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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  Terrible quality - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Stu Johnson - January 6 - 8:53 pm

  Very disaapointed. MANY problems -- and just notified that it is being recalled for steering issue. Had ignition glitch in first week. Transmission is very slow to respond -- dangerous at times. Interior looks great but my children already lost coins and a small sticker in the gap behind the rear seat. Mileage is okay for big car -- Ive gotten about 21 on average, but no where near EPA rating. My former big car (Buick) got much better mileage. Engine nice when you hold the throttle down for a second or two, but initial acceleration is weak -- tranny at fault. I paid more than 37 grand for this car. VERY disappointed at the build quality and the engineering.

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  Sold it and will not buy again - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Joe Lucian - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Owned it, bought it to the Toyota - biult the best. I will not buy another. I have owned a few Toyota over the years and none has even been better then any of my Dometic brand car owned. I gave this car away and bought a Subaru and it has been 1000s time better then this Toyota. The power and fit of the Subaru.

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  Could be a fun car - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Bernhard - December 23 - 7:00 pm

  The Venza is a nice car, but ours has a flaw, that might be typical for this car. When the transmission is in drive and the car is at an incline, then it rolls back. The transmission does not catch the car. The dealership told us this is normal for Venzas and Camrys So it is either bad engineering or bad customer service. The car is somewhat fun to drive, but Toyota quality is not what it used to be. Some parts in the interior do not fit together appropriately. This indicates assembly problems. In addition, all Venzas are now affected by the pedal recall. It took Toyota about 6 months to admit that problem. Again bad customer service. My next car will not be a Toyota.

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  my 2016 toyota tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By joe turpin - December 7 - 1:13 pm

  at 14 200 km the top end of the engine was not getting enough oil I took the truck in and its been a on going battle to try and get it back they are telling me that they have to make the parts to fix my truck plus the back up screen had to be replaced this is the thrid tacoma I own in 2 years very upset with the way im being treat from toyota dont no if i will ever buy another again

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  Unhappy - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By william hester - December 5 - 7:26 pm

  This Sequoia has been a real disappointment. Bought new, and have been paying for problems ever since. Bulb that used to illuminate the D on the dash when car is put in gear burned out. Surprise, this is an $85 repair at the dealer, plus cost of the bulb. Brakes are inadequate and require routine pads and rotors way too often. Figure $400 every 30k miles here. Timing belt and water pump at 90k miles, another $700 plus. Note, others use a timing chain, which doesnt require routine changes at premium prices. A/C has also gone out, as has rear hatch window motor. Toyotas Toyota will do nothing about the defective designs. My first and last Toyota for sure.

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  poor reliability - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By mharon - November 29 - 1:40 pm

  Not sure if my car just sucks or something, but i bought a camry last year with 112,000 miles on it. I bought it for $2000, and have so far put a total of $4500 into it and now it needs a new transmission. I will not be buying a camry again. yea the car will go forever if you can start it, but once you turn it off, you dont know if it will start again, or if it will just fall apart randomly. IF YOU DO BUY THIS CAR CHECK THE DOOR HANDLES. This is a super common problem ive seen with all camrys of this year. ask the owner if any door handles have been replaced.

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  Dont buy unless you want junk - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By dontwasteyourmoney - November 25 - 10:16 am

  Ive owned this truck since 12/09 and have to say this is the absolute WORST new vehicle Ive ever owned. This truck has weak leaf springs, "hunting" transmissions, steering problems on loose gravel, noisy ac blower motors, rust on frames/bumpers of brand new trucks... I could go on, but you get the picture. This is actually the 4th Toyota Ive owned and I couldnt be more disappointed. My brand new (9 mth old) truck has each of these problems and Toyota refuses to fix any of them with the exception of the leaf springs. Toyota quality is a thing of the past, and if I can give you any advice at all, it would be to look elsewhere for your truck. Dont take the chance. Youve been warned!

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  rav 4 bursts into flames - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By lmcvey - November 24 - 11:58 pm

  I loved my 2008 rav 4....until I hit a deer going barely 25 miles an hour and the car burst into flames. Luckily, I got out of my car immediately after hitting the deer to inspect the damage. I honestly thought there may be little or no damage based on the minimal impact (airbags didnt go off and there was only a dent in the drivers side headlight area) but the car almost immediately started smoking and then promptly burst into flames. Toyota has been extremely non-responsive to my questions and I would never buy another one.

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  unresolved problems - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By smily22771 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  The folks at Toyota should wear masks. Theyre robbing people on this truck. The interior is all plastic and cheap looking, Ive already had several problems with the roof/headliner area that are still not fixed, the climate control system has a mind of its own and lastly THE CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM THE DEALER UP TO THE CORPORATE OFFICE IS ABOMINABLE. Do yourself a favor and spend your money more wisely than I did.

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  CLUTCH SCREECHES:TOYOTA CANT FIX IT - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By wellesley80 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 4Runner over other SUVs for Toyota quality. What a mistake. Ive driven clutch vehiches for 27 years and never had a problem till this one. The clutch screeches. The dealer has replaced the clutch 4 TIMES. Last time the factory representative told me the dealer had installed it incorrectly. Now, 6 months later, its screeching again. Dont buy this SUV. This is my last Toyota.