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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  Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Chirpy - April 16 - 1:53 pm

  Great car! Lots of space inside and big trunk

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  Will never buy a Toyota again - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Debby - April 16 - 11:46 am

  I wanted a convertible so badly and picked this one (my first Toyota). It has the worst pickup of any car I have ever driven. My VW Beetle was more powerful than this car. I am hesitant when on a ramp to get on a highway because the car fails the get up and go you need. My lease is over in two years and I cant wait!!! On the positive side, it is nice to drive with the top down on a nice day. Oh by the way, the rear window is very poor in terms of visibility so be careful when backing up.

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  Dont by Toyota - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Mike Steele - April 16 - 10:06 am

  At 20,000 km a Whirring sound came from the front right of the Highlander. 2 dealerships say it is unfixable and I quote : to give the vehicles strong gears the downside is at 80 km Toyotas will make a very annoying sound but YOU"LL just have to live with it because there is nothing we can do" end of quote. Unbelievable! The sound will drive you nuts and they cannot fix it,, they said it is in MOST all their vehicles and if they replace the problem which they agree there is, it will just come back because that is the design of th e gear box! Customers, I kid you not, $50,000 for a vehicle like this and even Toyota Canada gives me the Slough off !

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  Better than my Previous Vehicle - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By William - April 16 - 6:13 am

  Got rid of my 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5.2L V8 (318cid) and ran across this 1994 Toyota 4Runner with the 3.0L V6 5 speed SR5. Dont know what anyone elses issue with with lack of power, it has plenty of power (Its not a race car). Planning on using it for hunting and camping and towing my ATV/Trailer.

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  Great Family Car - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By Great Famly Car - April 16 - 1:30 am

  This is a great family car. It fits me, my wife, two kids and my in-laws. Go skiing a lot in Vermont. Drive frequently from NYC to Vermont. This is an amazing car in the snow (AWD option). The gas mileage is pretty bad, 16 miles per gallon. But, considering the size, seating capacity, and AWD, its pretty good. I got the LE AWD no frills version and bought aftermarket leather seats. I recommend this minivan above all especially living in the northeast. I almost never plow or shovel my driveway. In 2 feet of snow, this baby comes in/out of garage like NOTHING!

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  Short on Detail - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Toll House - April 15 - 6:10 pm

  We purchased the Prius V with the Advanced Technology Package. It has all the bells and whistles anyone could want in a vehicle but it Lacks In a Few Important Details. The Seats are the biggest disappointment, for a test drive you dont notice, but drive it 50 miles, you will definitely feel it. Placement of the Navigation screen when in the sunlight, makes it almost useless. The sun visors are way short of blocking the sun on the long and lengthily driver and passenger windows. Where are the tinted windows? There is no efficiency in having to use the air conditioner for the added sunlight? I have owned many Toyota vehicles & this one falls short on the added comfort & details I expected.

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  2010 Toyota Camry LE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Jessie Depa - April 15 - 6:13 am

  Previously I own 2004 Toyta Camry LE 2.4L 4 cyl and I was averaging 28 mpg. New 2010 Toyota Camry LE 2.5L 4 cyl can`t get even 18 mpg and under 16 in city driving. I have open complaint case with Toyota on march 19, 2010 Dealer did not find any problem and I was advised to come back for recheck after first 5000 miles. So far I do not see any improvement as the engine is breaking. Checking other reviews I think maybe I have a LEMON

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  update - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By gthumb - April 15 - 3:46 am

  posted a review last Nov. since then the weather has turned colder, more rattles, and the windshield sounds as though it is going to pop out. More paint has chipped off the front end, noise inside the car has increased, and the recall has added to the loss of resale value. I will never by a Toyota again.

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  great little car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Roger - April 15 - 2:56 am

  I have found this to be a great ride for the money. Fuel milage is great and the ride is fine even for long trips. I spend a lot of time in the car and am a large person and find it has plenty of room and is comfortable on a long ride. Even after 60000 miles I have had not problems. It performs and accelerates as well as the day I purchased it. I would recomend following the maintenance requirements for long term reliability.

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  A Joy To Drive - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Cecil - April 14 - 3:56 pm

  Ive only had it a few weeks, but have taken it on a couple of long distance runs and have enjoyed the ride. The navigation system makes getting there a joy and the comfort level is great. Because of the lack of noise and the climate control factors I didnt get tired. All in all I have been enjoying the gas milage in town and on the road (although I havent acheived the estimated rates yet) and the environment of the inside of the car and the beauty of the outside design. The lack of emissions is a good feeling. Toyota, keep up the good work.