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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  A little bus - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ebegoli - February 25 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased this car. It is really a little bus with lots of space and power and high mounted driver seat. It is very fast and handling is relatively nimble for such a big car. Fuel economy is OK at best (as a anti- SUV conservationist I feel really guilty about it, so I drive at 65 mph max where I get 26 mpg average). Interior design is beautiful with lots of space and in floor folding rear seats. Exterior is pretty good, but I could design a better nose. Finishing inside is OK. There are some misfiting plastic pieces and misaligned labels.

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  Expected Better - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By gpowell - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is our first Toyota and it is a good car but I expected better. Ride is very good and engine is very quiet. I have two issues with this car. The sweaking noices that come from the dash. The dealer has fixed some but said that these noises are normal?? The other issue I have is with the tires. For a front wheel drive this car does not like snow. I think the problem is with the tires. I requested Michelin but the dealer said the brand was not available on this model. By next winter I will need replacement tires so maybe new tires will help with winter driving.

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  toyota reliable...not the case here - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By whyd I buy it - February 24 - 6:10 pm

  I bought my corolla new in 1998. Ive had nothing but problems with it. I only have 82000 miles and Ive had to replace the starter, water pump, battery 3 times, struts twice, front brake pads at least 6 times, rotors 3 times, new calipers, rear brakes twice, tires every two years, poor front suspension, dont feel in control of car. Burns oil (a quart every 600 miles appx) The headliner is disentegrating and the interior plastic around the doors is brittle and falling apart. Airbag light constantly flashes and rear seat very uncomfortable (bottoms out). Bought Toyota thinking Id have it for a long time. NOT! My Hyundai didnt give me this much trouble. Worst car Ive ever owned.

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  Fourteen years of great service - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By Dorcas - February 24 - 4:40 pm

  Ive had two toyotas, a total of 27 years great service. Just usual maintenance required until past 10 years old. At 17 years old, 14 years in my care, I felt it was worth the price to keep repairing it since I expected to use it for several more years. Smooth ride. Good accelerationI Excellent size and height for a handicapped person. XLE power package helped with handicapped issues. Plenty of cargo room for purchases, mobility aids, and luggage. Great for airport runs for people and luggage. I did have to replace 3 of four door handles and the back gate handle assembly at about $300 each. Also had to convince the automatic door slider chip that it wanted to work on occassion. Being in the sun, the roof had started peeling. There were a few other cosmetic things that needed replacing, nothing I could complain about at 17 years old. In its demise, again the car served me well in protecting my life. I was hit hard directly in the drivers door - and pushed into the car in the next lane. Because the door was very sturdy, although it bowed inward, my life was spared. I had glass cuts, whiplash, and seatbelt bruising, but nothing broken or punctured. I know what a great vehicle for me is -- another XLE Sienna of a newer model!

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  My first new car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Richard Traube - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Good well built car with excellent gas milage and reliability.

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  2010 tundra - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By ron romine - February 24 - 5:23 am

  The new 4.6 v8 sold me on this vehicle compared to the others. Another big plus is the resale value. Toyota beats them all. Even under the truck I was impressed. The brake lines and fuel lines are coated as well frame and body to prevent rust.

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  02 Cmary LE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Justin H - February 24 - 1:53 am

  Before this I owned a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Unfortunately I was involved in an accident and had to sell it, I bought this car and I love it so far. I bought it with 99,000 miles on it. Its just about to turn over 104,000 and I love everything about it. It drives like its a brand new car. The only problem with it is there is an exhaust leak somewhere. Its fun to drive and reliable. I plan to drive it through my college career and possibly get a Tundra after that. Great car!!!

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  Trouble starting after 10k miles - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By patjk - February 23 - 6:12 pm

  After an exhaustive search of 3rd row SUVs we chose the LTD Platinum for its interior features and smooth ride. But, after 10k miles, there are issues. 1st: the roof drains (not sunroof) had defective hoses which leaked into the the 2nd row seatbelts & carpeting, instead of the ground. 2-3 weeks later it was fixed but, the car wreaks of chemicals. 2nd: similar to another review, it has a problem starting. Toyota towed it, tested the battery, & said its fine. Even with auto headlight feature, Toyota says its b/c headlights were left on. Meanwhile, now it sputters if/when it chooses to start. 3rd: the 2nd row cup holder gets stuck open & not great if you want kids in the 3rd row.

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  JR review - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By jr - February 23 - 3:40 pm

  Great car for traveling in the flats and slight hills. I recommend this Toyota highly.

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  LUV THAT PRIUS - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By D. Wilmot - February 23 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned a lot of vehicles over the years but the Prius has to be my favorite for all around driving satisfaction. Most of the professional reviews have "hit the nail on the head" as far as the pros and cons of the car. My mileage tends to hover between 47-51 MPG. The car is really enjoyable to drive and has no problem with steady driving of 80+ mph on the interstate to keep up with the flow of traffic. After 20K miles of driving the Prius, I have found it to be completely reliable and have not put it in the shop for anything but oil changes. I recommend this car to anyone who wants something economical without compromising comfort, luxury, styling or fun! I luv the Prius!