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 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By cjh - June 22 - 10:26 pm

  Serious drivetrain problems the dealer says that its all in our minds. I have been through four sets of tires since May of 03. We have had the truck serviced on time, we have have to replace the brakes. We had problem starting two weeks after we purchased it. This is was a brand new truck with 20 miles on it the day of purchase. I will not purchase another Toyota. We were in the market to purchase our daughter a car, but it will not be a toyota now.

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  2001 4 Runner - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By mikesdasd - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Lots of room but too bumpy a ride.

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  Alot of problems after 36000 miles - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By jd5432 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Replaced the lower engine at 33000 miles, warranty. Tan convertible top stains extremely easy from the environmental polutions. Front end suspension went out after 36000 miles, $400. Power steering went out at 42000 miles, $1,180. Currently a vibration/noise coming from the rear end service department says it is from a loose bumber...I need to take it to a body shop to get an estimate. The car has never been in an accident. The front end is STILL loose and Toyota claims it is set to "Factory". If so, Toyota has a problem.

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  dependable but uninteresting and small - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By john.snopy - June 15 - 10:00 am

  very dependable vehicle with good crash ratings. however, the vehicle is small comparing to its competitors.

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  Toyota had a great car that has lost appeal - 2016 Toyota Avalon
  By Joseph DeSimone - June 15 - 9:56 am

  My vehicle was delivered to me with an electrical system problem that took technicians 3 days to diagnose and repair. The front passenger door does not close properly and new I need to make an appointment for that. Seats are comfortable but the ride is very stiff and feels like a truck type vehicle.

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  Traded-in 09 toyota corolla - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By steve - June 15 - 5:50 am

  Purchased this 09 corolla s model in DEC of 09 and traded it in on March of this year (2010). Corolla was garbage. Steering was horrible wind blew the car all over the highway and if a 18-Wheeler passed you, you had better hold on for dear life. Car was a death trap and after 4 months I had enough and got a 2010 Kia forte coup and the difference between the 2 cars is night and day. Easy to see why Toyota is having all these problems. They are not building quality cars like they used to. According to owners reviews on this site i am not the only one who had problems with the corolla.

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  I Miss My Cabrio... - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Melanie R. - June 13 - 6:30 am

  Purchased 2010 Package III w/the sunroof/nav and added leather. Two months and 2,200 miles later Im still waiting for the fun to start. Car is cool looking and very roomy but simply cant get used to the hitches in the engine or the sluggish starts and the braking flat-out frightens me. Its a good thing the sunroof is there -- when I opened my window slightly the ensuing wind force almost blew my head off my neck. And Id rather dial a number from my cell than listen to the Voice Guide go thru her spiel again. Toyota really needs a lesson on designing user-friendly interfaces. Package not worth $$. Mileage not much better than Cabrio because I dont drive like my grandmother.

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  Toyota Faulters - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Grant Waulters - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Car pulls to the left despite rotations and alignment. The 2.4L 4 coupled to 4spd automatic often is unsatisfactory when trying to get to speed from low speed cruising. Engine warning lights go on for no reason and stay on. This does not equate to lengendary Toyota quality. Standard radio and CD are garbage Seat is too high for over 6 foot male. Ride can be a tad harsh. Not a car Id recommend at the price. Breaks are average and often grab when car is cold.

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  Matrix Overview - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Kiana - June 10 - 8:56 am

  Rides like a truck. The gas pedal is very touchy. Easy to squeal tires when trying to enter into traffic. Price was right. Interior looks cheap. Excellent stereo system compared to most vehicles.

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  Not quite what I hoped for - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Eman - June 9 - 3:00 pm

  We were reluctant to buy a minivan, but with a third baby on the way, felt we had no choice. Weve only had it for a week, but so far Im not impressed. The driver seat is very uncomfortable. No matter how I adjust it (we have a manual seat), I cant seem to get comfortable. Also, handling is sluggish. Acceleration is unimpressive, and the brake pedal requires far more force to get the car to stop than Im used to (on our VW Passat all you need to do is rest your foot in the pedal--on the Sienna you have to really ride it). Also, visibility out of the rear window is terrible, with a huge blind spot behind the car, though I suppose thats typical of all SUVs and minivans.