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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  Worst car I have driven in 30 years - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jfoxca - June 17 - 5:30 pm

  Over the years, I have driven almost every car made (either owned or rental cars on business). Our 2007 Camry 4 cylinder is our third Camry and we expected a decent car. The car has extremely dangerous hesitations and absolutely terrible gas mileage. We have had it back to the dealers for several checks and no one can do anyting to correct the "wonderful, new, high-tech, drive-by-wire" system. We discovered that new does not always mean better. I strongly suggest that anyone considering buying the new Camry should shop around and be made aware of current faults. This is, by far, the worst car we have ever owned and I cant wait to get rid of it. Ill sell it cheap.

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  Blind spots - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Valerie - June 16 - 7:43 pm

  I sorely regret trading in my 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport for this car. The visibility in the caravan was excellent. The Toyota Sienna has a large blind spot on the left. I have had more close calls in this car than I did in 10 years in the Caravan. Also, the trim between the windshield and the right window is wide and creates another blind spot. A third blind spot is created when it is snowing and the windshield wipers do not clear the far sides of the windshield. It is also difficult to see out of the rear window. I regret not having the Caravan accessed by a garage before trading it in. It was a mistake for me to lose the Caravan for this car. I feel unsafe.

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  Toyota is headed down hill ! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By karen bugg - June 12 - 2:00 am

  My Sienna brakes have been noisy since we bought it new. The dealer says all siennas do this. If you are ever in a school parking lot, listen. They do all do it! nothing can or will be done about this. My struts just went out at 39,000 miles. The roters are totally worn. This vehicle has only been driven around town! what a lemon!

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  Mediocre. A step backwards for the 4Runner legacy - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Andrew - June 7 - 12:13 pm

  The best car I ever had was my 2003 4Runner. When it came time for a new car I replaced it with a 2010 4Runner. I figured that Toyota was a solid bet. From day 1 the car was a huge disappointment. The acceleration was pathetic, the interior felt cheap, and instrument panel was backlit with a hideous red light, the transmission shifted way too early and the engine sounded weak and tinny. I really felt like I was driving a $40k Honda Civic- cheap and unrefined. I was shocked coming from my previous 4Runner which accelerated well and felt nearly as luxurious as a Lexus. The worst part of the 2010 4Runner was the transmission. It is computer controlled and there was a 2 second delay before it would accelerate after shifting. I nearly got hit backing out of my driveway and in parking lots. I ended up trading it in for a 2008 4Runner after 6 months of ownership.

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  the car I wish I had not bought - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By pam cribb - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had to replace the tires twice- on top of the tires that came on my car-I am not pleased- my steering wheel squeeks like mad and my brakes have started sounding off to. I still owe too much to trade without giving it away- I seriously doubt I will ever buy another Toyota.

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  Underpowered motor, terrible transmission, issues - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Simms - May 2 - 6:31 pm

  Have had many issues with leaf springs squeaking toyota says they cant fix it. Three times been to dealer for this. Rear differential was making a howling noise on freeway between 55 and 65 mph when feathering the accelerator pedal and ended up being replaced under warranty but now the replacement rear diff is making the same noise. Spent many hours at dealer and toyota tech flew out to look now they claim its normal. Driveline vibrations noticed at 1800 to 2200rpms. Toyota claims this is normal too but never had this on any other vehicle Ive owned. Toyota quality control going down the crapper. The fuel economy is no better than my old 2009 Tacoma yet they put a smaller motor and it performs terribly...it lacks low-end torque. Dealer applied software update to "fix" transmission shifting constantly but after about 1000 miles the tranny shifts like poorly again. I thought it would get better with mileage but it has only gotten worse. Would not buy again

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  you get what you pay for - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Jane - April 28 - 2:20 pm

  I had agreed to trade my 04 Lexus GX 470 in because of dismal fuel economy, and because my son is in college and we still needed an SUV I was suckered in to this. Well, needless to say you get what you pay for, the design both inside and out is pathetic and the ride quality is just as bad ( with floaty feel and horribly weighted steering.) Problems: 1. Excessive engine vibration transmitted through steering column. 2. Excessive front braking, front brakes grab, seem out of proportion with back. Braking consistency varies. 3. Engine idle, loud resonance or “boominess”, growl in first gear. 5. Transmission erratic with inappropria erratic with inappropriate shifting.

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  Boring, generic, poorly crafted - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By rfk - April 24 - 12:43 pm

  I purchased this car new in 05 and about 5,000 mile ago the rattling around the driver and passenger windows and door and dash (front and rear) has become unbearable. Its gotten to the point that I just want to smash it into a wall. My daily drive has become a test of my patience and hearing (from having to blast my stereo).

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  BAD TOYOTAS - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By MIKE - April 23 - 8:28 pm

  DON T BUY TOYOTA

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  OK but not great - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By Curtis - April 12 - 12:37 am

  We purchased the 2011 4Runner with a 3rd row seat for our growing family. The one thing I cant get over is how under powered the V6 engine is. It will not accelerate unless you floor it, and even then it isnt that great. The interior is nice and functional, but another one of my pet peeves is that it doesnt have auto headlights, which is strange considering it a 2011. The car works well as an everyday driver around town, but struggles on hills and on the Hwy. I wont be buying another Toyota after this one.