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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  Not so much - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Don - December 4 - 9:43 am

  Well what can you say. The seats are not comfortable, the ride is numb and disconnected from the road, wind/road noise is at a premium, very jittery over any type of non-smooth pavement. However, going green is the way to go. We need more of these types of cars only with better execution...

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  ECM Killed the transmission - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav4 the junk heap - December 2 - 11:20 pm

  A week ago I wouldve rated this car a 4 out of 5 stars. Yesterday driving home the transmission went out. I lost the Drive gears and made it home in Low 2nd. Went online and discovered it is a common problem with 2001-05 Rav4s and is actually caused by a bad ECM (Engine Control Module). I called the dealership in the morning and they said it would be nearly $5,000 to replace the ECM and transmission. This is really bad for a Toyota with only 72,000 miles. Found out later that Im covered by a Federal Emissions Warranty mandated by the government. Called Toyota back and yes, I am covered after all, but only for the ECM and not the transmission. How ridiculous is that?

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  Hopelessly helpless in a Toyota Solara - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Barbb - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I had this car since 6/2003 and started bring for repair service 7/2003. It has been serviced at Gateway Toyota, of Toms River, NJ 13 times in the last year. Anything that could go wrong, did, from tires already needing to be replaced, to most recent the catalytic converter falling off. My car currently has 22,000+ in mileage and I have a lawyer to claim lemon law. After all this Toyota wanted me to go thru mediation with a company they chose. Both Gateway Dealership and Toyota have been absolute helpless and actually made me feel like I was losing my mind. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!!!!

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By catrna - November 21 - 6:52 am

  I have owned a 2002 for 5 years and while it seemed like a good car at first it is not. At 89000 miles the transmission died and is no longer covered buy warranty. After doing more web serarching I found that Many 2001-2003 Rav 4s have presented with this problem Toyota is aware of this but has not recalled. So unless you have monney in your pocket to shell out for car repaires dont buy.

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  Poor Seats - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By S.B. Mann - November 18 - 10:56 pm

  The bucket seats in the truck are very uncomfortable. Cannot drive more than an hour at a time, must get out and walk. Has a bad wind whistle, dont like the constant shifting of the motor and do not like the smart key. This is our 3rd red Toyota we have owned. We really liked the first 2 but this 2016 is not good. Cant wait to get rid of it. We just traded up to a Tundra and the ride and seats are much better.

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  Rattle trap - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By David Fass - November 11 - 12:53 am

  I am disappointed in Toyota. Besides the several recalls for this and for that, there are persistent rattles in the cabin. I thought that at the very minimum a Toyota would have a silent cabin. My 2002 Hyundai also had annoying rattles, but that was what I expected when I bought a used Hyundai. When I bought a brand new Toyota, I expected silence. No sir. Dashboard rattles and seat belt rattles, thats what I have. Also, the brakes squeal intermittently on the highway, and dealer says theyre fine. Great, thanks. Not to mention, this car did poorly on the IIHS small overlap test. I dont think Toyota deserves their reputation for quality anymore. I would have probably done better with a Hyundai or Kia.

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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mr driver - November 7 - 9:50 am

  Performance: The Yaris gives you the feeling that you are in a golf cart and keeping up with normal/slow traffic is tough, with 106 hp, you will not pass anyone who dosent slow down for you! Comfort: Compromised by the fact that seating 5 people will make it all but impossible to get up to the speed limit before the next stop. Ride: Smooth but the drivers seat sits awkward if youre tall because of where the steering wheel is mounted due to the cramped interior. Fuel: I havent been able to get more than 389 miles out of a full tank which is 34.5 miles a gallon when averaging between city and highway. Good fuel economy but the 1998 Corolla got almost as good about 2 miles less a gallon + 140hp.

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  Stay Away from Toyota Hybrid False MPG estimate - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By suemcsuey - October 17 - 8:58 am

  I had high hopes for the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The claim to get 43mpg city and 39mpg hwy for a combined estimate of 41mpg. NOT! I have had for 10,000 miles 7 months and I average 31.4 mpg. I bought this car because of all the city driving I do. I drive the kids 20 miles each way to and from school. I do a lot of driving for my job. This has been the worst experience ever. I have contacted Toyota Customer Experience Center because this is where the dealer directed me after my numerous complaints. I went yesterday to dealer for yet another test and wasted 7 hours. They say it checks out fine with no problems. I think getting 10 miles less per gallon is a pretty huge problem that is being overlooked. That is the problem. Stay away from Toyota and their false (Estimate) Buy a Honda Ive owned 4 and never had any problems with the cars or customer service. I only chose Toyota because of their history with the Hybrid.Unhappy Toyota Camry Hybrid Owner

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  Dangerous car!!! - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By concernedmom - October 14 - 11:23 am

  I was like everyone else, I loved this car at first. The gas mileage was great (38mi./gal), but the day I wrecked it changed my mind. If anyone else had been in the car with me, they wouldve died!! It folded like an aluminum can!!! Please reconsider this car and buy something safer. I didnt have side airbags, but there was dual front airbags. I hit a deer and then hit the passenger side against a tree. The airbags did not deploy and I received a concussion from the passenger door. The whole car folded in half and I was only driving 45mi/hr.!! If you have family, please dont buy this. Their lives will be at risk. Be safe and choose a better car, any passengers with me wouldve been killed.

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  Toyota please Recall Entune 3,0 & Scout GPS - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - October 13 - 10:20 pm

  I’ve had new 2018 Camry for a two month now. I love everything about the car Except the Entune 3.0 and Scout GPS . Entune 3.0 and Scout GPS drops with 5minutes every time I open it. Toyota Recall Entune 3.0 & Scout GPS .