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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  Loud and missing key options - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By dtskiles - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I rented on for a week from Hertz. I was among the first people to drive the car as it had less than 1000 miles. First complaint is engine noise. Trying to accelerate to keep up with just Tallahassee traffic was enough to drown out the radio. Second complaint is power locks. This model had keyless, wood trim and a CD player. I could not, for the life of me, find automatic locks inside the car. Either theyre so unituitive I couldnt find them, or they dont include power locks with keyless entry. If the car has power windows, then power locks should be standard. All in all - get the Civic.

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  Problems - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mad - September 1 - 9:03 pm

  i have had my car almost for 5 years and in the three months i have had to take it because of the engine light coming on. 400.00 for a new sensor and right now waiting to see what s wrong this time. Toyotas used to last for 150,000 miles or more but this is crazy my car is maintenanced regularly and this is what i get. never never again will i purchase a Toyota

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  Steers like a boat & cant get comfortable! - 2016 Toyota Prius c
  By glenn magnussen - August 29 - 2:35 pm

  The slightest crosswind, or crown in the road sends the car left and right. It could be in part due to the heavy battery ballast under the seats. Or, maybe it was just designed wrong. Ive verified the alignment twice, and even scheduled a test drive with the service manager. He told me he didnt think there was anything wrong. Serves me right for thinking I was accompanied by an "expert"! My 94 Corolla wagon with the bent tie-rod steers much better than this vehicle. I am 6 ft tall. The front seats make me feel like Im sitting in a well/no headroom. You can never get a comfortable driving position. The best part of this ride is when the cars stops, and I exit the vehicle.

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  Seat is killing me - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By mike - August 21 - 3:56 pm

  Bought this car in 2002. Didnt get to spend enough time in it to discover the drivers seat is just awful. It feels misaligned, and wreaks havoc on my back. Brought it back to the dealer and they said it was fine. The acceleration was terific for the first year, then it was noticeably slower getting on the freeway. Just age I was told. The interior is bland, the exterior is okay, but more suited to senior citizens. Ive had an okay experience, never been stranded. I am definitely looking to get out of this car in a hurry though.

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  Time to get rid of this thing - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Sludge - August 20 - 10:03 am

  I have owned my 01 Highlander for about 2 years. Overall it is an ok SUV, although my wife loves it. We bought it used with 45000 miles and it now has 113000 miles. We have had to replace the tires, brakes, and oxygen sensor ($200!). The heater broke and was stuck on hot for several months, the dealer told us it would cost about $1000 to replace the heater panel. After a long search I found where many others have had the same problem and fixed it. Turns out to be broken solder connections, I resoldered them and it now works for FREE! The rear axle is leaking fluid and was told by the dealer it was the axle seals...$350. Time to get rid of this thing!

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  Disappointed with Toyota Corolla - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Gindelm7 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I knew I was buying a very cheap car that would get great gas mileage. However, I guess that it would be marginally better than my low expectations. Gas is Good, but not what was on the sticker. Im at around 28 mpg. Tires show excessive wear at only 10,000 miles. And car will not start sometimes. Had it to the Toyota dealer and they cant find the problem. They will however sell me additional services that are not requested. I should have bought the Elantra!

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  Wait till 2008 at least - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mark Troyan - August 10 - 8:53 am

  Loved the car but two transmissions failed within 19000 miles before I got rid of the car. The transmission design has major problems and so did the replacement. The problem is not addressed. My dealer told me the new transmissions were on back order and couldnt even give me an ETA. That itself says a lot.

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  If you are taller than 6 feet, beware! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By DrLev99 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  After only 1 week & 400 miles I am ready to trade! I am 6 feet tall & with the sunroof my head was rubbing the roof liner & my line of sight was at the top of the windshield. At that position you cant see the odometer, the turn signal flashers nor the fuel gauge without the steering wheel tilted up in high position. The side lateral supports were too narrow, digging into my side/kidneys. Minus the above, I am sure its an excellent SUV otherwise: plenty of power, smooth and quiet on the highway. Its a solid good-looking SUV, so be more careful upon your test drive than I was.

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  Truck Bed - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Beckff1 - August 7 - 1:30 pm

  I love my truck but i have one problem, no lumber rack will fit on the new tacoma! want to know why? the new composit bed. Rack-It from SS CA, told me the bed will crak and fail. So what to do now? Like i said for hauling everyday dirt and small toys not a prob, but for get the avid weekend do-it yourselfer fenceing projects and long timber runs to lowes or home depot.

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  Unusual repairs - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By TED - August 6 - 9:43 am

  The 2004 Camry, that I purchased new, needed the brakes repaired @ my 3 day check up. I am now getting the throttle body replaced for the 3rd time ($1400.-). I also replaced an Oxygen sensor. I drove my last vehicle, a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix 140,000 with the original throttle body & Oxygen sensor. I thought I was buying the reliable/dependable vehicle they advertise. I got a clunker!