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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  Meh - 2014 Toyota RAV4
  By 2manycars3 - January 19 - 9:10 am

  Recently traded a 2003 Hyundai Santa fe for the 2014 RAV4. Based mostly on price I leased the car, its okay but styling is boring, ride is firm, interior is cheap. If a Hyundai dealer would have been closer to home I think I would have stayed with the Hyundai, or a KIA. Inconvenient storage(coins, phone). Seat fold downs in back are okay, but the front seat could have been included to maximize full length hauling . The doors sound cheap/hollow when you close them. Overall a little disappointed, I have never owned a Toyota before, dont think I would get one again.

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  New Gears? - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By CB in AZ - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I wanted a car to keep for ten years! At 24K, I had to replace fourth and fifth gears. At least it was still under warranty! I drive hard, but never beyond 5500 RPMs. I also had to replace the fan blower just recently. The interior is cheap plastic that you can scratch very easily. Toyota cut too many corners when they designed this car. I wouldnt buy this car or any Toyota again.

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  Never Again - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By McGuire - January 11 - 10:00 am

  This is now my third Toyota that has rusted to the point of no return. I paid for and used an extened rust warranty. After only 3 years the truck needed paint and body work on the doors, fenders and tailgate. They are all in need of work again - $2000 worth. Not this time.

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  So Unhappy - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Toyotas Bad - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had my new 2002 Camry for less than two years. The right dash has squeaked and creaked since day 1. My air conditioning had to be replaced. My radiator (!!) had to be replaced. My oil pan had to be replaced. My charcoal cannister had to be replaced. I have never - EVER - had such a terrible experience with a car. I just purchased a Subaru Forester, and will stick with Subarus from now on.

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  Rattles - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By lna - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Awful dashboard rattles that the dealers have been unable to repair. Everything else is great bu this one issue would keep me from getting another one.

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  Major Disappointment - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By criticalbob - December 31 - 11:56 am

  Five speed transmission is rather rough. First gear is especially useless - you could push the car faster off the line. Handling is mediocre at best, as the car seems heavy and clumsy. Also, like a car equipped with an old fashioned carburetor, it often seems to hesitate and stumble. Gas mileage has been a major disappointment. As one other reviewer noted, the paint can be scratched with a fingernail. Of the three Toyotas I have owned, this is the first one that will be traded after only three years. Seems very overpriced for what you get, so it will be interesting to see what the trade-in value will be.

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  Extremely unhappy Camry owner - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Nancy - December 31 - 9:40 am

  The transmission has slow response time and when slowing and gearing down the car actually lunges, the vehicle has long braking time and is very unresponsive until pedal is pressed nearly to floor and road handling and tire grip is poor. Steering wheel position is high and seats are not deep enough for comfortable ride. Lumbar on passenger seat is uncomfortable. Window and rear door posts make side viewing difficult because of width. Trunk and gas door latches are difficult to access when seat is forward for person of shorter stature. Cruise control lever and buttons are awkward and not user friendly. Center console height is too low for comfortable elbow rest during long drives.

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  A number of issues - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dan - December 30 - 8:23 am

  I purchased my truck in June 09. Radio turned on and off by itself. (Dealer replaced, took 6 months). First time I washed grill paint flaked off in chunks(Dealer replaced). When purchased dealer outsourced bed cover- problem? Toyota does not make locking tailgates parts-outsourced. Waited 5 months on a generic brand from Canada. Truck is very dependable-gas mileage could be better-13-18 tops. If I had to do over again, I will go back to my Ford F150.

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  Cargo space? - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By A. Vesparado - December 30 - 8:03 am

  Cant tell you how Toyota measures cargo space, but, they must not use the standard formula of W x L x H. The stated 95.4 cu in is grossly overstated: Measuring w/ back seats down, from the tailgate to back of front seats, from the roof to the floor (top of lowered seats), and, from the widest width, I come up with 70" x 34" x 42". Totaling 99,960 cu in. Divided by 1,728 cu. in. that make a cubic foot, I come up with 57.8 cu ft. If the driver and passenger are cargo, that might make the difference. Measuring the same area on the Honda Pilot, I come up with 74 cu ft plus about 1 1/2 feet under the back mat. And, the seats all lay flat. Unlike the Highlander.

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  Worst purchase we have ever made - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By LJSwiger - December 29 - 11:50 am

  This vehicle is a lemon. We have lost count of the number of times we have had it in the shop. We have had to replace the heaters in both seats, the steering column, the back lift gate only works 40% of the time, (worked fine before the recall~once they replaced the motor~has not worked right since. Dealership claims they cant find anything wrong). Skid control kept kicking in while making a right had turn, once even on the dry interstate in a straightaway. If you are going to buy one of these, at least get the extended warranty~trust me, you will need it!