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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  A very slow AWD wagon ! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Emerson_ng - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I test-drove the Matrix in March 02 with my sister. She did eventually bought the AWD in July 02 after coming back from a trip. I dislike the fact that it is a VERY SLOW wagon. I drive the AWD Subaru Outback, it is also 4 cylinder and with 165 horse and 155 lb-t, some areas get 158 lb-t. Man, I feel that the Matrix is just a shameful product by Toyota. It does get you to the snow mountains, but only without much passengers and other additional lugguages and weights.

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  Boring but nice - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By mmmodem - August 6 - 9:06 pm

  When you buy a Corolla, you know youre not getting a sporty chick magnet kind of vehicle. Youre getting a safe reliable car that will get you from point A to point B in comfort. And the Corolla does that just fine. The engine is extremely loud at low speeds. Brakes are not that great but acceptable. Handling is subpar. But the engine does calm down a lot at cruising speeds and the car becomes luxury like quiet. Bumps and rattles are nonexistent, its a very smooth ride. Theres lots of headroom due to the car being so tall. Its taller than a Camry. The intrument panel illumination is a very clear and bright white but it doesnt match the green from the stereo and HVAC controls.

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  Boring car. No power - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Daniel - July 2 - 6:25 pm

  Car has no power even with new engine. Camry is too heavy and needs 3.0L V6 engine! Transmission is not performing (because Camry is too heavy for it?). I am not impressed with gas mileage as well. With my 2009 Camry I used to get 23 mixed and 30 on Hwy (better than the sticker). Now gas mileage is below the sticker. Toyota didnt do good job on the engine-transmission side. Design is weak: looks like old Lexus ES (I understand a lot of us kinda proud of this fact, but you could get an old Lexus ES for 1/2 of Camrys price but with 3.0L engine). Interior: Please move clock to the instrument cluster! Who designed it?

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  DEFECTIVE new 2017 Toyota Camry!! - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Christine - June 9 - 6:28 pm

  DEFECTIVE new 2017 Toyota Camry!! On November 18, 2016, we bought a new 2017 Toyota Camry. We bought Toyota because of its reputation in reliability and quality. But it turns out this car is defective and made with a bad transmission. Because of this major defect, we have reason to believe there’s extremely poor quality control of the production process of this entire car if not other 2017 Camry’s. We weren’t given a chance to test drive the new car by our dealer. On our way back home on 11/18, we noticed that the car jerked forward abnormally every time when we pressed on the brake. We took our car back to the dealer on 11/22 after try driving it multiple times at dealer’s recommendation. It took the dealer 4 hours to fix it. They adjusted the fluid level within the transmission according to the paperwork. We haven’t had a chance driving the car again until 12/5 because of a flu in the family. On 12/5, the car won’t reverse and showed a warning message “Check Vehicle Stability Control System”. On 12/6/16, Toyota sent a toll truck and took our car back to the dealer’s service department. This time the service department replaced the defective new transmission with a re-manufactured (non-new) transmission. In two weeks after we had this car, the car has gone through 2 repairs on transmission and included the replacement of transmission on a brand new car. We paid for a brand new Toyota Camry XLE, now 2 weeks later, the transmission is broken and replaced with a refurbished transmission. It might be a better choice to just buy a used car with much less price. This is a terrible new car experience for us and we have to warn other consumers about it. There should be something special about owning a new car. Toyota destroyed our experience by giving us a defective car and wants us to go through a lengthy process to get a refund or replacement. Stay away from 2017 Toyota Camry!!

• 

  not reliable - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By GK - May 18 - 11:36 pm

  I bought Toyota for reliability, but I was disappointed. Apart from having uncomfortable front seats, my car came in with heated seats, and the tube that transmitted the heat started hitting my rear end and make me uncomfortable. This started a year after leasing the car. Took it to two Toyota dealers, two of the largest in the country. The first one didnt do anything, and the second one tried to solve the problem at least, but it didnt help much. The padding is too thin. Not enough cushion for the seats. I have to drive the car like this for another year and a half before turning it in at the lease end. What does Toyota think about this. Never buying a Toyota again. Would you? At this day and age something like this should never happen. Poor engineering and seat design. Upgrade d XSE model that costs more but doesnt give you comfort. Where is the reliability? Very disappointed and dissatisfied customer.

• 

  not reliable - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By GK - May 18 - 11:36 pm

  I bought Toyota for reliability, but I was disappointed. Apart from having uncomfortable front seats, my car came in with heated seats, and the tube that transmitted the heat started hitting my rear end and make me uncomfortable. This started a year after leasing the car. Took it to two Toyota dealers, two of the largest in the country. The first one didnt do anything, and the second one tried to solve the problem at least, but it didnt help much. The padding is too thin. Not enough cushion for the seats. I have to drive the car like this for another year and a half before turning it in at the lease end. What does Toyota think about this. Never buying a Toyota again. Would you? At this day and age something like this should never happen. Poor engineering and seat design. Upgrade d XSE model that costs more but doesnt give you comfort. Where is the reliability? Very disappointed and dissatisfied customer.

• 

  not reliable - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By GK - May 18 - 11:36 pm

  I bought Toyota for reliability, but I was disappointed. Apart from having uncomfortable front seats, my car came in with heated seats, and the tube that transmitted the heat started hitting my rear end and make me uncomfortable. This started a year after leasing the car. Took it to two Toyota dealers, two of the largest in the country. The first one didnt do anything, and the second one tried to solve the problem at least, but it didnt help much. The padding is too thin. Not enough cushion for the seats. I have to drive the car like this for another year and a half before turning it in at the lease end. What does Toyota think about this. Never buying a Toyota again. Would you? At this day and age something like this should never happen. Poor engineering and seat design. Upgrade d XSE model that costs more but doesnt give you comfort. Where is the reliability? Very disappointed and dissatisfied customer.

• 

  Horrible car. - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By George M. - April 26 - 2:23 am

  The ride quality of this car makes a person feel as if hes being kicked in the rear end even on the smallest bumps. I think Youd get a jolt just running over a dime. The clutch is absolutely the worst Ive ever driven, and Ive driven manual transmissions of all sorts for more than 45 years. The shifter is notchy and imprecise, and with 6 speeds, some of them are not really needed and just make the poor clutch that much more noticeable. In addition, it appears that the body is put together with plastic pins instead of screws and bolts. The front valance hangs too low and can hit even the smallest curbs. (Mine was already damaged by a previous owner.) Drivers seat is uncomfortable due to excessive lumbar support and the aforementioned jolts from the suspension. Other plastic items are the cheap door handles, both interior and exterior (I guarantee theyll need replacement sooner than youd like). I cant wait to get rid of this pile of garbage. My sons early Kia was actually better built.

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  Nothing but trouble - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Big Allen - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Had nothing but trouble. Went back to dealership 3 times. Looking at lemon law now.

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  What Quality - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By California Guy 2 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  All I ever heard in the Toyota is higher in Quallity and Resale value then domestics. I like to really drive my SUV as a SUV. Bought this truck just because everyone including Edmund rated it highly. Just driving the Toyota on mostly smooth dirt trails, I have had to have all CV joints re-lubed twice. I have needed to be pulled out of soft sandy soil that my friend with 2wd Tahoe drove straight thru.