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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  Oil and Engine Issues :( - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Nick Franky - January 21 - 11:48 am

  Ive had my car for a while now. I bought it in 2011, 2 years old for about 13k. After replacing the melting dash, door protectors and starter. I now have issues with oil, I took my car for its scheduled oil change and the mechanic says..."You have no oil in you car, and its back firing, I think you should take it to the dealer because we wont be able to do an oil change". So I take my car to Toyota and the keep it over night. they tell me nothing seems wrong but the are testing the oil consumption I have to bring it back within 1200 miles. BUUUUUUUT my check engine light is on and when I start my car it trembles, I have to let it sit for a while or restart the car. This was my first car I bought all alone, Finally paid for in full and this POS gives me hell after I make my final payment(April) . oh yeah, a mechanic told me its about 6k to fix, car is only worth 5k! I dont think I will buy another Toyota...Honda here I come.

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  The energizer bunny - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By martinafan - January 21 - 7:56 am

  This car is awesome I have just under 270,000 miles, use it everyday like a taxi, going from client to client mixed city and expressway driving, only repair has been struts cv joints and rack and pinion unit. Original alternator, starter, ignition and exhaust. ac tranny never repaired, inside cheap materials make the car look abused,but as far as driving it its still almost as good as new

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  Problem with Corolla - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By toyotacle - January 21 - 2:05 am

  I recently purchased a 2014 Toyota Corolla. I really like the car, except for 2 concerns: 1. the average mile/gallon on the sticker (highway & local) is inflated. Ive checked the web and apparently there is no federal oversight to ensure the correct mileage is posted. 2. the car has 2 plastic "rods" that are on both sides of the car (vertically) clipped to the under-carriage. Last winter during the snow, I was driving out of an icy spot an to my surprise, there was a long gray plastic rod on the road. It was from my new car. I have submitted a complaint to Toyota...poor quality and engineering. Maybe theyll recall and fix this issue.

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  Not better than I ever expected - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By San Diego - January 20 - 10:13 pm

  I can admit that Sienna is one of the best minivan in the country and had fun driving. When I drove this car at first, I thought I was driving in heaven, but that does not last long. Why? The performance of this car seemed lower than before, but not bad that much. What made me feel upset was the poor quality sound equipped with my LE 8 passenger car. Comparing with my Accord EX, its hard to say I have no complaints on it. Its unbelievable that Toyota has such a poor quality sound system with 6 CD changers equipment in it.

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  5sp Tacoma Good Value - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Frank - January 20 - 9:20 pm

  Bought a 2.7 liter with 5 speed, as I commute with my truck. No need for 4x4, only raises insurance. Get very good gas mileage all around. Run 89 octane. Acceleration not too bad, although if going too slow in second gear but too fast for first gear, engine bogs a bit before rpms rise. Performance improved with a K & N filter. The bench seat is comfortable, although the center seat is ridiculous. Should have been an armrest or storage bin in center, like my 86 Toyota pickup. The stereo is not high fidelity by any stretch of the imagination, so I plan on upgrading soon. Many complaints on the blogs about 09 stereos. Recommend deflector for hood. It helps stop pebbles hitting windshield.

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  Toyotas Reliability - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Rough13 - January 20 - 1:56 pm

  This pick-up is exceptional, it rides great, has the right power for my use, has an above average payload, can tow a boat easily, is very reliable. I havent had it for that long, but from owning previous Toyotas, I know Toyotas reliablility is their trademark.

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  What a difference!! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bo in SoCal - January 20 - 10:03 am

  I have owned my 06 Tacoma for a nearly 3 weeks now and absolutely love it. The truck is the perfect size and the design is awesome.On of my friends bought a newer Silverado and I was amazed that the Tacoma was just as tall and long, STOCK! It rides much better than my old Dakota and is definitely more solid. I have no complaints with this truck!!

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  Best Car I have ever owned - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Jason - January 20 - 7:26 am

  This is by far the best care I have ever owned for the price. It is both efficient for my long commute, and fun to drive.

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  Say NO to Toyota GPS!!!! - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By toygpssucks - January 20 - 4:55 am

  Toyota & Lexus GPS is a RIPOFF!!! We werent looking for an installed GPS, however the Toyota we liked happen to have this PIECE of JUNK! At 5-MPH the ENTIRE GPS, CD player, Bluetooth & phone control locks down and is unusable. Voice control, LOL.. say store, hospital or police and itll show you the nearest golf course. Research all you can, there is NO override option; ask Toyota and theyll give you a big fat [violative content deleted]... Sucka. Too overcome this pathetic $2500 short coming with 4yr old maps, I keep a $200 Garmin in the car and my cell phone handy. In addition, Toy-Rip-U-Off has replaced quality dent resistant fenders and paint with Detroit Crap.

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  My opinion - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By LSC III - January 19 - 8:23 pm

  Great automobile, fun to drive, mechanically solid, looks great, worth the time.