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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  I will never buy another Toyota AGAIN!!! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By joshuacoombs - September 11 - 5:00 am

  This car stinks!!! Had to replace the tires at 20k miles. Toyota said the tires are not them but bridgestone. Bridgestone said the tires have no warranty but tried to sell me new ones for $650. The car has been in the shop twice in less then two years. The brakes had to be fixed at 15k miles, the radio at 17k miles. I will never buy anther Toyota again! And I suggest you dont make the same mistake I did.

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  Ok but not great - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Roboman - September 9 - 3:46 am

  My biggest dissapointment with this car is gas mileage. Granted, I am averaging about 38 MPG, but nowhere near the stated 51 MPG. I could have bought a Chevy Aveo or Honda Fit for much less money. Quality is surprisingly poor - had to take car to dealer for leaks around the hatch area several times. Car is very uncomfortable for long trips- OK for jaunts around town. Seats are very hard and unsupportive. Performance is very iffy especially merging on freeways. When pressed too hard you get the feeling that the thing is about ready to break. Great second or third car, but not adequate for all- around duty.

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  Rav4 is unreliable and disappointing - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By cartroubles2 - August 27 - 12:23 am

  I am the not so proud owner of a 2009 Rav4. At 131km it had its first visit to the shop with the A/T Oil indicator light illuminated. It took three more trips to the shop to fix the problem. Now at 3000km it is back in the shop with AWD, slip control, and engine indicator lights on. It has also failed to start and down shifts with the grace of a new driver in a standard transmission car. I am getting absolutely no help from Toyota Canada or the dealer that I bought this lemon from. The only nice thing about this car is the paint job.

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  Too many negatives. - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By emoore20 - August 21 - 3:58 am

  After owning the 2011 4runner for less than a month I began to notice several “NEGATIVES” about the vehicle which weren’t apparent after one test drive at the dealership. 1)The transmission is very jerky. Pressing on the gas from a dead stop will result in a jerk forward followed by a slight shimmer in the suspension. 2) The vehicle is painfully slow. 3) Vehicle makes a whistling sound or tone that is related to the SUVs aerodynamics (very boxy). 4) Thin sheet metal hood. Shakes at higher speeds. 5) Susceptible to crosswinds. 6) The paint quality is horrible. 7) The breaks on this vehicle feel very spongy and too sensitive. 8) The Variable Stability Control is very abrupt and awkward.

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  Built Like a Car, Rides Like a Truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Buyers Remorse - August 16 - 2:26 pm

  This vehicle is one incredible pile of junk. At less than 45 days following its build and less than 400 miles on the odometer heres the tally: underbody rust, rust and more rust; looks like the truck was built and then placed on the sea floor to cure; sloppy manufacturing permanently welded oxygen sensors into their threaded mounts; radio quit working; 4WD system engages only when it wants to -- not when you want it to; brakes soft as sponges; mystery rattle from right door pillar. This thing has a totally plastic (plastic!) box, Im not talking a steel bed lined with plastic, but plastic!

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  Disappointing - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By shawn - August 16 - 1:53 am

  Bought this car used. Wonderful first year. Very happy and proud to drive this car. Saved a lot of money in gas. Only averaged 37 mpg, less than I thought. Then check engine light came on. Cost $1200 to replace 12 volt battery and brakes. 2 weeks later light came on again. Dealer service said codes indicated I need new main battery cost is $3600.00. Called back 2 days later was told problem wasnt battery but transaxle, new cost $4600.00. All the money I saved in gas is shot to hell in one repair. It is outrageously expensive to repair this car. No more Prius for me. I no longer have faith in the car or the techs ability to diagnose and solve problems.

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  Why did I buy a 4Runner? - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By brock1313 - August 15 - 7:36 am

  My 4Runner has been more trouble than it is worth. Between faulty stereos (Im up to three now), the paint peeling off the front bumper (which Toyota will not consider a factory defect), and the vibration problems, I am wondering if I just got a lemon or if Toyotas high ranking for quality is nothing but a bunch of hype. I can say that if I dont get these problems resolved soon that I will get rid of that albatross and get something more dependable and mechanically sound.

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  Thanks for nothing Toyota!!! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Toyotasux!! - August 12 - 1:10 am

  Well I bought this vehicle back when Toyota still had a good reputation but sadly I will NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER TOYOTA. The computer gave out so there was $1,300 to pay and after that the transmission went kaput so there goes another $3,000. Not to mention the horrifying experience of it stopping when turning left. Toyota does not care about its customers all they care about is your $$$$.

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  Timing cover oil leak - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By William - August 10 - 9:49 am

  Our 2006 Toyota Avalon with 92k miles was diagnosed with a timing cover oil leak at my local Toyota dealership. Cost to repair was $1950. After discussing this the service manager and searching online, I find that this problem is very common in the 3rd generation Avalons. We’re the original owner. The car has been garage kept, not driven is any harsh conditions, and never in an accident. The car has had service at our local dealership every 5K miles. This is our first Toyota and we bought a Toyota car because of its long history of dependability. We never expected such a costly repair cost like this, especially because of a defective sealant on the timing cover. Toyota has issued service bulletins on this issues. So they recognize that it is a problem, I contacted Toyota customer service to complain and got no satisfaction. This problem should have been pointed out to me while the drive train was still under warranty.

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  Better out there - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By timberdoodle - August 1 - 1:40 pm

  I have driven 4wds for 30+ years and have never been stuck until I bought this one. I had to be pulled out 3 times this past winter alone and it was a mild one at that!! The tires are worn out with less than 20,000 miles on them!!! The car is nice on a plowed road, but dont try to go in deep snow! It may be ok for a housewife who doesnt really need 4wd, but for those who do, look elsewhere! The interior is filled with cheap plastic and only available in light colors (very impractical) for those people who use a SUV in daily life. You can scratch the paint on the outside with your fingernail!!! Read the fine print on the towing capabilities and packages. A True Lie!!! What a joke.