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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  Bad quality - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By amarka01 - June 15 - 4:18 am

  Bought Toyota Camry based on quality reputation. We have 2001 Highlander also. Begining there were recalls (leak above driver side visor let water in, gas pedal/accelerator/floor mat issue, VVT (sp?) hose, transmission slippage). At 89K miles water pump broke. Dealer said its $1,400 to replace as V6 models have major labor to remove engine parts to get at pump. I had replaced Ols Intrigue that had same issue at 105K miles and was much cheaper to replace. Will not buy Toyota again...will go with Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, or Hundai Sonata.

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  The Drivetrain is a joke - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike Murray - June 6 - 4:13 am

  The drivetrain of the 2016-2017 Toyota Tacoma is a total joke. This engine transmission combo belongs in a minivan, not an off-road truck. Toyota should be ashamed. Additionally, the infotainment system is also a joke! Where is Carplay or Google support? Toyota seriously needs a team of UX people for their software designs.

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  Rattles and Poor Fuel Economy - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Bren - June 3 - 2:41 pm

  Avoid this car like the plague! This car has loud rattles in the dashboard, passenger front seat(had to take the headrest to lessen the vibrations), doors, and multiple pillars! Fuel economy is terrible. I get 20-22 city and 27-31 highway, mixed is 22-25. The car is SUPPOSED to be rated for 25/35. The dealer blames driving conditions, which is BULL. For 25k, this car comes bare with only a backup camera. Dealer is unwilling to help. They said they would get me in contact with a Toyota rep...... That was two months ago. Materials are super cheap. Do yourself a favor and buy ANY OTHER car. Nissan, Honda, Mazda, Hyundai, KIA, and Subaru all get better fuel economy, have higher horsepower ratings, and come with a butt load of features for the same amount of money. Im NEVER buying another Toyota again!

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  Tacoma has known suspension problems - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By jjgarvey - May 27 - 7:30 pm

  I have had two Tacoma double cabs - 2004 and 2008. I bought the second because I was happy with the first. Unfortunately, the quality of the 08 Tacoma is disappointing and Toyotas response to documented suspension problems has been unsatisfactory. There is a widely known noise problem with newer Tacomas suspension that the company has not addressed. The truck is now an embarrassment to drive because it groans so loud. Toyota Customer Cares does not at all! Recently, the truck got stuck in wet grass and I popped a ABS sensor before I could get it us stuck...4x4?

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  Paint chiping off - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Mike - May 19 - 5:56 pm

  The paint on the drivers side mirror is not only chipping away but you can actually see it bubbling. The car has less than 50K miles on it but the dealer will not repair or replace the mirror. I also have a 2000 Honda Accord 6 cyc. I looks and drives like its brand new. And is has 111K miles on it with no major work whatsoever. Bottom line, stay away from Toyota. You will never go wrong with a Honda.

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  Overpriced Junk - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Alpine - May 17 - 1:43 am

  First truck (same model) had to be replaced, due to a front-end problem - right off the lot. Second truck had a clutch problem from the start (one that the dealer ignored until it failed at 35K). I had the rear spring TSB done to help the load capability of the truck. The dealer messed up setting the pinion angle of the diff - blowing out the drive-shaft carrier bearing. The dealer would not admit to this, and I had to get it fixed at a drive-line shop (at $900). All-in-all the truck is the biggest piece of junk Ive ever owned, with Toyota not backing the problems associated with this truck. Toyota, oh what a feeling (yeah, sick feeling).

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  Toyota has no credability - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By eddieb - May 8 - 10:00 am

  My 2007 4 cylindercamry has always vibrated in drive with the ac on when stopped. This is how the dealer handled it. First we changed to name brand high test gas. Then we had multiple computer adjustments to 750 rpm at idle. In a short time it dropped to 500 rpm and back to the vibration. Then they did a top engine cleaner at a cost to me of $100.00 now they they say I need a new throttle valve assembly that is defective at a cost of $1000.00 dollars. Toyota will pick up $500.00 but alas its out of warranty! P. S. Toyota awful. Never again

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  SLUDGE - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By wilmore - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This van was not as good inside as my plymouth van. Its hard to get into the very back seats. My plymouth was roomier. Since Ive had sludge problems its been downhill from there.

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  Owner/operator - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By l1nda - April 30 - 10:36 am

  Replaced 5 sets of front brake rotors, replaced ball joints within 2 years of ownership, within 2 years of purchase had to start replacing exhaust system 3 times, replace rear shocks after 3 years of purchase date, brought Tacoma to dealer with frame rust in 2008 nothing was done, another recall came up in 2010 now the frame is completely rotted out and getting the run around from the Toyota company. Want to put new frame underneath vehicle with all rusted hardware this means taking the entire vehicle apart who knows how it will run after that. Want Toyota to buy back vehicle but they refuse to will fight to the end. I am done with toyotas. Drove this vehicle with rot on frame for two years

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  Want my other vehicle back..... - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Jan - April 28 - 1:50 pm

  It drives okay, handles pretty well. I think its pretty zippy, when I go to pass I just shift into B. It is very difficult to judge the front because you cant see it & backing up with the camera is deceiving-objects are definitely closer than they appear