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:

• 

  Beware of the wind noise - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Wayne - November 28 - 9:27 am

  The car runs well. However, if you are sensitive to noise, you will hate this car. On my car, a 2017 model, there is a wind intrusion, whistling noise on the passenger side window above 45 MPH; None on the drivers side. Dealer acknowledged the problem but said that its a "normal characteristic" of the car until Toyota issues a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on how to fix it. You can google the internet and see how many other people are having the same problem. I would not have bought this car had I known about this. The noise is very annoying and persistent. None of my other Toyotas (2014 Avalon, 2006 Sienna, 2003 Sequoia) have this problem.

• 

  Couldnt Be A Toyota - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By azmark - November 27 - 2:30 am

  Great highway cruiser. Very comfortable. However, not the Toyota quality I expected. Interior trim pieces kept falling off. Had to do a $2200 front brake job (entire front brake system!) due to poor quality in original materials. Toyota knew about this from the early Tundras, but never fessed up. Ive owned several Toyotas, Hondas and Nissans. This SUV was a big disappointment. Did I mention the poor gas mileage and anemic power? HP up for the latter years, but the original engine was smooth, put underpowered for the weight of the vehicle. Shame on you Toyota!

• 

  Disappointing unreliability - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Phoebe - November 24 - 11:40 am

  While the body is solid on the 2004 Highlander, the trim is shoddy. Wipers have scored both front and back windows; seat belt retractors leave belts dangling to get caught in doors; visors are floppy; broken filter rack fell out from under the dash. Yaw sensor went out as soon as the warranty did. Acceleration from a stop is sluggish; mileage is only average. Because it is built on a Tacoma platform, it handles like a truck.

• 

  Toyota Money pit - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike Engler - November 18 - 8:26 am

  This is a well built, solid car. At 165,000 it is free of rattles and squeeks. That is the only good news about this vehicle. Mine is a mechanical nightmare. I have driven an average of 47000 highway miles per year since 1989, and usually keep my vehicles until they hit 150000-17500 miles. A list of previous cars: 1989 Taurus, 1992 T-bird, 1995 T-bird, 1996 Jeep cherokee, 1999 Grand Cherokee. Never had to replace a Transmission in any of those. The Toyotas lasted 80000 miles. Other firsts: Radiator fan and water pump at 100000 miles, 4 wheel drive Actuator(s) at 165000 miles (another $1900). Average trip to the dealer costs $1000. Ill be trading this fine vehicle ASAP. Buyers beware

• 

  Practical Ride - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By MTC - November 7 - 7:56 pm

  Chose the Matrix for its AWD and price. We had a pretty bad winter in New England last year and the car performed well. The gas mileage is less to be desired for a car this size. So if you are using this car to commute, watch the needle. Also noticed an awful howling noise on windy days coming from around the side mirrors. Upgraded sound system and speakers arent worth the money, buy your own. I guess for the money small quirks come with the territory. Pros: AWD, cargo space, sporty looks, minimal time at the service dept. Cons: Fuel economy, horrible acceleration, wind and road noise, sound system.

• 

  Bad Experiences - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mee304 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased one in the artic frost pearl white, very nice looking car. I took it home 80 miles from the dealership. There was excessive wind noise from the drivers side top and about half way home the check engine light came on. The car had 5 miles on it when I took it. I called the dealership and the following day I had to bring it back. They ran the diagnostic and discovered a problem with the engine, transmission and two other things. The noise from the top was because of a defect in the top designed that Toyota was already aware of but decided to put it out anywa

• 

  le. Just ok! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By J Martin - November 4 - 1:08 am

  Purchased a 2016 LE approx 2 months ago.....3000 miles later...the verdict. Basic transportation....good room for 4 adults. Stereo sucks....pitiful speakers..no bass. Rear doors sound cheap when closed. Does get 32 mpg-at least according to the computer....Guess I was spoiled by my 2 Hondas.. Why on earth did Honda go to CVTs? Bought it because several of my co-workers have them. Less than thrilling, is all I can say!

• 

  sad - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Fayjie - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Toyota took something that actually works. and made it ugly,in my oppinion. I am certain they did not intend to but the appearence remains that in an attempt to make something look air dynamic they put a point on the hood, nose, of the vehicle that just as well might be a mustashe on the Mona Lisa.It really was not needed.

• 

  uncomfortable - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By bob1971 - October 31 - 1:17 am

  This is a reliable great quality truck and all but they put these adjustable lumbar supports in them that kill my back . After a while of driving this thing I can feel the bar pressing against my back . If you turn it the other way ( to take the pressure off ) there is a big indention there which is just as bad . It is so bad , I sold the truck .

• 

  08 Sport 4x4 - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By PXracer - October 27 - 4:16 pm

  Happy with everything but ergonomics. At 59", one would think I would have plenty of headroom. But in fact, with the seat bottomed out I still only have a couple inches of headroom unless I lay the seat back like Im in a sports car. I worry about this in the event of an accident - I will, for sure, be left permanently wearing the sun visor as a hat. Also, the tilt of the steering wheel needs an additional stop point between the lowest and 1st up position. Again, I am an average build...not sure who Toyota engineers were targeting here.