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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  Reliable/Efficient Camry - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By vic36dki - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have 27,400 miles without a problem. The dealer is excellent for maintainance.I drove Detroit to Asheville,N.C.last summer and averaged 36 MPG. I was pleasantly surprised. It is my first non big 3 new car. It has made a believer out of me.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By lhenson - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is the best buy for the money. The V8 is supurb. I avg. about 20 mpg. It handles great on the road and its quiet. Fit and finish on the vehicle is top notch. I was considering a Nissan Murano before I took a look at the 4Runner. Im glad I did!. I was also looking at the Honda Pilot, but the dealers werent budging from MSRP, plus the lack of styles and colors at the lots. The 4Runner is a great SUV, I recommend it!

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  Strong 4000cc V6 engine 245 hp - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ToyotaMichellin - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought 2004 4Runner SR5 V6. Power is enough, space is enough, basic 6 speakers are good enough in bass to treble, noise level is quiet enough (67dB@70mph), the rear door closes electrically. Only thing I dislike is my (drivers) seat back, that does not fit to my back completely. And like many Japanese cars, it locks doors when you shift gear P to D and does not release automatically when you arrive and park.(you should manually open locks for rear passengers to get out) However, its safety rating at NHTSA and IIHS outperforms "ALL" other SUVs, and overall, I am 99% satisfied with my new 2004 4Runner SR5 V6.

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  Highlander - Best Buy - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By HighlanderOwner - October 7 - 2:00 am

  It took a while to pick a good mid-size AWD. Final choices were Subaru Forester XT Turbo, Legacy Outback V6 or Highlander V6. Forester has a comparable power, similar price and has about the same, above-average fuel consuption. Then, why not go with the "Best Buy" Highlander instead of "Recommended" Forester? Highlander has been very helpful in the first 6 - 8 inch snowfall. There were no problems getting around or getting the car parked on snowy parking lots. Every hard turn on a slippery road was handled by VSC and traction control without any problems. Very reliable, confident driving. Has a lot of useful hi-tech features plus full-time AWD!

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  love my little car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By allie - October 7 - 2:00 am

  compared to other makes and models, the 2004 corolla s has a lot of standard features you have to pay extra for in other cars. this is a solid little car and well built, love the way it sounds when i close the doors. i get loads of compliments on mine, which is bright white with a black leather interior.

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  Corolla S Model - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By TSF - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The car rides and handles well-adding TRD strut brace did improve cornering stability. The CD player is very good for a factory unit. The interior comfort is amoung the best I have encountered. Dealer was nice to deal with. Braking is solid on this car, but std anti-lock would be nice. Performance is brisk with the std. 1.8L engine, fuel milage was good as well. There is room in the engine compartment for do-it-yourselfers too. Overall, this car is fun to drive and offers a good balance of economy and performance-TRD parts are available for the more performance minded. Would buy again...

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  The best car ive owned...yet! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Sal D - October 7 - 2:00 am

  My first car was 2002 Pontiac Firebird..and I must truely admit, no problems, but when I got this car instead of it (the corolla) it was like nothing ive ever experienced. The car felt as one, as though indestructible, the mileage was another impressive incentive on the car, and the design, well I dont think those ground effects could look any better. If they continue increasing the looks of this car, ill get one every 3 years, hands down on that one! Go TOYOTA!

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  Amazing Minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Indy - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would be excited about a minivan but Toyota has transformed something practical into something thats also fun to drive. We choose the 8-passenger model so we could use the middle 2nd row seat when needed. Its not in there 99% of the time which gives more room for the kids (4 boys) to get in and to the third row. We got the upgraded safety package, security system and rubber floor mats and cargo liner which make it much easier to keep the van clean. The van is great looking and has a great ride. I test drove all the others and Toyota won easily.

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  TOYOTA EXELLENCE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By connie sch - October 7 - 2:00 am

  this is an excellent car. roomy and great to drive. it has plenty of room for seven people and their luggage. the rear seats fold flat into the back which is really great. i love my toyota sienna

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  Love IT - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Big Schul Phil - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Great to park and drive - very smooth ride.