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:

• 

  Corolla S - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla Owner - May 31 - 10:16 am

  Nice cheap little car. Lacks performance with a 126 HP engine, especially with 3 passengers on board and the AC cranking, the thing will barely accelerate under all that stress. At higher speeds, at about above 75 mph, it becomes a little unstable to drive on the highway, it feels like you could lose control of it because of the wind and drag. I think the car might be too light. I also dont get the advertised mileage. But on the upside, it still runs. I guess that is all that is asked for by any Corolla owners and nothing more.

• 

  Disappointed - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By JC - May 30 - 4:26 am

  I had a 2006 Limited that I loved, but I was hit and it was totaled. I purchased the 2010 SR5 last Dec. Im tough on my trucks as I have dogs and do SAR work in Nor Cal. The 2010 immediately started having little problems; vent piece broken, rubber door seals pulling off, radio flickering, etc. Not the quality Ive come to expect. But biggest problem has been the tow hitch wiring receiver. If you plan on towing, good luck! The wiring plug is underneath the vehicle way to the left side. No way is this going to work. Total design flaw. Ive been to dealer and they are telling me theres no fix. Im on my own. NOT GOOD!

• 

  Head gasket problems - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By sam - May 29 - 1:43 pm

  I bought my 4runner with about 56,000 miles on it.at 75,000 mile it blew a head gasket. at 150,000 miles it has blown a head gasket again. It was recalled for head gasket problems about 5 years ago.I am trying to get Toyota to fix it again.If there was a recall the first time then ,was it something they could fix or was it something they just patched up.I have had just one car in my life time that blew a head gasket once but this truck has don it 2 times. I am wondering if this problem is just something that is going to stay with this truck or what ?

• 

  Great light duty truck! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By ImAPoet - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001; its done everything I asked, including pulling a travel trailer over the highest passes in Colorado. But the engine performance is still marginal, and gas mileage is hard to tolerate (16-18mpg). All in all, though, Ill most likely look at a new Tundra when the time comes for another truck. I dont believe the American manufacturers can match the overall quality and reliability of Toyota.

• 

  Bogus sticker mileage - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Robert Belinsky - May 25 - 7:48 pm

  Engine throttle response poor dead pedal first 1/4 depression UNSAFE ! Had rental while remote start was being installed same engine but next model up from se, throttle response was much better. Talked to service and he said next model has a better response. But was not willing to give reason why. Being a mechanic for 35 yrs. I believe upper models are programed to run better. Like the car but not happy with this problem or gas mileage. Suppose to get 39 mpg highway best Ive seen is 27.4 not to happy about this sales pitch considering I was looking for good mileage.

• 

  Slow & Unresponsive! - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Ray - May 25 - 7:31 pm

  I have Leased/Owned a 2012, 2015, and now a 2017 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD Limited Platinum. Even though the 2015 and 2017 models look somewhat similar (...minor changes in the lights) their power-train is completely different. The new engine is good (more power, and yet more efficient) but the new 8 speed transmission is just TERRIBLE! It changes gears too quickly and it seems like the car is always under-powered. When merging onto the freeway, changing lanes, going up-hills, or ... there is a significant lag between pressing the accelerator and the vehicle responding!!! Very disappointing... Much different than my 2015, or even the 2012 model. Also, I get about 19-20 MPG for combined driving (... i do live in a "hilly" area though). I hope this helps!

• 

  2005 Corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mplaza - May 17 - 3:06 am

  The car is what you pay for. It is very economical, but not what I expected from a Toyota. If you want a cheap car that you want as a beater this car will do. Dont look for quality when buying this car. This was my first Toyota and I probably won’t go back. However, I would recommend it to others. Toyota wasnt for me.

• 

  Not so great - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Markel - May 15 - 5:10 am

  Very uncomfortable seats. Check engine lights comes on if gas cap is not put back on correctly! Window tinting could be better.

• 

  Oil today and gone tomorrow! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Tonya Stafford - May 14 - 12:27 am

  I have had oil consumption issues since about year one. I have owned it 8 years and have complained continually about the oil consumption issues. It uses a quart by 1300 miles after an oil change and another quart at 1100 more. I have driven it until it wouldnt crank only to discover there was no visible oil on the dip stick. I had the oil consumption test and qualified, waited almost a year on a waiting list to find out by accident that it was not documented correctly. I recently qualified again and am now waiting for the necessary parts which could take some time to come in. Seriously, my engine might be shot by then. Not sure Ill buy another Toyota, after all, this is the same car that caused me to almost crash as my gas peddle got stuck and drove me through main street at about 65 mph! Toyota should be better than this. Other than those two major problems, the car has been pretty good. My husbands Toyota Tundra is 14 years old and has 200,000 miles with no problems yet and we bought it new. Toyota might have slipped on quality where it mattered during the years my car was made. I traded this car in September of 2016. Toyota had still not managed to get the parts to fix my cars oil consumption problems. It had a sticky dash that was on recall and I was just less than 200 down on the list to get it fixed. It had 123,000 miles on it. I just could not deal with the issues anymore. I did not replace it with a Toyota.

• 

  Manual trans is a piece of junk - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By mhlaur - May 10 - 4:00 am

  My manual transmission fell apart at 5 mths past warranty in 2007 as have many others since. Youll find plenty of posts on this website under Matrix Transmission Problems. Do not under any circumstances buy a used 2003 or 2004 manual transmission Matrix or you will sadly pay the price at around 60-100,000 miles. The transmission has been proven to have a faulty bearing which of course Toyota will not admit and take responsibility for. I had Toyotas from 1990-2007 and will never own another one in the next 50y.