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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  Toyota good but certainly not perfect - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By TJ - December 4 - 8:43 am

  Original equipment tires wore out at 40000km (even though they were inflated and rotated at factory specs). Paint damage at 75000km is terrible. Rocker panels and lower door panels are full of rock marks (factory mud guards too small). Gas mileage has never come close to high end of rating, stays around 26- 27MPG (imperial gallons) regardless of city or highway driving. It is dependable but the worst, most disappointing thing is looking at the amount of paint damage on a 3 year old vehicle...unbelievable.

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  Hmm - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By noway - December 3 - 2:50 pm

  Overall its nice that it gets great gas mileage and is a smooth drive. However, the body is not safe in an accident. At 3 mph I hit a truck and my car was very badly messed up (from hitting something at 3 MPH!!). I dont think this is a very safe car.

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  Powerless - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Paull - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Inexpensive mini-SUV that feels that way. Lots on interior squeaks and rattles, underpowered. Cant

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  Poor Acceleration; Frequent Downshifts - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By 59Caddy - November 26 - 9:40 pm

  I loved my 05 Camry 4 cyl automatic transmission LE, but I hate my 07 Camry 4 cyl automatic transmission LE. By far the biggest problems are the hesitant acceleration of the 07, and the frequent automatic downshifts at freeway cruising speeds of 65 to 70 mph. I dont know if the problem is "drive by wire" or the car weighs too much for the engine size (or both). In addition, the a/c system frequently pops out of recirculating mode on its own. Toyota also moved the controls for the electric side mirrors from a convenient position on the arm rest to an inconvenient position to the left of the steering wheel. I cant wait to get rid of this car, and I only have 6,600 miles on it.

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  Vibration - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tom - November 26 - 1:56 pm

  This 4Runner has been in the dealership 4 times for steering vibration / flutter / pulsing. The area Toyota technical rep has been working with the dealership to determine and fix the problem. They keep changing and re-road force balancing the tires and nothing works. They tell me that this vibration is normal for the vehicle and they are just tring to get the best set of tires that give the least vibration. It seems that it is not possible for it to be fixed. Toyota quality is not what I thought. An unhappy owner with 2000 miles.

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  3rd one is the last one - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Flatlander - November 23 - 2:36 am

  Loved my 87 Corolla...had it 11 years (bought it used). 30 mpg when I retired it. 2000: great: 38 mpg when I traded it for this piece of crap: tranny replaced at 96K, just told I need a new radiator. Brake pedal winks when the AC is on (dealer told me it was normal). I only get 32 mpg at best (stick shift!, not my driving. I got 41 mpg on a rented Cobalt). Radio jumps stations (already replaced when the CD player got jammed). Car is too big: too many blind spots compared to older models. Back head rests block rear view (as did the 2000), removed and stored for trade-in. Even the paint on the body below the door isnt smooth. Seats dont go down fully (overstuffed).

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  toy car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jan - November 20 - 5:06 am

  I have several smaller quality issues with this car. Door not sealing correctly/wind noise/radio-control knobs sticking/carpeting not secured in place/truck not staying closed/consol compartment not staying closed/etc. With the reputation of Toyota, I am disappointed.

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  Quality and Customer Service Failing - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By SUV Woes - November 19 - 9:46 pm

  I bought my Highlander new and I have been disappointed in the quality and customer service since that day. The SUV had rail dust that required several treatments but still exists. My front differential began leaking at 42,000 miles and it was repaired. But at 65,000 miles it is leaking again. Told cost to repair is 1,900 and no break from the dealership or the corp. Factory tires had to be replaced too soon and the rear rotors as well because Toyota installs cheap ones now. Ive learned to stay away from Toyota and always buy the extended warranties.

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  Marixn 09 disappointing! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Poormel - November 18 - 5:13 am

  Not particularly fun to drive, has awkward sitting position, seat doesnt travel far back enough for my comfort. I get a back ache after 2 hours of driving, which I dont get in my 01 Corolla. Emergency brake lever placed in a bad position, it seems to be always in the way and can easily be pulled up by a child or you by accident. It creates a cramped area in between 2 front seats. Rear seating room is very limited. Doors sound cheap when closing them.

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  2004 Toyota Sienna LE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Paul Alappat - November 17 - 3:36 pm

  This is the worst new automobile that I ever bought. Radio didnt work out of the dealership and it leaked when parked in the rain. A year later radiator cracked and was replaced. Then came multitude of recalls. Run flat tires needed to replaced every 15,000 miles. The kicker is when my van broke down due to a faulty heat sensor at 80,000 miles the Toyota extra care does not want to pay.