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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  Better than a minivan - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Ann - September 29 - 7:03 am

  I bought this car as 2nd owner with only 55K miles on it to haul three kids (in carseats) in the back. I bought this after having to replace an engine in a GMC Suburban. Wanted something easy on the mind and on the wallet. The trunk is huge!! Motor/transmission is butter-smooth. Quiet ride. Corners better than Moms Lexus ES 300. Did have to replace rack and pinion. Otherwise, extremely reliable. Interior parts are solid. Wood grain is peeling though but for a 11 yr car, I cant complain too much. Gas mileage is fabulous (much better than minivans). Took it on a 2200 mile trip and averaged 28 mpg highway.

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  Problem - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Marcosr111 - September 29 - 6:13 am

  Steering column has begun to click when I turn. Not sure what the problem is. As the Toyota service mechanic told me, not to worry this happens to all Camrys. When AC is on idle problems occur when I start to slow down. It feels like the car is about to shut off. When I come home from work around 5pm. I do not use my car until the next day which is around 8:30am. Car feels like not turning on as if it was parked for a few months. It might be the battery.

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  Liking it so far! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Pete - September 28 - 10:53 pm

  I bought a 2006 Tundra 4x4 TRD and Im liking it so far. Since Ive only had it for a short time I cannot speak long term about it... but so far everything is pretty sweet. I know one of the biggest items talked about is poor fuel mileage. A few items that have been brought to my attention is putting a K&N filter and a better exhaust will give you a few extra miles per gal. Im going to do it soon...so Ill let you know. I had a 2000 Ford F250 4x4 V-10...now that was a thirsty truck, thats why I dont have it anymore, but I loved it. My Toyota so far gets between 17 to 19, but she is still getting broke in. Other than that I really like the truck... she rides real nice.

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  Safe, Solid vehicle - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Alison Pratt - September 28 - 3:33 pm

  While in my Toyota Highlander, a person hit me from behind while I was at a complete stop. This person was traveling approximately 35-40 MPH according to the police officers who were shooting radar and witnessed the entire accident. Her car was totaled, my car had extensive rear end damage but the frame ended up being 100% in tact. The body shop that worked on my vehicle was completely impressed with the quality of the frame and safety of this vehicle. I am convinced if I had been in my previous SUV (Chevy Tahoe), I would not have been so lucky.

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  First Camry - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By rbeasley - September 28 - 7:12 am

  I was searching for a reliable car and decided to test drive the 12 Camry and 13 Accord. I bought the Camry for these reasons: 1. The Camry seats are more comfortable. 2. On the interstate the Camry was much quieter. It could be the Goodyear tires on the Accord, but there was too much road noise for me. The ride over bumps were absorbed better by the Camry. Also got a 2-year maintenance plan and roadside assistance with Camry. Accord seemed cheaper on the inside. Both had adequate power and smooth transmissions.

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  rav 4 brakes - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By minky - September 28 - 12:40 am

  Vehicle drives well, better that expected, mileage around 19-20 MPG in city, 24-26 on the highway. The brakes are very spongy and low, if you have a big foot, gas/brake peddle combination possible. Scary on icy roads. The brakes take too long to engage unless pumped up. First time back to the dealers for problem NTF. I am back for a more comprehensive analysis and am awaiting the out come. I am told it is the nature of the beast with disc brakes all around, Not Happy...

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  Like it But!!! - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By pirate - September 27 - 4:23 pm

  We purchased this truck and sold my s430 Mercedes for the space. My husband hates the navigation. If youre driving you cannot use the nav. You have to pull over and type in the address you need. What a joke that has become. The second problem is the brakes. Since I have purchased this truck I have had on a had on and off squeaky brakes. Dealer blames it on dust. Nothing is better than pulling up and the loud brake squeak comes with your stop. We all know these trucks suck gas. I do love the comfort and the room. My kids like the dvd system. I have had no problems with the air. This truck is a 7 in my book.

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  Prius 2001 Review - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By E Davie - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The Prius I own is probably the most completely integrated maching I have ever known. Everything works so well together and so efficiently. It is beautifully quiet and responsive.

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  GREAT TRUCK - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By MichaelJ - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought truck in Fla. with 23k on it.Use d it for business, lots of miles. Now live in Pa. Truck has 97k on it, other than routine maint. it has only needed the clutch fan replaced,tires at70k,and I chose to replace the clutch at 80k but could have gone much longer.I love this truck it seems like it will run forever. I do wish it was 4WD back here in Pa.

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  Made for female dimensions - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Mark P. - September 27 - 10:00 am

  03 XRS 6-sp. Solidly built, well designed. The XRS engine doesnt make good power until above 6000 rpm, which means that if you need to GO, you cant do it right away. Ours spends a lot of time on I-95, and the A/C condenser takes a lot of abuse from stones. We put chicken wire behind the grille to stop that. My only gripe is that the drivers seat and wheel/pedals are made for someone with short legs. It fits my wife perfectly, but if I sit close enough to the wheel to be comfortable, the pedals are too close. Im only 510". I suspect that it was designed with women in mind, who tend to have shorter legs.