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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  Wouldnt recommend Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JT - February 18 - 11:50 pm

  This car offers poor drivers seat comfort, poor vision (it sits way too low), only average ride quality, gas mileage *well* below the advertised numbers, and a jerky, balky, surging transmission that is difficult to use. (And the Toyota people say theres nothing wrong with it; its just the way it is!) The car also does not allow fresh air through the vents; if the AC isnt on, the interior becomes very warm, very quickly. I also dislike the foot-operated parking brake, but thats a minor complaint.

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  underperformer - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By afab - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is pretty well built, but I am about to take it back for the second power steering pump. I experienced the same clutch squeak that the other guy did, and rattles are starting to develop. The biggest annoyance is the road noise that eminates into the cab through the bare back wall of the cab. How much more could it have cost to "finish" the back wall of the cab? Toyota charges a premium price for what is supposed to be a premium product I expected that and was dissapointed. I would still buy another Toyota however.

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  No way ever ever - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Spokanegirl - February 15 - 11:06 am

  I bought it and 7 and a half DAYS later it caught on fire wasted 1350 plus 120 on registering tabs etc now have a bunch of towing fees. BS dude wouldnt give my money back either but after that I am done with Toyotas I keep thinking what if my daughter was in the car. Story is I was driving on the freeway lost acceleration and looked to get over noticed fluid flames dropping everything under the hood was scorched. Maybe it wasnt Toyota as every one is astonished at my misfortune but I choose not to ever own one hope this helps.

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  Poor Quality of work - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Pat McMullen - February 14 - 11:36 pm

  As a customer of Toyota, my wife and I are disappointed in the vehicle we have purchased. The Toyota Rav is only 7 years old and we need a new transmission. I have had 5 brand new cars in my life so far and never needed a new transmission installed as a maintenance problem with my cars. The Toyota was not in any kind of accident. I was told my the technician it was due to transmission fluid being low. I just think Toyota could do a better job of building their products than this. Everyone is saying how good Toyota is we decided to purchase our new Toyota vehicle but so disappointed to have the transmission gone with only 79,000 miles. Gear is slipping from 2nd to 3rd.

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  Enjoyed my used for 2 years, would not buy another - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Parker - February 13 - 3:50 am

  I purchased a 2002 2wd SR5 from the original owner. Had 150k miles. The SUV was excellent utility-wise for what I use (trips, camping, sleeping, biking, kayaking, dirt roads, etc). However to say this vehicle was reliable is a bit over-statement. The previous owner replaced the transmission at 5 years. I also replaced it. His list of repairs was fairly lengthy, though most of them routine type stuff. I had to do a lot of suspension work, which I guess is OK for a car this age. Could tow a few thousand pounds, but wouldnt go above that due to the power lacking. Awesome sunroof. Gas mileage was decent on the highway (~22). My main gripe with this vehicle was that it just wasnt comfortable at all. As is the problem with Tacomas and 4runners, the seats are low to the ground. Thats fine if youre short, but for me I found on long trips it really wore me down. I purchased mine used for $5k, but spent $6k on it in repairs. Honestly, I felt it was a waste of money for a used middle-of-the-road vehicle. I wouldnt buy one again just based on the comfort-factor alone. Sure if youre someone that drives cars to 400,000 miles then you say toyota but if youre like me and dont do high mileage but might take long trips occasionally, you are definitely going to want a vehicle that is comfortable to be in for those long hours.

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  My first Camry Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By TCH_Driver - February 10 - 1:00 pm

  I have had this car for 3 months. This car is reliable. The navigation is great. It has a spacious interior. I routinely get 38+ MPG with this car. Trunk space is limited compared to a regular Camry due to all the batteries, but I dont mind. The engine is underpowered compared to a regular Camry, but this is normal for a hybrid car. If you understand the limitations of this hybrid, you will be happy with it. I love the low fuel consumption and the infrequent trips to the gas station.

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  Wheres the leather? - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Leslie - February 8 - 10:08 am

  Actually, I almost bought this car until I found out that you cant get leather seats anymore. Dont be fooled! The leatherette is really an upgraded vinyl. It will never be leather and dont let them tell you that it is better or even as good as leather. It isnt! Cheap! Toyota blew it on the new 2016 RAV4.

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  Only Toyota I will ever buy - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By tustin - February 7 - 9:33 pm

  Had all carpet replaced at 1600 miles. Had interior trim panels replaced. Plastic covers keep falling off. Owned MB, audi and GM Yukons. My 94 E320 looks brand new. Toyota suggested I go back to buying MB product. Sequoia interior looks like junk. Toyota would not acknowlege poor manufacturing quality. Kept trying to send me to dealer but they did not build the car, Toyota did. Exceptionally poor customer service from Toyota Corporation. Paint is cheap as well.

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  Tundra Could be Better, Much Better - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Gary Hoyt - February 6 - 7:00 pm

  Need a part? Be ready to dig DEEP. As an example one steel stamped (basic) wheel: $180.00. The plastic insert that fits around the lugs? $98.43. If you do the math, just the wheels and plastic insert is over 10% of the full purchase price of the truck. Toyota charges big time for parts. Gas mileage? V-6: window sticker from Toyota said 19. I get 18, then 17 now 16. My Ford F-150 V-6: always @ 20. The Ford V-6 eng. was larger.

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  Unhappy Toyota Buyer - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Kris A - February 5 - 8:46 pm

  Having owned 2 Camrys and 2 Corollas, I was a very happy Toyota owner for 20 years. However this car is just not very good compared to those. Poor quality. Cheap, cheap, cheap plastic parts. So many squeaks and noises that the dealer hasnt been able to fix. Just disappointed overall. This Camry has been in for more repairs in two years than all of my others combined.