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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  2004 Corolla LE - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Jurecka - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Although we like the car overall, it has been a service nightmare. Within 24 hours of purchase the check engine light came on. It has been to the dealer four times for repair. They have replaced Idle air solonoid and relay. They have replaced the computer, yet the problem still exists. Toyota is unable to offer the dealership the support needed to repair the problem. I have had a good relationship with the dealership, but not with Toyota.

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  This is not luxury - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By leonpc - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I am really surprised that Toyota sells as many of these vans as they do. No memory on the drivers seat, almost no adjustment on the passenger seat, no road-side assistance and only 36000 mile/36 month warranty! The seats are uncomfortable on journeys over 300 miles. The dealer told us "This is not a luxury car" but all the Toyota trucks have the features...

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  In Need of Redesign - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tom Bjelic - September 4 - 8:40 am

  This is my 5th Suv. After having owned Nissans and Jeeps I purchased the FJ for my wife to haul around kids, dogs and ski gear. It is a disaster of design. The interior is dark and visibility is terrible. I can get by these issues however, Its the worst SUV Ive ever driven when it comes to performance in snow. We hit the slopes whenever it snows and this vehicle is brutal. Regardless of tires, its not safe to drive. Coupled with its nervous anti-lock brakes its a dangerous vehicle to control in a blizzard. Our Xterra performed much better, with the Jeep being the best. The stain proof seats get dog hair caught in the open fibres and I have to use duct tape to clean it.

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  Door Horrors - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Door Horrors - September 2 - 6:36 pm

  Not only did the side sliders break, but now the drivers door hinges broke. Dealer advises that Toyota extended the warranty to 100K due to the problem. Glad the door didnt fall off on the freeway before they told us. Also the Rear lift somehow is tweaked. Now, all that for a car that has taken children to church, school, and me to work locally. Car never was in an accident. I am super easy on a car. So much for Toyota quality.

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  Anyone have radio problems? - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By rolf - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 2011 Camry 0% financing, - Transmission whines all the time, AM radio doesnt work right (replaced 2x already) so DH cannot listen to Reds Bball games! U stand under the WLW tower, and the radio doesnt work??? Whats up with that?? Toyota answer: WLW problem. How is that, when all the other radios we own work? - The cheap plastic covering of arm rest separated at seam. New car, 4k mi looks like cr** Toyotas answer??? NOT MY PROBLEM but if you pay us more $$$ we will fix it for you! STUCK, SORRY WE BOUGHT THIS CAR. Cant recommend

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  Camry slips in quality - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By John Youngt - August 30 - 10:13 am

  We chose Camry because of reliability. I wish now I had not. Our 05 Camry has a problem knowing when to shift (either up or down). The dealership indicates the new electronic transmission is known for this problem and apparently Toyota does not have an answer. The hesitation in shifting is troublesome and will probably get worse with age. In addition to the transmission the Camry has very soft braking, another acknowledged defect by the dealer but one for which they have no cure. So beware!

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  Dependable, repeat suspension problems - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By GMCONVERT - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my third and most dissapointing Camry. Although I will never by American again, this car has had repetitive suspension problems. I bought the car new, have maintained it according to the manual and have never "beat" this car. I had the front struts replaced once under warranty and now at 80,000 miles, both the rear and front struts are shot. Im looking at quite an expensive repair. Mechanically this car is sound but I miss my 95 Camry. Have doubts about buying another one.

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  Major problems again and again - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Julie - August 28 - 5:53 pm

  Ive had this van since 50K miles, now has 66K. First at 50K the rear main engine seal needed to be replaced... major job! Now at 66K the engine oil light is on. It will be in the shop for awhile, at minimum will need a new oil pump ($800) and it may need an entire new engine! I really expected much more from Toyota. What good is having the Toyota name if I need to get a different engine?? Very disappointed!

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  Sorry I didnt research first - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By texas sorry - August 25 - 9:03 am

  Bought the 2009 Corolla have been very disappointed so far. It seems to have a mind of its own and wanders around the road, if you glance away even for a moment you will wind up on the other side of the road. Have to keep both hands on steering wheel at all times. Constantly correcting steering to stay on road. And forget driving on a windy day. Glad we did not trade in our 2005 KIA or we would be driving our work truck. Bought Toyota because we all ways considered them a reliable cars. We see this as a safety issue and intend to pursue what ever means we have to. This is our first new car and will probably be our last as we will be on fixed income soon. Wish I had read reviews first.

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  Reliable car but thats it! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By thedriver93 - August 22 - 2:43 am

  My dad bought me this car when I graduated high school. I got an all white with backup camera and cloth seats. It was great at first because it was my first car and all but that wore off, QUICK! It was recalled for unintended acceleration which dropped its resale value 3 months after I bought it. The bottom of the car would scrape every time I would pull into anyplace including my own drive way which was rediculouslu annoying and ended up havin the bottom drag everywhere I drove which wasnt pleasant. Needless to say, never buying another Camry, EVER