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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  Typical Toyota - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike Noble - July 4 - 2:00 am

  The V8 runs very well, but a little underpowered. Needs VVT valve technology to get the power up. Heater system inadequate. Not enough air, and to the wrong places. Build quality typical Toyota (very good). Needs a little help with transmission logic. 2 to 1 downshift at low speeds annoying, especially on slipery surfaces. Overall, a good reliable pickup, if youre not doing "full sized" chores. This is NOT a full size pickup. But then again, I bought it because it wasnt full sized.

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  Toyota quality SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By binhthemantran - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Great reliability and price for a large SUV. We go off road with our SUV both dirt and snow and it handles great and doesnt require servicing after we offroad. Very smooth ride for being a large SUV.

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  A Really Great Compact Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By ursa5000 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  The five words to describe my truck: Solid..Reliable...Workhorse... Practical...Fun. We leased a 2001 that we added running boards, a Leer Camper shell and a bed liner. We have hauled fire wood, funiture, bricks, yellow labs, grandfather clocks, and antiques. The engine loves to be pushed and I have not had a single engine problem. The auto transmission shifts hard from second to first . Make no mistake this is a truck and it is a bit top heavy so no Hollywood driving. Yesterday ,I bought a new Corolla for the wife. The dealer saw my truck in the lot, and one thing led to another and I traded a for a new 2004 truck with ABS and lock dif..

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  We though we would never own a minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By gengster - July 4 - 2:00 am

  "Daddy, Mommy, I like this car." my 3 1/2 years old daughter whispered as she slides into that soft and comfortable leather seat while NEMO is featured on the rear entertainment system. We though we would never own a minivan when owning a SUV is the trend. That though was immediately behind us when we test drove that Sienna XLE Limited AWD. For kids, there is rear entertainment system where they can watch their favorite NEMO. For Moms, this car got all the safety and convinent features that you cant count with both hands. For guys, it has AWD, Navigation System, DVD, JBL 10 speakers HiFi, Laser Guided Cruise Control and Rear Camera. Still thinking SUV? Think Again.

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  Disappointing number of rattles - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Bioarches - July 4 - 2:00 am

  The interior looks great but LOTS of rattles from the sunroof area. The drivers seat arm rest almost fell off and the hard plastic interiors of of the big and little storage bins means everything rattles like crazy when you hit a bump. Sun glass holder is too small to hold sunglasses. The conversation mirror is too small to use and too close to the drivers eyes. No map pocket on the back of the front passenger seat (the driver cannot reach behind his seat to grab a map) The exterior styling is nice in profile but pretty "dweeby" looking from the front and the back. Why cant Toyota design a truly beautiful looking automobile.

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  After 9 months - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By dcdc - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Camry for 9 months now. Its a well built machine. Never any problems. Im very happy with my choice.

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  My paint is coming off! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Ryan - July 4 - 1:33 am

  I only have 7000 miles on my tundra and the paint is coming off. The iPod control never works and the inside is made out of recycled garbage plastic. I am taking the loss and ditching this thing asap.

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  Get some snow tires... - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Todd - July 4 - 12:53 am

  I bought this car back in April of last year and posted a review in July. Since then, Ive had my first experience with it in snow and have some advice for those that want to buy one - get. some. snow. tires! The performance tires that come on the car are great on dry asphalt but I couldnt do a thing with the car once a half inch of snow was on the ground. No go; no stop; no turn.

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  RAV4 3 years and running..... - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Darci S - July 3 - 8:25 pm

  I decided on a RAV4 after having owned Tercels, Camrys, and 4 runners....I did test a Honda CRV (do much noise and sloppy steering). Three years running and NOT a single problem!! I think its a great price for what you are getting. I personally dont like the 18 inch tires on my limited but there was no option for 17 at the time which works better for me in Montana on the snow and dirt roads. Much better ride. Not as much clearance as I would like but that 4 runner spoiled me..:) Other than that, I have been very happy with the great cargo space and the sound system rocks!!

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  Good value - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Baystater - July 3 - 2:20 pm

  Bought an09 base model 1.8L manual with power package June 1 of 2008 for 16K. Have 13500 miles on it. Smooth ride, smooth shifting, excellent stability control for cornering, excellent disc brakes, decent gas mileage (28-29 city and 34-35 highway), good cargo capacity (can fit my bike w/o taking wheel off), very readable dash, adjustable telescopic steering wheel, seat comfort lacking in lumbar support, poor paint job (easily scratches from road debris), and horrible rear visibility (almost didnt buy it because of poor visibility). Given price difference with a Prius, e.g. 16K vs 23K, I figured it was a better value. Glad I bought it.