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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  2009 Camry Struts leaking, other defects - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By miker17 - April 3 - 4:05 pm

  At 52.5k miles struts are leaking. Front seats make noises. Front door panel makes squeaking noises.

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  ok rental. lots of space. great city, bad freeway - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By jsohiorenter - April 1 - 6:12 pm

  Very attractive little suv, esp with the alloy wheels, which were above and beyond the entry level offerings for other comparable vehicles. Nice. For a small suv, great cargo space and overall roominess. The powertrain is really great and smooth up to about 35 and accelerates nicely. But get this thing going faster and the engine seems to really labor, buzz unpleasantly, and the transmission seems to get confused, searching for gears then delivering some really hard shifts. The trip display computer is not as intuitive as those in other cars. Lots of wind noise from the windshield. Ride was very good and there were no rattles or squeaks, good considering it was old by rental car standards, pushing 30k. The freeway ride was a little unsettling in that steering was imprecise and floaty. the driving position was pretty good, but would have appreciated a seat that raised up a little higher and the console armrest was too far back to be useful with a hand on the wheel. Ergonomically, it gets a big F just for the window switches alone. your left arm almost has to reach awkwardly around the door handle to get to the power windows. Bad design here. No long term review as I only drove it for three days, but probably wouldnt buy it. Brake pedal modulation was terrible. you have to push the pedal a few inches with no resistance or response whatsoever, then a sudden grab.

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  Tacoma not perfect - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike NADLER - April 1 - 12:14 pm

  The Pre-Runner TRD. Is a very good looking truck but : rides rough, low roof when entering, E-tune audio system marginal, dash center pod hard to read in sunlight, driver seat back wearing poorly.

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  Regrets - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By gman119 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The moment I bought this car I started to hear rattling noise coming from the dash. I also dont like that they seamed to move the brake and gas pedals forward which makes it very uncomfortable to drive. And when I move the seat back to make adjustments my arms are almost fully extended and the door frame to my left now obstructs my view on the left. Making it unsafe when I have to change lanes. I regret buying this car.

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  Just OK - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Jim - April 1 - 5:29 am

  I chose the tundra over the GM products I would usually buy due to toyotas reputation for quality. When you get in it you realize this truck is a Toyota in name only. It uses the same interior materials as its American counterparts and many of the mechanical bits as well. The best part of this truck is the 5.7 liter v8. It has huge torque! I never feel it doesnt have enough power when towing a heavy trailer. The engine seems mechanically noisey and has a knocking sound that permeates the cab at idle. The transmission works well but is inconsistent in when and how it shifts. No auto transfer case available. All other full size pick ups have one available. Fuel economy is horrible, 12 mpg combined 17 low speed highway 15 high speed highway. The seats are very comfortable and large enough for bigger people. The hvac control panel has a cheap look and feel to it, air comes from the panel vents at all times and can not be shut off. Closing them does not stop it, normal operation it seems. Over all this truck seems very capable of doing what it was built for, but is decidedly American in its look and feel. Time will tell if it holds up to toyotas reputation. Resale value seems above average for its segment

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  Misleading MPG sticker/poor battery - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By wyomingmom - March 25 - 9:10 am

  We reviewed this car very carefully before before buying and were very impressed. After purchasing though, we found 2 major problems. 1st the battery is not capable of running all of the computer components such as the door open sensor, and still have enough charge to start the car. In the first month we jumped it at least 15 times. Cant leave door open for more than 20 min. or open several times. Service dept. says battery tests fine! 2nd. after 4000 miles we have never gotten better than 16.7 in the best conditions. Averaging less than 15.9. Toyota replies that the sticker is a little misleading, sorry bout that! We will be trading in!

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  Slow & Steady - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By MikeInNNJ - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Very slow, poor fuel economy (14 mpg in mixed driving), not nimble, starts every time. Rust is a problem. Not a lot of legroom if your 6 or taller, good headroom though. I dont drive it everyday so I dont have big expectations for it other than running when I need it. Does well in the snow. The rating I gave it may be low, but I only need it to do a limited amount of things so the rating kinda reflects that as it might apply to a full time vehicle.

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  Surprised at defects in first two years - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Jim Burke - March 19 - 9:46 am

  So far, Toyota has replaced the radiator and fuel tank under recall as well as an electrical issue and a door seal issue. Under warranty the lift gate plungers were replaced after they outright broke off. Then, the A/C compressor had to be replaced because apparently some kind of road hazzard bounced up and put a hole in it. Poor design / positioning? I mean thats an expensive component to be left exposed to a rock on the interstate. N bolders out there. All in all, I bought a Toyota because of the reliability reputation and so far in 2 years it has been at the dealer a total of 9 days. That seems excessive in just two years.

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  Big Problems - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Ravlight - March 17 - 6:43 am

  Im very displeased with the quality of this vehicle. I had numerous small problems that required several trips to the dealership, plus at only 60K, the AC compressor needs to be replaced (not covered by the warrenty). That and the fact that it is extremely underpowered, very noisy on the highway, and the back seats are very difficult to take in and out. It is very good on gas, rides and handles great in the city and has ample cargo room.

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  The good, the bad, and the . . . - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By jgp - March 16 - 8:26 pm

  Bought this van new as a replacement for 1989 Mazda MPV. Good power and handling (for a minivan) and a very comfortable highway cruiser. Adequate luggage space with all seats up and excellent with rear seats folded or removed. Good size - longer than the MPV and shorter than the Chrysler, Honda, etc. Generally good reliability except for the power sliding door (see below).