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:

• 

  Best Camry Style - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By 1989 Mark 7 - December 12 - 9:36 am

  I bought this 100% brand new. Had just came off the delivery truck the day before. With 60,000 miles on it today I still believe its showroom new as it was on 2-16-1999. I drive it on long trips because of its comfort. Thats only time I do drive it.

• 

  Quality gone bye bye. - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By sdcatoydriver05 - December 11 - 8:56 pm

  The car has had noises since it was bought. Brake muffler on master cylinder installed wrong, vibration on acceleration. Took 3 days to find problem. Recall on retainer clip for floor mats. Recently steering makes clicking and felt like parts are loose. Car went in twice and took 10 days to fix. Steering shaft had to be replaced it was defective. Rear doors rattle when car is warm. Two trips to find problem. This is the 5th toyota I have owned. Never had these type of things happen on the others. So much for toyota quality when put together.

• 

  Gerat car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By roro - December 11 - 1:46 am

  Bought it 4 years ago. It is so reliable and gives you the best gas mileage ever. 38 mpg on the highway and it is comfortable to drive

• 

  Lots of Sparkle! - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Mike Miranda - December 10 - 8:26 am

  Others complain about the styling. I had a 2007 Camry and I think this car looks so much better. It could be a little more plush inside but I probably should remind myself that I bought an SE which has more of a sport sensibility. The seats while not the most comfortable have a nice feel to them and are easy to get in and out of. My only complaint is the ride is a bit harsher than what Im used to but again I hear the LE and the XLE have a softer ride. Performance is great and if this one turns out to be as good as my 2007 I can count on having many miles of dependable, trouble free driving. For me thats what its all about.

• 

  Same problem with GPS screen going black - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lisa S. - December 9 - 7:36 pm

  I also have the same problem with the GPS screen randomly going out. Its in a relatively long line of issues weve had with the car. From a quality perspective, this has been a much higher maintenance Toyota than our previous 3. While I appreciate the fuel economy gains, weve had problems with the indoor cabin air filtration system, brakes, air conditioning and now this significant NAV screen issue. The radio also cuts out from time to time. It seems like theres a malfunction in some of the electronic components or wiring. How that Im out of warranty and not looking forward to this conversation at the dealer tomorrow.

• 

  My 3rd Avalon - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Hank - December 9 - 3:46 pm

  This is my third Avalon. I am still getting used to it but overall, I really like it. It has a great ride and is very quiet. The only thing I do not like is the hardness of the drivers seat. I can feel something under the padding, perhaps it has something to do with the seats cooling feature. I have been driving around for the last 4 months with a thin quilt under me. This makes it more comfortable. Hopefully the seats will break in and I can take out the quilt. Other than that, I really love it.

• 

  I love my matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By WEEEEEE!! - December 9 - 2:36 pm

  This car has been great it has never failed me once. The design is simple and easy to use. I love the power the 1.8 4 banger motor makes. Its awesome I had my matrix xrs at 140 mph (on a closed track of course). I bought this car coming from a Mercedes Benz and this car has been better. There is no traction control or stability control which is ok because you can throw this car where ever you want. Its so fun to drive I love it.

• 

  A great SUT - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Puckyhuddle - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this truck for a week now and I am very impressed with it. I think of it as a Sport Utility Truck (SUT) than combines the best features of an SUV and a truck. The ride is incredible, plenty of room in and out. Its a great vehicle for an active family with plenty of utlity.

• 

  Not the perfect design by far - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By selfshift - December 9 - 10:00 am

  My biggest gripe is regarding Toyotas distribution system: using regional distributors is a thing of the past, they only add to the price of the car while actually lower customer satisfaction. Case in point: Southeast Toyota adds on all sorts of ridiculous accessories and equipment while not offering antilock brakes on ONE, you read it right, NOT ONE single Corolla sold in the Southeast, regardless of trim, transmission or color. Same goes for side airbags. My recommendation: check out the Elantra before you buy.

• 

  Not as good as past models. - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By NJGirl - December 7 - 9:00 pm

  This is my third 4Runner 1996, 2004 and 2010. I think that as time goes by Toyota is not living up to the quality that I am used too. By far the 1996 was the best vehicle. I do not like the doors unlocking on the 2010 as soon as the car is in park. I drive by myself long distance and I hate the fact that the doors automatically open. Also not happy about the running boards. I am 52" for crying out loud it is a challenge to get into the vehicle. I wont put anything on the truck unless it is a certified Toyota part. Interior has its problems the head rest doesnt lock into place and that becomes annoying. Oh yeah one more thing the horn on the 2010 is like a horn that belongs on Tercel.