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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  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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  Overrated - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By Bradley Bean - September 2 - 10:30 am

  After years of owning domestic vehicles, I antied up and paid the big bucks for a Toyota. What a disappointment. The vehicle seemed great at first, but we didnt notice that it rode like a truck until our first road trip. The 3rd row seats are a joke - none of our kids will sit back there so long trips became a nightmare with 3 kids. The navigation feature was klunky and we battled leaks around the moonroof. We also noted that it lacked features like convenient charging ports for devices. MPG was less than reported, but that is typical. The vehicle starts / stops and ran reliably, but for $40K, you expect a lot more. We were so happy to trade out of it!

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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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  Very Disappointed.... - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Don Robitaille - September 2 - 7:17 am

  Do your homework and dont trust the brochures. First of all this is a hybrid XLE. I was the proud and happy owner of 2 Camry hybrid XLEs since 2006. Both of the Camrys had automatic headlights. The brochure stated that the 2016 RAV 4 also had automatic headlights and I also expected that in the XLE model. To make a long story short it doesnt have automatic headlights. The gas mileage is horrible for a hybrid at 24-25 mpg. The on board computer shows 27.2 mpg. But when you divide total mileage by gallons of gas at a fill up it comes out to 25 mpg give or take a few tenths of a gallon. Never comes close to the alleged mpg on the display. The road noise at 50+ mph is very poor. I have to keep checking that all the windows are tightly closed and they are. The contacts in the telephone display disappear at random, usually once a month and I have to reset my phone to the vehicle via bluetooth. Toyota did an update to fix the problem and a month later all my contacts disappeared again. There are other problems, but this is enough for now. I loved my Camry Hybrids and I cant wait to get rid of this RAV 4. I dont think I would even buy another Toyota after this experience and I was their best ambassador as a Camry owner.

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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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  Wonderful car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By golfman - September 2 - 5:06 am

  Am finally moving on from this car after 16 years. Has been a great auto. Extremely reliable. This was basically the Lexus ES 300 with a different body and missing some bells and whistles. Toyota later thought this car was too good for the price and "decontented" it. Ive had no major issues or repairs with it. Replaced the timing chain around 80k miles. Im even reluctantly giving it up at this point, but there are just too many nice features on the new cars to pass up. I have the black exterior and tan interior and still think the car looks good today. A real peach.

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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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  50 mpg and going - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By bowlerx - September 1 - 12:56 pm

  great mileage, get up and go, sound system, quiet on road -- I commute 60 miles to work in SCAL -- what a benefit to get in carpool lane and save $$$. Touch screen and keyless operation are coolest parts. Front seat is uncomfortable but all else is A++