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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  Straightforward Professionalism - 2018 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jim - February 5 - 6:26 am

  Received the best price in the Houston area for a new 2018 Limited 4Runner. Easy process. Built my trust quickly. Scott was great at being straightforward for everything from trade in values to pricing. I wasnt pressured in any way, but was offered professional advice when I needed it. The whole process was great. Thanks again Scott. I will let all my friends know about Fred Haas Toyota Country.

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  First Time Toyota Owner - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By New Sienna Owner - February 5 - 4:26 am

  I purchased my new Sienna LE about two weeks ago. I needed a safe, comfortable, reliable and good looking van to carry my family. I got all of that – plus a surprise – great gas mileage. The overhead multi-info display was showing an average of 27 mpg while driving on the freeway but I expected it was lower. It turned out to be 25.7 mpg from fill-up to fill- up. The interior trim looks beautiful. A road I must pass over every day has lots of potholes and patches. My other vehicle rattles like crazy over this area but the Sienna does not make a sound and stays in complete control. All-in-all, a great vehicle and a great value.

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  Steering shaft problem - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav in NC - February 5 - 4:00 am

  Beware of intermediate steering shaft problem with not only Rav4s but apparently other Toyotas as well. Do your research before buying. My rav4 is not 3 years old and mostly highway mileage but over 36k. Told by Toyota servicing dealer that the intermediate steering should be replaced at a cost of $1600. There is a tsb "Toyota service bulletin" for this problem but apparently since Im over the 36k mileage (even tho car is less than 3 years old), Im on my own. If Toyota steps up to cover this, Im a customer for life. If not, this is my last Toyota. So much for quality.

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  Excellent Car! Highly recommended! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jennifer - February 4 - 8:46 pm

  I love my XLE V6 2005 Toyota Camry! Before I purchased my camry, I test drove a LEXUS ES330...because the salesman was so arrogant about the LEXUS product and would not drop the price, I took my business back to Toyota, only to find out that the car I actually purchased XLE V6 Camry IS the same car as the ES 330...it just isnt as posh. But hey, the price was nice and so was the car. It drives so CHOICE! I LOVE IT. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE!!!

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  1998 4runner has rusty frame - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By executor - February 4 - 6:43 pm

  I just discovered the frame on my 4-runner is rusty just like the Tacomas. It is rusted on the drivers side rear wheel where the leaf spring "A" bracket is welded to the frame. The bracket is structurally sound but the frame, not so much. Serious safety issue! Emailed Toyota a week ago and my email has been pushed to management review. The frame is the same frame as the Tacoma and it has the same results but no one else seems to be bringing this issue up. Please examine your vehicles as this is a potentially deadly situation.

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  08 Toyota Highlander, first 500 miles. - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By hutch34 - February 4 - 5:40 pm

  I was very impressed with the 08 Highlander. The increase in size is just right for me. I was planning to buy a full size SUV but after driving the Highlander, I felt it was the better car for me. So far I have no complaints. The car runs flawlessly and rides very comfortably. I am particularly impressed with the mileage. I am getting between 19 and 21 mpg. I drive a combination of city and hwy. My trips usually exceed 10 miles. This car is especially quiet, I hate a noisy car!! This factor along with Toyota quality and reliability played heavily in my purchasing decision. I came out of an 05 Avalon and the Highlander seems to be quieter than the Avalon.

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  Comfort, Reliable, Safe and low maint - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By djay - February 4 - 2:10 am

  I was researching for more than 2 months for buying a nice preowned car. My search ended with finding this gem at a good price. First priority was safety of my family and myself. Full marks to this car for the curtain airbags, anti-skid and all wheel drive. In deep-snow,icy conditions this car feel very safe and secure to drive. Highly configurable interior. the second row of seats comes off giving you a lot of hauling area. Was able to get furniture for an entire bedroom from ikea due to this and saved a lot of $$. Overall fun to drive on weekends with the family. Seats are well supported and interior is luxurious

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  Solid Truck - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By bukstr - February 4 - 1:01 am

  Bought a TRD Off-Road version and have already put 25K miles on it. The truck is very comfortable to drive, relatively quiet inside, and it is just the right size for my needs. The JBL sound system is comparable to the upgraded sound systems on most luxury cars. The V6 provides more than adequate power, but Id love to see the Tundras 4.6 V8 as an option. The BFG tires that come with the off-road strike a great balance between on road and off road driving. Also despite the Edmunds review the brakes are not at all spongy, if anything they are grabby.

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  Research paid off - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Robert - February 3 - 11:50 pm

  I put in a lot of time and researched all the available makes and models, both hybrid and gas, that would satisfy my current needs. Based on the MPG, reliability, looks and price the RAV4 edged out the Honda CR-V. Now that I have had the car for several weeks I am thrilled that I decided on the RAV4. The V6 is surprisingly powerful and quick for the MPG that you actually get. We are averaging 25.3 MPG so far. The sport model has larger rims and tires with fender well moldings that really make a difference in the overall look of the vehicle. The interior is very well thought out and convenient. As I drive around and look at the other new cars on the road Im very pleased with my purchase.

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  Excellent Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma Crazy - February 3 - 5:00 pm

  Its what you expect from a toyota and then some.