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 expected - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By mjwilli1 - April 9 - 3:14 am

  Purchased new in 2009, I have a 4 cyl, with the towing package. That was the best investment I made. I have moved three times and can tow any trailer form Uhaul. No maintenance issue to date, but have replaced the tires once. They are expensive. The gas is not that great (Ave 25 MPG) especially when you tow (average MPG) but it runs great. 61,000 miles as of 12/2014. A/C is OK, not great. No complaints from passengers. Plenty of room in the back even for tall people. Back seats come down so I can haul almost anything a typical homeowner needs. Overall - Excellent!

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  Attractive Car - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By BECKY - April 8 - 5:53 pm

  Great car. The drive is smooth and the interior is soft and inviting. I still have the new car smell after almost a year of driving. The Corolla has some pretty good get-up power when you need it. Reliable and a good family car.

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  Excellent Value but Blah - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By horsenaround - April 7 - 8:13 am

  Ive owned my Avalon for 9 mos now and really like it. The fuel economy and comfort are great. The car is a breeze to drive, quiet, and smooth (except when the transmission down shifts - abrupt). It lacks youthful style and a few amenities, like an iPod connection, that I would like to have. The keyless entry system is wonderful; however, the remote start is disappointing. The car also needs body side molding for protection. The interior materials are also inferior for a car cost $32k+. I would not buy another Avalon, mostly because they are not fun to drive. Im in my early 50s and not ready for an old folks car just yet.

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  Great vehicle except for typical Toyota rust - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By EJG - April 6 - 3:42 pm

  I bought mine used with 125,000 and sold it with 185,000 several years later. Mechanically it has been great, only did typical maintenance and some smaller repairs, such as a tune up, timing belt. It did need and axle seal and bearing, water pump and A/C compressor, ABS pump and a few other items later on. However, with approaching 200,000 miles it still had the original engine, transmission, all suspension and differentials and drive like it had 50,000 miles on it. No squeaks, rattles and just a pleasure to drive. My biggest disappointment was how bad it rusted out. The frame rusted through by the lower control arm perches in the rear. I had it repaired and a few years later it rusted out right next to the repairs. The frame was literally rusting from the inside out and flaking apart, even after I caught it soon after purchased and had it rust proofed three times. By 185,000 the rocker panels were also rusting though, even after rust proofing and trying to prevent any corrosion. Unfortunately after worrying about the compromised safety of it since I used it to transport my 2 children I had to trade it in. It is probably one of the best vehicles I have owned but with the frame crumbling it has made me have second thoughts about Toyota build quality, especially with no recall for it offered by Toyota. If looking at one I would suggest finding one from the southwest or pacific northwest, somewhere free of road salt and have it thoroughly inspected.

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  A noisy little commuter - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By bmick - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after driving it around town, thinking it was a good buy. Problem: the features changed so much between 02-03, the dealer did not know what I was requesting. I ended up without the split seats, the remote mirrors, and the larger tires. Also, the car is a great around-the- town car, but a pathetic commuter. It is NOISY, POORLY INSULATED, AND TOO LIGHT ON THE FREEWAY IN THE WIND. If you make this purchase, plan to be thrown around on the road and unable to hear your favorite CD playing. Oh, yeah, turn the volume up to max on your cell phone also.

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  Wheres the clutch? - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ezshift5 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  41,375 miles on this 5-spd manual now. The only miscue during our three+ years was a faulty drivers side electric window switch (replaced under warranty at 13500 miles). A recent trip of about 4500 miles resulted in about 31 MPG overall. The only negative would be the suspension under hard driving - - which is less and less of a negative as I age. Toyota: ya done good.

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  Low End - Wind noise, cheap plastics - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By ertw - April 5 - 5:46 pm

  The low end model of Sienna has quite a bit of wind noise (especially when I drove more than 60 miles/hr) and the interior is very cheap looking (plastics look very cheap).

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  Blind Spots - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By buddy40 - April 5 - 10:16 am

  My first Toyota. Bought it new and so far the only problem that I find is it has quite a few blind spots. I think back up sensors would be a nice feature.

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  Love it! - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lisa - April 5 - 6:50 am

  Very comfortable car. My husband has long legs and when sitting behind him in the back seat there is plenty of room. The trunk is huge. I have had actually a couple accidents in this car (not my fault), it held up very well. One of the most favorite cars Ive had.

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  Just OK - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Phila - April 5 - 4:20 am

  Traded from 09 civix EX. Purchased in Nov now ith 2,500 mi. Hatchback offers much greater room. Mileage severely down from avg 47 in fall to 36ppg in cold weather due to addition of "winter Fuel" in the NE and the generally less efficient nature of a battery hybrid in the cold. The IV has the lumbar support that provides a pretty comfortable ride. Acceleration, outside of the passing gear is poor.