Mistakes and Masterpieces
Making cars is inevitably going to lead to an iconic collection of victories and flops, and Toyota is no exception to this rule. The famed Japanese automaker has produced some infamously catastrophic duds, but they're also responsible for some of our favorite car models of all-time. So if you're interested in taking a deep-dive into Toyota's tenured history, here are some of the worst and best cars the company has produced over the years.
1. 1958 Toyopet Crown
Who would've thought that Toyota's first attempt at the American market would be such a disaster? With a top speed of around 78 mph and taking 26 seconds to reach 60, the Crown couldn't keep up on Western highways. It was initially designed for Japan's muddy, unpaved roads.
skinnylawyer from Los Angeles, California, USA on Wikimedia
2. 1991 Toyota Previa
The Previa's engine placement under the front seats made it a maintenance nightmare. Toyota thought they could fix it by moving it slightly forward, but that limited them to a four-cylinder that couldn't correctly move this minivan. Despite its innovative design, the underpowered engine became a flop.
3. 1992 Toyota Paseo
Young drivers of the '90s wanted excitement, and Toyota designed the Paseo's streamlined body for this demographic. But compared to rivals like the Geo Storm and Nissan Pulsar, it just didn't have the performance or personality to match its sporty looks. By 1997, the Paseo experiment was over.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia on Wikimedia
4. 2000 Toyota Echo
This car’s affordability came at a shocking price: no power windows, no air conditioning, no power steering, and no power mirrors. Stripping away these basic comforts made the car quite outdated. Toyota learned the hard way that budget-conscious buyers weren't willing to sacrifice essentials.
5. 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
Toyota's attempt to add excitement to the boring Camry name backfired because they didn't appropriately reinforce the framework of the removable top. Also, the 1MZ-FE 3.0L V6 engine was prone to developing oil sludge if not correctly maintained. This buildup could lead to engine problems, including failure.
Original uploader was Take Me Higher at en.wikipedia on Wikimedia
6. 2008 Toyota Yaris
The cheap, brittle plastic interior of the Yaris betrayed its budget nature. Though you could add options to improve the experience, the price quickly ballooned, negating the car's main selling point. In 2010, Toyota recalled specific models, which included the 2008 Yaris, due to potential issues with the accelerator pedal mechanism.
7. 2012 Toyota Scion iQ
Timing is everything. The tiny Scion iQ arrived before America was ready for microcars. Its automatic transmission would frustratingly shift at the worst possible moments. It often robbed power exactly when parking maneuvers required it most. Today's small EVs succeed, whereas the iQ failed because the market has evolved.
U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wikimedia
8. 2012 Toyota Venza
This beast suffered from serious acceleration problems that Toyota never adequately addressed. Even with the optional six-cylinder engine, this crossover couldn't merge and keep pace with traffic. Many owners blamed the transmission rather than the engine, but regardless of the cause, Toyota abandoned the model.
9. 2014 Toyota Scion Xd
Despite weighing only 2600 pounds and targeting youth with its boxy styling, the Scion Xd managed a disappointing 30 mpg. This was terrible efficiency for such a small car with a tiny 1.8-liter engine. Additionally, less room and mediocre mileage made for an uninspiring package.
Ana Ulin from Palo Alto, USA on Wikimedia
10. 2019 Toyota 86
The 86 came to life after a partnership between Toyota and Subaru. This one was designed to tackle tricky street courses instead of just going fast in a straight line. Even though it offered great rear-wheel drive handling, the car ended up being the underdog for some in this sporty lineup.
So, Toyota has had its fair share of flops. Now, let’s talk about the models that prove the brand also knows how to make a winner.
1. Toyota Celica GT-Four
Rally heritage runs through the veins of this WRC legend. Born from homologation requirements, the Celica GT-Four packed trick components like an All-Trac All-Wheel Drive System with center and limited-slip rear differentials. The turbocharged four-cylinder delivered well over 200 PS in most versions, while the Super Strut Suspension maximized tire contact during hard cornering.
2. A80 Toyota Supra
The 2JZ engine alone makes this car legendary. This icon was known for handling double its factory 300 PS output without breaking a sweat. Toyota obsessively reduced its weight compared to the previous generation, using aluminum and magnesium alloys and even incorporating hollow fibers into its carpets.
3. Toyota GT86
Bucking the horsepower wars took serious courage. Instead of chasing numbers, the brand collaborated with Subaru to craft pure driving joy through fundamentals. A low center of gravity, rear-wheel drive, a limited-slip differential, and a delightfully direct six-speed manual. Sliding became as easy as learning your ABCs.
4. 250 Series Toyota Land Cruiser
Stylish retro looks have turned the newest Land Cruiser into perhaps its most desirable iteration ever. The off-road capability of the 250 Series continues to embarrass the competition. Moreover, the car’s on-road performance has improved significantly over time.
5. GZG50 Toyota Century
This is Toyota's answer to Rolls-Royce. The V12 engine prioritizes silence and smoothness over noise, producing a modest 280 PS. Inside, there’s unique wool upholstery and net curtains. High-ranking passengers can stretch through a clever trapdoor in the front passenger seat.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima on Wikimedia
6. Toyota GR Yaris
Now, this Yaris impresses everyone with its complex four-wheel drive, locking differentials, lowered suspension, big brakes, and even a chopped roof for better aerodynamics. Plus, the peppy three-cylinder turbo lets even beginners zip around like pros.
7. Toyota AE86
Drifting history began here, long before the GT86 revived its spirit. The lightweight AE86 never relied on massive power or grip. Instead, it taught a generation why sideways is better through its rev-happy twin-cam motor and rear-wheel drive. This versatile machine competed seriously in everything from rallying to road racing.
8. Toyota MK3 MR2
Under 1,000 kg and with a proper open top, this model had a much better sports car essence than its predecessors. The first-gen MR2 had mini-supercar looks but rusted easily, while the second generation gained a GT-like character and an unwelcome reputation for unexpected oversteer. The MK3's lightness was truly something else.
I Bought A Toyota MR2 Mk3! (JDM 1999 ZZW30 MR-S Driven) by Classics World
9. Toyota FJ Cruiser
Toyota's legendary HJ has a retro look, but the modern tech makes daily driving and off-roading more enjoyable. Massive wheel articulation and specialized traction control ensure that the FJ easily conquers extreme terrain. The unstressed six-cylinder engine maintains the bulletproof reliability for which Toyota 4x4s are famous.
10. Toyota 2000GT
Japan's E-Type emerged when the brand was still finding its footing as an automaker. Despite losing money on each of the 337 units built, it added prestige to Toyota's mainstream offerings. The 2000 GT had long-bonnet proportions, like a Jaguar E-Type, and a front-mounted six-cylinder engine.
