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 TOYOTA TRUCK - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By STAN THE MAN - December 31 - 2:00 am

  DOESNT RIDE LIKE A TRUCK. DOESNT DRIVE LIKE A TRUCK. BUT CARRIES CARGO LIKE A TRUCK. HANDLING AND STABILTY VERY GOOD. INTERIOR WELL THOUGHT OUT AND GOOD FIT AND TRIM.

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  Solara stylish and fun to drive! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bix - December 31 - 2:00 am

  The Solara is absolutely the perfect car for me! I was first attracted to the stylish exterior, but was also pleased with the way this car handles, and the comfortable interior. Toyota really came up with a great car!!

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  The BEST SUV Ever! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Twins - December 31 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota 4Runner is the only SUV id ever buy. I previously had a 1996 Toyota 4Runner and it is still in excellent condition. Because my first 4Runner never gave me any problems, there was no hesitation when I decided to purchase another vehicle. The 4Runners are good reliable vehicles, very seldom give you any problems and have a very good life. I would recommend the Toyota 4Runner to anyone in the market for an SUV.

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  Fun to drive carlike ride suv - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Simp - December 31 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 Toyota Highlander 4cyl fwd is excellent, an suv with a car like ride, smooth transmission and an exceptional pick up and it can stop on a dime.Very economical and reliable transportation. However, it is not as comfortable and luxurious as a Grand Cherokee, Id recomend the V6 engine with 4 wd and you wont be disappointed.

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  Toyota - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Ron86 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I love the way the car drives. Feel like you are driving on clouds. Great traction and steering and it also looks great. Not like your average Minivan.

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  Only One Problem... - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By wareami - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I love almost everything about this van. We traded in a 1997 Windstar for this one, and were glad to see it go. Lots of cup holders, DVD Ent. System, great ride & gas mileage. Low cabin noise. Easy to fold down or remove seats. A fe wsmall problems: Daytime Running Lights never worked; Auto-off headlight feature stopped working; loose accessory drive belt on delivery.

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  Perfect - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Jc - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I love the luxurious feel. It has a smooth ride and a little spunk with the SE edition. The economic price tag tops off the whole experience.

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  I am VERY pleased with my 03 - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By dan - December 30 - 8:06 pm

  We did a lot of SUV shopping. We are used to driving older Explorers and lost a little bit of power, but the sacrifice of power for the SUPER increase in mileage is well worth it. Overall I have never been happier with an auto purchase.

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  FJ Cruiser in Sactown - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By GC - December 30 - 1:53 pm

  Love the FJ, but has some blind spots while driving on and off road.

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  First Toyota, First Hybrid - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By RER - December 30 - 12:53 pm

  Just past the break-in period of approx. 1000 miles, all driven in Washington,DC-Northern VA rush hour traffic. Equipped with NAV, leather seats, moon roof, convenience package. After 1 month and 1,000 miles I must say that I love this car. I was concerned about power, but the car has plenty of power and is just fine in rush hour traffic changing lanes, merging, etc., in some of what must be the worst traffic in the nation. When bogged down in slow moving traffic, the engine cuts off and electric power takes over. I look at display and just smile. The interior design is quite good as is the fit and finish. Have not had any problems to return to dealer for. Prev had an 03 Acura CL-S 6cyl