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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  They dont make them like they used to - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Alexnovia - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the 2nd Tacoma my husband and I have owned. We bought the 2000 because we loved our 92 so much, but they sure dont make them like they used to. The inside isnt as comfortable as our other toyota. The clutch squeeks, fenders have faded & rubber between truck & fenders has come completely off one and is coming off of the other three. The interior has cheap components. Bought a Dodge Ram for myself, paid the same price as the Toyota and my Dodge is by far a better quality truck. I told my husband when we get rid of the Toyota that is it for us, no more Toyotas.

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  What a let down! - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Fooled by the Hype - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the vehicle for less than a year and Ive had the brakes replaced (this was one of their technical service bullitens--a recall they didnt want me to know about until after the brakes failed and left me smashed at the bottom of a cliff somewhere), new pads put on, the stereo has had to be replaced--all this on top of its horribly slow pick up (transmission wont shift until it warms up), and other odd noises that make me question the reliability almost daily! Ive had enough--Im trading in this piece of @#!* for a Hyundai! Toyota really blew it for me--Im telling everyone I know and Ill probably never buy one again!!

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  Transmission - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Benita - July 26 - 3:06 am

  I purchased a 2007 Camry LE in 2006. I have always purchased Toyotas; buying this one was a mistake and will be my last Toyota purchase. I had to have the carpet in the front replaced because my heel went through it. I explained to the dealer that I have a 2000 Camry (still runs) and never got a hole in the floor; they replaced it after threats. The car does not shift smoothly; hesitates. The paint is chipping so badly, the tires wore too quick. I faithfully get this car serviced, as soon as I can afford to I am going to get a Honda or Acura. My underinflated tire light keeps coming on, according to the dealer I can put nitrogen in the tires to prevent this problem.

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  Lies, lies and more lies - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Todd - July 25 - 8:26 pm

  2nd owner, 1st had to replace engine due to oil sludge problem. 65k on new engine and its sludging up again. 3.0 Toyota engine is worse than an old jag V6 and is part of a settled class action lawsuit (to late for me though), terrible fuel mileage, boring styling, coma inducing character. Only thing it does well is blow really cold air. Toyotas PR people should win an academy award or run for congress with the acting and lies to consumers about Toyota build quality.

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  lemon from the start - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By tshirt man - July 21 - 2:00 am

  vibration in front end they rebalanced the tires.still noticed vibration this time they told me wheels needed aligment.guess what it became worse.this time they said the rotors are warp on front and they recut rotors on new van.they said this can happen. guess they were wrong still vibrates now they said back drums needed to be cut. guess what now it vibrates plus when you back out of garage brake shoes band. took it back and they said i needed aligment again and it was normal for shoes to bang backing up.guess what now it vibrates and pulls to the right and bangs backing up.took it back and now they said it i

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  Never again - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By VJ - July 12 - 4:49 pm

  This is my 4th RAV 4 and Loved them so much until the 2016 model drastically let me down along with Toyota Motor Corporation. I was in joy as I left the dealer lot with my shiny new RAV and loved everything about it , driving it around for a week or so and the clock around 500 miles I noticed this horrible ear piercing whine coming from the Transmission ? I immediately took her back to the dealer and gave them all the specifics of what I was hearing and concerned a catastrophic failure was to come ! They had the vehicle all day test driving and confirming the whine was present at all the specific areas I pointed out - a high pitch whine right before shifting to 2nd and 3rd as well as a horrible drone type whine between 40 and 50 mph and again on deceleration from 65 to 60 mph ??? They also confirmed it on another new 2017 on their lot that they took for a test drive ? I was happy the dealership took the time to look into this and confirmed this horrible noise but as of now it is an open case with Toyota Motor Corp. and doesnt seem to be going anywhere as they pretty much are telling me to live with it. I own this vehicle less than a month and hate it with a passion as I feel like Im driving a city bus whining my way down the road ! I am disgusted with Toyotas QC and how I read of so many others with the same issue.......my 2013 and 2015 have the same engine and tranny and are so smooth and quiet, so how can they say this can be normal ? This will be my last Toyota if I can get rid of it without taking too much of a beating. Also keep in mind a tranny replacement for this vehicle requires the entire engine to be dropped out from the bottom which also means tearing apart the entire front suspension system. So think twice if thinking of purchasing a 2016 or 2017 RAV4 and take it for a long long test drive before handing over a dime.

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  I do not like this vehicle - 2013 Toyota 4Runner
  By kara8 - July 9 - 7:22 pm

  This is my 2nd 4Runner. My last 4Runner was old and I wanted a new, reliable vehicle for my daughter and me as I was worried I would start having problems. New 4Runner is not reliable. I really, really dont like this vehicle at all. I have had it since Aug. Every time something hits the windshield, it cracks. Its cracked 3 times since Aug. Major hassle to get it fixed every time it breaks and it seems like it always breaks. Prior to this vehicle, I have replaced 1 windshield. Also had a major electrical failure, which put it in the shop for 5 days. Still doesnt seem right but the techs say its fine. Waiting for it to break again. It shifts totally weird. I dont recommend

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  Another SludgeMobile - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By SludgeMobile2 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Our Sienna also developed engine oil gel. Guess thats PC for Sludge. We call it the sludgemobile too. Dealer just rebuilt the engine < 28k miles. Didnt fight either. We have 2 friends that have had rebuilds too. One got back 4000$ on repairs. The brakes squeal, the AC broke < 12 miles, O2 sensor broke, seat back fell off, visor broke (used about 5 times).

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  Never Another Toyota - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By tg1410 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I also blew an engine at 107,000 miles. Car was meticulously maintained, all maintenance etc. Took all records with me but to no avail. Neither Toyota nor the dealership (east side Madison, WI) would help, despite TSBs that suggested a problem with oil jelling in the upper engine. I was turned over to the sales staff who generously offered $700 trade-in on another (2003) Camery off the lot as an alternative to $4000 to replace the engine. Another dealer gave me $2300 trade-in, and a fair price on a car that had come in off lease (not a Toyota).

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  Overrated - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By MHS - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Beginning at 15K, it began to perform like a vehicle with 4x the miles. Dealer glad to $ervice but blew off complaints with "they all do that". Sqeaking and klacking brakes, wind sway, rapid tire wear and general loose feel ... in spite of all the service. Traded at the end of year. Mediocre resale adding insult to injury. First and last Toyota for me!