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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  2007 rav4 v6 review - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By sd - July 10 - 3:26 pm

  The engine has sufficient power, at 270 hp. The vehicle seats 4 comfortably. The road and wind noise is excessive, especially on rough surfaces. The dash is made of cheap material. When the gas cap is opened the finish is dull and rusty. I am experiencing a tic-tic around the drivers sun visor area. The dealer says he does not hear it. It is intermittent but faint, and I hear it everytime I drive. There is also a light rattle sometimes when braking to a stop, again it is intermittent, my 96 Toyota camry v6 has 250,000 miles. I am the original owner and did not experience any of the defects and problems with the rav4. The Camry ride is a lot quieter. I am disappointed with the rav4 .

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  Too many little things. - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By mookie - July 6 - 2:50 pm

  Ok, this is going to sound nitpicky, but bear with me. Youve got to know about this before you buy. First off: The car looks great, drives great, handles great, build is great. BUT There are so many annoyances that I feel like Im losing my mind. 1). Cannot get comfortable: always reaching for the wheel. 2). Blinkers are always on - because they dont click loud enough to remind me to shut them. 3). Speedometer is stupid. It is marked 20,40,60,80 etc. To see 55 or 45mph youve got to mentally interpolate. 4). A BIGGY: Gas mileage not what they tell you. It is billed as 24/34 - Ive never gotten over 23mpg. This is basically bait an switch! Sounds petty, but small things really add up!

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  2005 Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By 05 TACOMA - July 4 - 5:30 am

  I think the build quality of the previous generation tacoma is much greater. I have had dashboard problems with mine, engine ticking problems, cigarette lighter port problems, and door panel problems. All of this within the first 10,000 miles. My 1997 tacoma had 147,000 miles on it when I sold it, and I had not as much as one problem.

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  DESPISE MY CAMRY - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By jowho - July 3 - 2:06 am

  1st day I drove it home I felt alignment problem. After 6 visits, no fix. 4th set of front tires. Toyota reps were RUDE and told me to turn up radio & ignore pulling!! Cust. svc. was NO help. Went to arbitration, waste of time. Rain pours in if window opened a crack. ABS kicks in ALL the time. Seatbelt locks up when I stretch to look for cars coming.Cant see cars coming when I turn my head. Chips EASY. I am more than disappointed. I thought Toyota had an excellent rep., and Ive been ONLY disgusted with dealership, customer service, and still having alignment problem!

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  Poor in Snow, Item Fall Out Tailgate - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Anne - July 1 - 1:46 pm

  I bought this SUV last winter. The "run flat" tires are very poor in snow. Need snow tire alternative in "run flat" tire, as there is no room for spare tire. Also, buyer beware that when one opens tailgate items fall out onto the ground. I warn that a small child could be seriously injured if standing nearby when the door was swung open, because items, large and small fall right out of SUV. Watch those toes!

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  LOVED MY 2003 COROLLA BUT DISAPPOINTED NOW - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By Dianne Dorio - June 28 - 11:45 pm

  I bought my 2011 new out of state. It is larger than previous models. There is a lot of road noise - very bumpy. It does not seem as solidly built as the two previous models that Ive owned. I did have the RPM issue when I first got the car but the dealership made an adjustment and rectified the situation. Ive had continual problems with the brakes squealing at low speeds when braking gently in stop and go traffic. Ive been told time after time that everything is fine. Also, when the AC is on there is sometimes this very unpleasant grinding noise that I hear under the car. Also, had that checked out and again was told nothing wrong. I loved my 2003. I owned it for almost ten years. I never had one problem with it. It was the perfect size for me as well. I cannot understand why Toyota made the Corolla larger. I dont think I will own the 2011 for 10 years. On a positive note, the car is very nice looking. The interior is attractive and it starts right up even on the coldest days and seems to do well in the little snow driving that I do. As far as gas mileage goes, I have no issue with that.

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  Dont Buy!!!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By 04sienna - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Its a beatiful vehicle while sitting in park!!! When you take it out of park, it is junk!!! There is many problems with it, that the dealer says is normal or they dont know what to do. It has a lemon title. Way to pricey to have these problems.

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  Toyota is slipping. - 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By lovetodrive123 - June 26 - 9:42 pm

  This is my fourth Toyota Camry and my second XLE hybrid. My 2011 hybrid vibrated when it was at rest. The 2014 is much improved in this respect. The 2014 also has quicker acceleration and better handling. In other respects, Toyota has really made the car less desirable. Most notably, the drivers seat doesnt have enough padding. It is rock hard and uncomfortable right in the middle. Cant imagine why they would save a little money and make such a big mistake in comfort. Also, I can no longer fit my umbrella in the side pockets on the doors. Everything falls out of the glove compartment on the passenger side. Glove compartment in the center no longer has the basket that held my pen.

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  I must have bought a lemon! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Stephanie - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Camry in the shop 8 times. 5 of those times for the same thing. Finally got Toyota involved and they found the reason the engine light kept coming on was because the 2nd and 3rd cylinder was creating metal shavings. Toyota replaced my engine but since then my CD player has gone out and now it is in the shop again for the engine.

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  White XLE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By EdwardArnold - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I hate this car, I will never every buy a Camry again, After leaving the dealership, transmission issue, check engine light, brakes, leather seats, my new car was in the shop for the first complete month, and after 7 more times for the same issues. I hate this car, will never ever buy a Toyota again