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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  Matrix Lover - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By John Riley - October 7 - 2:00 am

  25000 miles. People still look at it and love it or hate it. We have carried wood, furniture, and love the flexibilty and still it is a small car,suv, truck etc.

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  Its normal - Really - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jbr214 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  About 9 months ago I started to look for a new car and did the usual research. I had pretty much decided on getting a Passat. Then, I heard about the new version of the Prius. Truthfully I hadnt heard much about the old version. After doing my research on the new car, it did seem like it might be the first no compromise hybrid car. I liked the more powerful engine and the larger interior space. But, the thing that tipped the scale in favor of the Prius was the amount of high end features available for the car - smart entry and start, voice navigation system, blue tooth cell phone integration . . .

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  The Technology has arrived - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Dickson - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Amazing space, power and gas milage. It feels like a normal car without sacrificing for great gas milage.

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  First Prius 2004 - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By John Riley - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Less than 500 miles thus far. First Average milage 46.5 per gallon. Like the Matrix the exterior design takes getting used to, but it grows on you. People are very interested in the hybrid engine system and Toyota has a good thing incorporating hybrids in their other models. I have had GM cars, Acura,VWs and rented Fords,Chryslers, but Toyota dependability is tops. Resale value or trade in values stink!

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  Love my Toyota - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Daylee - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Toyota almost two years. I disagree with the previous reviews. We own three vehicles. The other two are American made. I always jump into the Toyota. It is comfortable for four people and has better gas mileage than the other two. Love the heated seats. I am tall and would like a little more leg room. Performance is awesome. Never have I had a problem passing or maneuvering. No mechanical problems. Highly recommend AVALON XLS! Note this is the exact same motor as the LEXUS and it provides you with more room overall. YEAH!

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  still Loving my Yota after 2 years - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By DEZILU55 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota Rav 4 is a fun, stylish SUV that is perfect for a college student or even a mother of three. The exceptional gas mileage and fun interior are its two main selling points. I extremely recommend the "L" package that is available. Overall, I have enjoyed my Rav 4 more than I thought I would.

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  My Corolla - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Glenny - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The LE Toyota Corolla is a good and reliable vehicle. There is ample trunk room, but the back seat is too small. The engine starts up immediately in cold weather. The steering is adequate and the vehicle is responsive. The ride is smooth and relatively qu

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  class of the class - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Mantis - October 7 - 2:00 am

  It is nice not to know any service writers although Precision is a great dealership. The truck rides better than the Avalon and hauls what I need it to. Most of the larger trucks, the so called heavy duty, are great for just that, however, the majority of the miles call for comfort and reliability.

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  TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By NEWTRUCKOWNER - October 7 - 2:00 am

  THE ONLY BAD THING IS THE GAS TANK DOESNT HAVE A LOCK. MY OLD TOYOTA TRUCK, TO GET TO THE GAS TANK YOU HAD TO UNLOCK IT WITH THE KEY. I FELT THAT WAS SAFER, THAN I KNEW, WHEN I LEFT WORK I STILL HAD MY GAS THAT I CAME TO WORK WITH. ANY SUGGESTIONS??

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  Accord Killer - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mike-S - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I was considering the two door Accord until I saw and drove the Solara. Standard features on the SE Sport far exceed those on the Accord. Daytime running lights, larger brakes and fuel tank, more head, leg and hip room than Accord. Anti-theft system is optional but found on most models. 17" alloy wheels with tire pressure monitor are standard on Sport models. (Read the manual on resetting the pressure monitor!) The sequential shift automatic 5 speed transmission is an excellent compromise for guys whose wives prefer an automatic. The Toyota warranty is 5 years, with *everything* covered the first year. Honda includes a 3 year warranty.