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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  Very disappointed! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By franc - July 19 - 10:20 pm

  Comparing it to my 00 and 04 Camry, there is no comparison. If this was the first Camry that we bought it certainly would be the last. The transmission hesitates, also downshifts, hunting between gears, then lurches (safety issue). This is all very very annoying especially when the dealer tells you that this is "NORMAL" operation. I wish I had my 2004 4 cyl Camry back, I would have given it a 10 review.

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  Thought I did my homework - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Bella Car - July 16 - 10:46 pm

  My first Toyota, everyone raves about these cars. I cant seem to get more than 18 mpg in the city in this car. I have a short distance commute but I should be able to break 20. Car is going to dealership. HATE the tranny, bad shifting in low gears, drags between 1-2-3 gears. Fine after you hit 40 mph. Car stereo is the pits. Does not get good reception. Was told to upgrade would cost >$1,000 for basically the same unit. Needs new steering wheel computer for new stereo. Aftermarket stereos would disable steering wheel controls. Miss my 1998 Nissan Altima that I traded in; I passed by an 04 Infiniti I35 because of the gas mileage. With gas at $3.50 I am trading this in before summer.

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  Hype - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ron - July 16 - 1:10 am

  My wifes 4Runner was showing a fault message so she took it to the dealer, the message has been removed but now the windows dont work. So much for the hype about Toyota Quality. The fuse panel is very low and doesnt have a fuse puller so back to the shop again, at least its still under warranty. The layout of the acessories is awful, its a safety issue to try to find things and drive. Pull off the road before selecting the defroster of looking for the cruise control. Fuel economy is really poor, under 9 mpg towing a lightweight trailer on flat ground. The 4.7L engine sure isnt up to the challenge.

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  Not comfortable.... - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By indian77 - July 11 - 10:16 pm

  The car is great, the comfort level is not so good. What this car lacks is what the latest certain Prius models have improved upon. There is no power driver seat, so finding that sweet spot for driving is a real challenge. For example, you will be finding yourself reaching out for that steering wheel when you are in a comfortable position. That will put strain on your arms while driving. There is no lower back support, so for long drives that can be for hours, this is a lower back killer. Make sure you do your daily stretches to overcome the physical drawbacks of sitting in this car.

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  Yaris 2010 - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By pmm - July 10 - 4:06 pm

  Found the car tracking and seems to veer to the right on freeway speeds. Actually got motion sickness twice on trips over 100 miles. Would not buy one again and dealer let alone mfg bad on trying to help seems they really don`t care about customers as they say.

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  Bad experience - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By BRITTinFL - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I loved my 4-Runner until the right front wheel sheered off at the axle at 50mph, the truck then veered to the right and rolled. I guess its a testimony to the truck also that my passenger and I walked away from the accident. $14,000 in damages, I dont want to drive it any more.....

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  Have some concerns! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Jessica - July 6 - 12:16 pm

  I purchased my Corolla in May 2009, drove 6000 miles with no trouble. I drive short distances & overall was happy with this car. BUT last week the engine started to turn off in the middle of driving. It happened twice when I was going about 25 mph. I brought it to the dealer, they say nothing is wrong. It happened again at a red light, just turned off. I bought a new car to avoid repairs & wasted time, now I will be back at the dealership, no doubt to hear "nothing is wrong". I am very disappointed after all the hype Toyota & the Corolla get about being reliable. I would not recommend the 2009 model.

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  No comfort at all-go with a Pathfinder - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By 1mustanglover - July 4 - 7:46 am

  I bought a 4runner and Im disappointed. The seats are very hard and cramped, you feel every bump in the road and the braking is abrupt. Way stiffer of a ride and i would recommend the Pathfinder any day. Also the 3rd row seat is useless, there is virtually no leg room at all.

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  Bumpy ride - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Donb - June 27 - 1:23 pm

  This AWD version is super bumpy. Take a long test drive first on all kinds of road before buying. Wish I would of got the Buick Enclave.

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  I dont know... - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By JOMEN - June 24 - 6:50 pm

  After a long hard decision making, I picked the RAV4 believing that Ill get good gas mileage as advertised and overall good quality, hey its a toyota. After a month of using it mostly on highways the most I got was 19 mpg. The suspension is very disappointing, very stiff, the clock placement, the kick you feel as you shift from reverse to drive, engine noise, tire noise, idle noise, the small knobs for the stereo are all negative factors. Ill just finish the lease and say bye-bye.