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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  Great Car, ok MPG - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By TamSco - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I got this car about a month ago, and I love everything else about it, but the gas mileage is not as good as I had expected...Although I do a lot of city driving, I still do highway driving, maybe 1/3 of the time, and the mpg is only about 27-28. 28 is supposed to be the low for city driving...I expected more like 30...Anyway, everything else is perfect!

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  Loving my Sienna! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By anne72 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Although Ive only owned my Sienna for a short time I am VERY happy with every aspect of it. It rides like a dream and is quite comfortable to sit in. My kids (ages 5 ,4 & 2) love its size and can spread out yet still be safe. Ive owned other minivans before and this one far surpasses any other, in my opinion.

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  beware of power sliding doors - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By wnunez - March 30 - 2:00 am

  The power sliding doors are dangerous. They continue to close, even when an object is in its way. It closed on my arm with enough pressure to have me concerned about my childrens safety. Toyota customer service was no help. When I questioned the amount of pressure needed for the door to retract, I was told that he was not an engineer, and that I could not speak with anyone else. I am still awaiting a response form the district manager. In the meantime, I have turned the power door feature off.

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  "I think I can.... " 2013 Toyota Camry SE - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Frank Bunson - March 30 - 1:31 am

  When you see a 4600 lb. car with a 4 cyl. Engine and 6 speed automatic transmission...RUN! We never had a problem in three years of owning this car running to the store and post office. This year we decided to "drive" our vacation and do the Nevada/Utah Canyon lands. By the time we got to our destination I SERIOUSLY considered flying home. By the time we got home, driving through two mountain ranges, and hi desert, there was no doubt! We MUST get rid of this car! It was so much work just getting it up and down the roads that it just beat us half to death. I am a "driver"! The wife knows how. Toyota IS ashamed! In ALL respects, this automobile should never have been put on the road! I THOUGHT I was buying the car that is the 2016 Camry. My NEXT action, after returning my rental car, is to get rid of this beautiful junk!

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  Falling In Love Again - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Gone Green - March 29 - 9:16 pm

  I love my new Prius! It is comfortable, easy and fun to drive. Most of all saving on my fuel $$.

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  CO owned Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By CO owned - March 29 - 2:03 pm

  The truck has been flawless as far as repairs. I have 25k miles with the 5.7 and avg 16 mpg. I have it in the shop though being upgraded for pulling. It has the power but the 8000 lbs tongue 29 trailer throws it around. The plan is with helper springs it will stop. Overall I am very happy, just cross wind has been a problem. I am also needing new tires as the factory tires are already bold.

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  Great compact SUV for the price - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By gregpro50 - March 29 - 11:56 am

  We basically bought the RAV4 to be able to tow a boat and haul the family on a 4 hr trip to the lake every weekend in warmer weather. It is worth it to upgrade to the limited package and the V6 which still gets pretty good gas mileage especially for having 269hp. Plenty of room for the kids in the back seat and the dog in the back. The under-floor storage area in the back is very handy too. We were very happy with this vehicle.

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  Small things count - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Go4it - March 29 - 5:20 am

  I purchased my Solara in the Fall of 04. Although Toyota quality is apparent...small shortcomings have detracted from my enjoyment of the car. For whatever reason Toyota elected not to install "foldback" type outside rearview mirrors. When shopping or parking in tight spaces people try to fold back the mirrors. The compass windshield mirror vibrates over 60 MPH which produces a distorted image that is very annoying. The front seats are not as comfortable as they first appear...especially on longer trips. Lastly, the car has a "drive by wire" feature which causes a slight hesitation when you first depress the gas pedal...hard to get used to. Small complaints perhaps but they add up.

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  My lease is ending & I am thankful it is. - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By yoo - March 29 - 4:12 am

  To get going on the freeway on-ramp, I literally have to floor it to get my 2013 Corolla LE up to speed of traffic. The shifting of gears jolts my car forward when trying to accelerate and I hate it. If I am going through a yellow light, I am afraid my car wont make it sometimes because of how bad the acceleration is. I also had to get the radio and "sun roof open button" replaced because the white writing was coming off. I only had the car for 1 year when the writing started coming off and they told me not to use hand sanitizer and touch the writing...a bit upsetting. Taking this car on trips is also upsetting because of the space inside. The car is very compact, especially in the front seat (Great trunk space though.) This car is great for a first car, maybe for a new driver, but it was not for me.

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  Back to the LC I Go - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By David C - March 29 - 12:03 am

  I had a 1999 LC and then sadly moved to a 2003 Seqouia (larger size). Seqouias a nice truck but I could not stand the size/dimensions/fit-finish. Frankly, as my Seqouia review ("It aint no LC"), the build quality did not equal my 99 LC. Well, I turned the Seqouia in early (from my lease) and have come running back to a 2005 LC (over the new Land Rover). Love the additional features (back up camera is neat). Maintains the sturdy/smooth/fit-finish qualities that I missed but I was somewhat disappointed in not updating some of the annoying features (like the bulky way in folding the 3rd seats). All in all, I will not make the same mistake again. Landcruiser for life.