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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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By brad_peterson - June 20 - 4:12 pm

  Were scrapping the car today. It made it to 90k miles. It has the following problems: * The motor (1ZZFE) was built with a design flaw, but Toyota kept using it. Hundreds of people on the internet have reported the same thing. It burns oil until it hits a point where every 100 miles it burns 1 quart of oil. The engine went bad and needed a replacement starting at 50k miles * The catalytic converter is dead. * The rotors are bad and braking feels choppy. * The driver door handle simply broke off when I tried to open the door. * The clutch went bad at 50k miles. * Some smaller issues like a leak somewhere that mechanics couldnt find, causing repeated engine lights and EVAP codes.

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  Lots of room - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By T.H.E. Pensman - June 20 - 3:20 pm

  Van sucks up gas like a thirsty camel. Dont buy this for outstanding mpg. Even it you were to coast down a hill, this car will suck up the fuel. Car handles really well for its size. Navigation is OK for the first year but upgrades that have to be done at a dealership and run close to $300 a year: ridiculous. Entune is WORTHLESS and when you call Toyota for help/information, its as if you were speaking gibberish. They dont even seem to know that Entune is their product. Even the other apps and info systems are only partially thought through. If a tire needs air, you get a notice, but which tire is it? Yet you have to check every individual tire and only when you find the right one will the low air light go off. And yet if you have your bright lights on, they will automatically dim at an approaching vehicle. If you arent a soccer parent then dont despair: you can easily put four sets of golf clubs in the back. And two adult passengers will enjoy being chauffeured in the rear reclining seats.

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  Great Car! - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Thomas - June 20 - 3:03 pm

  Had the care about 5 months now. Really like it. Great fuel economy, fun to drive, lots of interior space, and generally feel good driving it. Trunk is a bit smaller than I would have hoped, but to be expected. Overall, I love this car, best I have ever owned to date.

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  RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Jeff - June 20 - 12:46 pm

  Have driven 17000 miles. Day to day driving it only gets 23 mpg. EPA estimates 24 to 30 mpg. Seats not very comfortable on drives over 40 or 50 miles. Rides rough, you feel every bump. There is a large blind spot on both rear corners. Dont like large swinging rear door. The 4 cyl engine takes a lot of pedal to get the vehicle moving. Get the V6. I wont buy another.

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  PROVEN RELIABILITY - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Stutz - June 20 - 4:26 am

  55,000 miles since new and other than oil changes I just had a new set of tires installed !!! No problems whatsoever !!!

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  Surprising Performance - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Darren - June 19 - 6:53 pm

  I needed something with a little better gas mileage than my 98 Olds Bravada (18 MPG). I am sure there will be times when I will miss the SUV thing, but not yet! This thing is fun to drive. I cannot believe this is a 4 cylinder. I must be getting old. I found a great deal on the SE version and love the suspension. We bought an 04 Rav4 for my wife and I was always driving it. Now Id rather drive the car. I have had an SUV for so long I forgot how much fun a car can be.

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  Not Impressed - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By kern - June 19 - 3:40 pm

  I bought this car used with only 15k miles on it. Previous lease and all oil changes were done at the dealer. Still had the new car smell. My previous car was over 11 yrs old so I think I was just in awe of having something newer. But after 3 wks of ownership, I am a bit disappointed. I have not made my first payment yet and the car needs a complete brake job, rotors and all. That is pretty disturbing for only 16k miles. Dome light is no longer working for some reason and I also noticed the trans slip that everyone is talking about. I dismissed it because my last car was a 6 cy. Thought I just had to get used to a 4 again. Now I see its not me, its the car.

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  Pre-collision w/pedestrian detection may not work - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By James Canell - June 19 - 3:07 pm

  I bought a Rav4 with TSS-P. The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection does not work like advertised. Brought car back to dealership to check out system. Computer analysis diagnosed system in working order. Road test with Toyota adviser as driver proved a failure of this system. Dealerships answer was to turn to pages 240-241 of owners manual listing the limitations of the pre-collision system; that it may or may not work. Toyota headquarters USA told me that the pre-collision system only works in certain circumstances. I recommend you do not spend the money for the advanced tech package, until you road test your vehicle in these certain circumstances.

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  Very Pleased After 2 Months - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Gil V - June 19 - 2:13 pm

  This is a great small SUV. My MPG has varied from 24 to 29. It is fun to drive and just the right size. The only minor issue I have is that the I notice the A/C putting a minor drag on the engine when I am doing around 30 mph. Is is slight but I am going to ask about it when I go in for an oil change. Ive also notice that the slightest hill causes a downshift when I have the cruise control on. Other than that, this is a great car.

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  Great Purchase, No Regrets - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Kenny Lee - June 19 - 6:20 am

  Had my TCH for about 2 months now and have to say I am very satisfied. I am averaging 38 mpg local, and 40+ on highway. Great idea of killing two birds with one stone, saving money on gas and being eco friendly.