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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  good choice for city driving - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By uncle_john - November 13 - 7:40 pm

  I took this suv in april 2012. this small suv is a good choice. I had a bad time deciding between this suv and the Honda crv. I dont regret buying a Toyota rav 4 sport 4 cylinder . but I regret spending this much and getting the expensive options . the car has its issues like the slow and weak motor. it was to weak to drive in san francisco . I had trouble climbing hills and thought the car was going to slide back down the hill. the brakes have been a problem. I had them changed in august 2015 and still they make a loud rubbing noise. the brakes dont work very good. but I have to admit the car looks cool . it has plenty of interior space for a small suv. im averaging 19.2 miles per gallon I do more city driving then highway. most driving conditions the car is fast enough even for the I 95 its good enough but needs big improvements in horse power. the radio sucks big time. the sound is low and terrible. the car is easy to drive in south florida and easy to park . baking out is not so good and has bad blind spots. I dont like the door opening from the side and lack of space problems in los angeles . I couldnt open the door all the way sometimes. the sunroof makes odd noises even when closed . the interior noise is bad and loud. it takes a while to get use to that much noise. not to comfortable on long drives because the seats are to hard. but still I recommend the rav4 because it has more pros then cons .

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  Good car - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Cecilia Urrutia - November 13 - 7:35 pm

  Its really a very well designed Beautiful car, its hard to See thought the rear mirror sometimes because of the hatchback but can adjust. The technology is amazing and easy to use

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  I love it - BUT - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Colesmom - November 13 - 2:00 pm

  I replaced my 2002 Ford Explorer with a 2008 4Runner SR5. I got about the same vehicle, options wise, with the exceptions that the explorer had leather and a 6 disc CD system and was about $10,000 less new. Although I love the way the 4Runner looks, it doesnt have as much head room, the double decker cargo system is a pain, and you cannot touch the vehicle without scratching it. (Try keeping your kids from touching it.) Its also harder to reach the backseat from the front.

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  In love - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By joanne - November 13 - 12:30 pm

  I love this car. Its quiet,responsive and fun to drive. Only a few things I would change. The angle of the clock etc, I wish it were slightly angled toward the driver,its flat across the front and hard to see when driving, and the snap for the buckle is too deep by the seat,a struggle to snap the seat buckle into it, it should be a few inches longer. Thats it, again, I love my car.

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  Ive underestimated it. - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By DanS - November 13 - 9:46 am

  This is the first wise vehicle I bought. I wanted: comfort, reliability, utility, style. It had 60k miles when I bought it and now it has over 155k. The only mechanical problem Ive had was a bad oxygen sensor that I suspect my K&N filter caused (spraying oil on the sensor). Right now Im searching for a "new" perfect vehicle for me. Basically, the same criteria as before, but mpg is a greater concern, because I want to make that 45mile drive to surf more often. And, after all my research Ive come to the conclusion that the perfect vehicle Im searching for is the one in my garage. It feels like itll go another 100k miles easily. Used ones are a bargain! Go get one!

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  Poor take off - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By J.F. - November 13 - 7:56 am

  I like my 2007 Camary Toyota. But there are a few things I do not like about it. (1) it has a very slow take off. It could cause some accidents. Thinking you have enough time and room to pull out, when in fact you do not. I wait rather then take chances. (2) my check engine light came on twice. First is was when I filled up the gas tank and was told that I did not tighten the cap UNTIL it clicks. 2 weeks later it happened again and they had to replace something under the hood. (3) I do not get good radio stations. There is a lot of static. (4) no automatic rear view mirror. I drove a Toyota Avalon, before I guess I got spoiled. (5) I am disappointed with the gas mileage.

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  I love everything about this vehicle - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Glad I found it - November 13 - 6:53 am

  This vehicle has never let me down in any way. I have had it for 7 years (I never keep a vehicle that long!!) and there have been zero problems. I have driven many vehicles and owned all brands in 40 years of driving - this one is without a doubt, the best!! I am waiting for the day that the 2008 hits the dealerships.

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  Perfect family car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Anders Olsen - November 13 - 4:46 am

  We have been extremely satisfied with this minivan. Especially the interior design and the power sliding doors which makes it much easier for the kids to get in and out safely.

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  Excellent Buy - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Sushrajiv - November 12 - 10:06 pm

  Never thought I would like it so much. Feels like a luxury car, handles like one too. Gas mileage is a big bonus and it depends a lot on the driving habits.

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  Excellent Auto - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Marvin Schubbe - November 12 - 3:26 pm

  I just feel the car is quality throughout. The car has a solid feel from closing doors to handling on road. Probably the best 4 cylinder motor on the market with excelent mileage and performance. Top notch rating on interior comfort.