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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  Wish I kept my 08 Highlander - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By jane lebel - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Carpet between brake & accelerator soggy & lifted, keyless entry does not always work. When drivers seat is up for a short person review mirror is right in line of vision, seams on dash reflect 2 black lines on windshield (very distracting) I would never recommend this particular Toyota to anyone! This is my fifth leased Toyota too recent a purchase to have experienced any of the mechanical problems I have read about I only have 1,700 miles

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  Not Toyota Quality - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By daddio1 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Sienna after my Caravan died 4 years ago. I hate to say that this Sienna has been worse maintenance- wise than my Caravan. Im on my third set of brakes, my power door locks have all been replaced and my A/C compressor went out twice. Every time I take it in to have the power door locks fixed they look get this look on their faces like its the first time theyve ever seen the problem although a friend of mine who works at a Toyota dealership told me its been a fleet wide problem for years to include the same 4 Lexus door locks Ive had replaced. Now my left CV joint is clanking. The staff at the dealership acts like they work at Rolls Royce or something. Frustrating.

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  50,000 Miles Later, Still Great - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By bayareaFJ - February 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my 50,000 update to my prior review. No mechanical or cosmetic problems. Everything works like it should. Pulled my trailer last weekend like its not even there. Interior still looks new. No light bulbs have had to be replaced. I love the cavernous interior and doors that close like a vault. I still expect my kids to drive it in 10 years.

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  100K and going strong - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By mjlk - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I just hit 100,000 miles this week and this car has given me the most trouble free 100,000 of any vehicle I have owned in 30+ year of driving. not the most exciting car Ive owned but highly recommend one if you are looking for a used car.

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  Tire alignment problems - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By ken - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Camry 14 months ago and put almost every mile on it and really baby it. Since before 10,000 miles I started hearing tire noise. After having checked the tire dealer who said I had no warranty,Toyota ck and said the front end and rear alignment were out,I have never had to align a new car EVER.The tires are Bridgestone made for the Camry. This is my umpteenth new car, never have I ever had a problem, lucky me I guess. I traded a 09 corolla with a very similar problem.

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  Fun Little Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By J. Fisher - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Reminds me of my 68 VW beetle. Nimble, easy to whip around in, easy to park. Has neat auto stuff like head lites, door looks when put in dr mode, int lite fades, keyless features. One major issue that others mentioned--the steering. It wanders, requiring constant mini corrections. The svc dept of the store advised me of a tech. Svc bulletin. A new elect module had to be replaced. Corrected the problem. Why was I not notified in advance this was a known problem? The cars appearance in my opinion better than the competition. I agree w/others on the seat material being cheap and a lint problem. Ditto with the clock location. One

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  My third Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By glomalker - February 14 - 10:43 pm

  In general I am pleased with my Camry. At 35k miles I have had no transmission problems that others mention, nor any other mechanical issues. My major complaint is the cheap rubber from the factory, the tires wore out long before normal expectation. I made the mistake of buying the tires for life warranty which is a joke; the tread is measured and will not be replaced until nearly bald way past most peoples safety level. I was also not pleased with the noise, my prior Camrys were much quieter. I have owned two Camrys prior and several Celicas & Corollas as well. I will continue to drive Toyotas.

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  Superior Automobile - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By gmb - February 14 - 7:33 pm

  We previously owned a 96 Avalon, and were very pleased with it. This car, however, is superior in almost every way. We tested against Lexus, Infiniti M, Acura: for features, performance, fuel economy, and price this was the correct decision. This is an outstanding automobile. The styling is a bit stodgy, and the navigation system a bit cumbersome, but these minor drawbacks are more than made up for with comfort, engine response, fuel economy for the HP, and overall integrity/fit and finish. I spent ~3 years researching this choice, and we made the right one. Nice going, Toyota!

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  We Expected Much Better - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By waldteufel - February 14 - 2:47 pm

  Our 2007 Corolla LE AT was our fifth new Toyota purchase since 1989, and it will be our last. The quality of design and build, ride and fuel economy of this vehicle are very poor. The AC compressor didnt work from the start due to a small projectile impact that damaged the fins; the thing is placed low, in front and has more than a foot of open air space between it and the road. $1,200 to replace it. The road noise, stiff ride, and engine vibration is off the chart awful, but what worries me is the loud ticking when the engine is cold. It sounds like the valves/lifters are starved for oil, or what Toyota service people call "normal."

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  One Month Old Impression - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bill - February 14 - 9:53 am

  This is a very nice car to drive. I thought the steering tended to wander a little, so you have to pay attention to the road all the time. Not a bad idea anyway! The ride is very smooth and quiet, even on the wash-board gravel road we live on. Im 62" tall and 240 lbs. The drivers seat is a little small for me, but the cabin is otherwise roomy enough for me to consider taking it on long drives. The Energy screen on the display can be distracting, so we default the display to the Consumption screen, which shows a bar graph of fuel usage in 5 minute intervals. The car is fun to drive around town while doing errands.