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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  Had 2 1999 Manual V6 Camrys. - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Oleg Dyachuk - September 19 - 5:14 pm

  Bought one with 170k, sold it with 199k, bought another with 192k, sold it with 219k miles. THESE HAVE A HORRIBLE RESALE VALUE, I did not make any money on either of them, probably because not many people want a camry that is manual. But it has great power, 0-60 was 7.4 seconds for me on my first one, my second one was a bit slower because it felt beat on. Topped out the first one at 131 mph but blew a whole in the exhaust doing that lol. Both of mine had 1 common problem, the rear sway bar link bushing go bad and make a horrible clunking sound. Was impossible to change them because the bolts get rusted up and break if you touch them.

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  Overall a great truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Den - September 19 - 4:23 pm

  This is the 2nd pre-runner Ive owned in the past 5 years (4 Toyotas altogether). Overall, quality is great-what you expect from this company. I bought it for my wife but she liked my 04 V8 4Runner more.

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  WOW!!! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Eric - September 19 - 3:36 pm

  With only 500 miles on my new RAV, already I am SO impressed!!! Quality, performance, and fuel economy!!! Coming over from a Chevy Silverado Crew, the quality difference is incredible. I will never go back to US made vehicles... Nice job Toyota!!!

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  Best value in a compact car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By davedietrich - September 19 - 1:19 pm

  I have done extensive research before buying the Yaris. Reliability is bulletproof, low maintenance costs, drives like it is a bigger car. With the right tires (Michelin Defender) the drive is very smooth and quiet. Fuel economy is exceptional. Peppy for an auto with only a 1.5 engine. Surprisingly good room in the back and front seats. The seats are quite comfortable and supportive. Only negative is the small cargo area in the hatchback. Will be driving this car for a very long time. If you need a car that does not break the bank or your budget for as long as you own it, yo really can not go wrong with a Yaris.

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  Think twice - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By angelique - September 19 - 9:20 am

  Im very disappointed. I have had this car 11 months now, and my intermediate shaft has given out, my brakes replaced, rotators SHAVED, and intermediate shaft replaced. I have taken my car to the dealership 3 times and finally had them sit in car to listen before something was done about brakes. The recall is only in northern states for the brakes. Although all of the above has been done. Costing me time and no car during the days being fixed!!!

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  Driven almost daily since Dec. 1999 - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By lostarchangel - September 19 - 5:02 am

  I bought this truck (a 2000 Tundra SR5 V8) new in December, 1999 and have driven it almost daily ever since. The only problems Ive had with it are a bad oxygen sensor that went out about 7 years ago and the A/C has gone out twice. I replaced the timing belt at about 120,000 miles and have put about 170,000 miles on the truck since I bought it new. This truck was used on a small farm and often hauled heavy loads - sometimes exceeding its rated specs, without a problem. Sometimes it was called upon to tow a two-horse trailer for short trips too. After all these years though, it is still my favorite vehicle to drive, and I prefer it to driving my 2012 Kia Optima. Ill never sell it.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By St.Louis.Girl - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Yaris in a pinch when my old one blew up and left me stranded. I needed a car in a hurry and I was craving reliability after that car maintenance fiasco - so I went straight to Toyota. Ive had the car for a year an a half and 18,000 miles. I love it. No problems at all, drove it from St. Louis to Galveston and back comfortably with 2 people and a dog on board. It has better acceleration, a smoother and quieter ride and overall better quality than any other small car that Ive ever had - or been riding in for that matter. Also easy to get in and out of, even the back seat, even for my 64" brother. I would recommend this car to anyone, 100 times over.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Yolee - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car for about a month, so far love it! We have always been Chevy/Buick fans but my husband got tired of constantly working on them, we decided to give Toyota a try (time will tell if weve made the right choice).I went from a small SUV and was worried that going back to a car the ride would feel low, it doesnt. I love the look of the Solara, the pearl finish, so far I pretty much love everything about the car. Smooth ride, descent gas mileage (average around 29, country driving), the classy cream leather interior, the navigation system and blue-tooth. Feel like a spoiled princess driving this car, feels like Im driving a Lexus.

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  Fun to Drive with reservations - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By momof4 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Good: Many trips with family and dog via 3rd row seating. Love the V6. Has great pull into traffic. Lots of room, especially in the cargo. 61k miles in 4 years. Great little basic car. Runs smoothly and well. My paint/finish is holding up well. Negative: Replaced Driving Shaft @dealer =$500. Broken Joint on shaft. Should have a recall on that since it seems to be common that should not happen on a car this new. Interior does seem kind of loud and seats are basic. Dont like the floor mats.(hard to clean) Needs stronger front bumper. Wheel wells also rusting out, would like better coverage on the hubcaps.

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  Nice - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By Colorado Kid - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased our 11 4runner - Pearl White, black leather. Couldnt be happier- this 4runner remains as quiet and solid as my 06. Dont know of another vehicle (especially in Colorado) that holds its value and performs as well as 4 runners do. Test drive one and compare; I did and will always have a 4 runner in my garage.