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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  The egg wasnt rotten after all. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Poetesca - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Corolla 7 months ago, and have constantly experienced the rotten egg smell a few other reviewers have also complained of. After some persistance, I finally got an explanation: they coat the catalytic converter with sulfer, which makes that awful odor while the car is being broken in (the manger I spoke with said this lasted for about 5,000 miles). I did research and it makes sense, and now although Im not thrilled with the smell the car emits once in a while, I couldnt be happier with the car, itself. Its cute, classy, fun to drive, and has some really convenient and fun features.

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  the best little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By yaris4 - August 18 - 1:17 am

  This car drives smoothly in the front seat. Long drives in the country are comfortable with no back ache. Averaging 32-36 combined mpg. Great commuting car to the downtown core and easy to park. Auto transmission smooth and only repair made has been a new alternator. A/C runs cold still. Great little car.

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  OK Car, BAD Doors, AWFUL Tires - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By pseca - August 17 - 4:32 pm

  Pay very special attention to the plastic coated steel wire that is part of power sliding door mechanism. You can find this wire in the groove/track under the rear windows. The plastic coating of this wire on my van dried up and cracked, exposing the steel wire. When this happens, the door will be hard to open. When the steel is completely exposed, eventually the cable can snap. It happened to me and my doors (yes, both sliding doors) are only in manual mode now. I was told that it would cost $2000/door to fix. The front doors have welding issues. When they are opened and closed, they make a LOUD "snapping" noise. This model came with runflat tires. They are expensive to replace.

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  Cant believe its the Camry - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By dvd135 - August 16 - 8:26 pm

  I remember driving 2002 Camry and thinking this car is garbage, so unsure it felt in every turn, almost like walking on stilts. 2016 Camry is an actual, honest, fun to drive car, car you want to seriously break speed limits in. And I am talking about 4 cylinder SE. Switch it to Sport mode, be ready to use steering wheel paddles and it wants to run circles around other cars. Almost everything is done right in this car - commanding position, noise control, very decent speakers, quality stock tires, good enough headlights, materials, interior design, ergonomics, plenty of space in the back, and all that for $20K - terrific value. Negatives include how it looks outside, definitely in the back of its class, the seats could have been bigger for longer drives and ride is pretty jarring on bad roads (at least in SE). Overall, the pluses easily outweigh the minuses given how fun to drive this little car. When I was test driving 2015 Accord LX I was thinking "what a decent car for 20K". When I am driving Camry I am thinking "what a fun car for 20K". It reminds me the old BMW 3 series - harsh harsh ride, but you want to flog it.

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  Diminished reputation - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tom - August 16 - 4:23 pm

  Im 62 and the 2007 Camry was my first foreign made. Im soooo disappointed with the Camry. The automatic tranmission hesitates. From a stop or at about 5 MPH, if you depress the gas pedal too quickly the car will not accelerate properly for 1-3 seconds - then its ok. Called dealer and complained. They said no problem, its just a driving characteristic I have to get used to. Ill add its dangerous. This is the garbage Ive gotten from US dealers. Toyota, Im terribly disappointed and cant recommend this car. Toyota do the right thing fix the problem uner warranty.

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  I Love It! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Happy RAV - August 16 - 3:20 pm

  I could not be happier. The RAV build quality and handling are tops. I have used it in limited off-road situations, and it has performed decently. For the money, you get a lot of features. Once that 4 cylinder hit 3000 rpm, it goes like a rocket! I am 63" tall and I do not feel cramped at all. I did have to take off the handles above the door on the inside, I hit my head on them sometimes. Overall, I am happy everytime I start this vehicle.

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  after 1 year, just ok - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By gene - August 16 - 11:00 am

  mileage as expected. front pass seat needs same controls as driver. seat heat control very cumbersome. Auto climate control generally not comfortable when sunshine, better at night. headliner rattles (!!). Biggest concern that I dont believe the Dealer has dealt properly with is our engine has what sounds like dry piston "clatter" prior to it warming up (Summer and Winter). I have NEVER owned a vehicle with such a sound no matter how cold the engine, yet I have had the dealer check it twice but I am guessing they never took it off the lot. We have been Toyota owners for 24 years. This is the first one we have been dissapointed with.

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  Disappointed with Steering Problem - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Disappointed in MD - August 16 - 9:43 am

  Purchased the car in early 2006. I now have 60,000 miles and I am experiencing problems with my steering. I have taken it back to the dealership several times for the steering sticking when turning left but they informed me that they can not find anything wrong. I am very disappointed with Toyota and see that many others are experiencing the same problem. My hope is that I will not experience the same problem that others are experiencing with the oil leak. Unless Toyota steps up and own up to fixing the legitimate repairs, I will never buy another Toyota. I am currently getting the runaround. Even though I have the extended warranty, Toyota is trying to get around fixing my problem.

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  Nice but improvements needed - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Nana - August 16 - 8:23 am

  I purchased this beautiful car for 2 reasons: No trunk to lift out of and better gas mileage. I had a Cadillac DeVille and I averaged 25-27 MPG on the road and thought Toyota would give me better. Wrong!!! I only average 20.9 on a highway trip. I also have a "Thump" sound which seems to come from the right rear but the dealership cannot find any problem. Being a single woman, I really have my fears that the noise could be something to do with the wheels on the back and dangerous. The plastic on the dash and steering wheel could certainly be improved. It is a nice car, drives wonderful, turning base is great but the MPG makes me wish I had my Cadillac back.

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  Another weekend road trip success - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By dadinfo - August 16 - 4:49 am

  Just did 400 miles I-70 Colorado mountains averaged 70 plus mph 39 to 40 miles per gallon!