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:

• 

  Toyota Reliability? - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Micah - June 8 - 4:10 am

  We bought our SE because we thought it would look cool in black with the sport body kit, but there are so many Camrys, theyre everywhere. They always looked bad exterior wise, but I thought the reliability was worth it. After 7 months, I ran out the warranty (I drive a lot for work) and the car had electronic problems from the first week. The interior has been falling apart from day one when the door panel came off. I have to go to the shop once every two months because the engine makes odd noises. The interior is, unimaginative to say the least, it truly is an appliance vehicle, no style.

• 

  Stranded on interstate. Transmission failed. - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Neil Janne - June 6 - 5:29 pm

  Was telling everyone that it was best car I ever owned...before the transmission totally failed. Twice. First time required flatbed truck to dealer. Dealer claimed to fix with software update. Next day total failure on interstate. Many miles from home. Again flatbed truck to nearest dealer...different dealer. Sunday so it was closed. Son had to drive hours to pick us up. Monday rented car. Not until Friday did dealer call with verdict. Transmission totally broke..must be replaced.. but alas none available. Will be four weeks before a new one is shipped...still driving rental car.

• 

  poor seating - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By rick - June 3 - 12:18 pm

  I traded in a buick enclave,huge mistake!!! the ride quality,interior noise is terrible. Toyota should be ashamed of the poor seat quality on the front seats,i have put 300$ in the drivers seat at a custom shop to get it where it is even acceptable. the noise level inside at highway speeds is bad at best.for a car in this price range Toyota needs to get their game on. im back to buick!

• 

  Air conditioner problem already - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By tom altermatt - May 29 - 12:56 am

  At 48,000 miles the AC failed bad condenser. should have lasted much longer and it is expensive to replace, warranty period is over, I am extremely disappointed and i will never buy another Toyota

• 

  ready for a new one - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By needanewone - May 25 - 10:23 am

  I LOVED my Camry when I bought it, but now I HATE it. The drivers side door handle has broken off twice, the drivers window does not like to roll up once it goes down, and the clear coat has chipped off of the hood. The only good thing about this car which I guess is the part that matters the most is that I have not had any mechanical issues. I have only had to do scheduled maintenance work. With 220,000 miles, I guess I cant complain too much about that.

• 

  NOT MY BEST CHOICE - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By patsoxfan - May 25 - 9:00 am

  I got my 09 Venza in September, put 3300 miles on it and 4 months later have already traded it in. Its got horrible blind spots, the cloth interior is nothing short of junk and the plastic dash and doors is completely disappointing. The road noise is ridiculous. Toyota didnt seem to put a whole lot of thought into this car. I had a Toyota prior to the Venza and loved it, but I wasnt sad to see this one go. You should head back to the drawing board.

• 

  Junk... Save Money and Buy Much Better - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By SomeDude - May 22 - 5:13 am

  Ok, Im going to give the real review on this car. Ive always owned some pretty nice sports cars and after 2 years of owning this I can say its pretty much complete junk. First, the build quality on this car is incredibly poor. Everything about it. The paint is awful and chips, scratches really easily esp. black. The body panels do not line up well at all and will shift. The top will fade and become difficult to put down, you will get "ears". Headlights fade and fog very easily. The stock suspension is too high and very cheap. Brakes are just ok. Worst of all... the car is slow. Not sports car standards. And its really not that fun to drive. Remove precats or engine will blow! No joke.

• 

  RAF 4 headlights - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Diane Mowers - May 22 - 1:21 am

  This car has very dangerous headlights! You cant see with the low beams or the high beams on. I went off the road when it was raining due to poor visability. Toyota told me nothing was wrong but next week they will take a ride with me after dark. If they still tell me nothing is wrong and wont give me a different car, time to start a class action suit. Dont buy one!

• 

  Couldve been the best - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Garth McBride Sr - May 20 - 1:18 am

  Love the car, but, couldve really been better. For driving modes, why cant the driving mode remain in the position you push it in even after you leave the car and return. Only remains in the position for "normal", for sport and eco you have to punch it every time you enter the car and start the engine. I like sport cant it just stay there. After 36,000 miles brakes are a little jittery at stops. Should be smooth. Doesnt ride smooth like my 2006 Avalon but thats OK we were warned and the 2006 was too cushy. If you want the 2006 ride buy a Buick. LED headlights and daytime running lights should be standard on all except the Premium. Add a spoiler to the "Touring" as the 2006 thru 10 had!!! Bluetooth sometimes goes from on mode to off mode for some reason, just once in a while but cant figure that out just annoying when it goes into Bluetooth off in the middle of a call on I-95 or 76! Pretty good car for the money but couldve been great. It better stay reliable though. A lot of other choices out there for similar money. I am a Toyota/Lexus guy but can you say, Hyundai Genesis Sedan 3.6!! This is a 2013 and this model is about halfway thru the cycle before the new version. Enough facts are in so they should be able to straighten out the kinks if they (Toyota) is willing.

• 

  Not Toyota Qualioty - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Campy0537 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Its a cute car but having owned/leased 6-7 Toyota vehicles this is by far a real piece of garbage. Between the buzzing noise coming from behind the dash and the rattles in the rear I go nuts when I drive it. The engine could use more spunk with less buzzing. Havent had it long enough to experience any problems other than an AC problem right after delivery. The took good care of it with no problem. I wouldnt buy it again or tell my friends about it. Heard rumors that the engine might be the GM 4 banger.