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:

• 

  Most Reliable Car Ever Owned - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Cindy - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving the Sienna now for almost 7 years and people cant believe the car is that old. The exterior and interior looks incredible and the reliability has been outstanding. At 136,000 miles it still rides like a new car and has had virtually no mechanical problems. I had the spark plugs changed at 130,000 miles and the timing belt changed around 90,000, but other than those normal maintenance items I have had no repair bills with this car. This is the first Toyota I have owned and I am confident it will easily make 200,000 miles.

• 

  Desperate measures equals bad news 4 us! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Camry LE 4cyl back in March of 2009 and at 23,000 miles I had to replace all four tires cause the treads were worn. I was like what? Ridiculous. I dont drive hard and I rotate every 5000 miles. Come to find out the factory tires are only good for 30,000 miles. A Firestone mechanic told me this when I went to replace my tires. Toyota is trying to cut costs as much as possible wherever possible to manufacture their vehicles in these economic times. Pedal recalls are one example. Who knows what other parts might go wrong in the future and another major recall hits. 2 of my friends own a Camry 07 and both of their cars are burning 1 qt of oil every 1000 miles! with 40000 miles on it

• 

  Perfect Midsized Pickup - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By everrigged - January 18 - 9:01 am

  I bought my Double Cab TRD Off-Road in early December. I had done tons of research on Edmunds.com as well as many other review and rating sites. This truck has been a perfect fit for me. I do not drive it daily as I have a work truck. When I get in it and take it for a drive it is always a fun experience. The ride is comfortable for being a pickup truck. The bed is on the small side, but if I wanted a full size I would have bought one. It really is just an all around versatile vehicle. I am getting an average of 17.92MPG. So its not too bad. Driving it for an extended period of time isnt uncomfortable. I really do love this truck.

• 

  Two years later - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By dennis jensen237 - January 17 - 5:46 pm

  Purchased this car two years ago and havent had any trouble with it. Its engine is noisy especially when the air conditioner is being operated. Driving up hills can add to the noise. The interior is useful and it comes it handy when transporting odd shaped objects. All in all I would purchase this vehicle again. I have to say its a great transportation car and the price was just over $13000.00 (new) gas mileage is only twenty -two combine but gets a good 32 mpg on the highway to and from Vegas.

• 

  Nice car, bad quality parts - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Michelle - January 16 - 6:43 am

  I really loved the look of the Camry as soon as I saw it. I owned a 1997 Camry XLE, so it was time for me to get a new one. I had over 100000 miles on that car without a problem or squeak or rattle. But NOT THIS CAR!! I am so disappointed in the quality. Too much plastic, too many rattles and noises. The transmission feels terrible when it shifts. It always jerks and stalls and never accelerates right.

• 

  UNHAPPY IN GA - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By UNHAPPY IN GA - January 15 - 10:00 pm

  I switched from an 02 Honda Accord, would love to have my Honda back, do not like the ride of this car. Car has an irritating vibration at all times, at a higher speed the vibration is so bad I have had things to vibrate out of the passengers seat. Dealership has balanced, replaced, phase matched and rebalanced the tires, car still vibrates, very annoying to drive this car. The car does look good, and is very roomy, gets great gas mileage, just dont like the way it drives and rides. The car has 2000 miles on it, been back to dealership service dept 6 times already, car is still vibrating.

• 

  Test Drive Thoroughly Before Buying - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By touchdown - January 14 - 2:00 am

  A extraordinarily disapointing purchase given the "Toyota quality" premium inherent in the cost. My vehicle is not up to the norm, Id not buy again. Potential buyers should test drive on all road types. Theres a problem (not in all, but lots of local reports) with intermittent overhead rattles. The moonroof weatherseal doesnt lie flat in about 1 in 4 local vehicles surveyed. (New seals arent sold, you replace with a whole new moonroof -- and gut the interior to do it -- my replacement arrived worse than the first). Bottom line: Buyer beware - search for a "good one" (they exist, but so do problems).

• 

  Wonderful car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Carmfan - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car. Spacious interior, all controls easy to use. Amazing pep for a four cylinder engine.

• 

  Great car except for the transmission :( - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By tuxristo - January 13 - 7:13 pm

  I have found it to have just enough power, just enough size. I can fit anything in it. Its very comfortable on long trips. The manual transmission makes it nice to drive, since the engine is a bit small, but the great gas mileage more than makes up for it. But I dont trust it. Since the transmission failed at 108,000km with no explanation from Toyota, I am always worried that it will fail again, or that some other bearings will fail and leave me stranded, so for the last six months its been stressful to take this car on a longer trip. Theres nothing worse than not "trusting" your car! All in all, I love my Matrix, but I dont trust it.

• 

  Just really ugly - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By jth - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Had my 2001 for a year now. No problems except for the unease about oil sludging reported here and absolutely arrogant letter from Toyota. In the context in which I bought this car [park ave substitute], it performs well. Of course the "styling" is really bad. As with many others, a test drive sold me.