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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  Atlanta Tacoma - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bungeerunner - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Tacoma for over a year. Very reliable, low maintenance truck. Plenty of torque and nice off-road features - especially the electronically locking rear dif. (TRD Package) Several warranty items covered without question from the dealer.

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  What happened to the good Camrys! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By laurie594 - June 1 - 7:16 pm

  I have had one previous Camry - a 1995 - and loved it. Traded it in at 195K miles for the 2007. This car has been a disappointment. Paint job is terrible, it scratches very easily and does not buff out. Interior made very cheaply. The big kicker is I have it in the shop right now and the transmission must be replaced - $2500! I didnt have the hesitation I hear many complaining about so not even a warning. It happened very suddenly and turned 100K miles just a couple weeks ago. Wish it was still under warranty. No more Toyotas!!

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  relay switch - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Gianna - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I was quite disappointed with my new 2002 Toyota 4 Runner. I have always wanted one and since now I can afford it my husband bought it for me. Now I am not happy with it as the vehicle make a click sound in which I was told by the dealer shop that it is a relay switch in which is in all the 2002 Toyota 4 Runners. I did not test drive it as I have test driven other before in hopes of one day getting one.

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  Uncomfortable seats - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By Kim - May 31 - 6:09 am

  I traded in my 2003 Subaru Outback for a 2015 Toyota Corolla. I initially wanted another Subaru, but had to watch my budget. This is a cute little car - sleek and sporty looking. I test drove it once during the day for a short ride. I couldnt pass up the value so I bought it that day. After driving it for two weeks and adjusting the seat and steering wheel in every way possible, I couldnt prevent my back from hurting. When I called the dealer to complain, they said the seats are made more rigid now for safety to prevent whiplash. Then he offered to install lumbar support for about $400!!! That should be standard, especially if they know the seats are uncomfortable. I bought a lumbar pillow but its bulky and uncomfortable. Also, the floor is raised where your left foot goes so it feels cramped. I also agree with others about the line of sight for the headlights. High beams work good but you cant drive around with those on.

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  Vanilla - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By DV - May 27 - 3:56 pm

  Ive owned the Highlander for five years now and have never gotten used to the exterior styling. Its about as vanilla (plain) as they come. The interior is well done, however, and the car provides a very comfortable ride, although its a bit noisy at highway speed. Reliability and quality are good - just as one might expect from Toyota. However, if youre looking for good styling and a powerful, fun car to drive this is not it - nor is any Toyota for that matter. The car lacks style and horsepower and has no towing capacity. Most importantly, it lacks rear interior space and can only carry four to five adults. (Only small children can fit in the optional rear seat.)

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  I would consider other options before purchasing - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Bill F. - May 26 - 6:44 am

  This is our 5th Toyota and by far our least favorite. The large outside mirrors cause blind spots when turning. The auto climate control seems to overshoot the temperature causing discomfort until the cabin temp has stabilized. We do not experience this on our 2014 Rav4. The navigation system was not accurate the voice command often told us to turn in one direction when the map displayed the opposite. We found out that the map data was from 2015 on a 2016 vehicle purchased in October of 2016. The dealer wanted to charge us for the update that was released prior to the purchase date. The rear windshield wiper locks up at times after the rear window is opened and closed. (The wiper is driven from a mechanical linkage located in the lower portion of the hatch and often does not re-engage after the window is closed. The brakes are awful, pedal often goes almost to the floor and the dealer says this is normal. They would not even check to see if the brakes needed to be bled as they said this would be admitting there was a problem?????????) The drivers side window makes a loud noise every time it closes. In all the prior Toyota vehicles we have owned starting in 2009 we have never had a complaint until the Highlander. Our 2014 Rav4 is a much better vehicle than the Highlander. Based on the way Toyota and the dealer responded to the issues, we will likely never purchase another Toyota.

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  A Tin Can - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By adavid - May 24 - 4:56 pm

  I bought this RAV last summer and could not believe the road noise it generated on highways. Didnt matter that I replaced all 4 tires...it was still so frustratingly loud, after a long trip, my ears would ring for hours. Later I find out that the sound/vibration barriers are pretty much non-existent in this car. The v6 engine is very jumpy and gas mileage is a joke. Poor build quality is not something I associate Toyota with but in this case... Make sure you take one out on the highway before you buy...you wont believe your ears!!

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  Very Disappointed!! - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By optimusprime1 - May 24 - 1:34 pm

  A new car and the Headliner is already peeling, the dealership gave no explanation and said they have ordered a new one, seriously is this new Toyota standards. Cabin noise is too much on the highway. Took to my dealer, the supervisor of the service center said cabin noise was normal. For a high end car which is comparable to the Lexus ES350 I think the cabin noise is too much and Toyota must do something about it. Anyone else who has the Avalon please put your reviews on NHTSA.gov and Edmunds. AT 75 mph I hear a lot of wind noise around the car and at one point there was a lot of noise coming from the front windshield and Toyota and the dealership are not willing to fix it.

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  Going to trade it in - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Rich Maloney - May 24 - 5:40 am

  Electrical system is a problem: passenger side window does not work. Started happening during warranty period, however, dealer, could not find problem existed. Now no longer works. Computer: Problem lights keeping coming on: low air for tire, engine problem, etc. We have had them checked at the dealer and they just reset for a cost. Also, Bayridge Toyota of Brooklyn NY stated that the engine problem was from over filling the gas tank and a repair of $800. Body: This car dents very easily.

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  Feisty Little Blue Tacoma Pick UP - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Barbara Cheatham - May 20 - 11:56 am

  Has a tow package.