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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  Before you buy 2015/2016 Sienna you should know - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Robert - August 19 - 2:26 am

  2015 and 2016 Sienna is a good looking van but please do your due diligence before you buy. I wish I have done it more my self but too late now. You can buy what you like but do a search on 2015 / 2016 sienna vibration or problems because it is true and its common. I have it too and cant be fixed. Not doing enough researching for a family van I bought it because it was "TOYOTA" and have read good reviews on a 2015 Sienna with new improvements. Few days after the purchase around 300 miles on the Sienna. Feel dash, steering wheel and floor buzz vibration starting from complete stop on a hill when reaches 1150 to 1200 RPM (15~20 mph) and happens again after shifting to 2nd gear under 20 mph. Often passenger slider door gets stuck half way closing with beep and wont go back or close with switch. While holding traffic at school drop off lane switch the door switch to manual then get out show my face to angry people and have to close it manually then it works fine for a while. Both rear slider door glass makes metal tapping noise when driving with window open more than 3" under 15 ~25 miles. Sounds like glass rattling on the window channel seems like loose screw or no rubber on the channel. Front passenger door interior leather by the handle has wavy looks like from side view glue coming off or someone poked with fingers when gluing the upholstery. I have addressed these few concerns on my new sienna to the purchased dealer and they had some one from Toyota to inspect the Sienna. Conclusion to my concerns were that Toyota DSPM have compared to other sienna on the lot and since other Sienna does the same so it is normal and it is not warrantable and have no solution to correct the problems. Basically live with it or sell it because warranty is not going to cover it because its normal to them. Why is Toyota comparing with other vehicles and call it " NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE " when I want to find out how to correct the problems. Sounds like they have engineered to rattle, vibrate and no solution to the problems so live with it or sell it to someone else who can live with it. Did I miss lists of " NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE SHEET " when I bought the van? If this is the case Toyota needs to disclosed on the catalog that these van does make noise & vibrations before the purchase not after the purchased. Not too happy and already lost interest in new vehicle less than a month. Warranty and Toyota customer is really bad. Its a compared warranty not to correct them. I like the 2015 and up design but I am ready to sell my Sienna already for something else because I can not accept all these $37K normal vibrations and rattles came with the van plus Toyota said its normal too. My believe level in Toyota product is gone for good. Good luck on your decision ! !

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  Engine Malfunction (Internal malfunction in the throttle body assembly) - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By prabhu2 - August 18 - 3:26 pm

  I had really bad experience with Toyota Corolla 2010. When I was driving, all of a sudden I felt that my steering wheel was tightened up and very hard to turn. Lights on my dashboard (ABS, ENGINE MALFUNCTION/CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR, BREAK, VSC OFF) were lightened up and my car came to a total stop after about 3 minutes. I was very scared as I had my baby and family in the car when this happened. I tried starting my car several times but it failed to respond. I towed the car to the local dealer.The dealership people got back to me saying there was an internal malfunction in the throttle body assembly. They fixed and I took back the car and I put another 100 miles and again the same incident ha

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  Hard to believe - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By john - August 16 - 10:04 am

  I have been thinking about replacing one of our Subarus with a off road pickup and was happy to see remodeled Tacoma. Upon driving it though, I have to wonder what the Front Office is thinking. Did they test drive this dog before they released it? I doubt it because it is so lacking power and transmission gel that it made for a very dissappointing test drive. I wont buy one until they address these ridiculous shift points. In trafic you have to just about floor it to change lanes and it has a very annoying vibration. I cannot imagine taking this hound on the freeway. The seat is "one size fits all". There is no seat height adjustment on this 37,000 vehicle! [non-permissible content removed]

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  Dont be seduced by mpg - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Becky Pappas - August 14 - 8:39 pm

  I fell for the Toyoto. Problem #1) Attempting to slow down from 65 to 70 mph on highway. In fine, dry road conditions the flimsy car looses its navigation and wobbles erratic as if airborne. Sure, I loved the zip, the style, the savings, the adorable play car compartments and streamlined accessibility. Problem#2) Spins while braking in rain and feels as if a wind is enough to pick it up and deliver it to Munchkinland where it belongs. Problem # 3) There is no wsy to afjust thr seatbelt and it strangles across mt neck rather than shoulder. This car is great on gas, but totally make believe for any true road hazards. The dealership saw dollar signs and I feel stunned.

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  Quality and Reliability? Think Again. - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By robertoduh - August 11 - 10:26 pm

  I bought this oh so reliable Camry in March 2010 with only 96k miles. I was thinking this car would at least run to 200k or maybe even 300k, but I found out it wont even make it to 130. I have 123 on the clock now, and in the time I had it, I poured over $6500 in repairs. A rebuilt transmission/engine, faulty airbag module, two broken window motors, and a new gas tank. The transmission went out at 100k, and the engine went out at 103k. Now with this "new" engine, it loves to stall at red lights. Not really helpful if Im stuck on a grade in traffic. Also, the interior quality sucks. My door panels are all cracking and falling off because of weakened clips. Thats quality for ya!

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  2005 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited AWD - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Last Toyota - August 3 - 9:06 pm

  I grew up as a Toyota person and my first car was a Toyota Supra, then Celica GT, then another Celica GT. Now I have a Sienna with every option possible and unbenounced to me, I have lived the past two years as the most frustrated person owning a vehicle. The warranty support by Toyota is poor at best when comparing to Honda...thus the need for extensive warranty in the first 24 months speaks to itself. Never say never...but my intent is to rid myself of this Toyota and never own another Toyota product.

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  Tundra quality is poor!! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Hanniabl - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I am very disappointed in my 2000 Tundra. I have had brake work every 10,000 miles, $1,000s in other work and at 60,000 had to pay $1,600 to have cracked exhaust manifolds replaced. Both were cracked. Seems clear this is an engineering, maufacturing or installation problem. The most they would offer is to comp the parts, still cost me $1,000. I sold it and bought a much better quality truck, a GMC.

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  Reliable Piece of Junk - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By g zeine - July 28 - 3:33 pm

  Since, I bought the car in Sept. 2001, I have had to rebuild the engine before 60,000 miles, had the brakes done twice, window motor replaced, catalytic converter replaced. I had the engine rebuilt due to burning oil, now about 50,000 plus miles later it is burning oil again. Door lock on passenger only works manually. While, it cranks up every time, I have never had a Toyota that has cause me such trouble or cost me so much while owning it.

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  Wouldnt buy it again - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By CamaryDriver - July 26 - 3:06 am

  Ive had this car for 23 months. I wouldnt by this car again. The "drive by wire" transmission is un-even, unpredictable and sluggish if you try to punch it from 10 to 45 MPH. Between 35 to 45 it shifts up and down seemingly at random. The gas pedal is touchy. The driver comfort is poor. There are two unusable compartments on the console. There rear has two tiny coffee cup holders in a drop down center rest. The ride is noisy even after trying 3 sets of tires. The steering is mushy. The side and rear view mirror are magnified to make every car look like its right on top of you. There is no joy or thrill in this car. My recommendation is not to buy this car.

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  Had not drove a Toyota before. - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Matt B - July 22 - 11:13 pm

  Rented this car for 10 days. I drove it across the country. The power mirror adjustment is on the dash behind the steering wheel. You can not see it while in the seat, so it is difficult to adjust while driving. There was plenty of room on the door to put it in the correct place. Gas mileage could be improved with a higher overdrive gear. The engine was running around 3,000 RPM on the highway. Ideally should be around 2,200 RPM. Car was noisy, but at that level I would expect. Very low tech in the instrumentation/radio. The cigarette lighter does not stay powered to charge your phone while the car is off. The hood release should probably not be paired with the gas opening lever on the floor. I see potential safety issue if you do not realize you pop the hood. Car gets the job done.