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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  Okay, but not good enough - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Hans - January 28 - 4:50 am

  I have had this truck for two years. I have had no major problems except excessive uneven wear on the tires which my Orlando dealership did not take seriously. Instrument cluster is hard to read and needs a redesign. Does not pull the boat as well as my Ford Excursion. Next truck will be a F250.

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  Steering Shaft and Rack Problems - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By chris - January 26 - 1:36 pm

  I loved this car, until I hit about 50,000 miles, then I noticed a knock in the steering, Total cost of repair on the vehicle will be close to $3000.00. Needs steering shaft and rack. Over 36,000 miles this is not covered and I just turned 52,000. I took it to the dealership complaining of an occasional knock at 20,000 and then again at 30,000 and they could find nothing wrong; they told me to get an alignment, this made it a little better but know it is highly annoying to drive the vehicle. There is a Tech bulletin out there for this problem, too bad they dont recall these parts. With the bad publicity you would think they would rectify this problem. I am not sure I would get another Toyota.

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  Beautiful but shakey - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By rar2 - January 24 - 5:46 pm

  I purchased this brand new 2008 LE V6 at the end of 2008. Within a week the seat and steering wheel would vibrate when driving 65-75 on the highway 30 miles to get to work. Also had issues with the bluetooth. Brought in repeatedly. Eventually a TSB was sent out by Toyota regarding vibration/shudder after months of complaining, but it didnt completely resolve the issue. Toyota Rep insists its the way Camry is designed. Had Hondas for 20 years, first toyota, incredibly disappointed. Do not feel safe. Also experience transmission hesitation as others.

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  Bad paint, no comfort, Good drivetrain. - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By canucksca - January 24 - 12:03 pm

  Purchased truck July 2003. List of problems I have had with this vehicle: 1) Rear seals on back of X-tra cab fixed due to rain water entering cab. 2) Fuel filler tube replaced because Check Engine light kept coming on. 3) Paint on drivers side door wore away and I had the entire door and front of the X-tra cab repainted at local body shop. Dealer agreed to pay for 1/2 of the repair. I declined offer, as I suspect there will be future problems with this. Other paint (salsa red pearl) peeling off of truck. 4) Factory Dunlop tires horrible. 5) X- tra cab uncomfortable. Not up to the standard for a Toyota. Marginal city MPG. Drivetrain excellent so far.

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  STINKS - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By BILLIEBOB - January 24 - 7:13 am

  This was the absolute worst car I have ever owned!! The car leaks oil, door handles fell off, and the windows wont go up right, Ill stick with Ford they have never given me any problem!!

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  Oil and Engine Issues :( - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Nick Franky - January 21 - 11:48 am

  Ive had my car for a while now. I bought it in 2011, 2 years old for about 13k. After replacing the melting dash, door protectors and starter. I now have issues with oil, I took my car for its scheduled oil change and the mechanic says..."You have no oil in you car, and its back firing, I think you should take it to the dealer because we wont be able to do an oil change". So I take my car to Toyota and the keep it over night. they tell me nothing seems wrong but the are testing the oil consumption I have to bring it back within 1200 miles. BUUUUUUUT my check engine light is on and when I start my car it trembles, I have to let it sit for a while or restart the car. This was my first car I bought all alone, Finally paid for in full and this POS gives me hell after I make my final payment(April) . oh yeah, a mechanic told me its about 6k to fix, car is only worth 5k! I dont think I will buy another Toyota...Honda here I come.

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  General problems - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By pgrazioso - January 17 - 3:51 pm

  Our truck is three years old. There is a squeeking noise in the shocks. We had the radio replaced. Also the lights on the dashboard for the the controls. The accelerator pedal was recalled. Gas mileage is less than we expected. Now we have rust on the frame. All-in-all we expected better from Toyota.

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  Some Bugs to work out - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By ImTheDude - January 15 - 5:21 pm

  This truck is perfect all around. Decent gas mileage and has the interior of a comfortable mid sized sedan. Wonderful off road features. My only gripe currently is the transmission bugs that Toyota is currently aware of and supposedly working on a TSB for. The truck searches for gears constantly at highway speeds, especially if you have the cruise control on. UPDATED 11/22/16: After owning the truck for 6 months, I can say this is still a great truck. Im so pleased with it. Toyota released a TSB for the transmission that fixed the gear searching, but there are still some issues with the transmission flaring/slipping on cold startup. UPDATED 11/22/17: Ive had the truck for over a year and a half now, and the transmission still leaves much to be desired. It searches for gears (not as bad as before the update) wont upshift in certain conditions and I still cant use the cruise control. Its literally the only thing I dont like about the truck.

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  Practical - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By livingliberty - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with about 100,000 miles and put another 20,000 on myself until I wrecked it this year. This was a car that I could always count on to start. Mechanically, it had very few problems. The struts went out, the interior door handles broke, the radio never worked and the fasteners for the bumper guard came apart so if you drove at high speeds the bumper guard would sometimes come loose. Overall I would reccomend these cars as a good A to B vehicle, but in the future I will never own one again if I can afford something nicer. It was never a joy to drive, handled poorly, no pick-up on acceleration and starts vibrating pretty bad around 70 mph.

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  Why is Toyota Going Backwards?? - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By dpast276 - January 14 - 10:55 pm

  Had to purchase a replacement 2011 4Runner for my 2005 4Runner Sport Ed. due to damages from a body shop. I have to ask " What is Toyota thinking??" 1) This vehicle is severely under powered! Take off feels like being in 4 cylinder car w/ full power a/c 2) No gas latch / security 3) No cargo cover included w/ vehicle, Expensive purchase at $153.00 + tax or shipping/handling. 4) Lightning in the cargo are is crap, all lighting was installed on the back door. Non are actually in the cargo area/ Where you will actually be using. 5) Removed automatic back latch, have to slam down. 6) Why is a newer vehicle getting lower gas mileage than an older version?? 05 4Runner 19 new 17?? Really!!