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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  Non Stop Problems - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By TJB - June 24 - 1:20 am

  I just passed 3000 miles on my 2010 Camry and I have already had it in for repairs 15 times. I have an appointment for #16. There have been NON STOP rattles coming from the dash and windows. As soon as one is fixed another appears. The car rattles on smooth roads. We have also replaced a strut already as well. The car looks great and drives great but I cant even stand to drive it now.

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  Boring, Boring, Boring! - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By rickyb3 - June 16 - 4:28 am

  Some journalists have referred to the Camry as an "appliance". A toaster toasts, a washer washes and a car drives. Ho Hum. Is that supposed to be it? Is that all there is for all this money we have to throw at a car purchase? After 2 Corolla Sports, (2003, 2010) that I found economical and fun to drive, this car isnt. It has a big boring car feel and absolutely no personality. Numb is the best way I can describe it. Yes, it has a nicely appointed interior, is fairly comfortable and seems to have enough power. It is better looking, especially in the front end, than its LE and XLE siblings. But that isnt enough anymore. This is just a very reliable point A to point B vehicle. Ho Hum.

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  Nothing but problems! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By disappointed - June 13 - 6:40 pm

  Loved the truck until 5000 miles. Started sputtering and jerking under light acceleration while goig up hills. Dealer first said it was a computer problem. After three visits to the shop it became a transmission problem. The dealer replaced the transmission but the problem is no better. After two more days in the shop the dealer now says it is a "trait of the vehicle." Seems odd to me that two test drivers thought the problem was severe enought to warrant spending $3700 for a new transmission but now it is a vehicle trait! Truck is very uncomfortable on the interstate because every time you go up a slight incline or an uphill on ramp the car jerks and sputters. Nice trait Toyota!

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  Garbage - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By morther - June 13 - 2:33 am

  I wish I could return this piece of junk but I am locked in for another 2 years on my lease. This car is no fun to drive because the pickup is horrid. When you need to accelerate there is nothing there. Mine even stalls a bit before accelerating. Dash board makes a squeaky/rattle when the weather is below 50 F. Toyota has good financing but it is not worth it. The car looks great, but that is about the only thing good I can say about it.

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  nothing,but a nightmare - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By chucky - June 13 - 1:30 am

  i bought this car in 07. it has been a piece of junk. to begin, the windshield started to leak twice at 5000,and at 10000. then the brake lights went out.fix them at my expense. then it started to make a funny noise at acceleration. took it back. the diagnosis was that thier was a deformed hose leaking from the trans. oh yeah ,and that was at 17000 miles. took it back at 22000 miles because the glove compartment was falling apart. and know at 42000 miles the check engine light came on because the car jerks when acceleration. theirs other miner stuff i didnt mentioned,but these are the main ones. thinking of taking toyota to court,or get my money back.

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  A major mama gripe with design - 2013 Toyota Sienna
  By mamato4 - June 10 - 2:13 pm

  As a mom I like this kid wagon pretty well, but have one major gripe with the design. Its obviously meant to haul children, and almost all children are in some sort of safety restraint/seat these days. Problem is, the 2nd and 3rd row seats have this ridiculous incline, about a 45 degree incline toward the back. What they really need to start at is about ground level for proper installation of car seats. Ive had to roll a towel to stick under a car seat before, but this is insane. Who thought this was a good idea?? You really have to rig it to get the child seat at the proper angle, especially for the youngest children (newborns and babies) who are rear-facing and need to be reclined.

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  Great ride! Cheap interior - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By stephen aronson - June 7 - 12:02 pm

  I bought my rav 4 base model in 2012. Its an upgraded 4wd base model with a sun roof. It has great acceleration but am very disappointed with the gas mileage for this vehicle. It seems to be on the low end of 22mpg and with a small gas tank seem to be at the gas station twice a week for a fill up. What is even more depressing is the floor carpet in the interior. On the drivers side the carpet is already torn by the left foot rest. I never expected that for an owner who takes the best care of a vehicle. It will cost lots of money to repair it.

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  Great lil truck - 1995 Toyota Pickup
  By adrienne - June 7 - 10:20 am

  not the most comfortable bench seat, nor great driving comfort, but for reliability and knowing the truck will last A+. I have 130,000 and nothing major ever wrong. Trucks been in 5 accidents and still runs like a charm.

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  Pretty Good - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Pilotboy03 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  The highlander is a wonderful viecle with a very nice ride, toyota build quality and reliability and good fuel economy for its class. Although I was dissapointed that the car is extreamely boreing to drive, bland and although toyota is known for its great looks on its SUVs this one is a dissapointment. Although its interior design is great the exterior design looks weak and to soft. A good alternate for this viecle is the Honda Pilot More room, a lil more power and much more rugged exterior looks with the same level of refinement.

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  Poor Design - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Michael - June 2 - 2:26 pm

  This truck came with no body side moldings and none are available from Toyota. Toyota did put an "Event Data Recorder" in the Tundra. This records vehicle operation data to be used by Toyota if it is sued (the data can also be obtained by court order and used against the vehicle owner). Guess that is where the body side molding funds went. Other manufactures are doing the same, but Dodge, for instance, at least offers side molding as an option. It gets better. I tried to find the oil filter and couldnt. I got online and found owners complaining that it was installed above the skid plate. You have to removed it to get to the oil filter.