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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  Nice Car!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Daniel - June 1 - 5:20 am

  Ive had this car for about a month and I am impressed. This is a lot better than my past chevy cavalier. I started out looking at the CE with automatic trans however after I found out that the LE with manual trans had a comparable price and had a lot more features I went with it. I liked having all of the options: keyless entry, 6 disc CD, auto windows/Locks, speed control, and neat looking interior. The ride is smooth and engine noise is minimal. It is a lot quieter than the civic. The civic is very comparable though. I liked the ride and interior looks better in the corolla and that why I went with it. I like the high safety and reliability scores this vehicle recieved. My Chevy was poor.

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  Hot 05 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By John Price - June 1 - 3:06 am

  We liked our 03 Prius so much we bought an 05 also. Its peppy, has an amazing turning radius, a gadgeteers dream, but DO NOT run out of gas in it. Bummer. We get 45 +/_ mpg around town, 54 on the road.

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  Incredible Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bill Gailey - June 1 - 2:00 am

  After test driving the Prius, I realized that this was the car that I wanted. Its fun and inexpensive to drive. We drove it to Richmond from Charlotte and got 50+ miles/gallon and it handled beautifully. I have only owned it for three (3) weeks, but have found nothing about it that I dont like. Even my wife, who is has back problems, finds it comfortable. I hope Toyota or Lexus will put this engine into one of their SUVs soon. Thank you.

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  solara sports coupe - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By tara banks - June 1 - 2:00 am

  it is excellent. i love my new toyota solara sports coupe.

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  4Runner Excellence - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jaybird213 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Great handling, excellent comfort, awesome design. This SUV has great passenger and cargo room for all activities. Cool interior design with great and easy to access options.

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  DOUBLE CAB THE ULTIMATE 4X4 TOYOTA - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Big Al Double Cab - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my Third Toyota 4x4 Truck and our Fourth Toyota Vehicle. I previously owned a 1979 and a 1992 Toyota 4x4. The 2004 Toyota Double Cab has to be best one to date. We Mountain Bike, Ski, hit the Beaches and everything we need can be put in the truck bed and still leave plenty of room for the family to ride in the cabin with plenty of space. To us, it is the "Ultimate Vacation Vehicle" and my everyday driving vehicle. They simply build the best quality compact Trucks. True they are a little more expensive, but you cant put a price tag on the confidence a Toyota Truck gives you especially in Bad Weather.

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  Sport 4runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By weisbier7 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The car is azmazing and has suprisingly good pick up

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  Fantastico! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By PetrD - June 1 - 2:00 am

  My first SUV. Wanted a 04 Highlander but even with 3.3 L engine this car seemed lethargic. I took Dorado Gold base with 17in. wheels for a test-drive and was shocked by its quite monolithic drive. Glad I could find one with no extras, plain base and did not have to pay a penny for extra stuff that I never use. Paid $300 over invoice. Had for 1 mo. Very satisfied.

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  woderful - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Barbara Repose - June 1 - 2:00 am

  We owned a Previa for 13yrs and only would buy another Toyota as they are the best mini van made. Execellent on fuil.

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  Cream of the Crop - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By REC - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This car buying experience was very pleasant,an all day pursuit, but well worth it in the end....the dealership is very new and very professional, and this car as we had it equipped is awesome.The Camry XLE is a well built and functional car, I am pleased with the vehicle and the dealer. I would recommend moving up to the XLE if you want a Camry...this Camry is really a better buy than the Avalon XL..as far as value for the dollar