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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  Very Bad sound system - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By henrygh81 - June 11 - 12:46 pm

  Never thought I would be in such a disappointment with Toyota! I have always been a fan of Toyota cars, and own them. However this time I had a very bad experience from the Toyota Company and I feel that I had to share my experience! I walked into the dealer knowing exactly what I wanted to purchase, which was the brand new 2015 Camry XSE. One of my most important concerns about my car is the stereo and speakers. I believe that we spend so much time in our cars and I love to listen to my music while Im driving so therefore my stereo and speakers needs to have the best quality.

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  Terrible - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Steve Mack - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a huge dissapointment.I highly suggest the 4 runner.

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  Read the Consumer Affairs Complaints Before Buying - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Disappointed Toyota Owner - May 8 - 6:57 am

  I wish I had read the Consumer Affairs complaints before buying my 2016 Toytota Highlander XLE. Ive only owned my car for 30 days and already had an issue with the car starting on its own. Yes! Thats right. I walked up to my car after shopping at WalMart for 40 min. only to find that it had started up by itself, and must have been running while I was in the store with the doors locked. Upon entering the car, a yellow caution light was flashing near the odometer. I read many consumer complaints and found another person complaining of the same problem and was told that it can happen when the remote entry keypad is pushed twice after exiting the vehicle. After reading many other customer complaints about various issues with 2013-2015 brakes not working while driving (Yikes!), driver doors not unlocking, and front seats making loud noises while driving, I wish I had read those complaints before purchasing this vehicle. It sounds like the 2013, 2014, and 2015 may be lemons. Im not sure about the 2016 yet, because the car is too new to know for sure, but Im very concerned about whats to come. I dont feel 100% safe in this car, especially since I have 2 kids. This is my 2nd Toyota. I just sold my 2006 Sienna minivan and it had many defective issues/recalls. I will not be buying a Toyota in the future because they dont stand behind their cars. They only try to blame the customer for their defects. UPDATE after 30 days of driving - The sound system is terrible. My Sienna minivan had a JBL sound system which was great, but the Highlander has a cheap sound system with a horrible muffled sound. After driving the car a little while, you will notice that the interior has many cheap parts!! The floor "carpet" is actually felt, not carpet, and some of the dash has plastic parts. The front seats and angled headrest are very uncomfortable on longer rides. Wish I could trade my new XLE in for a well made car that matches the price I paid. The quality just isnt in the 2016 Highlander for the high price. Still disappointed.

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  2nd update after 9 months of ownership - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By srm - May 7 - 7:43 pm

  Cannot wait to get rid of this 2016 Tacoma when the lease expires. What a dog. New updates - 1. mileage dropped to 10 mpg when towing; 2. NAV screen goes black at least 1x per day and resets itself; and 3. wind howling noise driver side front window. And off course still the same old lack of responsiveness of the engine-- normally runs at less than 2000 rpm and you have to push accelerator pedal more than 1/2 down before it responds creating a very dangerous condition in traffic. Cmon man.

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  DANGEROUS in even a lite snow - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By JIM - April 28 - 12:10 pm

  Mpg has dropped 10 mpgs, and even in a dusting of snow once a wheel spins the computer takes over and gets no power to the wheels, yes I repeat no power to the wheels. You can hold the gas to the floor and the engine will not go above an idle and the transmission goes into neutral on its own.... junk.

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  2012 Camry LE - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By cbranam1 - April 25 - 8:04 pm

  This is my third and last new Camry! I loved my 2005 and 2009, but the 2012 is not the same car! The drive nor the ride is not the same. The car "walks back and forth" going down the interstate. Toyota redesigned it and put more plastic on the car. I regret purchasing it!! Wished I had my 2009 back. I plan on trading as soon as possible and it only has 2500 miles on it! My husband drove it this weekend 500 miles and he hates the new redesigned steering. I used to be a big Toyota fan, but they lost me on this one!!!

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  Extended Family Vehicle. - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By Extended family vehicle - April 15 - 5:58 pm

  This minivan was bought as Toyota Certified Used Vehicle from the Longo Toyota. I had it for six months and drive it to Las Vegas twice. So Far, no trouble, except for the power sliding door on the drivers side. The button on the drivers rear side wont open the power sliding door, but it is able to close it. it seem quiet from the inside cabin. Just had a four tires rotation and a 19 points vehicle safety inspection done. Front brakes are still new and the rear brakes needs further attention. Hopefully with the right mechanic and maintenance, this minivan can go past 300,000 miles and beyond.

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  blinded by brand loyalty - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By TD - April 15 - 10:49 am

  After owning 4 Tundras the last one a 13 platinum I decided to trade for a new tacoma limited,after ready how improved it was,waited over 2 months for it to come in,salesman thought it had power seats but couldnt confirm,I read conflicting articles mostly saying no power seats,well majority of articles were correct,against my better judgment I completed the deal,maybe I was spoiled by the Tundra but this tacoma is very ! Uncomfortable went back to the dealership with 160 miles to trade on a tundra but,only giving me over $4000 less so no deal,the truck also feels very under powered whe in town driving, and the tranny,seems to hunt not a enjoyable drive,ended up trading for a f150 platinum I believe this was a great choice,gas mileage the same as tacoma and so comfortable ! Even so much more than the tundra,just hope its as reliable,after driving only Toyotas for years this took a leap of faith the tacoma purchase may have been last toyota purchase.

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  Stay Away!!! - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By Jeff - March 10 - 4:31 am

  We were in the market for a new car recently. We thought we would give a Toyota a try. 14 days after purchasing a 2017 Corolla LE driving down a 45 mph street under traffic with with my 4 year old in the backseat and my pregnant wife in the front seat the car died. The electronics stayed on but pushing the gas pedal did nothing. I put on my flashers, coasted to a stop, put it in park and the car restarted. Luckily we didnt get rear ended and we are safe. The car we replaced was a 2002 Civic which had no issues like this over 15 years of owning it. Monday I will be calling the dealer to see what they can do. A new car 14 days off the lot with 350 miles should not have these types of issues.

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  Stay Away!!! - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By Jeff - March 10 - 4:31 am

  We were in the market for a new car recently. We thought we would give a Toyota a try. 14 days after purchasing a 2017 Corolla LE driving down a 45 mph street under traffic with with my 4 year old in the backseat and my pregnant wife in the front seat the car died. The electronics stayed on but pushing the gas pedal did nothing. I put on my flashers, coasted to a stop, put it in park and the car restarted. Luckily we didnt get rear ended and we are safe. The car we replaced was a 2002 Civic which had no issues like this over 15 years of owning it. Monday I will be calling the dealer to see what they can do. A new car 14 days off the lot with 350 miles should not have these types of issues.