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 this car!!! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By lamardis - July 10 - 4:56 pm

  After having an SUV, I swore that I would never own another car. I was wrong... I love this car!!! The seats are comfortable, that back has plenty of leg room... my husband is 6 ft and has no problems with roominess. the trunk is HUGE! I live in the mountains, and my 4cyl. is plenty strong to climb without any trouble.

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  Bought the 4Runner 4 weeks ago. - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jwalker - July 10 - 2:46 am

  I bought this 4runner about 4 weeks ago. It had 111,000 miles when I purchased it. I am impressed with the design and trim. Also, the truck has a very solid feel to it. I think the starter is acting-up a little and the rear chrome bumper has some rust. The drivers leather seat has a tear and some wear. None of the wear is excessive considering the age of the vehicle. It rund like new and is fun to drive. The paint is excellent. I expect to keep the 4runner for a while and from the reviews I have read it does appear that the 4runner should be dependable for many more miles.

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  poor workmanship (interior) - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By S. Hendley - July 8 - 11:36 pm

  Poor workmanship with interior features... air control louvers (in dash) keep coming off track and wont allow for directional flow... wood inserts on arm rest coming unglued... control unit for climate, radio, etc. sticks and wont fully expand out for use. Also, the navigational system is below standard - voice guidance is limited - have been very displeased with its abilities when compared to other systems. This is my third toyota and have always been very pleased until now. Overall, the avalon limited has been an expensive disappointment.

• 

  Disappointing Reliabilitiy - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Dennis - July 8 - 4:26 am

  Great comfortable ride, but over 12 mos consistent problems with electronic transmission, (we have been told there is a recall coming for this issue), power lift gate in cold weather, (comes down unexpectedly while standing under) and now after 20k mi. we are told all 4 Run Flat tires are "bad" and Toyota wont replace. Service manager confirms "this has been a problem with these run flat tires."

• 

  Love my 4Runner - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sam - July 7 - 12:33 pm

  Great vehicle have over 198000 on it and it still runs like a champ (I do keep up on maintenance). Not the perfect vehicle but very close. Would but another 4Runner in a second even though I dont care much for the new body style.

• 

  2004 Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Midland - July 7 - 10:00 am

  We now have about 8000 mies on our Sienna CE. It has a comfortable ride and the kids love the vehicle. The tiny turning radius is a great feature, as is the split folding rear seats. Handling is rubbery and vague, the transmission is slightly jerky and abrupt, and the front seat comfort for me (about 200 lbs) is poor due to overly spongy cushioning. The soft seats work great for the kids though. Gas mileage has averaged around 20 mpg, which has included pure city driving as well as high speed interstate cruising with a laden roof rack.

• 

  Great car - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By enginemedic21 - July 7 - 5:53 am

  We purchased this vehicle to replace my wifes problem infested 2003 Maxima. So far after 5000 miles weve really enjoyed the Camry.Its very smooth,great on gas(were averaging 30 mpg mixed driving), and the Entune system is very easy to use and impressive.We did drive an Altima and Accord before purchasing this vehicle and found the Camry to be the sportiest and come with the most options for a better price than the other two. The standard Toyota Care that comes with the vehicle complimentary make it an even better deal. My wife locked her keys in her car and a rep was able to come out within the hour to unlock her vehicle for her. She also has complimentary roadside assistance!

• 

  efficiency compromised by style - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Timothy Trelease - July 6 - 3:40 pm

  The only vehicles I have ever owned have been long-lasting Toyota pick up trucks. After owning the Tundra, I am ready to switch makes, which I never thought I would do. This vehicle guzzles gas, makes too much noise, and never seems able to find the right gear. I am willing to give up some comfort to get more efficiency.

• 

  Overrated as usual - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By jdowmiller - July 6 - 12:50 pm

  Purchased this car after a teenager totalled an otherwise perfect Nissan. Bought it based on the endless positive reviews here and elsewhere. I wasnt expecting much more than a safe commuter but it hasnt even lived up to that modest task. I have the usual problems: steering rack is broken - this is totally unacceptable, especially for a "high-quality" car; strut mounts rattle; rotors needed replaced and now brake pads squeal (regardless of brand or amount of adjustment). My belief is that Toyotas reputation for quality is based solely on their indestructible cars of the 80s and very early 90s. This generation of Camry is simpy an average car overall.

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  Best car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By mame - July 5 - 8:16 pm

  This car is great because it gets good gas mileage, its small so its easy to parallel park in new york city. The car is pretty costly when someone rear-ends you because the back tire is there. The car fits my family. The backseat folds down and comes out of the car for storage room. The sport package makes the car more fun to drive because every one looks and admires the car. The options come in many colors. Options are the dvd player, the rims, the leather or non-leather seats, the alarm is very important but it costs extra but its worth it. Another option is the sun/moon roof. The rav 4 is a strong car and hopfully will get stronger