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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  2-year review for 04 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Cool Hand Luke - December 22 - 9:46 am

  After nearly 2 years of ownership, Ive had lots of time to take notes. One test drive changed me. Not one problem so far. My average MPG is in the mid- 40s. Cold temps put a put a huge dent in MPG as motor runs to keep cab warm. Drving in cross winds is difficult as the car seems to get pushed all over the place. I experienced the green bar of light on the windshield as well from the speedometer, but only need to turn down the brightness of dashboard lights to eliminate it at night. The car is quite, peppy, very responsive to acceleration and turning. I cant say enough good things about it. Round trip to Maine (from MN)cost $185 at $3/gal! Resale value is incredible!

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  Nice for getting around town - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Deborah Stone - December 22 - 3:30 am

  Just bought the new 2009 corolla and am impressed with the leg room for my teen kids. It is simple, elegant and very much affordable for a single woman who has teenagers.

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  Luv It, Luv It, Luv It - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By CactusKandy - December 22 - 1:43 am

  This vehicle has been the best purchase in my 25 years of buying vehicles. Only 2 little things have gone wrong, the power window mechanism and the door gasket, and the dealer has bent over backwards to fix them. The vehicle gets good gas mileage for its size, its comfortable on a long trip and has a roomy interior. Toyota does it right!

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  Toyota Technician Fires Manufacturer - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Ben - December 21 - 8:19 pm

  Theres a lot you need to know about this car before buying it. Firstly, if you DO buy it buy it new but Ideally lease it. Toyota has gotten incredibly shifty about their warranties and their reliability has dropped. I am reviewing this car based on owning it and also based on working on the brand professionally. In the year that I bought this car used, my dashboard has melted and been replaced by Toyota under warranty. My engine burns 1.5 quarts of oil per 12,000 miles due to faulty piston ring design. They will not cover it due to a lack of oil change receipts and the nature of it being purchased used. The gas pedal had a recall that was performed due to it functioning incorrectly. All Toyota Water pumps will leak antifreeze which is considered normal by the manufacturer. The sun visor in this particular model is held up by a metal clip and actually mine fell down while I was driving on the interstate one day. My radio was designed without the JBL option and you cannot upgrade after you purchase your vehicle. The wiring harnesses are not included and they will not allow it to be performed. The radio I was stuck with has major issues - as do many of them on that model. The cd players dont read properly and I went through five of them both new and used. You will be unable to do anything other than upgrade to an aftermarket radio designed specifically for this vehicle. The interior design of this build was built incredibly cheap and lacks durability in all senses. The alignment of the drivers seat is off to the right so eventually you will notice the left side of your seat wear out. The air conditioning system has a bad habit of growing mold and smelling like death due to evaporator moisture. Toyotas legendary paint has once again failed on my vehicle. The clear coat is paper thin and scratching everywhere. Also in newer vehicles, you will find stone chips and rail marks on every single car, even new ones. Trade in value has dropped horribly with this model and Im financially underwater on this transaction. Toyota factory strut mounts are notorious for failure - especially the drivers side front on this model. The drivers side axle is also an issue and has a tendency to make noise and fail. The transmission software on these cars has been flashed several thousand times due to bad programming decisions and hesitations. Every time the car is at the shop there is a new recall open on it. My rear view mirror peeled in half and I ended up replacing it with one from a 1999 Toyota Camry. I actually have stopped working on new cars recently, due to the unreliability of the automotive industry of today.

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  Best in Class! - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Paul - December 21 - 8:00 pm

  Drove and researched everything. Highlander is #1. The Honda Pilot doesnt handle well, the Pathfinder is way too cramped inside, and the Traverse and Acadia are over 40k with options, not worth $. The Highlander is so super quiet, the transmission is ultra smooth. 270 horses pull quickly and I can still get 25 mpg. Very comfortable driving position with nicely laid out high quality controls. Second row captains chairs are like traveling first class. Third row is cramped and only good for a quick trip. Toyota always was and still is one of best products on the road. Drive the Highlander and you will absolutely be sold.

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  Same Old Camry-- Its Still Excellent - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By M Taylor - December 21 - 7:30 pm

  This is my fourth Toyota and second Camry; nothing has changed except for more power, refinement, and overall quality. Dollar for dollar its very difficult to find anything better in its class. My vehicle has exceptional acceleration, braking, fit and finish, and more than ample room. I am 62" and a solid 250 lbs. and it is very comfortable. By the way, I test drove the 2008 Honda Accord extensively prior to my Camry purchase. The Honda was very, very nice--but for me the Camry was simply more refined.

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  So far...great value. - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Greg - December 21 - 1:23 pm

  One week ownership. Bought used at 46k but its like new. Our objective was to find a larger car, as reliable, more powerful, more quiet and more comfortable than our CR-V but with good visibility, equivalent mpg with 4WD. A tall order but we found it with the 06 HH (08,09 HH are too big, too pricey, have recalls and 19" wheels = $$tires). Analyzed and drove 10 comparable, the 06/07 HH has the best value. Mileage: better than anticipated (avg 29+ urban commute, 26 hwy). This beats CR-V with more horsepower and much more cargo space! Also the new CR-V has poor visibility and road noise. Our HH has a full ltd. package, we traded up. Finally, a comfortable drivers seat.

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  244,000 and still going strong - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Barb - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 4runner w/ 50,000 miles in 2002 and it now has over 244,000. Amazing. Absolutely nothing major has ever gone wrong on this truck; typical oil changes, tires, etc. The MOST reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Still looks and sounds like a champ!

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  Best Rig Ever! - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Big Johnny - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Awesome Vehicle! Drove all the competitors and this one outshines them all. Have had it up the Cascade Mountains already and gave the 4H, 4L, and All-Trac a workout. Great handling off road and on. Visibility is not an issue and the rear seat access is not a problem. Fun to drive all around.

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  Less than expected - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pride and such... - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Decent quality truck but I expected more from Toyota. We have all seen the mid 80s Toyota pickup still going strong with over 200k miles and I am maintaining the belief that this truck will do the same. Nice ride for a small truck. If you are over 510" tall the standard cab bench seat will be uncomfortable. Few trucks get 27- 29 highway mpg. Plenty of power for getting around town and up to speed on the highway. However, the truck is beyond sluggish with any significant payload. Radio changed stations automatically and the volume didnt work at times. Received replacement unit after 2 months of waiting and it does the same thing. Toyota has recall out for floor mats and pedal assembly.