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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  Beer Can - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav4 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I Bought a base rav4 w 4 cylinder in July and I am shocked at how noisy it is. It is like riding in a beer can on a bucket. This is by far the noisiest vehicle I have ever owned. Vehicle sounds like you are in a constant thunderstorm. They also never sent me a survey of my opinion of my new Rav4, they did however sent me 1 for the Camry I bought the same day. I cant wait to get rid of Rav4. I took it to the dealer because I really thought something was wrong and they said that is the way they are. The brakes grind always, they are weak, you hear every seam, reflector, bump, patch and sound on every kind of road, even on smooth highways. I am beyond disappointed in this vehicle, I am mad.

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  Im trading it for a Chevy - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By tonyjag - February 15 - 8:00 pm

  Wanted a 4x4 for winter driving and home improvement type errands. The good: the 4 cyl engine is strong, quiet and fuel efficient. The bad: at 60 miles an ignition cable connector on the steering column became loose, payed to get it towed to the dealer, 6 hour wait and didnt get reimbursed for the tow, seats are extremely uncomfortable, clutch pedal creaks, the carpeting is all frayed, first gear impossible to engage unless completely stopped, radio labels are wearing off, bed makes loud noises over every pothole, shift stick boot fell through. In short this is the worst car Ive owned and its not that Im really picky either, Ive been driving a Chrysler for 5 years!

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  The problem child in my driveway - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By keewee - February 13 - 4:21 am

  My 2008 Highlander started making a severe sparkknock noise upon cold start. A trip to the dealer and they could not find anything. At 61000 miles the noise is still there and the check engine light comes on code P0017. Trip to dealer and they replace the spool valves for the VVT. problem still there. Dealer pulls engine replaces 4 cams, timing gears, and cam holders. Get car back still making noise. 2 weeks later ck eng lamp on P0017, along with p0301,303,305, and 300. Dealer said it was old codes. I knew better. dealer clears codes. Lamp on again this time p0017 & p0018. I called Toyota customer service. Dealer tells ,e that they cleaned the top eng internal problem has not ret now 85k

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  I will never buy Toyota again - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By love4cars2014 - February 12 - 10:56 pm

  We brought this car of the dealers lot in Dec 2003. We have had numerous problems with it. Except for its engine, everything has had problems. - Radiator blew off at 15K and again at 98K - Rear shock replaced at 35K - Body parts just rattle, rattle and more rattle - Water seeped into the rear of the car causing us to get that cleared couple times - Alignment goes off the whack every 6 months - I have to change tires every 2 years due to excessive wear. No one can tell why - Automatic door broke twice! Forutnately second time the part was covered under warranty - Radio has gone bad - Side door plastic cracked - Rear axle hub had to be changed at 95K - AutomaticWindowreplac

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  NO MORE TOYOTAS - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By J.Robbin and Teresa Hajek - February 8 - 7:30 pm

  Our Corolla is sitting in the driveway with the hood up,AGAIN.Wont start ,new fuel pump not working (this is the third pump in less than 130,000 miles)Relay,pump, ECU?Mechanic getting balder.Dvd quit working,engine light always on/off/on.Airbag light on.Dealer has us on a list to replace recalled airbag(its been several months now,no word)Dealership deaf,no help.ECU indicated transmission problems,mechanic says transmission is OKAY,ECU faulty.Dealership says our car only on recall for the airbag.Moisture in right front headlamp.Some plastic interior parts broken.My wife says NO MORE TOYOTAS.

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  Sorry - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Nannook - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 1998 Rav4 , I am sorry I did, The 2003 has play in the front end, I feel the road bounce more. I had the dealer check the car out and they told me that nothing was wrond with it, and that I have to get used to the new style. The 1998 Rav4 handeled better, and was more fun to drive, wish I had it back. The Tonneau Cover is an inconveniece, and falls on my head. Way to many options to choose from and too much after market stuff. Radio does suck. The center arm rest is to hard.

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  A Terrible SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Sally - January 31 - 4:30 pm

  I didnt have much time to cross-shop, so I just followed public opinion before I picked my RAV4. It was completely a disaster. Fuel economy is nowhere close to the EPA number. The engine made so bothering noise and finally stalled. I just put this car on sale and hope somebody just buys it quickly.

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  this car awful - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By scooterd - January 31 - 7:00 am

  This car get greats gas mileage but, it rides like a truck, and the road noise is overbearing, I would only recommend this vehicle to a high school or college student.

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  Worst car to drive in my life - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By adriva01 - January 14 - 11:03 pm

  The design isnt my favorite. I guess the Toyota designers are the first to built the very first ugliest car in the world. I hope the reliability remains the same as in the past. But comparing my former Corolla 96 to the 2012...I can say the old one was much more better. I regret to not taking the time to repair my old Toyota (very friendly drive and also much more confortable) and getting the newest (awfull) version.

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  Is RAV4 really made by Toyota? - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By everliv - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Rattle, Squeak, Rattle, Creak... That pretty much sums up my experience with my RAV4...not to mention the "Check Engine Light" syndrome... I have only owned Hondas and this was my first Toyota...and I have to admit, this is the worst car I have ever owned. Dont buy this car.