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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  Not very happy with my 3rd new 4WD Taco - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By gw8 - December 29 - 8:38 pm

  I have a more positive review earlier by GW7. Now the 3rd radio in my Tacoma is malfunctioning. It will be replaced again under warranty but I now have to question some of Toyotas quality, they just seem to want to keep replacing defective radios until the warranty expires. I have been loyal to Toyota because of reliability, but my patience is wearing thin on this issue.

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  Less appealing as the miles add up - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By watervalley88 - December 27 - 6:27 pm

  We have had ours over a year now and 34,000 m. The first 20,000 miles were great, but lately lots of problems both major and minor have croped up. This cuv has many rattles inside, one required the removal of the windshield, dash assembly, and centre console to fix! now we just notice the other ticks, and creeks inside. The rear struts have been replaced twice now and the sub assembly re-shimed. the steering seems to wander, Toyota said this is the E-assist and is not adjustable. The interior materials are wearing VERY quickly and are of low quality. Currently it is on day 16 at the shop waiting for a new transmission, Common on this model they say. this is the E-assist and is non adjstable

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  Startup problems - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By tsoupy - December 23 - 11:36 pm

  Im having problems where my new RAV4 V6 4x4 just wont start up. Eventually - it will start but Toyota doesnt seem to have any handle on this issue. I notices that a couple other reviewers have had the same problem. Im not willing to live with this problem.

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  used car - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By eugenio von elsner - December 21 - 10:00 am

  it is in good conditions , it has air conditioning and heating and good painting

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  Solid car, but not much fun to drive - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By wj - December 16 - 2:26 am

  Pros: Superb headlights with every even and bright illumination; tight fit and finish, very solid construction; low operating cost. Cons: If you want to know what it feels like driving a coffin this is it! Very dark claustrophobic interior, poor outward visibility; noisy at speed; poor straight line stability; persistent and irritating understeer. Boring exterior design. Some very hard and sharp plastic in the wrong spots that really will hurt you.

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  Cheap, loud interior - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Robert - December 15 - 8:38 pm

  What happened to the Toyota Camry? We test drove the 2016 model thinking it would be better and more upgraded, the ride was bumpy with plenty of road noise and wind noise. I was really hoping Id love the new Camry. We felt the interior was cheap and too many cheap plastic parts, the seats were pretty stiff and not very comfortable. Not sure why this is one of the "best cars" in its segment. Its just a larger Corolla, literally. Cheap and boring. Just really seems Toyota has stopped doing anything with this car. If youre up for a bumpy, noisy ride go ahead and spend your money, but there are plenty of other cars to look at.

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  Not what I expected - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By iggy - December 14 - 6:40 pm

  This car is way overrated. The ride is noisy and the alignment do not last. The design of the front windshield design blocks the view when turning. Blind spots are bigger. Just recently had to replace the ECU (computer). The tensioner pulley is making noise. Will be replaced next time it goes in for service. Foot place on left broke off. I will replace it soon before warranty expires. One of the worst vehicles I bought.

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  Camry 2010 - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Darren - December 13 - 11:56 pm

  Car has nice exterior looks, but the inside is bland with cheap materials and looks. Ride is smooth as expected, but it seems like the engine is weaker than the Accord LX 4 cylinder from what Ive noticed. My sister-in-law has an Accord and it has much better room and it feels more plush and safe. Camry does feel more quiet, but not much. Overall this car is good, but overrated. Id take the Accord over this car.

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  So sick of the engine light coming on. - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By De - December 13 - 5:40 pm

  I am seriously thinking about trading this in for a Honda or VW. It gets good fuel economy but the ride is a bit rough and noisy. It turns well around corners. When driving at night low speed the lights dim at times with the engine. Seats are not to comfortable. There are plenty of drink holders and cubbys though. Maybe a flat enclosed nonslip area on top the middle console lid for a tray would be great. I am so sick of my engine light coming on though first time was the darn gas cap now its on again its driving me crazy I want another car! Tire lights a nice as it lets you know when they are low it would be nice to let me know which one though.

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  Not worth the premium - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By TAG - December 13 - 12:26 pm

  Finishing up first year with this car. Gas mileage is nowhere close to EPA estimates nor what others here are claiming. Best was 27 mpg in the first month, downhill ever since. The only way to get close to the EPA estimate would be to drive it purely in stop and go city driving. Also, mileage dropped off dramatically in the winter months. Hard pressed even in mostly city driving to get over 21 mpg. Beyond the lousy mileage, its a pretty good SUV. Not a lot of cargo room, but good comfort for the passengers and driver. Gas engine works well - good power, handles freeway speeds well. Handling is not that crisp, but this is a truck. Good fit and finish. No problems or defects in 1 year.