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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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By rj - December 27 - 9:33 am

  Just turned 110K now. Ive changed oil every 5K, air filter every 15k, and changed transmission fluid at 105K and the old fluid still looked fine. Ive gone thru 2 sets of tires. I see no reason why this girl wont be around for at least 300K.

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  Strange Behavior - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By toyota corolla owner - December 27 - 7:43 am

  While i am driving on 45 mph and i hit the brake , then remove my leg off brake the car maintain steady speed of 20 mph. So i recommend to test your car before buying it by trying same step 1-Drive on 45 mph 2-hit brakes 3- remove your leg from brakes 4-watch your car speed

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  Toyota Needs a Compass - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By losttheirway - December 26 - 8:33 pm

  Toyota needs a compass because they have lost their way. I have owned other Toyotas and they never needed more than maintenance items. Not so with my Sienna. After only 4 years the front air conditioning failed. Then the passenger side sliding door failed. I was upset that it had broken, but thought it would take a $100-$200 part to get the problem fixed. Was I ever wrong. Toyota charges $1,100 just for the part and no company makes an after- market part! You have to take the door completely off the car to fix it. With the old Toyota it wouldnt have failed, but if it did it would have been simple to fix and the part wouldnt have cost so much. I wont be buying another Toyota.

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  Good and Bad - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Double D - December 26 - 6:53 pm

  2800 miles and I really enjoy driving this truck. Lots of power, easy to drive, not many complaints. Overall a great truck.

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  Not perfect, but pretty good - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By m.r. - December 26 - 9:50 am

  This is company vehicle, have had it for 2 years, 50,000 miles. Car is peppy for a 4 cylinder, much better than the Mazda6 I had before. Overall, car is very refined, smooth, quiet, very reliable. A couple beefs; some squeaks have appeared in this car and I have some rust appearing on the B pillar. Also, Toyota paint is very soft, chips and scratches easily - had same paint issue on 2001 Camry. Despite minor issues, would definitely get another one.

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  2006 Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By NorthwestOhio - December 25 - 8:33 pm

  Have just over 2000 miles since purchased, over half of it on trip to Florida. Gas mileage just about as advertised on the highway. Ride is quiet and smooth. Acceleration right on the money. Small complaint with windshield wipers leaving smudges on the windshield and hard to remove. Wiper action somewhat noisy. Have an annoying "thump" on acceleration and is more prominent with full tank of gas. No explanation from dealer, except do not think it is a mechanical or safety problem. So far, on the whole, pleased with performance and comfort. Well see about reliability as time goes by.

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  Dont Pity Me - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By aom1 - December 25 - 6:41 pm

  I am one of the few, I imagine, that went from a German built VW Golf (not TDI) to a Prius V. Why on earth would someone do that? I wanted to get out of the lease game, and purchase. VW has great driving cars and great lease deals, but I wanted to eventually not have car payments. That said, I am thrilled with the Prius V. Dont be influenced by reviews that say it has no power. Plenty of power especially in power mode. I only use power mode in heavy traffic and I have to make a quick maneuver. I had to use the sport mode on the Golf for that anyway. This car is very comfortable, great lumbar support in the drivers seat. Gobs of cargo room and the ride is firm but not jerky at all

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  160,000 miles - still going strong - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Alan - December 25 - 6:33 pm

  Our 2002 has 160,000 miles on it and has been a very reliable vehicle. I do all of my own routine maintenence work, and filers, plugs, etc., are easily accessible. The engine and auto trans still run like brand new - does not use any oil between changes, has never needed any internal engine or trans work - and never had any problems with any major components. We live on a rough gravel road, and the suspension was starting to feel a bit lose at 150,000 miles - I installed new struts, link rods, ball joints, bushings, etc. and it is back to feeling very "tight". The Idle Control Valve became dirty and caused stalling problems, but once I cleaned it problem went away.

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  Best truck I have ever owned - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By James - December 25 - 6:26 am

  This is the third Toyota I have owned. 89 Corolla, 89 pickup, then this one. All I have had to replace on it in the last 60,000 miles has been oil/filters and tires. It gets great mileage as long as you dont drive too hard (hah, right, NOT drive hard) around 25 mpg. The braking could be better. All in all this truck has been good to me.

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  Not Bad - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By zahava - December 25 - 6:12 am

  like the other posts I have owned Luxury cars and still have one.This is my 1st Camary. I was looking for reliability and fuel ecomomy. Not bad. Had the car 8 months and have 10k miles on it. I am getting the 40 mpg. I do a little more hwy driving. I am averaging 33.8 mpg. Like others I test drove the Kia, Sonata and Honda. Sonata loads you up and Kia is way loaded then bloated (price). The Camary just drove better. Handling is good. Engine peppy. I have owned and still own a sports car so I know the difference. I still have a VW diesel so I am getting 50mpg and 800 miles to a tank but still like this Camary gasser.