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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  Cheaply made, poorly constructed, poor materials - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Terry Bellomo - March 14 - 2:00 pm

  I purchased this 2019 Camry XSE V6 because of the way it looked. I had a 2008 XLE V6 that I loved, quiet, well made, wood dash and other wooden appointments, soft leather, solid closing doors, quick acceleration, just a very nice car. Then I purchased this 2018, thinking, that in 10 years since my 2008, it would be even more quality filled, quieter, well made, I was wrong. This is a sporty looking car, after that, looking closer, owning it, it is not. Cheaply made, with plastic hang ons in front and rear, even a plastic coin holder, that fell apart after 2 months of ownership. Given an opportunity, I would give it back. The doors sound tinny, the seats are hard as rocks, and not high enough to see out, (Im only 54" tall), the transmission is clunky, not what youd expect from an 8 speed. The still, mickey mouse tilt and telescoping steering wheel, instead of a spring loaded one, its still manual, awful. Paint drops on the inside of the trunk and right door, too much paint applied and not left to dry properly. Just not a Camry I expected when ordered. Cheaply made, poor quality materials used.

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  not so great lots of little things are really poor - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Skip Miller - March 13 - 12:10 am

  Over all i give the 2016 Camry SE only ordinary or moderate , the interior is nice looking but not comfortable, seats are stiff and small. Storage in the passenger compartment is limited and of poor design and placement (you open the dash box and every thing falls out and is very small. Cup holders are in an awkward place hard to use for driver because of shift knob. Center console is small and the top compartment for small items is gone, 12v outlet is in the way and not very usable, console is between the seat backs and hard to get into for driver. Lots of whine from engine, transmission and wind noise. So what happened Toyota this is not what i expected

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  What a lemon! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Marianne McNabb - March 12 - 2:00 am

  We have had our 2010 Prius for over a year and aside from the excellent gas mileage, I would not ever recommend this year model. The regenerative braking system is so unreliable, that driving it over uneven road surfaces, the brakes fail and the car keeps moving. If there were a pedestrian in the cross walk, they would have been hit. Recommend you check out similar complaints on the National Highway Transportation Safety web site. I think the problem is with this year only-it was recalled back in Feb. 2010 but the problem persists. We are trying to get rid of it, but have not found a dealer who would give us a decent trade-in. Toyota has been hard to deal with in this regard.

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  Bad Ride - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Everett S - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I had the car for 330 miles and the ride was like a truck. When I took it to the dealer, hear is the answer I received on my service ticket. "Advised custome of tempatures below 30 degrees. COuld cause oil in shocks and struts to thicken producing harsh ride." Well the tempature went to 43 degrees and still a harsh ride. I drove three other Siennas and still a harsh ride. We returned the Van. If it rides like a truck, who cares about the other qualities of the car. If you going to buy this van, dont get caught up in what they say is a smooth ride. NOTE: MY dealer was great during the process of returning the VAN.

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By RogerW - March 4 - 12:43 am

  I have been a Toyota customer since 1983 and most recently owned a 2000 Camry until it was totaled in an accident. I wanted another Toyota and was looking for better gas mileage than my 25 mpg Camry. I have 3,000 miles on it now and havnt gotten better than 28 mpg. I am so disappointed that I am thinking of getting rid of it and buying another Camry. My driving habits havent changed and it only gets 3 mpg better than my bigger 2000 Camry. Not happy!!

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  Corolla LE Plus 2014 windows dont work in cold weather - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By elliot732 - March 3 - 6:32 pm

  I have had the 2014 Corolla LE plus for less than two weeks. During that time, anytime the temperature drops below 20 degrees F, the front windows wont come down (open) I took it in for service, but everyone in the dealership I spoke with swore up and down that the same happens in cold weather to their front windows, too. I lodged a complaint with Toyota corporate, but they say they cant do anything about it now.

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  Meh - should have upgraded to the Limited. - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Michael Hoffman - February 28 - 10:29 am

  Heres the thing with Toyota. Its ALWAYS been their thing. Unless you upgrade to "Limited" (or in the old days LE, etc) - you get the cheapest stuff around as far as fit and finish of the interior. Time was, under the hood all things were equal. Not anymore. Anyone who owns the BASE MODEL 4cyl 4WD MUST know how much of a lag there is if you need quick acceleration. This thing is THE slowest responding dog Ive ever driven. Off the line, its okay but if you need a passing gear, wow, its bad. This is directly the result of Toyota keeping selling costs down but it completely sacrifices the performance not having at least a 5 speed transmission. I had a 2008 Corolla S before this which had better acceleration. Thankfully, if you switch the shifter to sport it downshifts more rapidly. Traction control and safety features are great on this car. The standard headlights are pathetic. No fog lights standard either. Ive upgraded to better lights and also have installed foggers. Makes a major difference. The wheels are simply painted steel which I was fine with until three years in, they are already rusting. Again - irritating. OEM tires (Kumho) were also pure junk. Finally, the stereo. Now, I didnt expect a massive sound system but again - always with Toyota - its not a Limited so they install something you would have found in an American car from 15 years ago. Piece of absolute junk. There are component speakers in the front doors and ONE WAY speakers in the back. The sound in the rear is just terrible. Ive upgraded the rears and it made a good improvement. A compass on the rearview mirror also would have been handy. Dont get me wrong, I DO like this SUV. Overall, Im picky but those are the things for me that stick out. It rides smooth, its ultra reliable, its quiet, very good in poor driving conditions, love the swinging rear door, plenty of room, AC blows SO COLD, lots of storage. For those complaining of the cup holders, take the rubber insert out. Simple. Those were only there so one COULD use a can if you wanted to. Also, like that it came standard with electronic fuel economy readings. We have been driving Toyotas in my family since we owned a 1979 Supra. Amazingly reliable.

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  energizer bunny - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By frinkie - February 28 - 2:24 am

  2004 Corolla CE manual, now with 241k-plus. replaced serpentine belt at 230k, oil changes every 3-6K. getting 30-45 mpg depending on traffic congestion, weather. O2 sensor code light on for 125k but am ignoring it. Agree that car is not stable, even dangerous in cross or diagonal winds and have been blown off road when windspeed exceeds 45 mph. Have had no major problems. Engine is now running rough until you get up to speed on interstate, but its a rough sound with no effect on acceleration, power. Had an 85 tercel that went 186k on 5 oil changes (irresponsible youth) and only died after lightning hit a BK roof and set it on fire, and a piece fell off onto the Tercel. True story.

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  low mileage - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By lhecorolla - February 27 - 2:52 pm

  I have it since 2010. Im driving 80% - 90% on highway, around 70mph, usually full load, 4 persons. Now, it shows only 30mpg when I add gas. Ive been watching in different weather, hot/warm/cool, it is around there. The meter in the car stills shows 36mpg which I dont understand. Can someone tell me why? how to improve it?

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  Do Not buy it, if you are a highway crusier - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By path - February 22 - 12:43 pm

  This car is OK for local driving, and it can haul stuff from Ikea when back seats folded down. It is quick from 0-30, and is quite slow beyond that. So, plan ahead when merging into busy highway. MPG has been bad so far with 15K mikes, 20 for city and 27-31 on highway at 80 mph. The biggest problem is noise. Annoying at 65mph, and unbearable at 80 mph. It takes many hours to recover from dizziness after 2-3 hours driving. I recently found a trick to deal with the noise - ear plugs, inspired by a coworker who works in a room with 2-3 hard working pumps used to create near absolute zero (0K) temperature.