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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  not reliable - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By GK - May 18 - 11:36 pm

  I bought Toyota for reliability, but I was disappointed. Apart from having uncomfortable front seats, my car came in with heated seats, and the tube that transmitted the heat started hitting my rear end and make me uncomfortable. This started a year after leasing the car. Took it to two Toyota dealers, two of the largest in the country. The first one didnt do anything, and the second one tried to solve the problem at least, but it didnt help much. The padding is too thin. Not enough cushion for the seats. I have to drive the car like this for another year and a half before turning it in at the lease end. What does Toyota think about this. Never buying a Toyota again. Would you? At this day and age something like this should never happen. Poor engineering and seat design. Upgrade d XSE model that costs more but doesnt give you comfort. Where is the reliability? Very disappointed and dissatisfied customer.

• 

  not reliable - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By GK - May 18 - 11:36 pm

  I bought Toyota for reliability, but I was disappointed. Apart from having uncomfortable front seats, my car came in with heated seats, and the tube that transmitted the heat started hitting my rear end and make me uncomfortable. This started a year after leasing the car. Took it to two Toyota dealers, two of the largest in the country. The first one didnt do anything, and the second one tried to solve the problem at least, but it didnt help much. The padding is too thin. Not enough cushion for the seats. I have to drive the car like this for another year and a half before turning it in at the lease end. What does Toyota think about this. Never buying a Toyota again. Would you? At this day and age something like this should never happen. Poor engineering and seat design. Upgrade d XSE model that costs more but doesnt give you comfort. Where is the reliability? Very disappointed and dissatisfied customer.

• 

  2002 Prius with 193,000 miles - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By manatee624 - May 18 - 5:58 pm

  Bought it new in June 2003. Im amazed the car it still gives me 42-46 mpg each fill up in mixed city/highway driving in busy Miami traffic. This has been the most reliable car I have owned in 40 years of driving. Repairs so far: full brake job at 100,000 miles, replaced replaced rear wheel bearings at 155,000 miles, replaced ABS brake module and engine belt at 165,000 miles, replaced steering rack at 175,000 miles, added refrigerant gas to AC at 190,000 miles for the 1st time. As a preventive measure I also replace the small 12V battery every 3 years. The car is still running fine on the original high voltage battery. Everything thing else is original. I love it!

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  Dont be afraid to dream - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Barb - May 18 - 12:53 pm

  I bought this car on my 50th birthday. I was looking for a convertible which would go in the snow, have enough trunk room to carry my families groceries, have more than two people in the car and make me feel like a kid again. This car has it all. One summer day with the top down and the fantastic factory stereo turned up to a favorite song of the 70s, I felt like a 16 yr old in my dads car. I dont think any other car could give me that. The only complaint, if it is one, is that on cold days going over some bumps the window glass seems to creak until it gets warm. The car looks like a more expensive and exotic model without the price tag. A hybrid model would have been perfect.

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  Now I know why Toyota is the worlds best selling ! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Steven Glass - May 18 - 10:21 am

  My Highlander is the top of the line with every option. It is very lux and actually an easy replacement for my previous SUV a BMW X5. It is lighter by 1000 lbs and has 45 fewer bhp. The performance is comparable and the quality is superior! Im looking forward to not having $3000 repair bills to replace an alternator and then an air conditioning compressor.

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  Love the Car - Not the Corporation... - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Iowa Driver - May 18 - 8:13 am

  I bought the car new. Really ticked me off when it didnt (and still hasnt) gotten the 65/55mpg that it was rated. I get 44-46 most of the time. Really like the storage in the back under the floor. I like the quiet running what I call "Stealth mode". Some things I dont like are how blazing hot the top of the display gets in the summer, the reflection of the light from the dash display onto the windshield at night, but most of all the bad, bad, bad customer service. The paint just peels off of my front bumper and because the territory rep wont approve fixing it (even tho it was still under warranty) they wont fix it. So now I drive around a car with peeling paint.

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  Real World, Real Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By accesstoo - May 18 - 8:10 am

  After all the hype about this car and that, all cars smell, drive, look, and act similarly after a few years. That being said, I can tell you without reservation, this has been one fine car. I now have 61,000 miles on this car. I drive it daily in Atlanta traffic. This car has and continues to deliver everything you come to expect in a Toyota. I have only replaced the Front Brakes. I cant seem to wear the rears out, replaced the tires, and use synthetic oil with every oil change. Score? Perfect. It has never broken down. It has a better AC than Honda and is roomier. It wont turn heads but you wont call for a tow either. Next time, buy a 4-cyl Camry. Its my 2nd.

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  I gave up on my 2014 hybrid for a 2015 XSE V6 - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Tim Ziemba - May 17 - 11:31 am

  My last car was the 2014 Camry XLE hybrid. Due to handling, performance, look, and whirring sound I took a heavy loss and rolled it into a new 2015 XSE V6. The hybrid was ok for certain consumers but my aggressive driving style, and I guess I even wanted a car that looks great as well. Some bonuses are better stereo, much more technology (entune apps, qi, nav, backup cam, homelink, LED lights, and more), sunroof, incredible handling for a camry, excellent performance in all driving conditions, comfortable seats. All the good things that existed in the 2014 still carry over such as toyota quality, good mileage, roomy interior and trunk , easy to use controls. The 18 low profile wheels look amazing, definitely not camry like, the sport mode and paddle shifters can be quite fun, the v6 glides to an impressive 6 second 0-60 and is easy to keep quiet under brisk acceleration (unlike my previous hybrid).

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  Experience of a former Corolla Driver - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By PriusDriverInKaty - May 17 - 3:36 am

  I have been averaging 50 MPG in my first week of ownership, driving on the Grand Parkway/I-10/Beltway 8. The car does not handle as a peppy Corolla, but has more passenger room. The cargo space is not as big as a Corolla, but adequate to haul the weekly groceries. Be sure to buy "vehicle shield" or the road noise will get to you. As a techno-geek, I enjoy driving the car.

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  Toyota Fan - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Cathy - May 17 - 1:23 am

  I love my new RAV4. I had been driving my 2001 RAV4 and the differences between these vehicles in amazing! The 2010 is much more spacious, the V6 gives her some get-up-at-go, the XM radio, keyless ignition/entry and so much more. I still have my 2001 RAV4 in the dooryard, but I always go for my new 2010. Love it!