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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  2nd Time Around - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By JMan - April 21 - 10:43 am

  2nd Generation 4-Runner owner. This one is an upgrade over 2000 model. More interior room, stronger engine with better mileage. Have had 3 problems. Dead battery, bad oxygen sensor and dead radio (after warranty period)-expensive fix. Other than that its been a great vehicle that shows very little signs of wear with no interior noises after 72K. Average 19mph in mixed driving.

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  Would prefer leather interior - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By neighborette - April 21 - 10:03 am

  On the highway with light city driving I average 34 miles per gallon. The money I save on gas over my last vehicle pays my car payment. People like to complain buy American, [non-permissible content removed]. I would much rather spend that extra money on a newer car from a manufacturer that has created American Manufacturing Jobs. Toyota keep up the good, but no perfect work.

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  Not in Love - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Phil - April 20 - 2:00 pm

  Have put 24,000 miles in 1 year. The engine whines annoyingly on acceleration, front cupholder lid rattles when open. Right rear door rattles inside most of the time. Front seats are not comfortable on long trip. Radio lights are too bright at night. Highway mileage is 29, which I consider poor for a 4-cylinder. My 06 Avalon did as well with a V6.

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  Zero problems - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By dickthebutcher - April 20 - 10:06 am

  I bought my 2009 Prius new and have now driven it for almost five years. It has just over 70,000 miles on it, and so far the only maintenance expenses Ive had are oil changes and one new set of tires. It still has the original brakes and they still arent showing signs of wear. Im not sure why so many others find the car uncomfortable -- Im six feet tall and have no problems. Ive driven to Florida from Pennsylvania in it and was never uncomfortable. Minor gripes: The gas tank does not fill up willingly after its about 80% full. You have to coax in the last few gallons little by little. I dont love its looks, either, but accept that trade-off to average 47 MPG year-round.

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  Fun/Zippy/Money saver - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By whatswhat1 - April 19 - 5:28 pm

  I have a 4 door hatchback and have driven it over a year. I also opted to add leather seats-great idea. Fun to drive, very zippy, can park anywhere, great turning radius (it still surprises me at times), wonderful to haul things in because of the back seat options, reliable and cheap to drive. I average depending on my driving style between 28-31 mpg city and 32-40 mpg highway. You will only get the 40 if you go 65 or under on a non windy day. Cons are that you hear the road noise and engine a lot, feel bumps because of stiffer shocks and the inside is more plastic than I would like...but this is not a sedan so what do you expect? A great, fun ride for the average cost conscious driver.

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  its a love hate relationship - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By michelle1969 - April 19 - 1:01 pm

  Overall I love the car and it rides like a dream, but my car has 62k on it and my dash is melting and I have very odd shakes rattles and rolls going on. Is anyone aware of any recalls for the dash melting? Its really annoying, and for $15k (I just bought it 3 months ago). I dont think I should have a melting dashboard in a car that is only 5 years old

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  Looks like a Lexus, feels like a Toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Philipjgcspt - April 19 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is pretty big for a sports coupe. I like it because of its roomy interior for the driver and passenger, but it is a little tight for people in the back. Make sure your friends are 510" or shorter. Nice acceleration for a V4 and gas mileage is good. The design is comparable to a Lexus 430 (which I would have bought if I had the money); the big difference is that the Solara uses a platinum-color plastic mold, whereas the SC430 uses an wood accents on almost everything.

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  Not quite up to hype - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Nancy - April 18 - 6:23 pm

  The advertised gas mileage does not match our practical driving experience experience. Still, it is very good for this type of vehicle, and the impact on the enviroment makes it more than worthwhile. Lack of telescoping steering wheel impacts driving comfort. Seats do not provide enough thigh support for the adults. Excellent acceleration. Normally adequately quiet to drive, but VERY noisy when back windows open, or moon roof slid back. Rear seat awkward to get to. The more we drive it, the more we enjoy it. Handling while driving is good. Climate control is good. We will get an income tax deduction to help offset the cost of buying, though that was not the intent of the government.

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  A Great Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Sandy Funk - April 18 - 2:16 am

  The car has been operating flawlessly. A real winner... everything I have come to expect from Toyota.

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  Eh. - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By peawiddle - April 18 - 1:20 am

  This is my third Corolla. I traded in a 1995 for a 2003. Loved the 2003 S, I only traded it in because the miles were high (I drove a lot back then.) I feel that Toyota really let the interior quality go down hill. There are rattles and shakes in the doors, glove box and sunroof. My gearshift wobbles and the felt lining in the ceiling is coming out... not what I expected. Ill still keep the car until it gives out on me, but Im very disappointed in the interior quality.