

  The main reason for this review is to add the "broken in" gas mileage. I first reported at the start that the 4 cylinder Camry got 34.4 at 70 MPH, this in May 2006, highway, 24-mpg all around driving. After 24,000 miles I am getting 36.5 mpg at 70 miles an hour, highway. At 75mph I get 34.5 mpg. At 55 mph I get over 50 mpg. The car has like 4 times the power of our old VW beetles. So, to us, this car really flies. My 93 Cadillac has more power, but my wifes Camry rides and drives better, believe or not. I still love my old Cadillac, but the Camry is really a great car. Its also easier on my wifes back on trips.

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  JBL sound system is terrible. Very disappointing! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Scott Steele - June 5 - 4:52 pm

  The 2016 Platinum model comes standard with the JBL sound system (with subwoofer). Its not that it doesnt sound good when its working....but in less than a year of ownership, the subwoofer has blown 3x and now Toyota wont stand behind the product or the warranty. The dealership nor Toyota customer service have not satisfied me as a customer. I cant imagine buying another Toyota product...and I would be leary if I were you.