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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  Cylinder Head Replaced at 13,500, Probable Factory Milling Issue - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By mycylinderhead - May 11 - 6:56 pm

  Bought 2014 LE Eco Plus in September of 2013. At 13,300 miles, Code registered for fuel/air imbalance. Service Bulletin said cylinder head and 4 valves to be replaced under warranty. Major repair for a young car. Very disappointed. Toyota will not at this point extend drive train warranty for free because they have "fixed" it. Other than that, car runs smoothly, nice and heavy for a little car. The gray seat fabric stains very easily, even a wet gym bag or wet work bag if left on the seat too long leave pronounced stain, even with the Stain Guard extra they sell you at time of purchase. This is a hassle, worrying about everything that touches the seats. Average 32MPG.

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  Deficiencies - annoying - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By tedtnj - May 11 - 9:11 am

  NAV system is primitive compared to my five year old TomTom™. There’s no 3D, there are no traffic light cameras and there is no display of current speed limits. Programming the NAV is tedious. In seven years the NAV system has moved ahead one year in its development [see below]. Further, the NAV system voice even at the lowest level #1 is much too loud; and there is no way to lower the volume, save disabling all sound. It is far louder than my 2007 Toyota Avalon Limited at sound level #1. There is a plastic chrome bezel around the instrument cluster. When sun hits the bezel, it is most distracting. Dealer team says that’s the way it is…Ugly situation.

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  Great Car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By DPO - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Have had 225,000 miles with no oil use or leaks. Extremely satisified with dependability, and comfort.

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  2003 sequoia, perfect for the family - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By gregc - May 11 - 2:00 am

  We had a 2000 durango and traded up to this. Its a different class of vehicle. Leather, sunroof, full-time 4wd. This truck has the same displacement v8 as our durango (4.7) but its gutsier AND gets better mileage. Were at 20k, averaging 17+ MPG in mixed driving. Can keep it in 4wd full-time and not worry bout it. We live in "rural" Mass. where we get a fair amount of snow, and need a truck.

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  Hoooaaahhhhh!!! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By The Sargeant - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Wow, Iam very happy The Spyder is the Bomb,Sold my 01 Altima to my son gave my 01 Sentra SE to my wife (Very nice Street Tuned)and finally got the chance to buy me a car just for me HoooaaaHH!

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  Great Car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Mixie - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I have never had even one problem with this car. It is the most practical, durable car, and I wish I didnt have to part with it ever. It is the number one worry-free car. As long as its taken care of properly, it will far outlast any other car.

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  99 Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By kmarie - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Love it! Fun to drive. Lots of get up and go and feel safe in it.

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  Fun Car but it rattles! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Cran - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my first SUV and I love it! It is tight on the road not matter what the weather and is just plain fun to drive. However, since Day 1 there is a constant rattle coming from the front. The dealer remove the front end - could find nothing loose and sprayed the entire area with foam. This took care of the problem but it came back after 2 weeks! Unfortunately I will have to make the time to bring it in again and I only have 1000 miles on the car! The service manager said this was the 2nd RAV4 with a mysterious rattle.

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  MY TUNDRA - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By FloydRedDevilTundra - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased My Tundra in April of 2003. So far I have accumulated over 38,000 miles on this vehicle. I have used this truck for light hauling, towing, highway driving, transporting passengers, and many other things. This is a quality sound vehicle that I have enjoyed fully. After test driving other trucks such as (FORD,DODGE,GMC, and CHEVY) the Tundra by far was the BEST choice for ME. This is a sound vehicle that just flat beat the competition. After three decades the BIG THREE still cannot build a quality truck for the consumer. For those that complain about the TUNDRA, remember this vehicles history is less than 5 years old.

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  Tundra vs Dakota - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By billmac50 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I was dissapointed to find that Dodge no longer made a long bed Dakota. My dissapointment turned to excitement when I test drove the Tundra. Although it is larger than my Dakota, I found it much easier to handle. It engine was smaller 3.3 vs. 3.9, but it seemed to have more power. I anticipate keeping my Tundra for at least 10 years as I did my Dakota, and look forward to a long happy ownership. Now I wont have to worry abut the transmission because I know Toyota makes a good transmission. Dodge hasnt figured it out yet. My only dissapointment was the height which caused me to add runningboards. A minor item for such a great truck.