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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  guess i didnt get luck in toyota - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By zbhunter - June 19 - 8:39 pm

  bought the car with 75k miles on it. 9 months later the engine blew. replaced the engine and 3k miles later while driving home it caught fire in the engine area car was awsome fun to drive very cool interior but man i had bad luck

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  Barely average - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By katekebo - June 19 - 5:15 pm

  I have owned the RAV for about one year. I bought it based on previous experience with Toyota vehicles and a good trade-in offer I got from my dealer for my previous car - my net-out-of-pocket on the RAV was ~$2-3k less than other comparable CUVs. After one year of ownership the best I can rate this car is "average". The only real positive is the amount of cargo and passenger space. In every other area the car falls short, especially comparing to competition. Its noisy, has a very stiff and uncomfortable suspension, safety ratings are mediocre (below key competitors), transmission behavior is strange and disconcerting, mileage is OK but not outstanding. Bottom line - just average.

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  Transmission deceleration problems - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Tony Lucci - June 19 - 12:23 pm

  Only Toyotas ever owned and still own are four 1989-1991 Cressidas. Absolutely superb and still running great. Recommended to my son to buy Camry. Bought a 2007 LE 4 cylinder Camry new and transmission shifting between 35 and 45 is deplorable. When decelerating down to 40 car RPM jump up by 1000. I was foolish enough to buy a 2009 Camry 6 cylinder XLE with every option and at 9000 miles the problem my son has with his 4 cylinder is twice as bad with the 6 cylinder. Went to two different dealers for repair and received the same story from both (nothing wrong) and one even charged $40 bucks (car is in warranty). OOOH what a "bad" feeling.

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  Why so different? - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By sweetjustice57 - June 16 - 6:23 pm

  I have 2 2010 Tacoma 4x4s one is a 4 door sr5 and the other is an access cab with the trd package. The 4 door is very quiet and is a great truck, My truck with the trd package has so much road noise that I cant use a blue tooth devise. We bought the 4 door first brand new and we bought the trd used with 8,000 miles on it, I cant believe the difference in these to trucks for basically being the same vehicle, I am not happy with the trd truck although it runs good and no issues mechanically, just way to much road noise.

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  Oh what a feeling! (NOT) - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By California07 - June 15 - 3:26 pm

  Bought an 01 GT as a Toyota Certified Vehicle. Three weeks out, found that it burns oil at about 1600 mile to a quart - complained to Toyota and went to arbitration, but they wont warranty until its burning a quart every 1200. Last month the catalytic converter died (warrantied by Toyota) and last week the manual transmission died at 82K miles - just had it repaired for $3500, since Toyota would not cover it, though it was a Certified Vehicle and used carefully. Think twice about buying a Toyota Certified Vehicle - worst car Ive EVER owned, and Ive bought 8 Toyotas since a 1971 Crown, and several that I drove 200+K miles.

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  21 K dollar Rattle Trap - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By johnk - June 7 - 4:13 am

  I started getting rattles from the dash area as soon as I drove it off the dealers lot. Took it back 7 times and they could not resolve it. Told me to drive and bring it back before the 36k mile warranty and they would try again to fix the rattles. Brakes feel spongy and original Goodyear tires were lousy in rain. Changed to Yokohama tires and drives like a different car. City gas mileage is only 22. Highway is 34. Last Toyota for me. Will buy Honda Accord or Civic. Toyota dealer support is lousy. They dont spend much time trying to fix warranty problems.

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  This car is ok, but..... - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By yesitsme. - June 7 - 2:16 am

  I bought this used with 77,000 miles on it. The previous owners too good care of it. The fabric was nice and like new. Someone eventually ran into me at 101,000 and totaled it. It was good on gas, very comfortable and had power seats which I liked. The stereo sounded good when dialed up loud. The car looked nice except for the back looked outdated. I did a few minor repairs plus some major ones. There is a long bar in the front by the engine forget what they call it. It was going to cost me 1,200 to have fixed, I found someone for 700. It had some dry rot. Then around 100,000, the struts were going bad and that would have been 800. The owners had EuroTour Big O tires that were great and lasted a long time. Overall, an acceptable car. Too bad it was totaled.

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  2007 SE Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jablusonata - June 6 - 9:52 am

  I have been very dissappointed with the 07 SE Toyota Camry. I purchased new and it currently has about 65k. So far I had the rotars resurfaced; reset the right front end fender; and after replacing factory tires, the back of the veicles makes a loud metal rubbing sound. I have taken it back to the dealer and the tire store and they both are unable to "duplicate" the noise. I wish I could get a straight answer. Has anyone experienced this problem? This is the 1st Toyota that I have ever had problems with.

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  JBL sound system is terrible. Very disappointing! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Scott Steele - June 5 - 4:52 pm

  The 2016 Platinum model comes standard with the JBL sound system (with subwoofer). Its not that it doesnt sound good when its working....but in less than a year of ownership, the subwoofer has blown 3x and now Toyota wont stand behind the product or the warranty. The dealership nor Toyota customer service have not satisfied me as a customer. I cant imagine buying another Toyota product...and I would be leary if I were you.

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  One of many - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Fred - June 3 - 4:47 am

  You see them everywhere, except in junkyards. Ive been in and out of a few over the last year hunting for parts for my Grand Marquis. I havent seen a Rav 4 yet. Id like to get a spare steel wheel but I always turn up empty. If you want a car thats affordable, easy to handle, somewhat economical, and really reliable you wont go wrong here. Lots of cargo room if you fold down the rear seats. Even more if you lift them out ! Not the most stylish vehicle on the road but its not hideous either. Mines full time 4WD so it might be a little more aggressive when it comes to cabin noise but its livable. Superior road handling. Average everywhere else which truly isnt a bad thing. You could spend almost double on a Lexus but would your 5 or 6 bags of groceries in the back know or even care ?