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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  Never saw the gas mileage advertised - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Edward Carl - February 25 - 5:57 pm

  I was sold on this car because a salesman did a demo he probably wasnt allowed to do. Had me take my hands off of the steering wheel and slam on the brakes in the middle of the (unoccupied) street. The car stopped perfectly without swerving in any way. The safety of this car is fabulous. The interior is clean and neat and after two years is holding up well. I have two complaints. Primarily, the combined mileage of this car is 45 mpg. Lately its been around 43. Maybe because its summer and Im using the air more. However, it gets better mileage in warm than cold. I dont think the battery likes cold as well. If I can manage to coast a lot and never have to accelerate quickly, I have hit 50, but its only been a couple of times over two years. The other complaint is the cargo room. I had a 95 Honda Civic that I gave up for this. (I loved that car and the resale was incredible!) However, I lost 6 cubic feet of cargo room when I bought this 2015 Prius C. That makes quite a difference if you go camping or ever carry lots of cargo. Peoples legs are squished in the minimal amount of leg room in the back seat. Otherwise, this car has grown on me. Its smooth and quiet and gets better mileage than non-hybrid cars, but just barely.

• 

  Never saw the gas mileage advertised - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Edward Carl - February 25 - 5:57 pm

  I was sold on this car because a salesman did a demo he probably wasnt allowed to do. Had me take my hands off of the steering wheel and slam on the brakes in the middle of the (unoccupied) street. The car stopped perfectly without swerving in any way. The safety of this car is fabulous. The interior is clean and neat and after two years is holding up well. I have two complaints. Primarily, the combined mileage of this car is 45 mpg. Lately its been around 43. Maybe because its summer and Im using the air more. However, it gets better mileage in warm than cold. I dont think the battery likes cold as well. If I can manage to coast a lot and never have to accelerate quickly, I have hit 50, but its only been a couple of times over two years. The other complaint is the cargo room. I had a 95 Honda Civic that I gave up for this. (I loved that car and the resale was incredible!) However, I lost 6 cubic feet of cargo room when I bought this 2015 Prius C. That makes quite a difference if you go camping or ever carry lots of cargo. Peoples legs are squished in the minimal amount of leg room in the back seat. Otherwise, this car has grown on me. Its smooth and quiet and gets better mileage than non-hybrid cars, but just barely.

• 

  Rattles in back windows - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By RS - February 25 - 11:03 am

  My retirement car after looking at many convertibles. Love the car with the top down, but hate it with the top up because of the rattles in the back side windows, especially the passenger side). On bumps or rough roads, the window sounds like it is going to fall out of track. It started when I drove it off of the dealership lot and I was assured it would be fixed, but after several attempts to fix it, including shims being put in the back side window and a tear in the headliner while trying to fix it, I have now been told by the dealership and Toyota Corp. that there is nothing that can be done, that it is problem with this model. A $32,000 car and nothing can be done!

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  Good truck, disappointed in 6 speed gearbox - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By gazzbc - February 23 - 11:59 pm

  I bought this truck second-hand to tow a 23 trailer, weighing 5500 pounds loaded. The truck is underpowered for what Im asking it to do, but gets the job done. Just dont expect to win any drag races. The Sport package handles extremely well for a 4wd live rear axle truck, and is stable towing even with P rated tires. My only real beef is with the 6 speed maual gearbox. It is the slowest, clumsiest tranny Ive ever encountered. Forget quickly flicking through the gears - each shift is a two-stage affair with a forced pause at neutral. And its not just my truck - I drove several examples, and they are all the same. Its a pity, because it is fun to drive otherwise.

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  great car! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By phelicia - February 22 - 8:33 pm

  I love my yota! Its a great car i get about 33 mpg which is wonderful for long family rides. Its a dependable vehicle that I know is going continue to go strong. The inside and out looks very nice, its got a sporty twist which I like a lot! Overall I love this car and would suggest it to anyone!

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  Xsp-x package - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff Mccloy - February 21 - 6:16 pm

  I replaced my 2006 Toyota TRD 4 wheel drive double Cab V6 with this 2015 xsp-x prerunner double cab. The xsp-x is a nice package, but if you want a better handling more confidence-inspiring ride your best bet is to go with the TRD sport package. The TRD rides and handles better

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  Happy but disappointed - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By PC - February 19 - 9:40 am

  Overall generally pleased with this vehicle and hope it is as reliable as everyone says, but... After driving for a few months I am disappointed in the lack of some basic features one would expect in a $60K luxury SUV. Very basic and bland vehicle and becoming extremely dated in its offering. I have nicknamed it the dinosaur.

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  Shocking Experience - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Raymond - February 19 - 12:50 am

  Purchased the car on a Monday; found over 20 significant/serious defects such as front end misalignment, severe vibration, chipped paint, misaligned doors and many others. Dealership manager graciously exchanged the vehicle the following week. Second car is a lot better; smooth like a Toyota should be.Still has a poor paint job, misaligned doors and an annoying rear suspension "clunk". Fuel economy is 32 highway. Quality is a lot lower than my old 98 Accord, but acceptable. The engineers did an excellent job with the design but the factory floor (made in US) rendition of the design is deplorable.Options are over priced.

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  2003 SR5 4WD V6 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ed Rooney - February 17 - 9:03 am

  I bought this car new in 2003 to be our family truckster. While it had a rattle here and there, it was always reliable and well-mannered on the road through 125,000 miles. Pretty early on in had an ABS problem, which was quickly fixed under warranty. No problems since. Good cargo space and lots of room for rear-passengers. I could just fit 2 kids in boosters and a grandmother in the backseat. I moved up to a BMW 5-series, and less than a month later I am considering moving back to a 4runner.

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  Poor Gas Milage - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Tony Thomas - February 16 - 6:13 pm

  This truck looks and runs great. Ive gotten a few compliments on the looks. Braking is very good. Only 14-MPG city. Thats very little stop & go driving & very disappointing. The other problem is the wide turning radius. U-turns are a big problem, they turn into K-turns.