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 Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By C-J - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is an all-around excellent vehicle. I would buy another without a second thought, but i dont expect to any time soon. I use it to haul loads of construction material and debris. I also haul a 20ft fishing boat and have no complaints what so ever. Other than the fuel economy, i cannot say one bad thing about it. The rear seats are fairly roomie for passengers

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By The Professor Bill - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The title says it all -- its the best! I get about 26 MPG, great comfort, more head room than my old Lincoln, lots of rear seat room. The trunks not as big as the Lincolns, but its bigger than my friends cars trunks. I am enthusiastically a pro- Avalon affectionato!

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  Tundra V-6 - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By cla_jo - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My Tundra has been very relaible. I use it mainly as a regular transportation vehicle. It is very rugged and capable of towing and hauling heavy loads. The interior is comfortable and well appointed. I think it is one of the best and most relaible trucks.

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  EYECATCHER - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By syl1154 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Unfortunately at the time I am writing this review my Toyota is at the dealer for repairs. I had it 60 days with absolutely no trouble at all. Its an eye catcher, very reliable and great to drive. However,recently the check engine light came on,the temperture guage stop working and the car failed to start. It also pulls to the left as a previous reviewer had mentioned,BUT its still awesome to me. I still recommend it. The acceleration was what sold me. My car is all black.

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  smiling bumper 2 bumper - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By hugo - July 21 - 2:00 am

  i bought it for the wife & found out quickly how much she loved it when she wouldnt even let me drive it to put gas in it. we had a 99 solara and thought we wouldnt be as crazy about another car like that one until the 04 stepped on the lot

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  my truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By crewcabman - July 21 - 2:00 am

  its a great looking truck and you can put items in the back seat in bad weather instead of the truck bed.

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  Not what I thought it would be - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By loke - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Pretty nice having it in V8 ut the mileage is terrible. And it is kind of noisy and bouncy. Not very comfortable after driving it for a while.

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  Love this car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By ontrack - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many vehicles but the Highlander is by far my favorite. It is easy and fun to drive and very comfortable. The back door makes loading easy and the back seats fold without a problem. For a smallish car it has plenty of room. I transported a sofa home in it! The engine is quiet and even with the 4 cylinder engine there is plenty of power. Cruise control is excellent and easy to use. I really love this car.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Lou M - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Terrific...Definetely a must buy.

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  Love it! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Frederick15 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This SUV drives smooth! It feels comfortable inside and it is right for the price. Would buy a second one.