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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  Uses Oil Between Changes - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By jlechevalier - January 11 - 2:44 am

  My 2008 Camry uses 1/4 to 1/2 quart of oil per month. Toyota is aware of this widespread problem but has not issued a recall or set up a customer support program. Had this started during the first 5 years, there was a TBS (or something like that), but mine didnt start until around 60,000 miles last year, which seems to be the mileage at which this problem starts. I bought this car new - it had 6 miles on it, and all oil changes have been done. If the rings and pistons need to be replaced, which is the one solution the dealer came up with, the cost will be $3800.

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  Never thought I would switch from Honda! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By bsmith - January 11 - 1:13 am

  Took me 4 months to decide on a new SUV (which drove my husband crazy). Thought for sure I would stick with the Honda Pilot bc I loved my 2007 so much but wasnt thrilled with the reviews for the new Pilot and did not care as much for the interior design. Drove a few other makes but fell in love with the Highlander as soon as I drove it. LOVED the interior design and the quiet, smooth ride from the get go. The radio is so much better than my old car as well. Most of the new SUVs I test drove had limited visibility towards the rear of the vehicle. I found that learning how to correctly position my mirrors helped drastically. What I would improve on would be the USB ports. There are none in the 3rd row and the ones up front I feel do not have a lot of power. It takes forever to charge my phone compared to my old car and that is annoying. It takes a while to get use to the navigation system but I played with it to destinations I was familiar with and am getting use to it. After a lot of research and test drives, every vehicle will have positive and negatives and you need to find what is most important to you. So far my family loves the Highlander and I am very happy with our decision.

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  Mechanically Good; Poor Fit and Finish - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nick - January 10 - 9:13 pm

  First few months were a nightmare. Bought the truck when the model was brand new and still had a lot of bugs to work out. Was at the dealer for repairs at least once a week. The most significant problem was major paint flaking and chipping after only 5 weeks, just from driving in the snow on paved roads. Toyota would not admit that there was a problem with the paint. Most recently, at 53K, I have a frame thats rusting so badly that even 10-15 year old trucks I see on the road have frames that look much better. Again, Toyota claims theres nothing wrong with the paint on the frame. My final gripe is that the body dents and dings too easily--the sheet metal is just too thin.

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  240000 mile and going - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By oilfieldtrash - January 10 - 8:26 pm

  A few experiences with this - 1. the frame broke while going 5 miles per hour. Toyota fixed it and gave us a loaner till the repairs were complete. 2. Front tie rod separated at Sams while getting tires. Both event 1 and 2 would have probably involved a injury if going faster than 5 miles per hour. The battery to starter cable seems to be a occasional problem. The suspension is shot. The seats are worn out. The insurance is high on this vehicle.

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  Transmission SUCKS!! Youve been warned - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By rydergirl - January 9 - 3:06 pm

  This car has shuddered while accellerating since we bought it and on our road trip has us stranded now in Virginia because the transmission is messing up. The car surges forward and tries to drop gears while accelerating. The car jerks very hard and comes to a complete stop in the highway! Ive seen many reviews saying they have the same problem!! Im missing college and work and cant afford this fix and according to reviews it is a widespread problem with this particular vehicle.

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  One of the most reliable cars out there! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Muntezir - January 8 - 5:13 pm

  Bought the car at about 47k and now has 115... Still drives and feels like it has 47k. Just regular maintenance, tires, battery, etc...

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  Enjoying my car - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By LMari - January 7 - 5:50 pm

  Love the ride. Husband 65" likes it better than his Surburban. Although he hits the button to open the rear window w/his knee. Ive had it aligned three times because of a pull to the right. I couldnt take my hands off the wheel or Id be in the other lane. The fourth time I went to another Tire Kingdom and it seems to be fixed. Gas mileage isnt the best 14.5 in the city and 18 hwy. I love sitting high on the road and I never thought Id be a SUV person but I enjoy the Sequoia. I put wedged small mirrors on my side mirrors and after getting used to them I dont cut many people off! Keyless entry pads are stiff and stubborn. Ive had them replaced once and its time again.

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  Tall & uncomfortable - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - January 7 - 11:43 am

  I just purchased a 2009 Toyota Corolla S and being 6 3" there are few things that are making my ride uncomfortable. There is a foot rest for your left foot (drivers side) that juts out bending your leg into an uncomfortable position. Also, because I have the seat all the way back and at its lowest position the weight of my legs is falling on the heel of my foot making my hour commute to and from work everyday a bit uncomfortable. I regret purchasing this car only for the comfort reason. Everything else is fine. I sure a shorter person would be very comfortable in the car but Im not.

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  love it - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By thomas kamp - January 6 - 2:00 am

  my husband bought me this for my birthday, what a guy huh??i absolutly love it ......i used to drive a nissan pathfinder and i must say the 4 runner tops it hands down.everything about it is great except for the gas miledge.

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  Pretty decent ride so far! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Erica Lee - January 5 - 6:29 pm

  We got ours at Longo Toyota in Los Angeles. The negotiation process was done through email, so no harassing phone calls from sale reps. With the July 4th rebate, I was able to get the best deal and the color of the car that I wanted. I believe July4th is the best time to get a car because the selection is larger. It has been the 3rd week I have driven the car, so far it is very smooth. I drove 400+ with 1/4 of gas left. I plan on letting it drive for an other week.