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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  Rear Hatch has flaws - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Nicole - March 29 - 6:56 am

  I was disappointed with this vehicle. I had always heard how wonderful Toyota was and actually I liked my jeep grand cherokee much better. I only traded it because I needed a bigger vehicle. The rear liftgate has been stuck shut 7 times and this seems to be a common problem. Also - the rear window stopped working after about 50K miles. When the seats are folded up, they slam backwards and can catch a kids hand or foot if youre not careful. I also think for the price, the passenger side should have a power lumbar (like the Chevys and Jeeps have). Overall - the seats are stiff and not comfortable - when I trade I will be going back to Jeep or to a Suburban.

• 

  (2) Transmissions in 150K Miles?!?!? - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By alb2014 - March 27 - 1:59 pm

  It is acceptable for you to expect go through (2) transmissions on a family owned and operated mini van to get 150K miles out of a $40K "luxury" vehicle? First transmission was "replaced" at 57K, under warranty. Currently at 148K miles. Facing a $2000 bill from the Toyota dealer for a transfer case seal repair. Called Toyota. Assigned a "Case Manager", Dan. He states since there is no service record with Toyota after drive train warranty expired and the car has 148K miles, Toyota is not accountable. He would not transfer me to a supervisor and hung up on me. I called back and am waiting for a return call from a "Supervisor". Our first and last Toyota purchase.

• 

  Buckboard ride - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Robert F - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Traded in this torchure chamber after one month of ownership because it had such a harsh suspension that it gave me back pain. I had the dealership check the suspension and then tried the higher profile softer ride tires my tire guy suggested with no significant benefit. To aggravate things,the drivers seat was pretty uncomfortable as well. Too bad because the car is the prefect size, in 2- wheel drive, it is amazing on ice and snow, and the engine even with auto, ran well in the Colorado mountains. What a bungle on an otherwise good design. The final straw came when I met another drive of the same car who was having the identical experience.

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  Roomy, reliable, ponderous gas-hog - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By AZDave - March 25 - 9:46 am

  After five years and 27,000 miles, I have mixed feelings about our 2002 Highlander. Like all Toyotas it has been super-reliable, and maintenance has cost less than $600 including one pair of tires. However, even with the V6 engine this vehicle is fairly sluggish and gets about 16-17 mpg around town and 20-22 mpg on the highway. Handling is secure but feels ponderous. There is a bewildering array of levers protruding from the steering column. The storage compartment between the two front seats is horrible: narrow and deep, with a two-part cover that jams easily. The seats are only semi-comfortable on long trips. OK if you need an SUV, I guess, but nothing to get excited about.

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  I really dont know which reports are ture - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By fleung - March 24 - 12:11 am

  I own 2011 Camry LE. I read a lot of reports from different sources but some are very good, other are very bad. Problems are VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES HYDRAULIC, SUSPENSION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ABS SYSTEM. I really dont know which one are true or not. I am so worry about. I previously owned 1988 Camry LE and 2001 Camry LE. They are all very good. But 2011 Camry LE seems do has a lot of problems when I read reports. Anyone can tell me more about how this car. Thanks

• 

  Acceleration problem - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Lynn - March 21 - 6:36 pm

  Theres a problem in acceleration delay/throttle lag that Toyota should be aware of by now. Since taking delivery JAN06, weve experienced continual erratic acceleration problems. These are significant delays - from 3-6 seconds - in delivering forward speed from either rolling starts or dead stops and is most evident when turning corners or going up hills. The delay is followed by a sudden delivery of power, then the car lurches forward with no change in pressure on the accelerator. When attempting to pass at highway speeds, after the delay it goes into passing gear and immediately drops back out. All conditions when this happens can be dangerous. I have reported to NHTSA. Dealer is no help.

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  Fifth Camry is a real disappointment... - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By JeffH1542 - March 21 - 12:55 am

  The performance of this car is fine and the ride is the same as my other 4 Camrys. The problem with this car versus my other Camrys is the materials used in the front bumper and the under skirting is all plastic. I am very particular about keeping my cars detailed and if I would have really looked this car over I probably would have looked for something else. The front bumper just cracked approx a foot in front of the right tire. The crack is approx 2" in length. I took this to the collision department at the dealership and was told this was going to be a problem with this model because of how low the bumper is and how thin the plastic is. This showed up after having the car for just 2 months. Today I go out in the garage and look at a new crack at the plastic mud flap on the right side in front of the rear tire. I actually got under the car and when looking at the undercarriage it looks no stronger than a Tonca truck. I serviced my own vehicles and was under each vehicle and know that this vehicle doesnt live up to the Toyota standards that I had become used to. Going to the dealership tomorrow and voicing my dissatisfaction with this vehicle.

• 

  Fifth Camry is a real disappointment... - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By JeffH1542 - March 21 - 12:55 am

  The performance of this car is fine and the ride is the same as my other 4 Camrys. The problem with this car versus my other Camrys is the materials used in the front bumper and the under skirting is all plastic. I am very particular about keeping my cars detailed and if I would have really looked this car over I probably would have looked for something else. The front bumper just cracked approx a foot in front of the right tire. The crack is approx 2" in length. I took this to the collision department at the dealership and was told this was going to be a problem with this model because of how low the bumper is and how thin the plastic is. This showed up after having the car for just 2 months. Today I go out in the garage and look at a new crack at the plastic mud flap on the right side in front of the rear tire. I actually got under the car and when looking at the undercarriage it looks no stronger than a Tonca truck. I serviced my own vehicles and was under each vehicle and know that this vehicle doesnt live up to the Toyota standards that I had become used to. Going to the dealership tomorrow and voicing my dissatisfaction with this vehicle.

• 

  Fifth Camry is a real disappointment... - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By JeffH1542 - March 21 - 12:55 am

  The performance of this car is fine and the ride is the same as my other 4 Camrys. The problem with this car versus my other Camrys is the materials used in the front bumper and the under skirting is all plastic. I am very particular about keeping my cars detailed and if I would have really looked this car over I probably would have looked for something else. The front bumper just cracked approx a foot in front of the right tire. The crack is approx 2" in length. I took this to the collision department at the dealership and was told this was going to be a problem with this model because of how low the bumper is and how thin the plastic is. This showed up after having the car for just 2 months. Today I go out in the garage and look at a new crack at the plastic mud flap on the right side in front of the rear tire. I actually got under the car and when looking at the undercarriage it looks no stronger than a Tonca truck. I serviced my own vehicles and was under each vehicle and know that this vehicle doesnt live up to the Toyota standards that I had become used to. Going to the dealership tomorrow and voicing my dissatisfaction with this vehicle.

• 

  First, last and only. - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By jehu - March 15 - 12:03 am

  What can I say, you get what you pay for. While the car is very dependable and gets good mileage why do the windshield washers freeze, even with good quality washer fluid? Why do the rain gutters insist on failing to do there job? Why does it take so long to heat the cabin in winter? Why Toyota, why, this is supposed to be the magic carpet ride of automobiles, the unfailing Toyota Motor Co. The title of my review says it all.