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 HATE MY 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By mosternaz - November 9 - 10:16 am

  I owned a 1997 Toyota 4runner for 13 years with only one major repair in $160,000 miles. It never once stranded me. Someone hit me and totaled it. I bought a new 2010 Toyota 4runner. In the last six months it has stranded me twice and I have had 4 major repairs. The throttle body was first, then the brake switch. Next was the blue tooth system and last night the entire windshield cracked in half (stress fracture, not a rock). I just cant trust this car. It is a lemon and Toyota doesnt care. It is also very hard to see out of the back windows. The body is wider than it needs to be. My mileage is 20 mpg, which is fine. Comfort is good for sitting on the side of the road waiting.

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  New Camry is a big blunder - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By reddy6 - November 8 - 1:51 pm

  The new Camry is a big blunder. The numb steering makes the drive as not comfortable. You dont feel driving car but feel like riding a boat. The steering doesnt come back to normal position after you make turn. If driving in above 60 you feel like car is out of alignment a floating on water. I made big mistake buying this car. Poor out side look and not comfortable ride.

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  Update - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Joel Hall - November 2 - 12:03 pm

  This review is to update my previous review. Please take your 2009 Corolla for a highway test drive - I wish I had. Toyota Canada can not fix a vibration / shudder at highway speeds. I have had it in numerous times for repairs - even a team from L.A. could not resolve the problem . Apparently Japan is looking for a "fix". I am picking up my brand new GM product tomorrow - Toyota has lost a customer for life. I was pleased with the effort Toyota made in the repairs but totally disappointed in the end result - they simply left me hanging with a defective car.

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  what a shame when quality is forgotten - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By bill234 - October 25 - 9:00 am

  I have owned many automobiles since the 1960s on. from a 67 deville convertible to this poorly built avalon. My wife drives a 2002 chevrolet impala with 93000 on it and has had no problems. That is not the same case for my nearly new avalon. my transmission is slipping it seems,my radiator is leaking and because of that makes my car heat up after 15 minutes or so of driving. the dealer claims that is normal at around this time. unexceptable... especially considering the price difference. they arent built in japan anymore and they are built with substandard parts. do yourself a favor and buy a cadillac or chevrolet.

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  My 3rd Toyota is not a dream - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By nothappymemphian - October 22 - 12:46 am

  This is my third Toyota it is a 2006 Corolla and I have had the transmission replaced twice and the computer replaced once. Now my engine light is on again. I am really not happy with this car. I never thought I would get a lemon from Toyota.

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  not what they used to be - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By ryanfres - October 18 - 5:20 am

  Toyota along with honda are not what they used to be. They are made in the usa and are not built as they were 10- 20 years ago. I own a 2003 honda accord with many unexceptable problems such as head gasket failure and electrical problems. My 2002 Camry is in the shop as we speak for a new transmission, and have already replaced a power window motor at just over 38000 and i am a conservative driver. My chevrolet avalanche has 42000 and has never seen a repair shop. dont let a 20-30 yr old reputation fool you please. American cars have stepped up to the task of quality.

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  PIECE OF JUNK - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By MESSY - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE IT WAS SUPPOSSED TO BE A GOOD CAR. BIG MISTAKE, I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. I HAD TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING RACK REPLACED, A NEW ENGINE PUT IN DUE TO SLUDGE, MY WINDOW IS GOING OUT AND THE CAR RATTLES SO MUCH IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL APART ANY MINUTE. I WILL NEVER BUY A ASIAN PIECE OF JUNK AGAIN ONLY AMERICAN

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  Engine is worthless - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By BF - October 9 - 11:46 am

  Toyota sienna engine is worthless. Miss an oil change and it will sludge up fast and Toyota will not help. Trade yours in now before it the engine goes out. Toyota dependability & reliability is a myth. Just plain lie-ability.

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  2011 Sienna - Recall Imminent - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By DaddyNOTlike - October 9 - 4:16 am

  We have owned this car for less than two weeks. After 10 days, the rear trunk door stopped working. We took it to our local dealership body shop at were told the hinge had a problem, like the Highlander in recent times. They tried to fix it, didnt work. Now we find out the tailgate is bent at the top, so the entire rear trunk door needs to be replaced. At the same body shop, an identical 2011 Sienna (1 week old this time) was parked for the identical same problem. Their door was also bent at the exact same spot as ours and refused to work. The steering has been giving me creaking noises since day 1. Other 2011 Toyota owners have also had same problems w/passengers doors within 1 week

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  Please read before you buy!! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Debbie - October 8 - 10:36 pm

  Purchased my RAV4 brand new. Check engine light was on after about one year. Catalytic conv or O2 sensors were always said to be the reason. At 100,000K it started to slip between 2nd and 3rd gear. Causes major issues! I just received something from Toyota saying that they will reprogram my ECM for no charge now, but unfortunately for me, this defect already ruined my transmission. Do not even think about purchasing a 2001-2002 RAV4 unless you have several thousand extra dollars to replace a transmission and ECM (avg.$4K). Trust me!!