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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  Even Toyota Builds Lemons - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By alw - June 9 - 7:50 am

  The 4Runner is a very practical vehicle, handling well in all weather and road conditions and hauling dormroom-bound cargo with ease. Unfortunately, this vehicle came with a defective master cylinder, dropped a transmission at 80000 miles, and has had numerous switch, latch, lamp, park brake, etc. failures throughout its life. I will be hesitant to buy another Toyota because of the poor company and dealer response to the numerous issues.

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  In Shop After One Week - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By kman - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck brand new and had it only one week before the Air Conditioner went out. Service is replacing most of the A/C system as metal shavings from the compressor infiltrated the system. I would not order the truck with Toyotas navigation system again. I was expecting at the very least, new maps. I received outdated maps coupled with an unfriendly system to use. Any Garmin blows it away. If you do get the Nav/Radio system, you must get the steering wheel controls. Otherwise it is so cumbersome to use its unsafe. My first Toyota. Im not filled with confidence.

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  Amazingly Reliable!! - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By mddrum1 - June 7 - 11:23 pm

  Bought the car in 04 with 19K and now have 64K. Only had to change a serpentine belt, tires, and oil. The hatchback lets me carry a 5 piece Pearl Export drum kit with ease. What other coupe can manage that? Fun to drive, very responsive and extremely tight turn radius. Great stock sound system!

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  a - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By zwuo - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I had problem w/ start this car during cold weather

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  3-week impression - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Anton 2 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  impressions are all positive. Good quality materials for the interior. Manual shifter takes some breaking in as well: at first, downshifting from 5th to 4th was a bit awkward, but not anymore. Nice handling and great fuel mileage. Overall, a very decent car that is great for everyday use as a car for people who drive a lot or those who would like to buy a car and forget the hassle of owning a gas guzzler. There isnt enough said about how a fuel- efficient car improves ones outlook on gasoline prices. You simply stop to notice them. My car so far is getting 32 mpg in the city. 40 is the norm on the highway.

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  Great Rough Riding Truck! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By Temple62 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the roughest riding vehicle I have ever owned. Like a low-rider ytou have to slow down for any dip in the rode quite unlike my Honda. Above average in all other respects and ahead of the pack with the sliding rear window design!

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  1998 Tacoma SR5 V6 4x4 - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By objwiz - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I really like it. I do with the interior was more "exciting" as its really blah. And the cup holders are in wierd positions. Strong V6. Ive towed and hauled with it and experience was great.

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  Cute but small! - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By lstpierr - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought it in 2000, and havent had any problems. Only thing worth mentioning is after shelling out almost 30k, Tires should be something that you wouldnt have to worry about for a while. Well, with 19k on it, had no choice but to remove those yuk Firestones with some Michelins. This also improved the somewhat harsh suspension. Overall, I think the van is great for 4 passengers, but any more where you will need to constantly use the 3rd row seats, forget it, its too small, and the cargo space is ridiculously small. Also, ergonomically has some blind spots, its tough to back up with it. Its a cute looking van, but too small.

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  3 speed in highway stinks! - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By martinafan - June 3 - 12:46 pm

  Bought it new now has 295,000 miles, replaced engine 6/09 after 292k miles.replaced alternator, fixed tranny once, interior not to Toyota standards, but it does get me to where I need to go without any fuss, good mpgs but the 3 speed w/o overdrive is horrible. If I replace this car with another one like it, got to be either a 4 speed or manual. Toyota should have done away with 3 speed when they redesigned car in 98. But base version was made to take place of discontinued Tercel. So VE has no clock, trunk release, adj. wheel, etc. Nevertheless very reliable car, was able to replace engine for about $1200 including labor, got one from a junked car with only 93k miles.

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  Holding my breath - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Holding my breathe - June 3 - 9:56 am

  Ive had an immediate problem with strong vibration on cold start. It happened a week after we bought the car. Took it in a month later to service dept. and they were really nice but say nothing is wrong. Ive been thru this kind of song and dance with another manufacturer before so I know that the consumer has to stay on top of it. Another concern is lag on acceleration - shifting from 1 to 2 gear. Its like the car has to think about what it wants to do so it pauses. Steering radius (turning into parking spaces) is not great, while driving on highway steering squishy.