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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  Buy a MPV - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Johnson - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Toyota makes a great product but the sienna is not one of them. The suspension is soft but not comfortable ad bad handling. Tried every type of gasoline on the face of this earth and got 19 mpg at best. Just bought bought a MAZDA MPV fot he wife and it has been great. Paid so much ore for so much less STAY AWAY FROM THE SIENNA!!!!

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  Stay away from the V-6 - 1995 Toyota Pickup
  By Paulyf - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many toyotas but this was one was the most expensive....Paid $1600 for a new head gasket....they all fail in this V-6. Then 40,000 miles later at 144,000 miles they tell me no compression in the #3 cylinder I need a new rebuild $5,000. I just traded it in for a new tundra. Im hoping toyota wont let me down again.

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  An okay car. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Rose Milton - April 16 - 10:59 am

  I recently bought this car. Ive already had to replace the timing chain and catalytic converter. This car does have great gas mileage, 30 miles per gallon. It has comfy seats and is higher off the ground than other sedans of this era. However the paint is peeling off and the engine is horrible. If you want a commuter car that gets good gas mileage and dont mind having repairs this is the car for you.

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  toyota tundra 4x4 ltd acess cab- - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By bigdoggie - April 7 - 2:00 am

  MY 2002 tundra LTD access cab 4x4 seemed solid . The vehicle developed a pronounced vibration in front axle. This would vibrate floor boards and control pedals. The vibration would go away after vehicle was driven for 10 minutes or if 4 wheel drive was engaged. The dealer said problem was tires (bf goodrich rugged trail265/70/16). I told him to replace tires , he said this would not help- huh? The vehicle would wander all over the highway at 60mph and over! The seats were very uncomfortable (leather captains chairs) little or no lumbar support. The fold down armrests were too short - my arm kept falling off.

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  Not what I hoped for - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By dan b. - April 6 - 9:30 pm

  Ive heard a lot about the fabled design and quality manufacturing of Toyota vehicles so I hoped for something better than I got with my old F-150. I was pretty disappointed. Im only 53" so Im not the typical driver but this is the most uncomfortable vehicle Ive ever driven. The wheel is too far away, the seat is uncomfortable and the headrest is of an incredibly awkward design. As far as build quality, the radio turns on by itself, one of the speaker grills rattles and the dashboard cup holder pops open occasionally. Id never buy another Toyota.

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  corolla s - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By ladycactus - April 5 - 4:30 am

  I am not pleased with this car at all. fuel mileage is 32mpg on hwy. inside noise is to loud, any slight wind blows the car all over the place its not stable. the factory windshild crack easy with the smallest of pebbles.

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  Toyota - beware of their engine problem - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Ying Li - March 21 - 9:50 pm

  I used to have great faith on Toyota until I realized my 42 K mile 5 year old toyota has an engine problem that is truly a manufacture defect! I bought it when it was 17 K miles. In May 05, I noticed oil light on and checked there was NO oil left in my engine at all. Immediately I took it to a very good car repair place and changed oil and they did not detect any leak. The assumption then was the previous oil change was not done properly; then 6 weeks later (yesterday) the oil light came back on and same issue - NO OIL in the car. I am not very pleased with the engine problem but it seems to me Toyota wont do anything about it which is unacceptable.

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  I hate it - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Courtney - March 21 - 6:40 am

  This is car is horrible. I get it free through work-otherwise, I would never voluntarily purchase one. Its uncomfortable, poorly designed and has a rough ride. The interior looks cheap and has asinine places for cup holders. The fact that this car has a keyless ignition is, in my opinion, a nightmare. I find myself losing the keys like crazy because theres no specific spot for them. The rav also has a very jerky ride to it-not so great when riding with passengers who suffer from car sickness. The back door opens outward as opposed to upward-another stupid feature for obvious reasons. I could go on and on but to sum it up: its awful!!

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  Hate my Toyota - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Don - March 17 - 8:56 am

  Bought this vehicle used. Was forced into market after my Mazda Protege which I loved was totalled. Had a Camry for a rental and it seemed pretty nice for a few days. Now that Ive lived with one I hate it. Seating position is bad. After about a half hour, arms get tired because armrests too far away from steering wheel and steering too light to rest arm. Paint chips easily. Bad stink from exhaust. Engine sounds like it was made by John Deere. Radio reception terrible and stereo sound poor. Seats too soft after about an hour causing back and shoulder aches. Dealer wont do any more than they have to regarding repairs. Certified warranty coverage seems to have many loopholes. Could go on...

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  SORRY SORRY - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By Linda Larkins - March 14 - 10:08 am

  I am so sorry I purchased this car without some one more knowledgeable than me to look it over. I paid cash $12,700.00 for the car and should have never did it as I purchased it in a rush and was moving across state in 2 days. Before I had the car 7 days I had to pay $179.00 to have an oil leak fixed, however the dealer is suppose to send me a check for the repair. I had many scratches on the paint, a dent under the right door, I did not see and my front under panel if it is called that on the drivers side has a large crack in it which will most definitely have to be fixed. I am so upset about my car if I could get my money back I would. I take pride in our cars as we have only had 2 new ones and several used ones. I was told this car would last me for a long period of time, but with these things looking me in the eye each time I go to get into it I do not think so. I only live on social security and the sale of my husbands boat and truck was the only way I had cash to pay for this car. My husband is in long term care and I am and have been his caregiver for many years. I will never have the money to pay for another car as I have had to move into my sons home to have a place that I could live.