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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  corolla - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By johnparcel - April 22 - 5:38 am

  I use have this car it performance was poor and car didnt had road grip at all this car only good of rough use driving on high way at high speed is a big no for this car the car had very poor break build quality was excellent

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  GPS Problems - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Patricia M Johnson - April 21 - 7:10 pm

  After a month of unsuccessfully trying to use the gps to find motels, gas stations and other points of interest, we ask Toyota why the touch screen buttons become dimmed and inoperable when we are driving. Toyota just informed us today, that it is a safety feature, which cannot be turned off. You must stop the vehicle, put it into park to access the points of interest information. The owners manual, and the gps manual do not discuss this major oversight in design. We would never have purchased the xle with gps had we known the gps would not work when you are moving.

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  Ok, but not up to expectations. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Doh - April 20 - 2:20 am

  Had a knock in the steering, needed ball joints at 50K miles. Rear door latch broke. Was misled about Toyota quality.

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  TOUGH TO GET IN - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tony Salmonson - April 19 - 9:13 pm

  I am 6 foot and 200 pounds the door opening is too small very hard to get in my head almost hits the roof when I am sitting in driver’s seat

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  Almost great - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By Mel Mann - April 13 - 4:24 pm

  I found it interesting that the C-HRs I test drove early in the model introduction were under powered. When it came time to buy 8 weeks later they were much better at acceleration. The handling and breaking are great. The body styling for the back seat door handles creates a large blind spot on the right side. I do lengthy highway drives and use audio-books to keep me company; all 2018 Toyotas have discontinued having a CD drive in the entertainment system. This may be great for a younger audience who lives their lives through a smart phone, but I miss the CD. In so many ways the car exceeds my expectations, then in other ways I had not previously considered important...it is a frustration.

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  2008 Sienna. Lost trust in Toyota - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By kevin191 - April 11 - 11:50 pm

  I own a 2008 Sienna bought brand new. Currently has 114k.(71k miles) All maintenance completed as per Toyota scheduling. Recall and or Warranty history: Rear door struts, vibrating radio speaker, roof trim pulling off, 02 sensor, spare tire cable, transmission shift solenoid. Repairs I performed myself as a journeyman mechanic: water pump @90k km. Same 02 sensor they replaced on Warranty and would not cover again. Transmission input speed sensor. This van does not inspire confidence. I drive around with my obd2 scanner in the van just in case of a C.E.L.

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  Not very practical - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jp - April 11 - 12:13 pm

  It is an off road vehicle and better than a jeep. However, it has no visibility, like sitting in a bath tub. The cargo room and back seat is a joke. It is made well but a little outdated and the retro design at times is ugly. The engine is underpowered compared to an xterra and it is really a 2 seater vehicle. It is slow on the highway and the 4wheel drive system is horrible for the highway. I have my regrets.

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  Ignition/ Steering Column - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By kturner91 - April 8 - 1:42 am

  The most recent, and most inconvenient issue that has arisen concerns starting the car. Not the car actually starting, but the key not turning the ignition even when the wheel is straight, foot is on the break, doors are locked, and seatbelt is on. It has been taking about 4 mins. worth of attempting to start the car (even to run on the battery) before the key will budge. A very annoying and time consuming problem...especially in the hot summer.

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  Thought It Was Good - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By CarHog - April 5 - 10:56 am

  Bought this Camry from original owner- Had around 85000 miles on it--after 98000 miles everything went wrong--I religiously changed my oil and fluids. First to go wrong were all of the window motors--each cost around 250- 300 to fix. Next, antenna and stereo went out--costs were around 200-250. Finally, the transmission went out-- had to change front and rear end seals, driver brake hoes busted, and shocks went out--dont want to think about how much expensive it was. I still have it b/c cant afford anything else. I was surprised to see the downward trend after 98000 miles from a Camry.

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  good car but expensive and unattractive - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Murisa24 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  My mother purchased a white 2002 Camry LE V-6, the inside did not look as nice as it did in pictures from magazines and the seats arent very comfortable, but the sound system is very nice. The car was very peppy, smooth and has been very reliable so far (only about 3000 miles on it) I dont really like the front and rear headlights, the front headlights are too sharp and not matched with the dull bodysize and the rear lights are too big and looks as if it is placed too high...We paid more than 25,000 dollars and did not even get a sunroof and power/leather seats...Overall...it is a nice and roomy car but I think there are better alternatives.