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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  accelerations terrible but you dont need it cuz - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Disappointed - March 9 - 12:30 pm

  I turn on my GPS and then I use my phone Google map to make a game out of the fact that the navigational system in this car will take me completely in the wrong direction is only funny because I have an option otherwise its not very funny cuz I paid for it

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  Please dont. - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By argggg - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a nighmare. I have made good friends since i bought this car; the mechanics at toyota, i am there often. I cant belevie how unreliable this car is. The build quality is lower than that in my sisters kia.

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  Replaced Honda Accord EXL - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Greg - February 10 - 8:53 am

  Honda V-6 got 27 mpg, 30 on I-5. Getting 25 on 4 cyl Camry w/80 less HP. It is gutless, but expected it to be, as we were trying to be more environ conscious. Interior is cheap- feel like I am driving an older Impala! Recently car started "surging" on the highway at 60-65 mph. Took to local dealer who refused to examine vehicle w/o me paying for fuel exam! Toyotas official line on surges are "floor mats." I was astonished and will never buy another Toyota, although we have had many, beginning with Corona, Cressida, Camry and Corolla before this Toyota. Overall it is very boring, seats uncomfortable, gets lousy gas mileage; is full of cheap plastic everywhere. We plan to sell it asap!

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  MR2 SPYDER - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Jim Rosser - February 7 - 2:40 pm

  The tires on this car are lifeless. How do you expect a consumer to afford $500 annually for a set of tires. The tires on this car are 10,000 to 15,000 mile tires and if you compare this to the national average of miles driven per year, youll soon see that a set of tires for this vehicle are required annually. If I had none this prior to the sale Id have purchased a Mazda Miata or paid more and gotten a Honda S2000

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  Noisy - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Cinco - February 2 - 10:00 am

  After 1 month of ownership Ive experienced no mechanical problems. Everything works as designed. The interior is of good quality and the outside design is progressive. The seats are comfortable. The dashboard is well designed and bright, very easy to find everything. There are a few blind spots while driving in the rear but once you get use to them you make accommodations and understand what needs to be done.

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  Bad Purchase - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By ANW - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I spend more than $35K and got a car with no auto head lights, no turning signal on side mirrors. What kind of car is this? Even a low-end Camry comes with auto head lights now. The wood panel is so cheap looking. Anyway, my wife wants it and that is what she get - a lousy van.

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  Soft Brakes, Wears Tires, Bad Service - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By ex-camry lover - January 31 - 2:16 pm

  Brakes are way soft, dealer cant seem to fix them. ABS engages so often on wet pavement when it shouldnt, feels unsafe to drive when ABS engages at inappropriate times. Seat cant be adjusted to feel comfortable. Suspension is so soft. At 53K drives like it has 100K. Dealerships in IL and TX have not been helpful with problems, they act like I am crazy, but now I am reading and many people have had the same problems. I am trading it in ASAP, even though it may be a loss, b/c I am worried about what might break next. Toyota should be ashamed of this vehicle, I had a 93 camry I loved so I bought this one, I should have paid less and bought something else. I will never buy toyota again!!

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  Tacoma Transmission Problems - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By PreRunner - January 17 - 9:46 am

  I purchased a new 2009 Tacoma in May of 2009. After purchasing, I began to notice significant transmission slippage when slowing to below 10 mph and then accelerating. I googled Toyota transmission problem and discovered many other Tacoma owners have the same problem. The dealership has been sympathetic, especially after they test drove my Tacoma and then discovered that every Tacoma on their lot had the same problem. They have told me that Toyota is working on a software "patch" to solve the problem. Please do not buy a Tacoma until this problem is resolved. It is dangerous to drive with this problem.

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  My Disappointing Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Camry or Not - January 16 - 6:20 pm

  I had always heard that Toyota had the best quality cars. Wrong. Not this time, not this year. My Camry is seriously underpowered, seriously noisy, and rattles as it goes down the road. Instead of being one of the best cars I have owned, it is one of the worst. I hear every stone, every pebble and every bit of rock salt as it pings off the bottom of the car. The trunk and doors are hollow and they sound like it with a slight reverberation when you close them. No sound absorption here. Oh, and the brakes squeal. I cant wait to trade it in.

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  SUV vs Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ex-Carwidow - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2003 4 Runner in for a 2004 Tacoma figuring it would give me more room for moving a long distance. It was a reliable vehicle (all Toyotas are) I was concerned it being a 4 cyl. but that truck moved and pulled a trailer like nothing. The ride was a ruff ride and the cab is very small. If you are over 56" you will be cramped. Miles to the gallon where not a good as expected. I missed the luxury and went back to a SUV, not Toyota, so I have my fingers crossed. Toyota does make a reliable vehicle!