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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  Worst Car I have ever owned-Cheaply made - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By gringo1210 - September 8 - 3:12 am

  This is my third Camry and will be my last. The heat on this car takes 20 minutes to warm up, By the time it does I am at work. I was told this is standard for this car. The car has the WORST pickup ever. I cant even accelerate quickly if I need to get out of the way. I was told this is due to the econo button that cannot be shut off. Its cheaply made the fabric seats stain easily and when trying to clean water marks are left behind. Toyota refused to fix any of my problems. Today I went to the drive through and all my windows were frozen stuck, Between the lack of heat and no pick up and now the window problem I feel like I am driving around in a 15 year old car.

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  Absolute Garbage! - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By mongre - August 31 - 11:41 pm

  I have now owned 4 Toyotas. Excluding a late 80s base model Tacoma, this is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I will be slow to purchase a Toyota again. Cheap materials, cramped and awkward interior, an endless supply of mechanical failures. I am happy to say goodbye. I spent hours haggling over the Cruise Control failing at 70. Toyota made every excuse yet blamed me & the terrain (small incline). 1 engine out of 12 takes synthetic. Of course my dealership filled it with standard and replaced it so the engine could sound like a VW bug for a while. Two...yes TWO rear bearings, a differential and a front strut later and this has been in the shop more than my last 3 cars combined!

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  Ignorant Navigation! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Vicki Nails - August 26 - 10:16 am

  I purchased an XLE 4 door Toyota with a navigation system which only came in a package consisting of heated seats and side air bags. The heated seats stay on for 5 minutes at a time and then shut off and come on again. The navigation system isnt programmed for many local streets and often suggests turning left when you need to turn right on interstate highways. I regret spending the additional money on this option. The heated seats should stay on at the drivers discretion. There is unacceptable road noise level. Long trips are not pleasant. I regret buying this car, and I cant wait to sell it and purchase another car. It wont be a Toyota!

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  Nice nimble car but it has problems - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Walter - August 22 - 12:16 pm

  The brakes are awful. Pedal sinks to floor while coming to slow stops. Requires pumping to bring pedal up. Dealer says everything in spec.. Next issue is steering. The electric steering is very nimble but car wanders around lanes at highway speed. You can hold the steering wheel rock steady and still drift in and out of you lane, Dealer says everything in spec. Last issue is the radio. It changes modes, volume goes up and down by itself and, on the way home from the last service at Toyota, it turned itself on with high volume. Less than 5000 miles since new. Its a cute, nimble car around town and the best snow vehicle we ever owned (traded in a Jeep). If someone would address these issues it could be a real winner. 06/2017 Rear camera is great at night. Completely worthless during the daylight hours or in rain The angle of the srceen is great for back seat people but worthless for driver or passengers up front. Cannot safely be used. Constant chimes and alerts are way overdone. Many times, the alerts point to no cause and we give up and walk away with the beeping or chimes. Sometimes not possible since doors wont lock. Crazy. Windshield is leaking some clear polymer. Strangest thing evet. First thought it was tree sap but it only appears in the exact same places. This legendary Toyota quality is a fraud. So many simple things gone so wrong. Last Toyota in our household. Update 12.28.17 Still runs well and mileage is improving. Some other things you should be aware of include: FEW BACKLIT SWITCHES. Very dangerous at night since placement of switches is downright silly at times. Not knowing what a switch does make it dangerous. EXTREMELY POOR INTERIOR LIGHTING No lighting would be a better description. Now that days are short you realize that there are virtually no lights throughout the interior - but especially in the rear areas.LACK OF A TRUE ADJUSTABLE STEERING WHEEL It moves about 4 inches up/down and theup lift height is a joke. INFORMATION PANEL IS A JOKE Utterly worthless due to small size. INTERIOR PANELS LIGHTS DIM TOO MUCH If your put your headlights on with your wipers (a law in our state) display lights like the clock are invisible.. CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW POOR THE INFOTAINMENT SCREEN IS Because it does not adjust it is only useful at night. And even then you must lean over the center console to see it. Dumb, dumb. WATCH YOUR HEAD WITH THE POWER TAILGATE LIFT TUBES. Unique propblem here. They are positionned perfectly to smash your head. I also have a Dodge Grand Caravan that does not cause brain damage.

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  tree stopped - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Vernon griffin - August 11 - 8:57 am

  To many recalls for this suv wife bought our 2004 used did not know about recall for suspension and lower ball joint riding alone on July 9,2015 lower ball joint failed. Wheel separated I lost control had no brakes and it ran me into a big oak tree. I had to be cut out of the car now I was almost killed I have very bad injuries to my leg multiple fractures, reconstructive knee surgery. Skin graph, bruised elbow and ribs

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  Do NOT BUY - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Big Disapointment - August 3 - 4:23 am

  I have had my 07 Camry LE for a few months now, and I am extremely disappointed. I traded in my 04 Accord and it was the biggest mistake I ever made. I am terrified that I will not be able to accelerate when I need it. Toyota will need to address the lack of power, I have to be very aware of this issue prior to making any moves on the street. I also am not impressed with the quality. My previous Accord felt better on the road. This car is too boring and dull.

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  Extremely Poor Seating Comfort - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Dr. B. - July 20 - 2:20 pm

  I bought a brand new 2007 model in Nov 2006 paying a high premium. In a year, I have come across these problems: (1) One day, the computer broke (went out of order) by itself and the car totally stopped. I had to get it towed to the dealer who fixed the necessary hardware & codes taking 3-4 days. But if this would have happened during one of my journeys to Canada, what would have been my fate? (2) The driver and front passenger seats are horribly uncomfortable. We feel as if we are sitting on a wooden bench without any cushion. In a drive of 30 minutes, you would like to get off the seat because of the pain it gives. Also, arm-rests are not provided. I am not at all happy with Toyota.

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  poor gas milage - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By toyotas_suck - July 17 - 12:15 am

  I recently bought a 2015 corolla after a crazy person crashed into me and totaled my 2007 corolla. This is my 3rd corolla in a row and my second brand new one. I bough it because my other one was so good and i was planning on driving until it died. I wanted the "L" model because it had the same engine and transmission as my last one. My 2007 corolla went 135,000 miles without only very one very minor issue. my old corolla got between 31-33 MPG. My new corolla started out getting about 27MPG and has steadily decreased. I now get about 21MPG. I took it to the dealer(3000 miles on it) and they gave me some BS about winter gas and it still needed to break in. i will be trading for honda!

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  Do not buy - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By jackg - July 15 - 5:36 pm

  This car handles terribly. The steering of the vehicle is like you are always driving on ice. Constant drifting and difficult to control even with a slight wind. Trucks nearly blow you right off the road. The engine is way under power for the car. Needs about 50 more ponies under the hood to made it a decent drive. The comfort is terrible too. I am 5 10" and am uncomfortable after driving 50 miles. And NO I do not work for another car company, just telling you like it is. You want a nice compact car? Do not buy a Corolla.

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  Worst car Ive ever had - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By zak - July 8 - 2:33 pm

  I bought my Toyota mr2 spyder just last October from a dealer my family and I have bought several cars from. 2 months from the time I bought it, the transmission went. 1 month after that one of the two catalytic converters clogged the exhaust. 2 weeks (now) the other catalytic converter goes out, as well as some engine noise that does not sound so good. Everyone says Toyota are the best cars reliability wise, well Ive had 2 Toyotas so far. A 2006 Toyota corolla (new), and a 2002 Toyota spyder (used). Never again will I buy another. Sorry Toyota fans for being so negative, Ive just had some really bad luck in these hard times.