Toyota’s Misses And Masterpieces
Sometimes, even the most trusted names can slip. For a brand built on reliability and thoughtful engineering, Toyota has had its share of missteps. Buried between the bestsellers are models that left buyers disappointed and reputations bruised. So, let’s first take a look at 10 vehicles that didn’t quite live up to the Toyota name.
1. 1958 Toyopet Crown
Toyota’s first American export felt like a relic the moment it arrived. Designed for Japan’s slower roads, this underpowered sedan crawled at 40 mph and took a painful 26 seconds to reach 60. It was a sluggish debut that almost ended things early.
skinnylawyer from Los Angeles, California, USA on Wikimedia
2. 1991 Toyota Previa
Mounting the engine beneath the front seats made repairs frustrating. Families who expected practical minivan performance found themselves stuck with a quirky ride that made maintenance a chore and merging onto highways a test of patience.
3. 1992 Toyota Paseo
Intended to win over young drivers, its styling promised energy that the engine couldn’t deliver. The headlights also received negative reviews for their blotchy pattern at night. Poor performance and a bland interior meant it couldn’t compete with flashier or faster rivals.
Rutger van der Maar on Wikimedia
4. 2010 Toyota Avalon
Marketed as a luxury alternative, the pre-2013 Avalon felt more like a bloated Camry. Soft suspension and vague steering made driving uninspiring, and its forgettable styling did little to justify the premium price tag. It lacked identity in a crowded segment.
The Cheapest LUXURY CAR you can buy today | 2005 - 2010 Toyota Avalon review by 234 DRIVE
5. 2001 Toyota Camry Solara Convertible
Chasing excitement, Toyota gave the practical Camry a drop-top alter ego. The optional 2.2L 4-cylinder engine was criticized for being weak, and the overall performance and handling were not considered sporty, even in the "sport" trims.
6. 2008 Toyota Yaris (Base Model)
Even after nearly a decade of feedback, Toyota doubled down on cost-cutting. The Yaris still had cheap plastics and no power windows. Consumer Reports ranked the Yaris base model, especially with the manual transmission, among the worst cars of 2008.
7. 2012 Toyota Scion iQ
Urban efficiency was the goal, but the iQ fell short. It was cramped, and the continuously variable transmission drained what little power existed. In theory, it solved city driving problems. In practice, it created new ones, including widespread regret.
2012 Scion iQ Review - The PERFECT City Car NO ONE WANTS! By Shooting Cars
8. 2012 Toyota Venza
The Venza’s blurred identity was matched by an underwhelming performance—acceleration felt sluggish, even with the available V6. Merging onto the highway often took more planning than it should. Toyota ended production early and left behind a vehicle that never quite found its place.
9. Toyota ECHO (2000–2005)
Marketed as quirky and economical, the ECHO landed in the U.S. with odd proportions and uninspiring handling. Its tall, narrow body looked awkward and didn’t feel stable at speed. Though reliable, it lacked the refinement and appeal buyers expected—even among budget options.
10. Toyota C-HR (2017 Production Model)
Unveiled as a concept in 2014, the C-HR entered production in 2016 and hit U.S. roads in 2017. While its bold design drew praise, the final product delivered lackluster performance from a 2.0L engine and CVT combo. The cramped rear seats also detracted from its practicality.
These cars missed the mark, but when the brand gets it right, the impact is hard to ignore. So now, let’s shift gears and take a look at 10 models that truly delivered.
1. Toyota 2000GT
Precision met elegance in Toyota’s breakout sports car from the '60s. Built to prove Japan could match Europe in performance and style, the 2000GT featured a Yamaha-tuned engine and curves worthy of Bond films. It wasn’t mass-produced, which only adds to its cult-level mystique today.
2. A80 Toyota Supra
Under the hood sat the now-mythical 2JZ engine, a turbocharged monster that laughs at tuning limits. But beyond performance, the fourth-gen Supra brought polish, lightweight construction, and active aero. Today, it’s a symbol of Japanese engineering at its most obsessive and charismatic.
3. Toyota GR Yaris
Built for rallying and sold to the general public, the GR Yaris defied trends and created its own. Its turbo three-cylinder roars, while the rally-bred AWD makes cornering addictive. This sporty trim is scaled down and ready to rumble on gravel or tarmac.
4. Toyota Land Cruiser
Across mountains and flooded streets, the Land Cruiser keeps moving where others hesitate. Its reputation comes from real-world punishment, not spec sheets. NGOs and remote travelers trust it without question. What rolls out of the factory is capability forged for the unpredictable.
5. Toyota Corolla
Over 50 million sold worldwide, the Corolla is the daily choice for many drivers. It’s affordable, consistent, and focuses on practicality over flash. Generation after generation, it teaches drivers what true dependability feels like.
6. Toyota AE86
Before drifting became mainstream, this lightweight rear-wheel-drive legend laid the groundwork. Racers respected it, and pop culture made it eternal. There’s no turbo or flashy tech—just raw, connected fun. It’s where technique mattered more than power.
7. GZG50 Toyota Century
Reserved for Japan’s elite, the V12-powered Century delivers luxury without flash. Instead of bold statements, it leans into calm precision—power that glides, comfort that cocoons. From its discreet curtains to its masterful craftsmanship, it’s the anti-limo that proves subtlety often speaks loudest.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima on Wikimedia
8. Toyota RAV4
It didn’t arrive with fanfare, but the RAV4 quietly reshaped what drivers wanted. Its mix of gentle off-road power and daily practicality won over many. That first success was no accident—the balance still shapes it today.
9. Toyota Tacoma
Launched in 1995, the Tacoma quickly gained a reputation for toughness, especially in off-road trims like the TRD Pro. Its body-on-frame construction and available locking rear differential made it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
10. Toyota GT86
The GT86 featured a 2.0-liter flat-four engine and nearly 50/50 weight distribution. It prioritized chassis balance over raw power, offering a manual transmission and low center of gravity. Drivers didn’t buy it for speed—they bought it for feel.
