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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  Great Design executed horribly - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Former Toyota fan - January 9 - 9:50 am

  I’ve had my crew cab for less than a year now and it’s junk. I have had three major failures (A/C condenser failure, radio failure and wiper transmission failure) and numerous other problems in the first year. Every time something fails it involves two trips to the dealer. The first to find the problem and then the second a week later once they get parts in. I work too far from the dealer for them to shuttle me to work and I’ve been in so many time that they won’t give me a loaner unless they keep the truck over night so every trip to the dealer means at least a half day off from work (one full day per problem for the two trips). Im still waiting on parts to fix the AC and radio.

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  So far good except - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By bigpaulie - January 5 - 11:53 pm

  So I have 42k on the car. It has been reliable and low maintenance. The backs of both seats have fallen off. I went to Toyota and they said it is a common defect but since I drive a lot they want $800 to fix. It is clearly a poor design but Toyota doesnt respond. I bought the 120k bumper to bumper but was told after it isnt bumper to bumper and that they "have good sales people". My car is embarrassing to sit in.

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  Disappointed in Toyota - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By ceodale - January 5 - 6:15 pm

  I have purchased nothing but New vehicles since 1969 - this Toyota is the worst. I actually had the Service Dept admit that Toyota knew of a manufacturers defect in the Headliner but fails to disclose it. 4 months after buying it the headliner around the sun roof came loose. Toyota first wanted to tear apart the car, keep it for a week and install a new one. Then they concocted a fix with a magnet that lasted 4 more months. After waiting 12 days for the parts to arrive from 3M Toyota decides not to honor it and to insist on taking out the seats, disconnecting all the electical and such and installing a new headliner. Whats next? Never again a Toyota. They need to buy the car back. 2017 Update: When the car was new, a feature was a hands free charger for my cell phone.....never worked. Had a Android, they said it needed a special adapter which of course they do not sell.....then, in 2017 I inquired why the e-mail function stopped worked. They blamed it on Apple since I have a iPhone...great....now I have to buy a phone to fit the car or vise-versa! Told me it wont work. I have the latest technology in a phone but the e-mail wont work and the dialing function has changed and become very cumbersome. Counting the days til I trade this vehicle and get something else. I will say on a positive note, the fuel efficiency is Great! Car is comfortable but not what it was cracked up to be.. UPDATE 10/2017 - Okay Ive had the vehicle three years. Its been okay, service department is friendly and good but still a bad taste in my mouth relative to some misrepresentations made at time of purchase......the iPhone thing is really a disappointment .

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  Corolla CE with Enhance Convenience Pkg - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Micheal - January 4 - 9:23 pm

  I did a lot of research before buying the car. For the limited amount of money I had the Corolla offered the best value. It has a quiet, smooth, pleasant ride; it can corner surprisingly well and fast (for a commuter car), though it is not fun nor exciting. My body is 62" and 180 pounds. I have just so-so leg space with the seat all the way back; fortunately, the steering wheel telescopes and tilts nicely. My left elbow is way past the door elbow rest, so I cant use it; the right elbow rest aligns nicely, but is hard plastic. The seat is uncomfortable - no lumbar support and the seat cushion is too narrow so the side bolster dig into the butt. Excellent fuel economy; good visibility.

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  Suspension is Horrible - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By NoToToyo - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it used with low milage a few months back. So far they have changed; both lower control arms, all strut mounts, one wheel bearing and one strut... after all of this it still makes LOTS of suspension noise. A mechanic at the dealer says it is a problem accross the board with 97-2001 Camrys. As well, Ive also heard of sludge problems on the V6 engine, great.

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  My Love/Hate Relationship - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By b1rd0g - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Lets see...what hasnt gone wrong. My engine knocks like someone is hitting it with a hammer in cold weather...no kidding! I had the steering rack replaced due to failure. Ive had driveline vibrations that Toyota cant figure out and feel like they are causing damage since 454 miles. I"ve had the brakes serviced four times. Ive got an exhaust smell of rotten eggs entering the cabin upon acceleration. The VSC system kicks in and I lose all power at "very exciting" times, like entering fast moving traffic! Thats not everything! However, I love to drive it, believe it or not. I just wish Toyota could resolve all of my issues.

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  2005 Toyota - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Ralph Shivel - January 2 - 11:40 am

  Do not like the high rear end on the Camry. Do not like the rebound sound from the rear of the auto when you hit a moderate size bump. The front bumper catches parking wedges, which cause it to tear the thin plastic undercarrage.

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  Flintstones vehicle - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Laura - January 1 - 8:03 am

  This bare-bones car runs and runs. Although the styling, road noise, and freeway handling leave a lot to be desired; the fuel economy, peppy street performance, and reliability are excellent.

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  Factory oil pan had bad seal, already had oil leak - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By jihilton - December 31 - 8:56 am

  Do like the car, but having a major issue within 2 weeks of ownership is troublesome! Hopefully it has been repaired, but I wanted a worry free car for the money I paid. The oil leak occurred before my first payment!

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  Camry Questions Need Answers - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By De Morgan - December 30 - 2:41 pm

  I will be test driving the 2018 Camry XLE (4cy & V6). I really value Edmunds reviews. However, Im noticing that they (as well as other car reviewers) are NOT giving us any valuable information when it comes to Audio Systems in these vehicles. Back in the 70s, 80s, & 90s that was not much of a concern because most manufacturers didnt use high end stereo systems in their vehicles, and most of us bought what we could afford then headed to the best Car Stereo Shop in town for an upgrade. With these new cars and all their computerized parts that are so well enter connected, one would fear taking it some place for a stereo upgrade for fear of something getting screwed up and our brand new vehicle no longer working as it should. Therefore, as companies seem to be working at improving their cars sound systems some of us would like to know just how good they are....or are not. Im looking forward to test driving the new Camrys. One other thing I hope and that is that they dont have that Sportback slanted look that the new Accord has.