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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  6 speed transmission always shifting - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jared Miles - October 22 - 7:27 am

  The engine has great power, my problem is the transmission is always shifting up/down. It lugs so it downshifts, then it up shifts too quickly and lugs again. The only way to stop this is to shift to "S" and use it to manually shift. This works a bit better, but the trans even thought it is in "S" will still shift on its own. Toyota needs to immediately create a software fix for this problem. It is very annoying and prevents me from giving the truck a 5.

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  Reliable but dull - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By SeanM - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Its like a lifted corolla. Safe, reliable but dull. Looks OK but has the power of a hair dryer.

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  Couldnt wait to get rid of it - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By PMB - October 20 - 10:16 am

  I started out loving this car and wound up hating it in no time at all. Fuel economy, fair acceleration for a small engine, a 10-CD glovebox, and a really good stereo system do not make up for its shortcomings. Crosswinds of moderate speed can blow you out of your lane. The seat belt alarms are obnoxious. Every time my 50 pound dog moves, her seat belt alarm goes off. Oil change? You need to buy the hard-to-find paper cartridge that slips into the plastic cap with a metal clip that tears your hand to pieces every time. Roadside assistance for a flat tire? Good luck! All I got was the runaround! Holding its value? No way! I took quite a beating at trade-in time, 38K miles in 13 months.

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  The once mighty Toyota - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Junk John - October 16 - 10:00 am

  We were loyal to Toyota since 1989; the purchase of a Highlander has led us to BMW. We had two problems: when you opened a window or the sunroof the air pressure change was drastic; and the bass in the "premium" stereo varied from engine off and engine on. The feeling in our ears and sound from the air pressure changes was analogous to what it must feel like in a helicopter. The stereo was still very unpleasant when the bass was set at minus 5. Toyota did nothing to accomodate us. In Toyotas view, even though service tech acknowledged two problems, performance was "within specification". We never thought we would get response like this from Toyota. We no longer believe in Toyota product.

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  Im confused! - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By markieg123 - October 16 - 7:03 am

  Please tell me how youre all getting such great gas mileage and liking this car! I live in a fairly flat city and am getting 17 city/23 freeway. And, this car sure does rattle a lot for a brand new car and whats wrong with the front end suspension? After two trips to the dealer, the rattles are still there and the car still shimmied (they "cannot duplicate" either complaint.) Finally had an independent tire shop balance all four tires and align 3 of the 4 tires, which helped but something still isnt right. The dealer said to file a complaint with headquarters if I want to be reimbursed my $130. I guess I should have comfort in knowing I leased rather than buy this. Only 3 more years....

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  Should have bought an Odyssey - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By cmb - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This vechicle is very nice, but after having it for a coulpe of I weeks and then driving my brothers odyssey. i wish I would have bought it. This vechicle is way over priced.

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  Expected lot more from legendary Toyota - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Roman Konstankevich - October 8 - 4:50 am

  Several years ago my friend had Toyota Camry and it was real pleasure to drive, but 2018 model is somewhat different and I am really upset with this car. I got it 7 days ago and made on it 300 miles. First of all it’s very stiff, I can fill every small pothole on the road. Toyota advertised it as 39 mpg on highway but so far it does not go over 31. I tried ECO and normal mode but mpg does not change so far. Acceleration is not predictable and you don’t know how to press gas pedal: smoothly or more aggressively. Heating seats works OK, but sets itself also XLE version does not have HD radio, which is really weird. Other technological advances are pretty much OK. Conclusion is simple : Toyota could not do it this time.

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  Great, but has had its share of problems - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By aposak - October 7 - 8:13 pm

  My wife has had this car since we met. Its her daily driver, as well as our trip vehicle. Overall, it handles very well. The engine is powerful, much more so than my 2003 Nissan Altima (with the same size V6). It handles confidently, and the brakes are string. The few times weve used 4wd in the snow and offorad trails, it worked well. The interior quality is okay, with a few minor issues. The powertrain reliability, however, simply hasnt been there. Since Ive been around the car, it rattles loudly on startup. The 4x4 lights randomly light up, indicating a problem, but non found. Recently, the VVT module exploded, causing extensive engine damage. Caveat emptor.

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  Just a few problems - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By UnhpyOwner - October 6 - 12:06 am

  Overall, Ive enjoyed my minivan. However...(1) both sliding doors rattle. Took it in several times, they greased it and it was ok for a short time and then back to the rattle. No one can find the problem; (2)drivers side sliding door sometimes gets stuck (cant close it from inside) & (3) same door sometimes wont open from the inside either; Now, (4) the calipers are shot. I dont brake quickly either! This van is 2 years old & falling apart on me!

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  96 Tacoma - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By TNguy2001 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Two exhaust system replacements and one catalytic converter replacement. Squeeky suspension for about 7 of the 8 years of ownership.