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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  2002 Toyota Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Dissatisfied - September 26 - 10:23 am

  The car has been good until last year (2007) when I had to rebuild the transmission. Dont like the fact you can see the muffler hanging down - looks like its falling. Now springs and then struts went. Dont think I will be buying another Toyota. Should be able to get more than 6 years out of a transmission!

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  POOR RIDE QUALITY - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By animalshack252 - September 23 - 6:23 am

  Bought car with 20K in june 09 now has 85K february 10 car has been reliable and good for delivery purposes, not comfortable to ride in at all would not buy another, goes through brakes more than average vehicle, think next time i will go back to honda. this car stinks in the snow so dont buy if you have to climb hills

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  Love the truck, not Toyota reliablity - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jill C - September 21 - 10:00 am

  2 mo. after purchase, tires blew, ABS sensor out, all new brakes, fix radiator, cracked head gasket, new lifters, crack in axle boot, the list goes on. Bought due to its great reputation only to be let down. I care for this vehicle, it is apparent that the previous owner didnt and unfortunately I have the HUGE bill to prove.

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  Cheap build - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By yjjim - September 14 - 2:16 am

  After owning a Toyota Tundra for a couple years, I decided Id buy another Toyota. Unfortunately, the Sienna has had a bunch of problems. Our most recent problems involve poor build quality, including: 1. The lock mechanism on the rear door came apart because all of the screws fell out. 2. The inside door panel of the driver side door is partially disconnected from the door and gets stuck on the weather stripping when you try to open the door. The clips that hold the panel on are plastic and they broke easily. 3. The first set of tires wore out very quickly. 4. The first set of brakes wore out very quickly. 5. The battery goes dead after about 15 minutes if a door is left open.

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  This is a Toyota - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By guitarzan1 - September 14 - 12:40 am

  Ive owned several Toyota vehicles and currently own a Tundra, also. None of them have ever given me the problems this Sienna has. Since day one, weve had a number of problems with the van, including a faulty power door, door latches, brakes, etc. The only way to get Toyota to fix most of this stuff was to threaten a lawsuit. Oh what a feeling. Also, gas mileage is poor at best. Weve never been able to break 20mpg with this van, no matter what grade of fuel we use.

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  Warning: Avalon Suspension and Brakes - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By vashondean - September 13 - 2:56 pm

  The Avalon is Toyotas flagship vehicle, but my 2004 is a disappointment. The main reason I purchased it was for the smooth ride. However, with less than 30,000 miles, the shocks/struts needed to be replaced. With some prodding, this was covered by the dealership under warranty. The front brake rotors also needed to be resurfaced under warranty due to pulsating. Toyota would not cover the rear brakes, which were 95% gone at 29,000 miles, even though the front brakes were still at 95%. Go figure!! I also have noticed the clear coat peeling in several areas. Although I love Toyotas and would buy another one, the 2004 Avalon is, with respect, a lemon.

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  Problems already - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By melanie creadore - September 11 - 11:15 am

  After owning 2 weeks I found that no one can hear me using the phone inside vehicle. There seems to be water intrusion when washing vehicle. Acceleration is poor on highway and left me add what a gas guzzler. I expected more quality coming from Toyota, as I had the Lexus suv. The handling is poor. The technology is llacking, it doesnt understand my voice control at all. Already bringing it in to get fixed. If the alignment isnt off then the car absolutely handles horribly on the roads and highways. I put my hand down to pick up a candy and pulled out a plastic cover.

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  6 speed transmission operation is poor - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By FraunkH - September 11 - 4:16 am

  4 cylinder 2010 LE-6 speed auto. Transmission problems are numerous. Mileage at 15,00, issues are increasing. Transmission shifts hard, both up and down. Continually "hunts" for a gear. Down shifts occur during a coasting to a stop making the car lurch. Encountered transmission slip during shifts where revs will increase to 3-3500 with no transmission response. Also had the revs go to 7000 rpm when traveling at 70+mph and activating the cruise. Just like shoving in a clutch. 4 times to the dealer. Dealer says normal, might be a software update? Meanwhile, just a very unpleasant car to drive in the city or suburbs. On the plus side, on the highway at a steady 70+, 32 mph and rides great.

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  What was Toyota thinking with the the Suspension on 2013 Avalon? - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By yardmen - September 10 - 9:39 am

  I am a previous Avalon owner of two Avalons. They were good cars. Now I own a 2013 Avalon. The ride is very harsh with bumps being transmitted into the cabin as noticeable knocks. Road noise is terrible on worn asphalts and concrete roads. The head lights cut off to soon on low beam. The seats are very hard making a long trip unpleasant. I now wish that I had not purchased this car.

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  Transmission Going bad, and then Some! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Rcarr - September 10 - 5:26 am

  Ive had this car for six months now and I hate it! Im on the highway between our offices all day long. I drive conservatively. 40,000 miles and I can hardly see out of the windshield due to pitting! The front-end looks like a War Zone from all the rock chips and dents! (my 95 BMW with 140,000 miles shows much less wear). What kind of paint is Toyota using? For the past several weeks, the Transmission Vibrates and Shudders loudly when shifting between gears! Even though it did not do this before, the Techs at Fred Anderson Toyota tells me "its within Specs"? With the Drivers seat now broken in, it feels like Im sitting on steel springs!