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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  Love this roomy car! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By ana - June 18 - 5:23 pm

  I had a hard time finding a blizzard white Avalon XL. After working on it for about a month I got my 2006 Avalon. I love the ride and the interior. Its very roomy and it has a lot of power. Overall I love the car. Its quiet and I love the dashboard with the technology. I had great experience with our prior Toyotas. Even my 20 year old daughter loves to drive this car.

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  Check Engine Light problems - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By KidHorn - June 18 - 11:46 am

  Overall Im happy with our Siennna. It only has 19,000 miles after 6 years, so it doesnt get a lot of use. Theres an issue with the check engine light. It goes on and we take it to the dealership and they find nothing wrong. I wouldnt care too much, but the engine detects something wrong with the emission control and because of this, the car fails the state emissions test. We take it to the dealership, they run a smoke test and everything is OK. We go back for the emissions test, we fail, but since we had the car smoke tested, we get a pass for the next couple of years. We also had to replace the front tires. For some unknown reason, they wouldnt hold air.

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  Would Buy it Again - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By MC - June 18 - 7:50 am

  I fell in love with this car before I even bought it. It just looked like it was fun to drive. I live in Florida but have driven it to Texas and New York. The drives were very comfortable and I didnt feel like I was driving a small vehicle. Even drove it during a snow storm and it handled great. Since its raised a little you have good visibility all around. Mine is a manual 4-speed. Ive never had any mechanical problems with it - I do have regular maintenance from a trusted Toyota mechanic (not the dealership) Ive already decided that if I ever need any major work done Ill pay to have it done before I buy another car.

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  CV Joint Defective - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By David - June 18 - 7:23 am

  I have ~71K miles on my 2008 Camry LE (4 cyl). Good overall performance, great gas mileage. I began to hear clattering when turning right. Long story short, the dealer would not repair the obviously defective CV joint (out of warranty). Two other repair shops both told me the same story; "the CV joint boot was not damaged nor leaking and the was obviously defective. The deal had to admit that a CV joint failing that early in the life of the car was not typical. Toy HQ sent me back to the dealership to work out what ultimately was a $368.00 (1/2 price) bill from the dealership. I drive >100 miles per day freeway, that transaxle should not have failed, warranty or no warranty

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  Sludged engine - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By no more toyotas - June 18 - 5:13 am

  After only 40,000 miles, engine went thru three quarts of oil in 1,200 miles. Took to dealership. sludged engine. needed new engine at $6,000. Although still under warranty, dealership would not honor warranty. called corporate Toyota. Said they were very aware of problem - "well documented." They even have an Oil Sludge Team. Never recd call back. Called dealer again and denied the warranty. Before you buy a Toyota go to any search engine on Internet and type in Toyota sludge.

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By jduplesses - June 18 - 1:50 am

  I love zipping around in my little Yaris! Havent had any problems with it yet. It gets me where I need to go. I drive around town, have gone on a 8-9 hour road trip and the car performs wonderfully. I have heard some Yaris owners complain about the placement of the cupholders (in front of the heater), but where the cupholders are doesnt bother me one bit. I love my car.

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  Definitely different! Great car! - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Steve - June 17 - 8:00 pm

  Driving a hybrid in order to maximize fuel economy is definitely a skill. And that is why I had to give a lower "fun" score. Simply getting in the car and driving away as you would any other car will not yield optimal fuel economy. Read about "hypermiling" for more info. The power steering and shocks could be a little stiffer to give a sportier, controlled driving experience. The car leans more into turns than my 4Runner. The interior is definitely designed for luxury and comfort. The Synergy system and variable transmission work seamlessly to provide power when needed.

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  Very Nice - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By EmoryinLouisville - June 17 - 7:50 pm

  I grew up driving Fords, my whole family works at Ford. I decided to buy the 07 Camry and I love everything about it. For a 4cyl engine this car can move. When you need the power the car and provide it. I have read some of the reviews saying that it doesnt have power this is not true.

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  My best car ever! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By PriusFan - June 17 - 4:26 pm

  After one year I am as enthusiastic as ever. I love to demonstrate it to friends, and sometimes strangers. We have made many long trips in comfort.

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  Premier Minivan - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Stu - June 17 - 1:33 pm

  Even allowing for the "new car euphoria" the Sienna just performs well in almost all respects. My wife is very impressed, and to her a car is usually just a car. Great ride, lots of nice features, and the gas mileage is acceptable for a vehicle this size and weight.