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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  PreRunning Fun - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Saint79 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck! I can site many incidents where it has out performed and out lasted many of my friends trucks. This truck is a powerhouse!

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  Awsome - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Celica lover 1 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Definate choice of the kings. Highest recomendation!!!!!!!!!

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  wonderful car - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By krausaj - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from a relative in 2001. She (the car) never gave me a problem. I loved the turning radius, the power she had (when empty), the blue/green color, and the great looking trunk. This car was so faithful that even when I left the interior lights on all night I didnt have a problem starting. She was small enough to park in tight spots, and large enough to take on trips. She got around 33 mpg. The radio was awesome and I liked the temperature gage. She didnt even show dirt too badly. I loved my car and would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Fun to Drive - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By cvnshpbldr - August 19 - 2:00 am

  The Sienna van was our first newly purchased vehicle since we got married in 1987 and it was money well spent.The accessability into the van made it a nice change from having to crawl in and out of the seats. Everything for the driver is at your finger tips and the adaptability to the controls was easy.My wife and I think the gas mileage could be better but for the size of the vehicle and motor it is comprable to other vans.

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  Reliable and Fun - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By luvmyrunner - August 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 4-Runner new. 125K off and on-road miles later we are still happy with it. Most reliable vehicle weve ever owned. Have never had to have any brake work done. Cant stand the looks of the new 4-Runner so were keeping this one until the next body style change.

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  Kuol lexi girl car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Sabrina Burdette - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent is the best way to explain. Everything about my car is excellent or WOW

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  Very Satisfied Toyota Customer - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Seawolf - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 8th Toyota and my 2nd Tacoma. I couldnt be more pleased with the vehicle or the dealership. Its got more than enough pep and pick up for me and is every bit as much fun to drive as a sports car like the Celica. I do a lot of do-it-yourself projects and am very pleased with the Tacomas bed size and hauling capacities.

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  Impressive - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Lightning2 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Corolla 2004 is absolutly differently differnt car than before 2003 model. At first, I want to buy used corolla. But after seeing corolla 2004. I cannot buy used one. Corolla 2004 have a great design and big interior dimension.

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  The best minivan I have ever driven! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Lesgo - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I was a loyal Dodge Grand Caravan owner. I was about to trade in Caravan number two on Caravan number three, but the new Sienna caught my eye. I am so glad it did! It is sooo much better at everything it does! It is comfortable, it handles smoothly. It is easy to park - even in tight spaces. It has the first cruise control that I have ever seen maintain the set speed - even driving through the Smokies. The best part of this minivan is that it is fun to drive - it doesnt feel like Im driving a "Mommy-mobile." When people ask me about it I tell them "This isnt a minivan - its a sports car that seats seven."

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  My Living room isnt this comfortable - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Angie Malacaman - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Due to the safety ratings on this vehicle, we had planned to get it before the test drive. What a pleasant surprise. This mini van is as close to perfect as you can get. Everything is convenient. All buttons are within easy reach of the driver and passenger and rear controls are easy enough for my 5 year old to function. The kids love the DVD player, and I love the Navigation system. We have not once needed an extra cup holder. The ride is excellent! Id highly recommend this mini van.