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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  No Value - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By jeff_marl2000 - December 5 - 1:10 pm

  The car starts and drives dependably. The ride is smooth and quiet. The power is plenty with the V6 engine. Not much value for the price. A $28,000 car should have chromatic rearview mirror, MUCH better sound system, a computer that tells if your oil, transmission, fluids are ok and gas mileage etc. It should have an outside temperature indicator, and punch buttons on the door if you lock your keys inside. Driving experience is dull (as with all Toyotas). The gas mileage hovers around 16 miles to the gallon. My Explorer gets 19 in town. Its supposed to have trailer prewiring, but it does not. It is an EXTRA cost. I see no value in this car. It is worth about $20,000.

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  Not happy - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By jspec31 - December 5 - 7:49 am

  I decided on the Camry because theyre supposed to be known for their reliability. I bought it with about 38K miles on it. When I first took it on the highway the steering wheel shook pretty bad. The used dealer balanced all of the tires, and it did get better. A week later he put on 4 new tires and it was a vast improvement. However, approaching 45K, the rotors are warped , as I can feel pulsation when applying brakes. The car does shake again on the highway. Also the gas mileage is junk! Probably the way I drive because I went from a 6 cyl to 4, but when being conservative I only got 27mpg at best. Interior cheap and uncomfortable, paint is chipping on plastic body parts.

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  Worrisome Steering - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Longhorn6 - December 4 - 1:06 am

  Comfort is very good, fuel economy good but the steering is very worrisome. It has a clunking sound and feeling when accelerating and stopping. Already replaced steering column once. Appears that another steering column has gone bad and needs replacing. Fortunately I have an extended warranty but Toyota has yet to approve another replacement of steering column. Very disappointed in the reliability and quality of the car. Excellent sound system and leg room in the car.

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  Good Mileage, Adequate Transport - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By greenvan2011 - December 3 - 6:08 pm

  Bought Sienna new in 2010, now have 48K on it. Mileage is great - 20 mixed and 25+ hwy. Engine has lots of zip to pass. Interior plastics and trims feel a little cheap. Leather only OK. Price to buy was descent compared to crossovers. Towing capacity is a lie - there is a 45 MPH speed limit, special hitch, and electric brakes required. Had a problem that was quasi-warranty and Toyota dealer and corporate was absolutely positively without a doubt useless. Even though we like the van in general have put Toyota on our do not buy list.

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  Le 8 passinger - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Itzhak Reich - November 29 - 3:57 am

  2 issues with this minivan 1st one when you open the second row windows it makes terrible noise 2nd the cruse control hook flickers when it lights up @ night, took it to the dealer, they said they know about this problem but do not have a cure for it, a little disappointed

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  Problem with highway Steering - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Wayne - November 28 - 9:43 am

  We brought the car for its great fuel economy and nothing else. The car isnt cute, the ride is not what we were used to but we knew that. We test drove the Prius many times before buying it. But during our first long distance trip (400 miles) we experienced handling problems. The car wanted to move from side to side, I was constantly adjusting the wheel. There were also cross winds during part of the trip, which made things worst. Spoke to my local Toyota Service department and corporate Customer Service, they indicated the car was "Working as designed". My wife refuses to use the Pruis for long distance highway driving.

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  Dont be fooled by the great reviews! I think people dont know any better! - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By face6 - November 27 - 8:17 pm

  I am very disappointed with this SUV! I purchased my 4 runner in 2011 and have 27,000 miles on it currently. My main issues are as follows: 1) Price to value - MSRP on my limited was $43,000+ in my opinion after owning it and driving it - its really a $33,000 SUV (or should be priced this way.) Very tinny sounding when you slam the door - seems like poor quality, somewhat underpowered, many interior features cheap and plastic, Handles poorly - (See consumer reports negative reviews) - I ignored them when i bought mine. Nav/Bluetooth very antiquated - Nav way behind the times. Bluetooth sound quality when on your phone is poor. Trunk area - slight tilt Groceries shift milk falls out/breaks

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  Fail from Toyota - 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chris Simmons - November 27 - 7:50 am

  Multiple trips back to dealer. Radio/Nav issues with Iphone and Android. Moonroof leaks, drivers window rattles, hood shakes at speed. Not a very well engineered or built vehicle by toyota this time. Poor components. All issues for a vehicle with less than 20k miles.

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  06 Toyota Corolla 5M - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla S - November 27 - 12:50 am

  I have had this car a little over two years and average 38 MPG, I am very easy on it however. I drove an automatic and they are pathetic, however, the manual can move descent. It is not "fun" to drive, however, it does its job-reliable, good mpg. I am now debating to keep this a long time, or trade it in for something like a Lancer soon.

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  Toyota Sienna Minivan Expeirance - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By Jessicca Riehl - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Sludge or Oil Gel problem, Had to have engine replaced, blamed poor maintence on consumer, not the case! Have owned toyotas for 20 yrs., the rest have all been fine. Side passanger doors stick which is a saftey issue, they just keep lubing the doors instead of replacing the mechanisims in the handle till the door handle broke off, which they made us pay for.