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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  Less than expected - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pride and such... - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Decent quality truck but I expected more from Toyota. We have all seen the mid 80s Toyota pickup still going strong with over 200k miles and I am maintaining the belief that this truck will do the same. Nice ride for a small truck. If you are over 510" tall the standard cab bench seat will be uncomfortable. Few trucks get 27- 29 highway mpg. Plenty of power for getting around town and up to speed on the highway. However, the truck is beyond sluggish with any significant payload. Radio changed stations automatically and the volume didnt work at times. Received replacement unit after 2 months of waiting and it does the same thing. Toyota has recall out for floor mats and pedal assembly.

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  Super Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Blazer - December 20 - 12:53 pm

  The V6 engine is way more powerful than the average driver needs, but I love it! The acceleration is incredible. Handling on the SE is much better than the weaker LE suspensions.

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  2007 Yaris 4-door Sedan - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By KbJay - December 19 - 7:33 pm

  A cute, basic car. I got it for the gas mileage, as I was looking for something comparable to my old Echo (poor thing was totalled last month). Its relatively inexpensive in comparison to its counterparts on the market. The interior design needs improvement here and there, but it drives smoothly.

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  not good in wet and snow - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By leon - December 18 - 9:50 pm

  Prius is only good during dry weather and gives 45+ mpg average. During the last 2 winter season I always get worried I may not make it home because on uphill it would not make it. I always have to make a detour to reach home. In rainy or wet road -- slippage, the sensor get crazy. How come other small cars can make it on uphill with snow? Do I have to replace the tires that are more responsive to wet and snow? But these are the recommended tires for this car. I only have 21,000 miles to date. This is fun to drive but only on a dry road but not good on wet and snowy road of New Jersey.

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  Reliable Suv - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Zane Shaffer - December 18 - 8:43 am

  This is our second Toyota and its been just as reliable as our 1st. Our 4runner has 65000 miles on it and the only problem weve had was a shock that went bad. My wife has a job that requires her to get to work, no matter what the weather is doing. Shes drove in 6 inches of snow with blowing and drifting for 15 miles. She had to drive around vehicles stuck in the middle of the highway. She never spun a wheel. Awesome fourwheel drive system!

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  exemplery reliability with super economy - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By dngrfld - December 17 - 11:46 am

  Have driven 19,000 miles per year for 8 years. Got 49 mpg average when I got it, get 47 now, 20% city miles. On freeway I drive 60-70 mph. With a good load such as full of camping gear and suitcases for 2 week holiday, it hugs highway at 75 mph. Excellent emergency stopping at high speeds. Just this week, first thing broke in the interior of car, one sun visor is floppy now. One wheel bearing replaced 6 months ago. Other than that just brakes, rotors and oil changes. Super low maintenance. Just did a total detailing inside and out and am amazed at how good it looks. Quality of interior parts very good. Easy to squeeze into tiny parking spots. I am 60 years old, most reliable car I have owned

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  Trust NOT the warranty!! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Malcolm - December 17 - 7:50 am

  I bought my first Prius this year, a 2016 Mod 3 Touring. So far so good as far as any performance characteristics. However after about 3 weeks I noticed that a small panel on the left front of the car had fallen out. I inspected it and there seemed no damage of any sort, but the panel was gone. I had not in any way done anything that might damage my precious new car (my first in 17 years). I took the car to the Berkeley dealer near my home, depending on Toyotas promise that any Toyota dealer would honor my warranty. The (notably sullen) service manager said "You must have bashed into something!" I protested that I hadnt and pointed out that there was not a scratch anywhere on the car. He inspected the car, checking every inch on or under the exterior and found no evidence at all. Agreeing that there was no evidence of any damage, he then said "You still might have hit something." Then he said "Toyota doesnt cover parts that fall off! Go talk to the Parts Department." I contacted the dealership in San Francisco where I purchased the car. After hemming and hawing for over a week, they essentially said the same thing. They wanted $18.53 for the part plus cost of painting it. The warranty sucks!!

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  I wish I had a reason to buy a new car. - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Lance497 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Folks, there simply is no contest. This manufacturer builds every car - and EVERY PART to Lexus standards.

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  Fun Pickup - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By tundraman - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Tundra sits high on 17" wheels, its stylish has great pick-up.Its resposive and fun to drive. Has one drawback a bit of a rough idle.

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  camry the unreliable - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By mkira - December 17 - 2:00 am

  At first we were excited to getting this car, then the excitement faded and came stress from taking it back to the dealership to get it fixed. Three times in a bout 7 months the same problem is happening. We are hoping it will happen again so the lemon law will work and we could return the hunk of junk and get all of our money back.