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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  Progress and Its Discontents - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Goodtogo - August 10 - 8:43 am

  Great: Its a Camry with probably good reliability, overall cost management, decent comfort and perks, fine drive-ability. I dont regret buying the car and Im sure it will serve us well for a long time. BUT, I owned a 2003 Camry and at 185000 miles have given it to my son. Heres what I miss/dont care for in the new one. (1) Six speed transmission shifts all the stinkin time, at the slightest hill. Even in cruise going downhill. Its irritating and I wonder if it will shorten the life of the transmission. (2) The front seats arent quite as comfortable (but the back is more comfortable). Sure beats the Accord. (3) Interior storage spaces arent as roomy or well-put together. I miss the double center console, the room open tray in front of the shift knob, the large glove box, and large door pockets. Oh, and the pull out drawer to the left of the steering wheel. Now its a cheap feeling flop-open thing. (3) Its hard to brighten/darken the instrument panel (now you have to reach to a button behind the steering wheel, similar to the way youd reset the trip odometer. (4) The sloped windshield frame creates a blind spot on the right side. A bit of a problem, for instance, when navigating a parking lot with people and cars walking around. (5) I change my own oil, so Im going to have to miss spin-on oil filters. The car now has a cartridge filter (as in a motorcycle) that will require a new tool. This wont be an issue for a couple of years, since they now give you free oil changes for that long. (6) My wife doesnt care, but I miss having a handbrake for a little extra control in bad weather. Now its a foot pedal, which is useless except for parking. (7) The extra info screen is great, but it makes the current instrument panel cramped and busy. I thought the 2003 instrument panel was very easy on the eyes. (8) I just feel a little more cramped in the car and I cant quite figure out why. But again, cars change. Ill adapt. Itll last. But Im just not convinced this is as great a car as the 03 was when I bought it. Ill try to do another post in a year and well see.

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  Its nice - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By veronica vasquez - August 10 - 6:14 am

  There is a noise everytime i hit a bump on the street like something is loose.

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  Love my RAV! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Judy - August 9 - 4:50 pm

  My 2009 RAV4 Limited with 4wd is my first RAV, but will not be my last! I have owned two Jeep Grand Cherokee Limiteds previously, but didnt need a big SUV any longer. The size is perfect. It handles so well--a joy to drive. I really love this vehicle and highly recommend to anyone looking for a smaller SUV.

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  Love it - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By camrymycar - August 9 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car 3 years ago with 95k miles. It caught my eye because I was looking for a toyota coupe. I love this car because it is very comfortable and quiet. The engine is smooth and quiet and the tranny puts the power down very smoothly. For a four-banger, it has good pickup and a good-sounding redline. Quick shifts, smooth power, smooth ride, quiet, reliable, dependable, good trunk space, nice sunroof, good-looking, comfortable, sporty, just perfect. It could have more storage space in the interior and better cupholders though. The paint is chipping on the front and fading with sunburn, but that comes with age. Needs more steering feedback but is a great car with a comfortable ride.

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  Good Decision - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By mgbte - August 8 - 2:46 am

  I hesitated about buying the car but my 85 year old father insisted I look. I was very pleased once I got in and took it for a drive. Like some others, Im not bowled over by my mileage - high 30s - but its better than my old SUV. Someone called the look of this car "a Middle School science experiment" and I cant disagree. I hope they "update" the exterior with future models. Good purchase, happy about it, but a bit disappointed with my less-than-advertised MPG.

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  Im Happy - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By ToyotaSceptic - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I am getting way better gas mileage that what Ive seen in the reviews. In the summer I am getting 40. My only issue is with the paint job. My first Black car and it will scratch if you look at it wrong. Understandable Black cars can be cursed with this issue but when I noticed rust specks around the wheel areas? I was told it was because of the break pads and the dealership basically told me pound sand. Oh well next time Ill drive out of state to get my next Toyota.

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  High marks for 2000 Tacoma XtraCab 4WD - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hunk - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Have had no problems with this truck since new except a water leak (wet rug) which the dealer managed to diagnose & fix on the first try (a grommet located on the fire wall was leaking.) I previously owned a 94 Tacoma (hilux) Reg Cab 4wd and found it to be a nice little truck; but Ive found the 2000 to be much more refined and comfortable, by a long shot. The 2.7L 4 cyl has surprisingly good pick-up with the automatic trans, just dont plan on moving too fast with the bed loaded.

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  Six Month Experience - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Ron - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable ride and driving experience. Really a car with SUV capabilites for bad weather and road conditions. Like the high ride with car feel. Would not reccommend for real off-road activites. has very nice cargo capacity for a SUV of its size. I really like the tight feel of the car and Toyota dependability.

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  Warning on Toyota Period - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By d. smith - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th Avalon. I have enjoyed the comfort and mileage and I thought quality to this point. This model the 08 was involved in the acceleration recall and computer adjustment. But just this past week the light all of a sudden went totally out! Upon investigation its the classic HID light problem that is so abundant on the Prius. Apparently Toyota is well aware of the problem and the critical safety issues involved if you go to consumer reports, NHTSA, etc you may well be surprised of the cost involved with the HID light problems w/ avalons and most notably the Prius. This is a definite safety issue as the lights will fail with no warning. Very expensive repair stay away from them

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  Good Buy - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By john - August 7 - 10:20 pm

  Great gas mileage, over 350 on a tank with a little over half being highway miles. city driving for me is averaging around 32 which is great. Cheap interior, my windows already squeak when they are rolled down. But I would recommend to anyone who solely wanted a high mpg vehicle.