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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  THE PERFECT CAR - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By LANNAHOE - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN SUCH A QUIET CAR. YOU CAN ACTUALLY HEAR AND FEEL THE ROAD. I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN SUCH A WONDERFUL AUTO. THE ONLY CAR THAT CAN CLOSE WAS A GERMAN MERCEDES I DROVE THROUGH THE ALPS ON THE AUTOBAHN IN AUSTRIA. PLUS WITH A $2000 CASH CREDIT FROM THE GOVERNMENT FOR BUYING IT (NOT AN EXEMPTION A CREDIT - MONEY IN THE BANK), THE CHOICE WAS CLEAR. I DRIVE A LOT YEARLY, MY LAST CAR ONLY AVERAGED 15MPG. I GET 50. IF EVERYONE HAD A CAR LIKE THIS WE COULD TELL THE MIDDLE EAST AND THEIR OIL TO "DRINK IT" AND GO TO HELL!!!

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  Getting used to it ... - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By GLA - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I ordered my 2004 Prius last October & took delivery in November. After 5800 miles there are still lots of differences. Not the gas mileage, that is easy to take. But letting someone drive it is something else. I have yet to have it valet parked, even with the printed instructions. The most fuel I have ever pumped was under 9 gallons. The gas gauge flashes at you but I rely on the computerized mileage data to decide when to refuel. And, after a side-impact collision that required major repairs, it still drives wonderfully!

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  My little RAV - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Chichi - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my RAV. It rides smooth for a small SUV. The sound system is great and the reliability is wonderful!!!!

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  1999 Solara to a 2004 Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By JasonS72 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a Solara when they first came out in March 1999. It was my first car purchase and I have loved it ever since. I have had no major issue with the vehicle. I am purchasing a 2004 Solara and will really miss my 1999. It still runs like it was a new vehicle. This car is simply one of the best on the road, for the money.

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  Great - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Gaurang Talati - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I like the performance and the look of this new car

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  I never thought - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By counselor83 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased a 2004 XLE with the GT package and Im surprised by all the well thought out options and funtions of this vechicle. I have a 2003 G35 and the van was suppose to be for my wife. I hope she enjoys the infiniti as much as I plan on enjoying the XLE. Dealer was willing to deal on price of 32800 I felt we could have gone lower.

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  2004 Sienna XLE Limited AWD - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By rrtke - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is as great as described. The ride is phenomenal. How long until Lexus realizes there should be an "L" on the grille instead of a "T"?

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  Beats my Cavalier - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By G.L. in Indiana - December 25 - 8:43 pm

  This truck has exceeded my expectations. Excellent power, torque and 4WD function for this size vehicle in standard highway environment hazards ,i.e. snow, ice, rain. I have not been off road with it but it does tow boats effortlessly. Solid, somewhat noisy ride, but delivers the mileage advertised on the sticker which is great .

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  Multi use car - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By STAN THE MAN - December 25 - 8:26 pm

  The car is standard shift with six forward and one reverse with low profile tires and a factory modified engine that goes to 180 horse and 8,000 rpm. It gets between 30 to 35 mpg. It is part sport car, part economy car, part SUV and is always reliable. It is a fun car to drive. Toyota did not put many of these cars on the market. There are many SRVs with AWD but this is not one. Instead it has a sports car six forward gear standard transmission.

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  First Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Mindcrime67 - December 25 - 7:26 am

  I traded in my 2004 Acura TL for a 2007 Prius Seaside Pearl with options package #4. I was looking to downsize from my TL due to low mileage, 6K a year, and the desire to just have an economical commuter car with great gas mileage. I looked at the Honda Civic Hybrid but felt the Prius offered better gas mileage and features. So far I like my Prius. It is simple, drives well, has good pickup, great features,and great gas mileage plus Toyota reliability. For some, choosing a Prius is to help the environment, for others its saving gas. For me it was needs vs wants. I love nice sedans but only need a commuter car. The Prius is that and much more. Saving gas etc. was just a very big plus.