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:

• 

  Bad to Buy on Impulse - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By R.Carr - January 27 - 6:26 pm

  I fell in love with the Venza while test-driving a few Camrys. I drove it for a few hours and was thoroughly impressed. But after three months and 17,000 miles, I have come to regret the purchase. 95% of my driving is highway, and I drive very conservatively. I am lucky to average 26 mpg...really expected better from the 4-cyl. Drivers comfort for extended driving is terrible for a 6 guy! The seat is inadequate and there is no room to move in the "Cockpit" style, very restrictive, front. Wind Noise and Road Noise is has become very noticeable. For around town and the short commute, the Venza would be great (except for the noise levels). But for the "on-the-road" crowd...no way!

• 

  Overrated? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Old Tom - January 19 - 8:53 pm

  I purchased my Camry LE approximately one year ago, and I must say that my overall impression of the vehicle is average at best. The transmission, or more specifically, the power transfer is scary. There is a full 3-4 second delay when accelerating/passing, and it is downright dangerous on the interstates. The tires are noisy at 20K miles, unless it can be attributed to something more serious like wheel bearings. The reprogramming of the transmission shifting seemed to help for awhile, but its reverted back. Its also bad when decelerating, then re-accelerating. Ill probably sell it to avoid an expensive transmission repair after the extended warranty expires.

• 

  Poor Quality - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kevin - January 19 - 9:33 am

  I picked up my Toyota Tacoma in November 2007 because of its quality and dependability. In almost 3 years my rear bumper is rusting, there is rust on the roof of the cab, the plastic in the wheel well is falling out. I could go on with problems.

• 

  Terrible - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By k - January 16 - 10:16 pm

  2008 4 cyl rav 4 is the worst vehicle I have ever owned out of 15 toyotas. It rides like a tank especially in the rear. Why dont people tell the truth about this vehicle so some poor buyer wont be hurt? Cant wait to get rid of it. Ive been with Toyota for 30 years and have been treated very well but the ride of this vehicle makes me sick and I will rethink my next vehicle.

• 

  Must have picked the lemon - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By chosepoorly - January 16 - 4:13 pm

  Bought the car new and am a very careful owner. My last car, a Chevy housed outside in the elements, was 12 years old when I traded it in with very little problems. After 2 years, the fuel pump went. After 2 1/2 years, electrical system and sensors failed. Just after the warranty expired, multiple systems failed, requiring a new battery and $400 worth of repairs. I have to drive long distances for my new job and have to trade it because I dont know when or where it will fail next. Disappointing, considering Toyotas supposed quality.

• 

  Auto Climate Control - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Irving Schwartz - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Buy this car only if you do not expect the Auto Climate Control to actually work. It will cool but will not control properly in heating mode. very poor engineering in an otherwise nice car. My last Avalon, an maybe Toyota.

• 

  Honeymoon was over after 19500 miles - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By la_rav4 - January 15 - 7:43 am

  I got mine Dec. 2008 after long research and traveling for a deal. Got one (2Grands under invoice $). Cars great to go uphills and snow, MPG(25+ hwy after 1year) and fun to drive, big cargo space. Many features like luxury equals. As someone said, Road noise is terrible AND rolling on the road, just as a boat on the sea. Dash design and cup holder locationre stupid. i.e, you have to move the cup to push Emergency button or 4wheel lock button, audio power, & engine start button are all together with similar look so you have to be careful to push one of them, etc. Battery died w/o any reason. Been at the dealer 3 times this month. I lost one roof rail w/o using it(hwy? dealer?)

• 

  Rattles, Squeaks, Noises, Nonstop - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By halfpast6 - January 14 - 1:06 am

  This could have been a great car, but some issues keep it from even coming close. For one, this is the loudest car Ive ever owned. It rattles, creaks, and squeaks like no other. On a typical drive Ill hear rattles from the sunroof, dashboard, some random panels on the drivers side, and the cargo area. The brakes make a grinding noise every morning when I depress the pedal. Some of the noises are so loud it makes the driving experience miserable, especially for a 2011 model. If youre considering one of these, I highly suggest driving with the stereo off so you can hear for yourself. Ill likely never buy a Toyota again after this experience. Ive driven 15 year old cars quieter than this.

• 

  Unhappy - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By dissapointed - January 13 - 10:26 pm

  This car was great at first. As the years and miles add up more and more stuff breaks. I had to replace the transmission this year due to internal failures which will not be reimbursed. All in all, a POOR CHOICE OF CAR. I will never buy a Toyota again.

• 

  Erratic behavior - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Robert Borden - January 11 - 1:20 am

  Toyota may have computerized the engine and transmission to get better gas mileage but the very best I can get is 25 mpg on the highway. My 1999 Camry got 30 mpg on the highway. While in cruise control and going up a slight incline the transmission is constantly shifting and the rpm goes up and down by as much as 1500 rpm. While driving on a straight and level road at about 40 mph the transmission is changing gears. I have been to the dealer a number of times and the response is "that is the way it was designed". I feel uncomfortable driving this car and will get rid of it.