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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  2003 Sienna - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By ckanderson - September 24 - 1:26 am

  We traded our 1995 Camry for a Sienna because we wanted something bigger for my wife and two kids. We liked the Honda Odyssey but the dealers wouldnt bargain. The Sienna body style was changing and we picked up one of the last 03 Symphony models. The car had no problems for 20k except for brake squeal, then the OEM Dunlop tires wore out. At 30k a noise developed in the steering, power door was stuck open, and now at 35k there is an oil leak. The Toyota dealer could not fix the suspension problem after three visits and then said the noise was normal. Overall it has been reliable, but has had more mechanical problems than we expected.

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  Not Happy - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Brian - September 23 - 8:16 am

  Had the van 6 months and had to be in the shop every other month. First the battery died and I had to drag the van out of the garage with 5k miles. Then the tire sensor had to be replaced, check engine light comes on, electric motors jumpy, rear latch broke and the door wouldnt even open. All this with 10k miles. I bought a new vehicle so my wife (works nights) and small children would have a reliable vehicle and I wouldnt have to worry. Now I have to spend a Saturday taking it to the shop. Cant get rid of it because the dealer says I still owe more than it is worth. Cant wait to see what happens next!

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  Caution - 2004 Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By traveler464 - September 23 - 3:30 am

  Please note that if you have a 2004 or 2005 Toyota Camry, you may want to dump it now before it is too late. The vehicle has a part called the throttle body assembly which was of a faulty design and was redesigned. Toyota sent out a technical service bulletin reference number EG023-05. This part, the throttle body assembly with motor, costs $934. On our 2004 Toyota Camry XLE, replaced this on 08-06- 2007. On 09-09-2009, this part quit again and my wife had to walk an extended distance and Toyota refused to repair this faulty part for less than $1100.66. They had every excuse imaginable. Bottom line - Toyota does not stand behind their product - DUMP THEM.

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  2nd Rav 4... love it... with a few concerns... - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By rosco804 - September 22 - 7:25 pm

  I had a 2009 Toyota Rav4 which I really liked... I am one of the few that like the rear swing open door... my wife takes our two golden retrievers with her to work and it was very easy to get the old guy (13 years old, blind, deaf but still loving life) into and out of the back with the wide door and low floor... to jump right to it.... I love the 2013 which I bought in the U.S. (yes I am Canadian, and the Rav4 is made 20 minutes from where I live but I saved almost $7,000 in the U.S.) my concern is the exterior black plastics... when they get dirty and you wash them and then the car dries off, the dirt marks still show !!! has anyone else experienced this? please let me know. thx

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  Solid, all-around truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Fester - September 22 - 6:40 pm

  If you dont need a heavy-duty work truck, this is the pickup truck for you. The V8 is a good compromise between power and gas mileage--if youre lightly-loaded. It has a smooth, quiet ride, high build quality and (so far) excellent reliability.

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  Not perfect but a great value! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Klem - September 22 - 12:49 am

  2016 SE, have had it for 5 months now. likes: Seats are comfortable, Easy to see out of, Fuel economy 30 city 38 HWY, Rear seats fold down to add versatility to the storage. Chassis is tight and steers good, Car is quiet even on the Freeway. Dislikes: I am 62" and the legroom for the driver is ok but the center console is too wide causing my right leg to be forced against it and it becomes pain-full after a half hr or so and then it becomes hard to find a way to get it comfortable. Older Camrys had narrower consoles and when I drive an older one I have no problems. I have the upper optioned radio and I agree with others that it really is bad. No depth to the sound, I would guess it has low wattage and cheap speakers. The NAV system Toyota owns called scout and it is really bad. Voice command is useless and often, more than not it does not get you to the front door of your destination but will leave your a block or two away at times. It has traffic app in it and it does not do anything, maybe Toyota plans to make this work in the future or something. We have pretty much resorted back to using Google NAV on our phones again. Dont get me wrong. For the money I still believe this car is a good value and plan to own it for a long time. Overall I am very satisfied with the purchase.

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  Uncomfortable Front Seats - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By jonemick - September 21 - 9:23 pm

  Im wondering if anyone else has a problem with there front seats being uncomfortable. The seam in the middle of the back has a wire behind it, its like leaning back with a 1 inch rope behind your back. Its very uncomfortable !

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  Enter The Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By ANGWX - September 20 - 6:10 pm

  A MATRIX is a compromise, especially for me. Im an SUV guy in a $2/gal world. With that in mind, I commend Toyota for building sich a fine, cool, LARGE interior non-wagon wagon that allows a guys guy to drive it.

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  Its all good - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Daddymack - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Toyota makes a great any type of a car. The car is fun to drive. It will last 200,000 miles no problem. I have a 96 Celica it is a work horse. The only problem that it burns oil, it has 145,000 miles on it & my Toyota mechanic says it will keep going and going. Guess thats why they made the newer Celicas 6 speeds because of high engine rev ups.

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  I really like this car! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Ken - September 20 - 7:33 am

  Ive owned this car for about a month and my conclusion is I really like this car. Had an Accord prior and wanted to size down for more gas savings and better maneuverability with a small vehicle with good storage space. I liked the balance offered by the Matrix and thus far it has been a great little car. I got the 1.8 engine on purpose to save gas, and it is surprisingly peppy. Im going to the beach and its amazing what I can fit into such a little car. Im having a blast!