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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  Not too good of a car - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By midwest - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Replaced brakes at 40K, starter at 60K. Very loud and audible vibration/shaking in engine compartment that dealer was unsuccessful in troubleshooting (despite the freindly $100 charge). Driver side seat belt gets stuck, dealer could not repair but advised complete replacement. Dealer advised engine mount replacment at 100k.

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  beware of power sliding doors - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By wnunez - March 30 - 2:00 am

  The power sliding doors are dangerous. They continue to close, even when an object is in its way. It closed on my arm with enough pressure to have me concerned about my childrens safety. Toyota customer service was no help. When I questioned the amount of pressure needed for the door to retract, I was told that he was not an engineer, and that I could not speak with anyone else. I am still awaiting a response form the district manager. In the meantime, I have turned the power door feature off.

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  "I think I can.... " 2013 Toyota Camry SE - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Frank Bunson - March 30 - 1:31 am

  When you see a 4600 lb. car with a 4 cyl. Engine and 6 speed automatic transmission...RUN! We never had a problem in three years of owning this car running to the store and post office. This year we decided to "drive" our vacation and do the Nevada/Utah Canyon lands. By the time we got to our destination I SERIOUSLY considered flying home. By the time we got home, driving through two mountain ranges, and hi desert, there was no doubt! We MUST get rid of this car! It was so much work just getting it up and down the roads that it just beat us half to death. I am a "driver"! The wife knows how. Toyota IS ashamed! In ALL respects, this automobile should never have been put on the road! I THOUGHT I was buying the car that is the 2016 Camry. My NEXT action, after returning my rental car, is to get rid of this beautiful junk!

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  My lease is ending & I am thankful it is. - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By yoo - March 29 - 4:12 am

  To get going on the freeway on-ramp, I literally have to floor it to get my 2013 Corolla LE up to speed of traffic. The shifting of gears jolts my car forward when trying to accelerate and I hate it. If I am going through a yellow light, I am afraid my car wont make it sometimes because of how bad the acceleration is. I also had to get the radio and "sun roof open button" replaced because the white writing was coming off. I only had the car for 1 year when the writing started coming off and they told me not to use hand sanitizer and touch the writing...a bit upsetting. Taking this car on trips is also upsetting because of the space inside. The car is very compact, especially in the front seat (Great trunk space though.) This car is great for a first car, maybe for a new driver, but it was not for me.

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  Good for a truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Kevin R - March 28 - 9:26 am

  I traded in my FJ Cruiser because I wanted to be able to put my motorcycle in the back and go south in the winter. The Tundra drives like a luxury vehicle. It is smooth and quiet. It has power to spare. It also has the cargo and towing capacities that I need.

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  Holding its value! - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By pj_flygare - March 28 - 4:08 am

  How many times can you buy a car and two years later have equity for such? Bought this 2008 style two years ago @52k miles. Both HD light had to be replaced the first month. TOYOTA DIDNT COVERED THAT! BAD TOYOTA! USD 800 for parts and service! On the other hand MPG, amazing! City=28, Highway= 33. Right rear wheel bearing is making noises, about 400 dollar service. Paint is very soft, already have several rust spots on hood and side panels. Comfort amazing! Noise level inside, higher than my previous 1998 Volvo V70!? JBL sound system not to par, not good at all.

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  Thought Toyota stood for high quality - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By tomk - March 25 - 8:23 am

  We purchased our Sienna thinking that we would have many happy carefree miles in a high quality vehicle. What we found was issues with the traction control that locked up our wheels and required significant repairs not once but twice. In addition we had an overheated radiator (later recalled). In total this vehicle was a bust - will never buy a Toyota again.

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  Could be better - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - March 24 - 4:40 pm

  TRD Sport SB: No adjustment for seat height or thigh angle. Makes it hard for 62" to get comfortable on long trips and get out from under the steering wheel. Tailgate still weak. Rear leaf springs are light. Backup camera is an overpriced gimmick. Seat fabric feels cheap compared to the Tundra. Mileage should be better. Cheap center dash and radio. Who cares about CDs now a days? No trip computer for real time mileage. Colors and digital displays are hard to read in sunlight. Doors seem flimsy or uninsulated. I expected this to be my 2005 4Runner with a bed, but it definitely seems "cheaper" all around. Costs an arm+leg once all the packages are included. Spongy brakes.

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  Could be a lot better - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By jweber - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Not as good as other Toyotas. Several design issues and problems: huge turning radius, not designed for 2 child seat tethers in the second row, CD player quit, passenger window fell off track, rust starting on the hood. Its an ok van, but I dont know why it is usually rated so high. Toyota could have and should have done better.

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  2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By 2006 Prius PKG #1 - March 23 - 11:46 pm

  I picked my car up this week. It takes some getting used to all the gadgets and quirks for this one of a kind car. I think the exterior is weird (read cutting edge). The interior is odd as well. I guess more cars are going to the display higher in the dash.