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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  Car good, manuals/electronics operation bad. 2017 - 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By LB - March 15 - 12:14 am

  Theres a lot in this car but the dealer doesnt bother to explain how most things work, at least our dealer didnt. And the manuals are terrible, especially the navigation/radio/media one. Presumably just badly translated from the Japanese. Has such neat features as to turn off a level of auto dimming, flick the brights switch 9 times while holding down something else. And good luck in a car wash where automatic door lock opener may sort of short circuit unless you disable key and get it far from door. Other things, like having key open and close window and sunroof need to be done by dealer (who doesnt bother to ask). 8-way seat adjust is nice but you cant program in you settings so must readjust everything every time you switch drivers (its been many years since I owned a car that didnt do this). So I have complaints about things that could be and should have been easily dealt with by company and dealer. But so far (2000mi) no complaints at all about the big stuff like how it runs.

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  Silly Quality Problems in a Great SuV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By dwingate - March 14 - 9:06 pm

  I purchased this car used from a respectable dealership. This SUV does a great job towing my 3500 lbs. trailer. But, in the 8 months that weve own the car weve had broken Interior Door handles on both driver and passenger side, faulty gasoline tank sensor unit, and rear brake drum retention pin which came loose and eventually chewed up the brake shoes and drum. This is my 1st Toyota and compared to my Honda Accord Im surprised by the Silly Quality problems which one would not expect in a High Priced SUV like this, which Ive had in this relatively short time. Its making me wonder if I should have bought the Pilot?

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  A little disappointed. - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Art XR - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I am a little disappointed with the quality of the interior. Very hard plastic arm rest and many other components. Rattling noises all over. Inside the doors and under the dash. Loud under power engine. I enjoy the gas milage and smooth power train. Cant imagine to rev this engine over 6000 rpm to get extra horse power. I hope that Toyotas reputation will prevail again.

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  Great Mini Van - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By pastmaster - March 12 - 8:17 am

  I have owned since new. Has never left me stranded, always been dependable. 139,000 miles and no major problems. I do most all my own maint. I do regular oil changes (syn) I also do drain and refill on tranny at every oil change, some may say thats not needed, but I have never had trouble with Trans. and it only takes 4 qts at a cost of $12.00 which is small price compared to new Trans. Biggest expense was new exhaust from manifold back including new converter, total cost $600.00. Some small problems such as right sliding door sticks, and drivers side window motor is bad. So overall been a great van. I will drive it until the doors fall off.

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  never another toyota - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By skiing family - March 12 - 2:00 am

  We had high expectations but found that the vehicle was plagued with expensive maintenance issues. We have spent nearly $10,000 on mechanical repairs and maintenance over 9 years. Mountain trips with kids and their gear too much for brakes, several complete rebuilds. We finally had brakes retro-fitted with racing discs and pads. Weve replaced 3 alternators, two O2 sensors, 2 overdrive solenoids. Service support has been poor. We live in a large city, but parts are never on the shelf. Each time we have required a repair we have lost use of the car for 2 or more days. Over nine years, not with standing routine service, we have probably lost use of the car for 20 to 30 days.

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  First new Toyota - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Unk - March 11 - 1:56 pm

  This review is a a small payback for ALL the good info I found here when looking. Basic V6, tow pkg only...replacement for my wifes high mileage V8 truck...she is happy in every respect. Plenty of power, decent mileage..all in all, a better vehicle than I expected.

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  Get The "Platinum" Warranty - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Josh - March 11 - 7:36 am

  I drive the hell out of this truck. Not too many complaints. Does a funny thing at stops, acts like it wants to keep going even though I have my foot on the brake. Almost feels like someone bumps you from behind. Compass/temp gauge went out and it wasnt covered by the warranty. They wanted $1100 to fix it, telling me the "Gold" warranty doesnt cover that, only the "Platinum". I took the unit apart and fixed it myself in about ten minutes. Seems like it goes through a lot of batteries too, four in 2 1/2 yrs.

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  Great car to own - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Rosa - March 9 - 4:40 am

  I really like my Camry. But we had to replace the intake manifold. Other than that it has been a great car ro own and drive. Roomy with good sound system, because music in my car is mandatory.

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  Big Disappointment - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By amy - March 8 - 11:30 pm

  My Rav 4 has 67000 miles and needs a new short block. The car is using too much oil. Estimated cost of repair is over $5000.00. In addition, the the light on the HV/AC controls need to be replaced. While under warranty we had to have the steering shaft and water pump replaced. I have had great experience with Toyotas in the past. But, this is not acceptable.

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  First timer - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Mark - March 8 - 6:50 pm

  I upgraded from a 1998 Malibu, which gave me fits for reliability, but interior was much better: the power mirror adjustment on the Toyota is on the dash and difficult to reach when driving; arm rest on the driver left is not usable so you have to rest your arm on the window ledge, the arm rest on the right is too far back; the clock is tucked into drivers instrument panel and tiny; and none of the cup holders have liners to take out for washing. In general, the interior is just flat out cheap. On the upside, the readouts for gas usage are terrific, the car runs great, and looks good. Just wish Toyota had spent the extra few dollars on the interior.