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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  Did I Get A LEMON? - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By mdinkel - November 3 - 9:06 am

  2006 Sienna LE - bought new, now has 65,000 mi. Live on country roads and am 8 mi one way to school and 25 mi to a Toyota dealership. Took it to dealership a year ago for the engine lights coming on and a belt squeak. They said I must have has some bad gas and the belt was not squeaking. Alls fine right? NOT. A year later (7-20 08) take it back because the AC went out. Just thought it was a belt. The magnetic coil is out and they told me the catalytic converter is out and the oxygen sensor. The driver side slide door will not open at all! Many other things wrong too! I asked the service manager if this is normal to have these things go out with only 65000 mi. He said no. $1500

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  Very Happy - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Melissa - November 2 - 2:43 pm

  I traded in a 00 4 Runner and a 02 Mercedes C320 for the Sequoia. Happiest day was getting rid of the Mercedes and I tearfully left my 4 Runner. I have a 2 year old and one on the way, 2 big dogs and a 6 + hubby, while I am only 53". I drive approx 1400 miles a week (yes, really). I LOVE my truck. I am so happy with it AND I am really tough to please. I cheaped out and got the base model and Im thrilled. Its even won my Dad over. I have learned how to dock it in to parking spaces but it turns as good as our Mercedes. If you are thinking about it, do it, you wont regret it. I got a license plate that says "In between gas stations".

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  Over the Honeymoon... Still love it! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By HyMPG - November 2 - 1:33 pm

  Traded in my Hemi-powered 4x4 Grand Cherokee Ltd and what a difference! While lacking some of the creature comforts of the SUV, Im more than satisfied with the Camry, especially in light of the fact that Ive tripled my gas mileage. Had to drive 3.5 hours to get mine, as all dealerships in my area are sold out. Rumor has it Toyota is directing Camry hybrid batteries to the Prius, so production has been cut. Got 46 MPG during long ride home. The learning-curve to truly understand how to max MPG is steeper than expected. Small differences in driving style can really make a diff in MPG. Was averaging 34 MPG city/44 hwy for first 1000 miles, now getting 4-5 better. Best trip is 57.8 MPG.

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  Still worth it despite the media hype! - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Mitral - November 2 - 12:43 pm

  I own a 2005 Toyota Sienna which is the best vehicle I have owned in recent memory. When it came time to purchase a mid size SUV, the Highlander was at the top of my list. Even after all the media hype, it is still better than the competition. My average fuel economy has been 19-20 mpg. 70% highway 30% city. My only complaints of the vehicle are the poor OEM tire choice and the angle of the dash display.

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  Happy - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By sa m - November 2 - 10:16 am

  Drives great. Silent interior. great pick-up. I have only had a couple of weeks of driving but it is so much better than the Rav4 I traded in.

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  Fits the Bill! - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By DRAC - November 2 - 7:46 am

  Purchased the vehicle as a secondary hauler for my wife. We have no kids at home but just in case grand kids arrive, this vehicle is just the ticket. We shopped the Chevy Transverse, Mazda CX-9, Ford Edge and decided on the Highlander for fuel economy and reliability. Dont let all the noise about the recalls fool you, test drive one and you will be pleased. We average 19 MPG mixed with 24 to 26 MPG highway driving at 75 mph. This is with the V6 Base package. My wife likes the idea of a large vehicle thats easy to maneuver. As with any vehicle, all is not perfect. Sometimes the steering feels too light and there is torque steer under hard acceleration.

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  Let Down Some! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Richard Neva - November 2 - 6:10 am

  I paid dearly for this car as my retirement ride and never planned to baby it and never did. Just put gas in it and used Amsoil exclusively which I recommend highly. Once a year oil and filter changes. At 60K miles I started having some issues with the fuel air controls and computer module that were very costly to me. Being retired I had a hard time forking over 1200 dollars for a new O2 sensor manifold that sits atop the V6 engine. Now I have a computer error P 1135 and I am waiting for an estimate on that damage. Not happy one iota with the last year of service in 2009. I had expected better longevity. I believe the air fuel system is the weakest link on this automobile.

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  Another Great car from Toyota - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By love it - November 2 - 2:06 am

  Only had the car for 3 weeks - 700 miles. First tank of gas I got 23.5mpg, second I got 25. Oil filter is a little different on the v6. It is a cartridge element, not a spin on filter. This makes for a really clean oil change. Leather seat with Liquicell are amazingly comfortable. The ride is remarkable - very quiet and noninvasive. Transmission shifts confidently and correctly. It does NOT "hunt" of gears. Camry v6 is really quick. Originally wanted JBL sound until I heard the standard cd - there is no need to upgrade.

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  Thanks - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Platinumplaya69 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I really like this care and everything about it its great.

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  Toyota Quality/Reliability??? - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By teo - November 2 - 2:00 am

  My transmission went on my 2000 Sienna at 36,400 miles. Poor reliability and horrible customer service. I will never buy another Toyota again!