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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  Forever friend - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By mmars - September 22 - 9:12 am

  I bought my 1999 Toyota Avalon Platinum XLS in 2006. It had 99000 miles on it and this did not cause me alarm since I have had a Toyota Camry before. My Toyota Avalon now has 187,000 miles on it and is still running strong! I have had to put routine maintenence items, such as brakes, battery, tires, but other than that it is running like the day I bought it. I am looking at trading it off for something newer, not because I need to, just maybe wanting something newer. Trouble I am having is when I test drive other vehicles I am comparing it to my Avalon, so far all the "competitors" have lost. Gas mileage is still 24/28 hwy. Excellent choice and great car!

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  Quality Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Toy for Mom - September 22 - 9:03 am

  This vehicle has POWER & is extremely roomy. Have no worries about how much time itll spend in the shop b/c this is our 2nd Sequoia & we are more than pleased. Hit the gas and the speed accelerates w/o you even hearing a change in the motor. Steering SUPER EASY & improved from our previous Sequoia although we thought it was great. However, we preferred the bumper railing on our 05. Thought it looked sporter, otherwise the front grill, step boards, and racks on top help the bodys overall look. The chrome accents are a MUST! Interior is so spacious. Definitely could accommodate the larger members of the family... front or back seats! Head room unheard of.

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  A Great truck, too bad its gone - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Big Mar - September 22 - 7:40 am

  I loved my 4Runner. Dependable, fun to drive, offroad capabilities like a champ. Bought it with 150000 miles and it was still running like a champ when a Dodge minivan ran a red light and smashed me. Totaled it but I was very impressed with how it took the hit. Some minor problems like a power steering fluid leak and the seal between the transmission and the transfer case was leaking tranny dope but not enough to ever run out or fill it back up. Also burned oil at somewhat of a rapid rate, about a quart every 2-3 weeks but other than that it was cherry. Anybody who says its underpowered probably has never taken it seriously offroading, its just geared low. Hope Im lucky to find another one

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  GR8 little Matrix - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By QuickDeuce - September 22 - 3:16 am

  BUY IT ! We have owned ours since new. 38k now, avg 28 to 30mpg depends on city/hwy. Maint costs? Oil and regular sched. maint. is the only $$ weve spent. The Matrix is well built, dependable as a Toyota is supposed to be. Drives like a little sports car. Absolutely loves snow and adverse roads. Ease of getting into and out of the Matrix are among the #1 reasons we chose ours. Handy instrument arrangements and excellent visibility for lane changes. There are a number who say the little Matrix is terribly underpowered, well - we think not. How often do we need to exceed 75 mph ? Do we need to accelerate to fwy speeds quickly? Yup - and the Matrix gets that done with ease.

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  The perfect vehicle? - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Patrick - September 22 - 2:03 am

  I have owned 8 cars and trucks in the last 5 years searching for the perfect vehicle. I am confident I have found it. I am a financial planner and a real estate investor. Further, I just had a son - making safety a real concern. This truck serves well in all capacities. The look of the truck is tough yet sophisticated enough to be proud pulling up to clients offices. I can drive four grown men around town comfortably. The interior (front driver and passenger primarily) is comfortable and well thought out. When I am working on rental houses, the long bed allows room for tools, trash-outs, etc. The towing capacity is excellent.Ideal for weekend camping trips. 18/22mpg. Perfect vehicle? Great work, Toyota!

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  Great In Every Way - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Josh - September 21 - 9:46 pm

  I love my 2003 Toyota Tundra stepside. I got this to replace my Toyota 4Runner which I really liked. I have had no problems with it whatsoever. I live in upstate new york where we got 4 feet of snow in one night. I decided to go to work the next day but I was sure I was not getting out of the driveway as it was over the bumper of the truck. I put the truck in 4WD and I was out. This truck has amazed me with all that it offers. I will always buy Toyota.

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  Road /wind noise Camry 2015 - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By JamesPO - September 21 - 11:02 am

  The road noise consumers complain about is not due to tire noise as many think even though it seems that it is the tires. The noise and pitch of the sound is Conductive Road Viberation. ( It sounds as if it due to the tires when you drive over different pavement) The vehicle is tightly constructed. The noise/viberation is coming up from the road, through the wheels, through the struts and into the Cabin. To lower the pitch of this sound and improve quietness you have to interupt this viberation. You can do this by opening the hood and putting sound deading material such as "Road Kill" over the top of the strut housing. You can do this on the front and on the rear ones in the trunk. Do not do this on you lease car as you dont own it. As to the wind noise , I think it is due to thin glass. Please dont let someone sell you the idea that on these cars that your tires are the noise problem especially if they are mechelins. However if they are Bridgestone you can expect a bumpy harsh ride. Just dont buy one with Bridgestones

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  Good car for the value - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Lorie C. - September 21 - 8:34 am

  Im writing this because I used edmunds to help to educate me, although it was my BIL who in the end still made a better deal for me. Just paying back. Most important tip is, if you have somebody good at bargaining by all means use them and let them be generous to you. Im picky on things like blind spot monitor, navigation, lane departure warning, collision warning, moon roof, cup holders, how the space next to my shift stick is divided and arranged, space for my keys and phone, storage space in the front, glove compartment isnt lame, seat width and comfort, ease of shifting gears, audio quality, colors interior and exterior, steering wheel turning facility, road handling, performance, both back seats flip down, baby seat anchors, keyless entry, push start up, ease of opening back trunk if my hands are full, automatic touch lock, smart key so I dont lock my keys inside, etc. After reviewing all of the above, comparing and test driving this cars equivalents at 6 other popular similar level brands, duplicate dealerships, and even casually checking out 4 luxury brands for fun, I chose this one. If I had another $10K, I would take a Lexus.

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  Depends on What You Need - 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By 2nd Timer - September 21 - 1:43 am

  2nd LC. Traded 99 with 250K trouble free miles. Only repair was overpriced starter replacement. Previous LC saw blizzards and ice storms; routinely driven for hours in 115 degree desert. Not afraid to drive on forest roads where no other vehicles seen for hours at a time. Good vehicle for hauling lots of stuff. Great for seeing country from freeway and remote locations - not so great for being seen in trendy fashion. A bit overpriced - due in part to air suspension and navigation system. Bought 2007 because concerned new model will be more upscale. Ride is smooth and quiet for this type of vehicle. Had 2 4-Runners - LC has same reliability, more room.

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  Piece of Junk, Insulting Manufacturer/Dealerships - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By uffdaje - September 20 - 11:05 pm

  , I completely agree. I have been taking the car back to dealership I purchased my car at as well as 3 others and no one can fix the issues. I contacted Toyota National and they told me that they will not do anything about this and that I need to continue to work with dealerships on these issues. I have to use earplugs to drive this piece of junk, the engine sounds like a race car at full speed, the ride is rough and vibrates clear up the seat to head, tires lasted only 25K miles, etc. Dealer I bought car at told me to turn up the radio, use earphone or earplugs, that Toyota reengineered the side mirrors and small window and that this is the cause of the wind vortex sound around doors, that