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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  Love my "C"! - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By kpmick07 - January 5 - 3:59 pm

  I got my Prius C for a great price at a "Hail Sale." It has a few dings in it, but I cant see them through the gas meter! I traded in my 17mpg truck, $70 twice a week, for the "C." Now I fill up about every 10-14 days for $30. I got the windows professionally tinted and now they look great! I also went online and found a 1 1/4" trailer hitch and cargo carrier so I can carry a little extra gear on the back when I need to. That has been a lifesaver for camping trips!

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  2007 Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Camry No More - January 5 - 5:43 am

  After owning a 95 Camry, I expected the same quality. Wrong!! This car has rattles and squeaks everywhere! My old Camry was not making a sound after 12 years and 125000 miles, but this car is garbage. The transmission is lousy. I dont understand what Toyota was thinking. Fix the quality now!!

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  Endless Rattling - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Highlander2002 - January 4 - 10:33 pm

  I had bought this car used at a local dealership with 10k miles on it. After a few months, I had started to notice some minor rattling coming from the trunk area. I had brought it back to the dealership and they claimed to have replaced some clips. Still rattles. A few months later, I bought it to another dealership for the recall and again complained about the rattle. They added some foam, but the noise is still there. Over the years, more rattling started to appear from the dash and trunk. Its beginning to sound like my old 1984 Supra. At least the car is reliable. Hasnt broken down once.

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  ...and a few years later - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By kydna - January 4 - 8:38 pm

  Still own my 2005 Avalon 7+ years. Almost 41,000 miles. The car has not needed a lot of attention. Now that it does; it calls for the seal to be replaced on the front of the engine block. Oil leak! Of course the engine will have to be removed. 1700.00 repair! Good gas mileage. Seats are fair at best on comfort when heat/cool optioned. Laser cruise is ok for the first 25,000 miles then it is............. particular?? Ok, car but at best a cheap Lexus knockoff!

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  Disappointed - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Denise - January 4 - 12:30 am

  I bought this Camry to replace my 1996 Camry. Im very disappointed with this car. The car squeaks and rattles. I have 21,770 miles on the car and the rubber around the driver window has come loose. The charger outlets have stopped working. I should have kept my 1996 camry. I think Toyota has dropped the ball with this Camry. Im thinking about trading this car in for something else.

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  2011 Corolla S (New) Solid Car - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By thecandyman - January 3 - 8:15 pm

  2011 Corolla S w/o sunroof Purchased new: $17,500 exclude TTL. (Sticker: $20,120) This is a very smooth riding car for this class and seems very solidly built. This car rides like a Camry on smooth roads but the short wheel base gets a bit unsettled over uneven pavement and it crashes over rough patches and potholes somewhat. The powertrain also runs very smoothly and acceleration is adequate. All in all the best value in the class.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By sarika - January 3 - 3:50 pm

  Bought it because we need a big minivan, had side airbags and stability control. Like the van, hate the mileage. Absolute best we can get is 15.5 city, 25.5 hwy. Expected better city. Has a rattle in dash, otherwise pretty happy so far.

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  Trouble free Luxury! - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By B Jones - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck used (20K) and has 72,000 miles currently (8/02). Have not had one bit of trouble which is of course typical Toyota. While engine is very smooth, an increase of horsepower to 300 HP or so would be welcome. Transmission shifting is silky and ride is great. Used in the upper Midwest, this truck is great in snow, ice etc.

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  BEST FOR THE MONEY! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By stant - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I noticed someones comment about the fact that 2002 Camry does not have auto headlights. Well, its does, but not like before that wehen you open the driver side door, the lights go off. Now what happens is when you exit out of the car, about 30 sec later the lights will turn off automatically. So in fact they do!!!

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  Replace the transmission after 75 miles! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By ttyyoo - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Entire transmission was replaced (US$8500) after 75 miles drive. Luckly it is covered under warranty. Customer service from both Longo Toyota and Toyota itself are not helpful at all on dealing with this kind issue. All they could told you is that they feel sorry for you!!! The lemon law( in Califonia) is not going to help you unless there are two major repairs in the first year! So, buyer be aware, toyota is not a bad car but you still get "defect" car.