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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  So disappointed and terrified! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Uilleand - December 23 - 1:40 am

  I LOVED my 2009 Venza until two days ago, when the accelerator stuck. Even in park, the engine revved so high that smoke poured out from my hood until I turned off the ignition. After 40 minutes of blocking traffic because I was too terrified to turn my car on again, the car was towed to a local Toyota dealer. Now, because their technicians are unable to reproduce the incident, theyre telling me its the fault of my car mats and nothings wrong with the Venza. The recalled Camrys get an accelerator override system that simply cuts the accelerator when the brake is applied. Why cant they do that??

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  Swiss Army Knife - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By looseshoes - December 22 - 9:00 pm

  This vehicle does it all -mostly-. Hauls 4 or 5, carries cargo, gets decent mileage, super-dependable. Not too sporting on the road, but not expected really. I get about 21 mpg with 50/50 city/hwy driving. Has 70k miles and only problem was I had to have power steering pump replaced - under warranty.

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  X-Runner - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By AKnight - December 22 - 4:16 pm

  I absolutely love this truck, although it does lack in some areas for me. Despite having the performance engine and upgrades for a Tacoma, it just doesnt have enough power for me. Also, when I bought my truck the windshield wasnt sealed correctly and it produced very loud whistling at interstate speeds. The local Toyota dealership replaced the entire windshield for free though and now the truck has no problems.

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  Did i make a mistake? - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Terry - December 22 - 10:20 am

  I purchased my Matrix XR in May, 2008. I think the vehicle is comfortable, fun to drive and gets good gas mileage. Love the look of the vehicle as well. However, everything was fine until about 25,000 km. The alignment needed adjusting, windshield has a air leak somewhere, and the dash board also squeaks really bad when its cold. Its quite annoying. Had it in the dealership and they agreed something was wrong with the windshield. They removed the windshield and then replaced the seal. Noise is still there. My radio failed. New one on order. Hate the way the rain leaves marks on the interior of the seats.

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  The Crusher - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By dwity - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a truly amazing blend of ruggedness and luxury. I can take it several hundred miles on the highway and it rides like my Lexus ls400. I can take if off roading, exploring, or in snow and it performs as well as a pick up or jeep. Truly Awesome.

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  Not impressed anymore - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By K. Baker - December 22 - 7:23 am

  Dont like the car at all anymore. Hate the braking system. Funky surge after applying brakes, making you feel like you didnt apply them enough. Locked them up twice because of this. Problems with gears not shifting correctly. Dealer said it was a computer problem and they fixed it - NOT. Still having problems. Press the gas, RPMs go way up, hesitates shifting to the next gear, finally jerks into gear. Headrests are too far forward. Seat belt shoulder harness not low enough (even on lowest setting); cuts across my neck. Console lights dim at night, bright in the day. Passenger side carpet loose. Will be my first and last Toyota.

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  Great Van - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Ed - December 22 - 1:13 am

  This is the fourth mini van I have had.It is the best. My previous van was a 2005 Dodge. I got rid of it after 7000 miles. The toyota is great. My wife complains about the passenger seat comfort on long trips. The drivers seat is good.The fit and finish is excellent.

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  very uncomfortable driver seat - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By horrible front seats - December 19 - 2:36 pm

  Bought a 2010 Toyota Camry XLE V6 last 8/19/09, I commute to work 150 miles each way, about 300 miles roundtrip and this car is very good except for the very uncomfortable driver seat. the seat thigh support is not long enough to be comfortable, Im 59" and after 1 hour of driving, I would start to have cramps on the back of my right thigh. The driver seat cushion is not thick enough to be comfortable. My buttocks starts to hurt after 1-2 hours of driving that I want to stop driving and get out of the car to stretch my legs to relieve the cramps on my right thigh and relieve pressure on my sore buttocks. I usually drive 3 hours each way to work, about 6 hours roundtrip.I weigh only 225 lbs.

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  Quality after 70,000 miles - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By trevk56 - December 19 - 12:30 am

  I replaced a 2000 Toyota Tundra with this car and never keep a car for more than three years, but I am now starting my 6th year with this 4Runner. I have had the 45 and 60,000 mile maintenance +tires/brakes that ran about $1700 and the AC synchronizer went out ($238). I have worked the front rotors once and replaced them once in 70,000 miles and cant complain because the brakes are great (4 wheel disk) and the power from the V8 and all wheel drive make effortless stoplight to highway merging simple. The gas mileage has stabilized (with full time 4WD) at 15.9-17.5 and best ever highway mileage was 19 worst was 11.2 pulling a trailer. Can pull Jet Skis or Boat at 75 up hills no problem.

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  Dude, wheres my gas? - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Kelly - December 18 - 7:36 am

  We bought the 4X4, V6 in Barcelona Red. We wanted the I4 but the salesman persuaded us to go big. Cant say Im sorry except for the fact that the gas mileage is terrible. I am impressed with the fit and finish and anticipate years of Toyota reliability. Lots of cargo room so we may be able to ditch the roof rack/box. We love the dual climate control and the CD/MP3 player.