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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  OK for rental, would not buy. - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By RJBME - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Had this vehicle for three days as a rental in Denver, CO and it suited this purpose quite well. I guess as a commuter or grocery-getter, it would be a reasonable choice. The main problem is that this car is WAY underpowered (getting on the expressway is scarry business and having the pedal to the floor on hills was not uncommon) and not fun to drive at all. Ive driven 1.0L in Europe that performed better. The driving dynamics seem awkward at best, likely due to the vague steering. The passenger comfort is decent for this class of car but overall, this car is mediocre at best. I would consider a Focus instead as its more fun to drive and has the 2.3L.

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  Buyers Beware! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By SCathey - May 31 - 12:43 pm

  May 2010: In 4 months, I have had transmission rebuilt, trouble with catalytic converter, and now needs new engine! I took really good care of this car and intended to keep if for 20 years! I am selling as is and never buying another Toyota EVER!

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  very poor intune system, - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By girma - May 25 - 5:50 am

  I have 2018 camry se, Im not satisfied with the car ! No happy with the intune system, engine sometime when slow down and acceleration not smooth, all my life was driving camrys but this one going to be my last one really regret buying this car specially SE version just show off!!

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  Built exclusively for short people! Worthless for average male. - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By cjkersh - May 23 - 4:38 pm

  You would think by now car manufacturers would know how to build a car to fit a body. Im a tad under 5 11 inches. My head hits the ceiling and you cant see crap out of the windshield. You will need to cut a hole in the roof if you plan on being able to see a traffic light. This bit of engineering stupidity ruins all of Toyotas hard work build a great brand and car. I have had many Corollas and expected to love this car. Unbelievable Toyota! Hello Nissan

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  Disappointed - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By chuck drkae - May 20 - 6:00 am

  After 5 yrs I sold it, the paint was terrible, the gold emblems had all peeled, the interior fake wood trim peeled, the seats looked like a 15 yr old car. Then there was the oil sludge problem, decided to unload it before it died. At 20 grand new it wasnt worth it..

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  RPM - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By dimsum - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Comparing this 2003 model to the previous 99 model, the rpm redline is lower, which lowers performance in acceleration, which ticks me off, now toyota was stupid for doing this,i want my old celica back dam it.

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  So this is Toyota! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By First new Toyota - May 12 - 6:06 pm

  My first new Toyota and in fact first new car! Never before have I been so divided. On the one side this car is well crafted and has a sweet V6 engine. Interior room is good. Dash is easy to read. Like the auto headlights too. Then on the other hand many annoyances abound. The rear seat doesnt split fold. The rearview mirrors are fixed. No door protection moldings on a 28K car! No bluetooth option. Transmission has been quirky. More road noise than it should have on the open road. Mileage not what advertised. Door insulation held on by cheap plastic and it falls off on occasion. Trunk is tiny! And the back seats are more comfy than the front ones on long trips which is really weird.

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  *BEWARE* - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Lee - May 10 - 4:50 am

  Loved this car at first, started getting a lot of wind noise, and noise from rear, had it looked at, but found nothing. Now, with only 120,000 miles on it, it started slipping. Had it checked and transmission is gone, of course its past warranty, plus the ECM (engine control module) would also need to be replaced, costing me $4,800.00.

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  Poor Design - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Rear hatch design - May 9 - 3:06 pm

  After driving this Rav4 Limited for 32000 miles I recently noticed that when it rains all my stuff in the rear compartment gets wet when the door is opened. Also there is no rear dome light. The light was put in the door which when open shines the light away from the compartment. A representative said it was a bad design and suggested I switch to a Highlander. Toyota should reconsider this rear hatch design. Honda has with its CR-V. I love everything else about the car. Please to Toyota make some changes. At least figure out a way I can add on a dome light.

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  Disappointing product - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By gail76 - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice vehicle, but ours has been at the repair shop way too much> the list of problems range from minor to major, now at 36,000 miles the transmission failed, we had problems with the a/c pump unit, seat heaters, nav system, remote entry, and warped brake rotors. The fuel economy is dismal at 18 mpg with mostly highway driving. I do enjoy the features of this car, and it drives very well and feels safe. Seems Im not alone as I have talked to several other venza owners that are having similar problems, we will not keep this one past the warranty!