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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  Toyota Tacoma 2000 - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By jonnebony - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I love our Tacoma this is the second one we have owned, out first Tacoma was a 1997 Tacoma Single Cab, EXCELLENT!! But sold it to upgrade to a newer and "bigger" one, well at least we needed the extended cab. But I have nothing bad to say about this vehicle, it runs and is a great looking TRUCK!!

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  Great and Useful - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By tpcconline - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Large cargo space, lots of standard features and it is fun to drive. Smooth ride and high gas milage for its size. It is just about everything you can ask for.

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  Exactly what the doctor ordered! - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Ron L - September 2 - 8:56 pm

  A very good overall vehicle. Has a great quiet ride and has great engine performance. I like the exterior look, but have to admit the hybrid drive is the reason I love it. My MPG has been as advertised once the vehicle has broken in and it was no longer winter. This Highlander has definetly made me forget my Pilot.

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  Toyota for Life! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By mc2010 - September 2 - 11:06 am

  Ive driven my 2010 Prius since 10/2009 and I love it. I was surprised with the roominess of the interior, fun to drive and quality built car. I did experience the grabby brakes, but after I received the recall notice I took it to the dealership and the problem was fixed. I was very happy with the service I received at Toyota of Laredo, they were very professional, friendly and really helpful. I would not hesitate to purchase another Toyota and am grateful to Toyota for standing behind their vehicles. Thank you Toyota.

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  My Little Ya-Ya - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By KIM - September 2 - 7:50 am

  I have really enjoyed my Yaris. It has great gas mileage and is pretty sporty and quick for a small car. I purchased the car for the fuel mileage but really like the car. I get a lot of looks in the car because everyone thinks it is a Hybrid. I average over 40 mpg when traveling on the highway to work on a daily basis.

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  Luxurious Minivan - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Toyota/Lexus fan - September 2 - 6:46 am

  Chose Sienna (smoother, quieter ride) over Odyssey (sportier ride and seemed less quiet on freeways). Pregnant wife got car sick once during late night travel, and the GPS conveniently tracked the nearest hotel for us. Really like the interior spaciousness, although the Sienna was a tight fit in the 3rd car garage... the dual sliding doors made for easier ingress/egress since there were large shelves along the walls of the garage. Our Sienna has every option including HID lights, DVD Rear Entertainment, and JBL (above average audio... although nothing beats Mark Levinson). Dynamic laser cruise control is probably the only option not worth buying.

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  my first Toyota - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By slowe - September 1 - 8:36 pm

  After doing lots of research before my purchase, I couldnt be happier. My Camry gives me the comfort, luxury features and reliability that I was looking for. Great resale value, too, although I plan to keep this car for a good long time.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By CalifJan - August 31 - 6:50 pm

  I have had my 06 for over 6 mths and I love it. It is a fun and sporty car to drive yet has all the amenities of a luxury car. I like the radio control on the steering wheel and all the little features Toyota put on this car. The only negative is when the top is up there is a huge blind site when trying to look out the back window. Other than that, it is a great car.

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  Wow Another Great Toyota Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By fongpeiyoung - August 31 - 6:03 pm

  This is great tough truck with exceptional performance and handling with very good fuel economy 21 mpg. This is a rugged strong truck.

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  The winner after months of comparing - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By D Boone - August 31 - 2:36 am

  After looking at trucks for the entire fall, I settled on the Tundra. The big three have priced themselves out of range for a HD truck to me. Now with the HP and torque the 5.7 has the Tundra does outperform the others. This trim line has everything I need to use it as a work truck, so I saved quite a bit over the SR5 pkg.