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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  Whats all the hype? - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By brian4cde - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I find this vehicle roomy & comfortable, but frustrating! Ignition is great: no holding key. Climate controls are OK. Defogging windshield is difficult. Controls, at steering column & elsewhere, are awkwardly placed & frustrating to use. Beware: power outlets go dead when the car is off. Seats are easy to move once you get used to it. Oddly enough, you cant get the rear spoiler w/the moonroof we wanted. This brings me to the most annoying thing: Noise & odors are ridiculous with open windows. The rear gate window is adjustable, but, dont open it when you accelerate: you will suck fumes. Open the side window and you get a loud pulsating noise. Open the moonroof & it sounds like an airport.

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  Not worth it - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By ??? - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This car was said to be in perfect condition by the toyota people. It was but once it reached a 100,000 miles this car became plagued with problems First the cheesy interior pieces started squeakin like crazy especiall the dashboard. Then the radiator began to leak which had to be repalced by thte folks at toyota (i serviced the car at toyota). After the leak my air conditioner simply "went out" needing to be replaced. Then the next thing you know there is a ticking in the top right wheel which the toyota pros cant find. Then it began to burn a little more than 2 quarts of oil a week insanely.

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  Overstated performance - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joe G - August 12 - 4:28 am

  The new V-6 engine coupled with the new 6 speed transmission is an ill fit. The engine struggles to maintain highway speeds without a lot of transmission downshifting. Small hills and overpasses strain the drive train to the point of frustration and distraction. After breaking the engine in according to Toyota specifications, I towed a 12 trailer loaded with a 1500# ATV (total GVW of 3500#) 800 miles. The trip was torture for the truck and myself. Fuel consumption is disappointing. Pure highway mileage is 20.2 mpg. Combined mileage is 18.1 mpg. Towing mileage was 11.8 mpg. Toyota did not get the engine/transmission properly tuned. I dont want to leave the impression I am down on Toyota in general. I have owned three Toyota trucks in the past, and they were great trucks. Toyota seriously missed my expectations on the 2016 Tacoma.

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  Not impressed - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Wikoff7 - August 10 - 10:46 am

  I bought a lightly used, low mileage Corolla S rental return in Feb, 2006. Mechanically, the car has been fine, mileage good, but the paint quality is poor and the road noise is terrible. Toyota quality is going downhill. I have owned several Toyotas, but this is the the last one I will ever buy, unless Toyota significantly improves quality.

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  Seats Cause Pain - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Sharon - August 7 - 5:46 am

  The seats caused excruciating low back pain. Had to sell the vehicle after only driving it 4 times. Car felt comfortable during short test drive, but once driven 30 miles, it started feeling like I was sitting on concrete. Never had a car seat cause back problems. Seats are poorly designed and too firm. Dont buy if you have ever had back problems. Interior looks luxurious, but it is not. It was my second Avalon and the last Toyota I will ever buy.

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  engine noise - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Ronald Kennedy - August 4 - 6:18 am

  Bought this Camry new in June 2009.Has the 2.5 engine. It has 24400 miles. It has developed a clatter in the engine. I had a mechanic look at it and he said it sounded like the timing chain. He did some research and found several tech bulletins relating to timing chains and engine noise. This was my first Toyota and will be my last. Repair was estimated to be $1000.Not gonna happen.

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  No Cruising, Poor shifting - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Viv - August 3 - 3:20 pm

  Had an excellent 2001 Camry LE. Bought a 2007 Camry LE and wish I had kept my 2001. It doesnt shift properly, when you slow down in traffic and then accelerate to move forward it hesitates. Trying to get onto a highway I need to be sure I have plenty of space and time because the car does not accelerate fast enough. Forget cruise control - it doesnt keep a steady speed, it slows down and suddenly accelerates, I have had close calls. Im thinking of trading it in. It has poor MPG. I like the way it looks, but its performance leaves much to be desired.

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  Very Average - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By speedycommute - August 2 - 11:03 am

  I bought a 2010 Matrix 5 speed manual base model at the beginning of 2010. This is a functional car that is very average. I found a few significant drawbacks too, primarily in poor design and build but also in very poor visibility. I think there are better cars available in this category and wouldnt buy the Matrix again. PROS: roomy interior, great fuel economy, reasonable cost CONS: very poor visibility(huge pillars, small raised rear window), water drips from roof onto seats when doors open, cheap interior feel, doors sound tinny, matte finish dashboard collects scuffs when you touch it and has rough seams, clunky manual transmission and hard to shift into reverse

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  What happened Toyota - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Tmc - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I was a hardcore Toyota fan until this vehicle. I moved from a Previa to this Sienna and have been miserable ever since. Engine noise, Unrepairable squeaky brakes, etc. I might as weel have bought a Ford and saved myself a few bucks. Oh What a Feeling....yea maybe, but never again. Honda!

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  Not so good Toyota - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Xpat - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Rough ride, extremely noisy - cannot hear radio or people talk on the road, uncomfortable, cannot see the dashboard from the steering wheel, hard to fold/remove rear seats, not enough power/fade-out on hills.