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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  Its About Time! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rich F. - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 4 Jeep Grand Cherokees and One Jeep Cherokee prior to purchasing this Toyota 4Runner over July 4th Weekend. All that I can say is WOW, What a difference. The build quality, ride, comfort, etc... is head and shoulders above the Jeeps. As much as I enjoyed my Jeeps, I got tired of the warped rotors every 12,000-15,000 miles. So far, So Great with the 4Runner. I expect to keep it for at least 100,000 miles, if not more.

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  Luxury Without the High Price - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By fanatic - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Nice, comfortable vehicle which handles well in any terrain. Quiet for a truck based SUV. I drive the Ford Expedition also and it is night and day as far as handling, power (yes, Toyotas V6 out does it)and just the overall quality. For example, when you shut the doors on a Ford, it sounds like a tin can. The Toyota sounds solid and sturdy. I recommend this vehicle to any family that needs 7 seats and wants to feel safe.

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  A Honda Man No More - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By sirius4 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a Civic, CRV and Accord and have always been a devout owner as Hondas have always had outstanding reliability, resale value, and workmanship... After researching into the Pilot and Highlander, I chose Toyota for the first time. Heres why: For the same amount of money heres what you get that Honda doesnt give you: A power moonroof, side curtain airbags, vehicle stability and traction control, and a true 4x4 drive (Pilot has AWD up to 20 mph, then switches to front wheel which senses spin and then kicks in torque to rear wheels if needed). Toyotas reliablility, quality and resale should be as good as Hondas, from all the research Ive done.

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  04 Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By howardd - December 3 - 10:00 am

  My wife loves it! Does everything a working mom needs and looks sharp doing it. Bought it because of Toyotas reputation of quality autos.

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  FIRST TOYOTA TRUCK, 5TH TOYOTA - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By chrisjo - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I got the base 4 cly AWD in beautiful BlueStone, one of the best colors ever made. The truck/car is great. Rides solid & handles like a car. I was unsure of the 4 cly but for an AWD truck is does its job. Its not quick & I am sure the 6 cly would be better but the 4 cly was $3,500 cheaper & the pickup is smooth & highway acceleration is normal. I also got the 4 cly because the 3 row seat in the 6 cly was so small & not very easly to get in & out of, even for a child. You have to climb on topof the back seat to get in. In the Pilot the seat moves forward & its easy access. So I did not think the 6 cly was worth it. I did add Fog Light ($300) & Rear Spolier($

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  This car rocks - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By AChang - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most smooth ride ive ever been in. I love this car, its fast,quiet,smooth, and most of all powerful. By the way, the username JFlynn that bought the V4 Le was my Science teacher this year. How funny is that?

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  known to last - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Fatima Khourshid - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I has purchased a suzuki verona at first and not even 200 miles and it died on me the battery died because it was malfunctioning. The best thing i did was swith to a toyota camry smooth and know to be reliable car. I see me still driving it 10 yrs from now!

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  A great car for the money - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By wmfortney - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I already have a 2003 Honda Civic EX and in my opinion the Corolla LE is a slightly better car. The Corolla is less noisy with a much smoother ride than the "sporty" ride of the Civic. There has more trunk space, head room and driver visibilty. Before you buy, test drive both.

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  My Lexus (I mean Toyota) Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Kevin - December 3 - 2:06 am

  Just bought 2008 Highlander, traded in older 4Runner. Ride is great, drives and handles like a Camry more so than a truck/SUV. Great on gas, a powerful and efficient V6 vs. a gas guzzling V8. A lot roomier than we thought as we needed a 3rd row, bigger than the new 4Runners with 3rd rows (looks better too). Very stylish, lots of complements. In a nutshell - Toyota quality!

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  Its OK - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By 2 hour/day commute - December 3 - 12:06 am

  I commute 2 hours per day. The car does well in snow, especially considering how light weight it is. The only reason I am considering trading it is that with 50,000 miles, I can still get payoff for a trade in. You cant say that about many cars these days.