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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  Dont fall for Toyota reputation- its garbage - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Onlybuyinghonda - July 10 - 9:29 pm

  I dont even know where to begin. We are in a time crunch and needed to buy a car and we had always heard that Toyotas were very reliable and dependable. We are loyal Honda owners however we figured wed give a Toyota a chance. We bought a used 2007 RAV4 with clean car fax from a reputable dealer and low miles (72k, which for a nine-year-old car is great). The dealership had changed the oil and done a complete tuneup before selling the car to us, however we had the oil change just 3000 miles later after we bought it and the person changing our oil said he couldnt believe the car was still functioning because there was almost no oil left. This is a consistent problem with Toyotas. We also had issues with the engine making noises and check engine light coming on sporadically. The car would shake and rattle and we had to have the oil changed four times in the less than six months we owned it. The worst part was when the air conditioner died and all of the coolant was leaking out through the front onto the driver and passengers feet!! The car would shake and rattle and we had to have the oil changed four times in the less than six months me owned it. The worst part was when the air conditioner died and all of the coolant was leaking out through the front onto the driver and passenger sides feet! Worst money we ever spent. If youre considering buying a used RAV4, please look into the fact that this year had over 12 recalls alone. There are known issues and the dealerships and Toyota are not good at taking care of these issues. They tried to put a Band-Aid on them and people like me suffer. I shouldnt have needed to buy a new car six months after owning this one. It is such a shame. From now on I am only buying Honda. For those of you thinking about this model please run dont walk. Look for a 2001 or 2002 Honda CRV. Much more reliable or you could get a Honda element which is even larger interior space and much more dependable.

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  Disappointing - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Eileen - July 9 - 12:44 pm

  I have owned or leased a Camry for over 15 years so when I test drove this SE I didnt go far and thought the seats were uncomfortable but I didnt pay much attention to anything else - figuring it will be just as good as the others I have had. The car has been in the garage for a week and I took it out last night and to my surprise what a crappy, bumpy ride - I literally pulled off the rode to see if I had a flat. Took it on highway and the more I increased the speed the bumpier it got, the seat cushion is so thin you feel like you are seating on nothing and feel every bump from the road and the steering wheel vibrates to the rough ride as well. We have the car a week and I called the salesman last night and emailed him this morning. I hope I have some options to turn this back for a different car because I hate this car and shame on toyota for building such a piece of crap.

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  Disappointing - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Eileen - July 9 - 12:44 pm

  I have owned or leased a Camry for over 15 years so when I test drove this SE I didnt go far and thought the seats were uncomfortable but I didnt pay much attention to anything else - figuring it will be just as good as the others I have had. The car has been in the garage for a week and I took it out last night and to my surprise what a crappy, bumpy ride - I literally pulled off the rode to see if I had a flat. Took it on highway and the more I increased the speed the bumpier it got, the seat cushion is so thin you feel like you are seating on nothing and feel every bump from the road and the steering wheel vibrates to the rough ride as well. We have the car a week and I called the salesman last night and emailed him this morning. I hope I have some options to turn this back for a different car because I hate this car and shame on toyota for building such a piece of crap.

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  Disappointing - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Eileen - July 9 - 12:44 pm

  I have owned or leased a Camry for over 15 years so when I test drove this SE I didnt go far and thought the seats were uncomfortable but I didnt pay much attention to anything else - figuring it will be just as good as the others I have had. The car has been in the garage for a week and I took it out last night and to my surprise what a crappy, bumpy ride - I literally pulled off the rode to see if I had a flat. Took it on highway and the more I increased the speed the bumpier it got, the seat cushion is so thin you feel like you are seating on nothing and feel every bump from the road and the steering wheel vibrates to the rough ride as well. We have the car a week and I called the salesman last night and emailed him this morning. I hope I have some options to turn this back for a different car because I hate this car and shame on toyota for building such a piece of crap.

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  thank God for chrysler sebring sedan - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By tyipicalnewyorker - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is horrible. its ugly,dull,and very inconvient and no headroom in front. the seats are all very unconfortable. the chrysler sebring we just bought is good looking hot looking actaully. its performs better then the camry and interior is more modern and covient then the camry. Get the sebring sedan if u want an affordable sports sedan.

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  The WORST vehicle I have EVER owned - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Teeder in WI - June 13 - 1:16 am

  I am COMPLETELY DISSATISFIED with this vehicle. It has been a problem since day one. I too have the problem of the car not starting- there goes safety and reliability. The car intermittently will not start- completely dead- no clicks no nothing. It has even died in the middle of traffic. Real safe! It has also had a boat load of other problems. It has been into Toyota (Smart Motors, Madison Wisconsin), and they are basically accusing me of "making up a problem", becuase it is intermittent and they cant duplicate it. Toyota Customer service is NO help either. I get in the car and hope it gets me to my destination safely. Sad that a car with EVERY option is such a piece of junk!!!!!

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  2017 Toyota Sienna is piece of Junk - 2017 Toyota Sienna
  By MAT - May 31 - 4:08 am

  We have been very disappointed with the quality of 2017 Toyota Sienna Van Powertrain and its workmanship. Van has just 1000 miles on it and it runs like piece of junk. There is no power and sometimes it becomes very risky on the road when it start losing its power. Transmission sucks and its really hazard for life sometimes when you drive on speedy road. We raised the concern with Round Rock Toyota and service the van three time since bought within two months. They have no answer to the problem though they accepted that car has some major problem. Service dept. shared Toyota Customer service number and after 4 weeks of communication on paper Toyota Customer service said they cant help CAUTION: I SUGGEST ALL THE NEW BUYERS OF TOYOTA CARs TO BE CAREFUL AS ITS A HAZARD TO YOUR LIFE AND WASTE OF MONEY TO BUY TOYOTA.

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  2004 Toyota Camry Defective Engineering Design - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Denise - May 30 - 1:27 am

  Bought this car from brother in law three years ago who followed all maintenance requirements, as did I. Had to replace sagging headliner and rear speaker covers. Added new tires, brakes, alternator, battery, frequent oil changes, transmission flushes, etc. Car ran great for three years. In 2015, my son and I noticed a sloshing sound behind the dash. Coolant in reservoir was low, even though we checked it regularly. Filled it and took to mechanic. He initially thought that it was the stripped head bolt problem. Coolant was leaking into the engine. Cracked head. Said that the car had been overheated, even though there was never any indication of overheating on instrument panel or smoking, etc. Mechanic stated that it was nothing that I did and that this was a very poorly designed engine and I would be wasting my money to replace the engine, as I would be getting another defective engine design. He stated that he had always believed Toyota to be great cars, but not after working on this one. Car had 126,000 miles on it. Interior quality was also very cheap. Flannel cloth doors! Not at all the same quality as my 1994 Camry in terms of longevity or quality. Gas mileage was good, but not so good now! What a complete waste of money for a car that had been so well maintained. Do not buy!

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  mold/mildew blowing a/c not covered under warrenty - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By mitchell dorman - April 4 - 12:42 pm

  if you buy a Toyota,and it starts blowing mold.mildew in your face. good luck. Toyota will not cover it under their warrenty because they put it in the back of the owners manual the a/c heat may have a bad smell at times. sorry Toyota,but your car you built makes us sick with upper lung infections. and Toyota motors corp.has said they would call us back. never happened.please dont say, put a filter in it.that only covers the problem. Toyota dealers have done nothing but insult us, with stupid fixes. like ride with the windows down. crank it up, rool the windows down with the a/c on the air it out.last biggest insult was for them to change the Freon at our cost. they refuse to cover any of it. I guess people have to get lung cancer and die before Toyota does anything. we will not sell or trade the car knowing it WILL make people sick. l;ook online at the others with this same problem. and yu cant sue because of paper work signed when the car was bought. btw it was new,not a flood car. the stink started less than a month after buying it. thanks for ripping us of with your death trap car Toyota.

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  Looks kind of cool, performance so-so! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Arshak - March 23 - 2:00 am

  If it wasnt my old Rav4 was totally by a Suburban, I wouldnt be in the market for a new car this rather short period of time. Well, another Rav4, I rather not. I looked at the Matrix and the CRV. I almost bought the CRV, except that I need something more fun and interesting to look at. I looked at the Protege5 too, but the smaller engine wasnt up to the task to have fun. Well, the Matrix wins, but it is not the king. It wins only by its slightly better acceration and interior roominess. It is not a real sport car to me, but then, it looks kind of cool.