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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  90k Camry outperforms 2 previous luxury SUVs - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By John E - January 7 - 7:05 pm

  I am writing this because I am so pleased with my 2010 Camry XLE. From day I purchased it at 85k and continuing until now at 96k, this car has completely outperformed my previous 2 luxury SUVs, both of which had way lower miles and were several years newer. I am talking about a 2011 Infiniti EX with under 20k miles and a 2012 Cadillac SRX with under 40k miles. This older and higher mileage Camry is quieter, rides better, and just generally drives way better than either of those SUVs. Even more astounding, I am getting this better performance at 1/3 the price of the previous 2 vehicles. Better car for way less money. This Camry has all the options so it is as close to a Lexus as you can get. I did think a 2008 Lexus ES350 probably was even quieter and rode even better, but the Lexus was all beat up and had more miles on it and still cost more than the Camry. Only negatives on the Camry are that the steering has loosened up a bit and I have to correct it too often for my taste. Is still comfortable to drive but wish steering was tighter. Also, passenger seat has developed an obnoxious rattle but only does it sometimes, thankfully not all the time. The real issue is do I enjoy driving the car? Before, when I had the 2 aforementioned SUVs, I usually drove my wifes 2014 Kia Forte5 because it drove better than either of mine. Now, I never drive hers anymore if I can help it because my Camry is simply more comfortable--the ride is so much quieter and comfortable both in town and on the road than the Kia or my former SUVs. You can just sit back and relax and drive all day without getting tired or beat up. Love how simple the controls are in the Camry. Virtually no learning curve at all. Navigation screen is right where I like it in the center stack in the middle so both front occupants can see it and do things with it. Camry has been totally reliable with no repairs at all during my 11,000 miles of ownership. The gas mileage even though its a V6 is way better than either of the previous 2 SUVs and is nearly as good as the Kia Forte5. Gets 30ish on the highway and 25 around town which I think is astounding for a car of this size and power. With 18 gallon tank, have huge cruising range. Backup camera works well and so does navigation system which has real time traffic. The value equation is huge here--this is the kind of performance and quality I was hoping for from the 2 SUVs but didnt get and ended up now with better car for 1/3 the price. Will probably stay with Camry when feel need for new wheels. One more note--USB ports are recessed in center stack and a pain to find. Had to buy dedicated cord to leave in car because its so hard to find. That design feature could be improved. Also, wish that could adjust fan speed one notch slower than the slowest that it offers. Most cars offer a bigger range of fan speeds than this one, at least on low end--it simply needs a slower notch than the slowest one it has. Its like they skipped from 0 to 2 and left out 1. Not a big deal though and just a minor annoyance on occasion. Most of the time it doesnt really matter. Also, quality of JBL premium stereo system is awesome. Sound quality is amazing and it has room for 4 CDs in the dashboard, which is a big convenience. Also like that does not seem to get out of balance tires very often. Have only needed to balance once and theyre still balanced 6000 miles later.

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  Great little workhorse! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Kelley King - January 5 - 9:15 pm

  I am on my 4th Corolla. My 99 was bought in 2009, and is still going strong at 240,000 miles. One of my lower ratings is because of all the plastic parts inside, but this is something I see with many cars, not just Toyotas. Ive had door handles snap off, as well as pieces of the moldings. Cupholders eventually snapped off too but I replaced. So Id like to see stronger parts, and if I had my way, no plastic at all....The most major repair I did was replacing the catalytic converter. The dealer wanted thousands to do this, but I found a local repair shop who did it for much less, back in 2010, and Ive had no problems since. Ive replaced brakes and struts, and of course buy new tires periodically. I do city driving so stop-and-go traffic, hence, the toll it takes on my brakes. Other things Ive replaced are things that simply give out with age. My main concern is the engine and transmission and those are rock solid. When my car is running, people often cant even hear that its running! Even at its old age, I get about 25 mpg. A couple of expensive repairs did occur. The power window stopped working on my driver side which entailed the purchase of a new motor for the door. Pricey. The other day, another door handle snapped off. Mechanic tried to put on new one, only to find the interior mechanism had to be replaced. Ive also done exhaust work but once done, no more problems. No issues with undercarriage like U-joints or anything like that. All my Corollas have gone over 200,000 miles and Im staying with this brand. Im buying my next one nearly-new and since I take excellent care of my cars, and am not rough at all with the interior, I dont expect issues with things ripping and breaking. I love these cars, and when 99s appear on used lots in my area, they are often scooped up within a few days, if the price is right and car is clean.

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  Thank you Shay Wilson - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Joshua Winters - January 5 - 4:26 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a reliable car with excellent gas mileage. We found it. My wife drives about 30,000 miles a year for her job. This car is perfect. It has lots of room and the back seats fold down for our hiking equipment. We love the great gas mileage.

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  Many Problems - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Mickalous - January 4 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this vehicle I had high expectations. Being rated number two and Toyota suposed to be the best screwed together car. Sorry to say the van has had lots of little problems. Doors that wont open. Removable seats that do not latch in securly. Poor paint quality. Lots of plastic pieces falling off or coming loose. High amount of maintenance required like tire rotation every 6000 miles. Plus service managers that treat you poorly. Took me 6 weeks to get a simple part.

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  Cladding, dash (odometer, TAC, etc.) - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ajivoin - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The design change is excellent except for the crappy cheap looking ugly pathetic cladding. The tri-circular silver dash (odometer, dash) is also a major style flaw. The gauges are smaller than the previous 4Runner edition and the orange back lighting is a joke. This is a 4Runner not a sports car. The shifter is also a sports car design, not necessary in a SUV.

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  Happy - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By vic wojnowski - January 3 - 6:07 am

  Tipical toyota, firm ride & steering, simple controls, solid feel, good storage . Navigation screen hard to see in bright light, transmission shifts out of lower gear to quickley. Gas milage for a truck is good. Size of veh. is perfect, not to big or small.

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  I like 2005 Camry SE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By jcai - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Just ride it for about a week. Tried 2004 SE, found its suspension to be too stiff and harsh. 2005 SE is tuned just right--Harder than LE but less harsh than SE 2004. Handling is just right, better than my Infiniti I30. 4-cyn performance is OK for local commute but weak for passing on freeway.

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  7 months in 2014 Venza LE FWD V6 - 2014 Toyota Venza
  By acework - January 1 - 7:16 am

  Nearly all of the Venzas I see on the road are AWD. I got an LE FWD V6 & think it handles great in the snow. The stability control helps when roads are slick. I love the power, it rockets off of the line & aids with overtaking on the hwy. Fuel economy is right around 20.5 mpg with mostly in town drives. This # is reflected in my math as well as the cars computer. This mileage comes with 87 & 91 octane, it dips to 18 mpg when I use 85 octane. I love this car & am really happy I got it. I test drove a Murano and found it rode too stiff (Jeepish), and a Ford Edge (which was nice but a bit stiff & felt smaller). The computer says my average speed is 25 mph, which has got to be a glitch.

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  quality - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By morrison - December 31 - 8:03 pm

  Went from a mini van to limited Highlander. I have watched and wanted one for while. Love the comfort and style. We got leather, and love it. Also like the stereo.

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  Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Dolly - December 31 - 12:10 pm

  I enjoy this vehicle. It is very comfortable and roomy. It has a really nice stereo system and the air conditioning cools off the vehicle quickly. The heat is excellent also.