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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  Disappointed in 2012 - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By seaview7 - January 7 - 5:50 am

  For those of you that have not owned an older Camry, you will not realize how much Toyota has "cheapened" the quality of the new cars. (Even the mechanics at my dealer have told me so. And those guys know!) My other Camry is a 2005 model, and I cant believe how much better the interior looks and feels when compared to the new 2012. The new 2012 seats are smaller, tighter, thinner, harder... and the low quality plastic on the dashboard and door panels is an embarrassment! Even the steering wheel is worse. Open the 2012 door, and you immediately notice how "light" and cheap it feels. My 2005 door is solid, heavy, and closes with a "thunk." Not so on the new 2012.

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  Overall really poor quality for a Toyota - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michael Gala - January 7 - 2:11 am

  Really really poor quality for a Toyota product as I have owned or driven them for large parts of my life. So lets start with the exterior. Very crappy paint, as it is very easy to scratch, have a new scratch just from my summer coat sleeve, and one from just leaning my fishing pole against the side for a second to close the tailgate, in some ways its almost like it didnt get a clear coat. The metal exterior shell is flimsy and the doors sound hallow when you close them, and just seem extremely cheap construction. So on to the interior: From the start the heating/AC system made a really high pitched almost squealing sound for the first 5-7 minutes each time you start using it then would go away. During the first heavy rain the Truck started leaking water into the passenger side thru the passenger handle which has an airbag in it, after inspection at least 1 seem on that side of the vehicle was not welded at the factory. Which the dealer said will take a bit of time to fix and would need to keep the truck. Which want to then charge me for the rental for a MFG defect. This is all in the first just over 3 months of owning the new Tacoma. I would not recommend it to anyone until they 1 upgrade the crappy materials and construction to include a better quality control system at factory. Though I do like the new overall look and additions both inside and out of the 2016 Tacoma, the quality is completely void in this years model.

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  Solid but Uninspired - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Jeff - January 7 - 12:16 am

  Wanted a lower trim model but was boxed into the XLE to get AWD (they have an LE AWD but good luck finding one). Got the van for mostly short haul driving and occasional longer trips with the dogs. After a year, getting about 19 MPG average (mostly city) but get 23 MPG on highway trips. Ride is just fine for what it is, and it handles better than most of the other vans. NAV system is beyond awful, but I just use my Garmin instead. Will likely never use the DVD player. Backup camera is a nice feature. Runflat tires on the AWD havent given long term issues yet, but paying $260 for a flat will grow old real quick.

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  Terrible quality - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Stu Johnson - January 6 - 8:53 pm

  Very disaapointed. MANY problems -- and just notified that it is being recalled for steering issue. Had ignition glitch in first week. Transmission is very slow to respond -- dangerous at times. Interior looks great but my children already lost coins and a small sticker in the gap behind the rear seat. Mileage is okay for big car -- Ive gotten about 21 on average, but no where near EPA rating. My former big car (Buick) got much better mileage. Engine nice when you hold the throttle down for a second or two, but initial acceleration is weak -- tranny at fault. I paid more than 37 grand for this car. VERY disappointed at the build quality and the engineering.

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  liked at first--but - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By madcatter - January 6 - 6:26 pm

  I like the truck, gas mileage isnt what I would like, but it is a truck. The only problem I have right now is after 1k miles--the bumper is rusting. Lotsa small specs. Waiting on dealer to call me back about it. Stock tires are junk. Other than that it rides well for a truck, good power I didnt expect the bumper to rust. If ya have a chrome bumper keep a eye on it.

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  New Yaris Owner - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Bill - January 6 - 3:40 pm

  New owner of a 2008 Yaris. Always loved Toyotas. This one is no exception. Great handling, good gas mileage, which is so important in todays market. Priced right. It is well worth a trip to your Toyota dealer to test drive this vehicle.

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  Good Family Car - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By swaeri - January 6 - 11:43 am

  The Highlander is a good family car without having to drive a mini van. 3rd row seat comes in handy with young children. I prefer this body style to the new one. I bought the hybrid hoping for decent gas mileage. I have been very disappointed in this regard. I might get 20 mpg on a good week. It does have a lot of power. No mechanical issues to date. I would recommend the car if you like the styling. The JBL sound system isnt that great. I would get an after market stereo.

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  my celica - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By the_craze_one - January 6 - 10:00 am

  i enjoy driving it. one down fall to the car that i have found is the blind spots, due to small windows and side mirrors. the only other down fall to the car is the limited leg room for the backseat. besides that this is an excellent car.

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  Big Toy Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By jbeasley - January 6 - 10:00 am

  My third toyota and the most fun to drive of all. Everything was working upon delivery and continues at the same performance. I found no flaws , defects and everything fit(no gaps).

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  Reliability problem - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Tycam - January 6 - 10:00 am

  At 2000 miles and 2 1/2 months ownership, cars power steering pump failed while driving with a friend on a trip to Florida. Three months later charcoal canaster was leaking and needed to be replaced. Enjoy everything about the car, am considering replacing it due to reliability. I need a car that is dependable.