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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  Mileage improves with use & maintenance - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By MGG - February 6 - 6:00 am

  Most reviews refer to lower-than-expected gas mileage, but in practice, mileage improves with use, and after each oil change of the break-in period (first 20,000 miles). By the third oil change (9,000 miles), I was reliably getting 55-58 mpg in mixed hwy/city driving (70% hwy, 30% city). Monitoring the mileage panel also improved my driving habits from type-A to a more relaxed, fuel efficient, and safer style. Im in less of a hurry and more attentive to the terrain and conditions of the road than in other cars. Its more like riding a motorcycle or bicycle (both of which I also do) in that respect. The impressive acceleration from a standing stop & when passing does surprise other drivers.

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  Review from Long-term Toyota owner: 2014 Sienna utterly disappoints - 2014 Toyota Sienna
  By frrrroom_dz - February 6 - 4:41 am

  Perhaps the worst Toyota among 7 that I owned in the past 14 years. Had a pleasure to own two 4Runners, 2 GX470 and 1 GX460, 1 Highlander. This Sienna is wrong in almost every department but biggest is by far rattle and squeaks from cheapest plastic panels that 2014 Sienna has. Impossible to to mitigate those issues. 3rd row seats rattle loudly even after anti-rattle kit was installed. Inside the van it is obnoxiously loud, all road noise comes in at highway speeds that you need to crank radio just to hear it. Certainly, not good for long trips, we bought it to take on the cross-country trips but what a mistake it was.

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  Top SUV For Its Class - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By RL Schafer - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Compared all SUV’s in its class and the Sequoia ranks #1. This SUV offers it all, spacious room, luxury, and most importantly reliability. Other SUV manufactures should take note.

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  Not enough low end torque - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By JWorrel - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This car takes to long to get going. When you punch the gas pedal, nothing happens until about 5 seconds later (when you are at 7000 rpm). I know that is sort of the point, and it does corner great and can accelerate through turns great, but I still feel that it makes the car feel underpowered and sluggish off the line. At least a 6cyl Grand Am can bark the tires when you floor it. Apparently a manual transmission in this car is a must since you probably have to rev it up to about 7,000 rpm and drop the clutch to have a good start off the line. Im just disappointed because I wanted something sporty, but this car just doesnt have any real oomph.

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  With the Action Package! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By BayloreDrakk - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my Celica GT-S with the Action Package. It handles great, gets a lot of looks, and hauls tutu. It also has more cargo capacity than any car in its class which makes it very practical as well. The formula 1 shifters work great and save a lot of clutch work.

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  Love it - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By dpauley - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I love it, it good off road and it is only the 2 wheel drive. also good on road.. feels alot of bumps but i dont mind that

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  Great Family Sedan - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Brian Moffat - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is absolutly wonderful. I bought it in 2000 and all I have done is cnaged the oil. No maintanence needed at all. The care gets over 500 Miles to a tank on the interstate and over 300 / tank in the city. I would buy another one in a heart beat. Shoot I might even trade this one in when the lease is up for a new one. Thanks Toyota.

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  Stripped Head-Bolts - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By lsthkr - February 5 - 3:42 pm

  Never had a problem with this vehicle until Jan 25 2011 as I was driving across town. Coolant leak brought me to a dead stop. I discovered a common problem with this engine (2.4L 4cyl). Just Google Highlander stripped head-bolts to see how many of these engines are dying and how expensive the fix is. Mine had only 126,000 miles on it. I am the original owner. The dealer will not help with repair costs even though this is a manufacturing and or design issue.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By PNA - February 5 - 1:33 pm

  I purchased the 2002 4 Runner Sport with added leather interior, and all the bolt on exterior goodies for my high school son in new 2002. I drove it during his first year in college since he could not have a car on campus. I thought it was great; very honest vehicle. I have owned five Toyotas and this is the best for reliability. The vehicle now has 66,000 miles, never had anything wrong, not even a rattle. Just normal maintenance. The best news, he is purchasing a new car and he is giving the 4 Runner to me. I am sure he will miss it.

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  My first Toyota automobile - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Dick L. - February 5 - 12:46 pm

  My camery has performed great, no problems, followed the maintaince program, the car has performed well both in traffic and over the road on trips, gas milage over 33 miles per gallon.