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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  Almost a good car - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Last Chance - February 20 - 11:10 pm

  At 1000 miles the engine developed a cold engine knock that Toyota would not fix. They said it was the new piston design, and not a problem. When I unplugged my GPS from the console power outlet the entire console top came off with the plug. Very cheaply made. I dont drive it very much anymore because I hate the cold engine knock, and Im afraid of what else they might have compromised when they designed and produced this vehicle.

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  Jiggle all the way - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By poggi - February 20 - 12:53 pm

  Purchased my Rav in June 06. At the time, I too was very excited about my new car as are many of the posters for the new 08 model. After almost a year and a half am ready to trade it in. The fit and finish are very good. Reliability has been excellent. My main problem is the ride. It seems that I can feel every crack in the road. Going over bumbs in the road is torture.The ride is harsh to put it mildly. I traded a Subaru Outback for the Rav, the Subies ride was much better than the Ravs.

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  First Toyota Lemon - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By araustad - February 20 - 7:03 am

  I have been a loyal Toyota driver for the last 20 years. The 2007 Camry is first Toyota Lemon I have owned. First year the O2 sensor failed. The air bag covers fall off and need to be reattached regularly. The ignition coil had to be replaced year 3. All day project to change spark plugs. Rear seatbelt failed year 1. Sun visor attached by thin brittle plastic housing, failed year 3. In winter driving the car disables steering to keep you safe if you enter a slide. I prefer to have steering. I would like to sell mine, but I would feel like I was taking advantage of the person buying it.

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  Paint Problem - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Paint - February 18 - 4:36 pm

  Bought my RAV in Febuary 07, and recently noticed a variation in the Barcelona Red Panels on the rear door surrounding the spare tire cover. Informed dealer, regional service manager and the Corporate Customer Center in CA. Noted that same problem was on a vehicle from GA, and conversed with other dealers regarding same, noting from them it is common on all RAVs to have discoloration thru out the rear door. Advised corporate of problem by both myself and the district service rep. stating that it was a manufacturing/paint problem not a servicable problem. Other than that, I get 25 mpg on country roads and only moan when going up a hill with the cruise trying to find the right gear.

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  Front Mud Flap - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By haris chandra - February 16 - 2:26 am

  While driving at speed of just 70 MPH both my mud flaps tore, broke and very expensive to replace.

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  What a MISTAKE - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Jeff Noone - February 15 - 3:03 am

  I loved the looks of this car, but soon after buying it, I began to regret it. What a nightmare. This car does not shift correctly. It jerks and then hesitates. Sometimes it downshifts when it shouldnt, sometimes it flares up and accelerates. Very very dangerous!!!

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  OK....BUT!! - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Ed D - February 12 - 12:19 am

  A few things that I dont like about this car. 1) Oil filter change is a PIA. Toyota cheaped out on the reliable spin on oil filter and now use this large hard to get off type of plastic housing with a cheap paper filter. Sooner or later it will crack and the screw treads will wear down because they are plastic. 2) I cannot check my transmission fluid level, there is NO dipstick. Bad idea and design from Toyota. They are so-called "lifetime transmissions". I like to check and maintain my vehicles fluids. 3) A large useless MPG gauge and a very very small engine temperature gauge. I could give a hell about my MPG and I DO care about my engine temperature. The engine temperature gauge should be much larger. 4) This is the twenty-first century and my base model Camry allows me to LOCK my keys in the car!!!!! You got to be kidding me. If you shutoff the ignition and place the keys on the seat and forget them, you lock your keys in the car. This cost me two calls to AAA last year. There should be a chip to prevent this from happening. Real bad concept from Toyota. I probably would NOT by another Camry.

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  Rear Windshield Blurry - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Mohsin - February 7 - 10:20 am

  I purchased Toyota Camry LE 2016. I have noticed that rear windshield was blurry/hazy. I can not see car behind me very clearly. During night back car lights make dark reflections on each defrost wires. Went to the dealer, they checked and say it is normal characteristic of the car. They show me FIVE Camry LE and all have the blurry rear windshield. The manager admits that it look like a gel between two glass. My issue has been brought up to next level as TOYOTA Rep. will come and inspect my car. Please share if you have the same problem with Camry LE. Thank you

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  Disappointing - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lynn - February 5 - 8:20 am

  I just purchased my first hybrid, and I thought I would be happier with my decision than I am. The ride is not nearly as comfortable as my previous Camry SE, and the car hesitates every time I start up again after a stop, making me wonder if its going to die on me. I am happy so far with the mileage, but for the price and all the hoopla, I thought Id be getting something Id at least be as happy with as I was with my 2005.

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  Average SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By p1 - January 29 - 9:50 am

  This vehicle is underpowered, and in my opinion, was designed primarily for soccer moms transporting kids to and from the field/mall. It was not designed for trailer towing. We tow a 4000# trailer in the warmer months and the vehicle has a very hard time doing it. In trying to pass a slow moving vehicle let alone just accelerate, the engine makes a lot of noise but nothing happens. We are well within the towing limits of the vehicle given trailer weight, passenger/cargo weights etc. We already get bad gas mileage so having a larger engine really wouldnt change things; we would just get more power out.