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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  Best car ever! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Robert Sander - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. 1000 reasons to love it and I havent found a single disadvantage yet.

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  04 Rav4 what a car - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By EMAN - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The 04 Rav4 is a fantastic SUV. It handles the road well and the performance of the vehicle is incredible with the larger engine. The double wishbone suspension at the back is a welcomed improvement. The fog lamp design for the front of the vehicle is impressive and inside the cosmetic changes are very nice to see. You would be crazy not to consider this vehicle is you are searching for an SUV.

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  The Rav-4 - What a great car! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By BellaKatherine - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car - fun to drive, always reliable!

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  The Lexus of trucks - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Vic Gar - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Wish Lexus made trucks that only cost 28K? Here you go...

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  great car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By happy rolla owner - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for a little over two months, and I have to say that it has been a pleasure driving it. The engine feels quite peppy with the 5- speed manual, the ride is quiet compared to a civic, and the cabin feels quite roomy.

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  The Best Vehicle of 2004 - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Candice Leatherberry - October 31 - 10:00 am

  My experience with the 2004 Toyora Corolla LE has been wonderful. The first day I got it I drove 255 miles to the beach and I adjusted to the car really well. It is very easy to drive and you learn how the car works very easily. I also feel very comfortable in the car especially since I am six feet tall. I have more that enough room and so do my passengers. The car is also fun to drive and it gives an amazing amount of power and has the best gas millage I have reciently seen.

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  Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Redrose1223 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  THis vehicle is great, with gas prices going up this has been a great saver for me. Being a single mom and all. I would recommend this car to anyone and everyone.

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  great - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Lily campos - October 31 - 10:00 am

  its a great car!! Im very happy owning one!!!Its nice looking!!! I get alot of compliments from other people!!

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  04 Toyota Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By andrews1979 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the first new car I have bought for myself and I am glad I made the right chose. I searched and searched for quality and the price range I could afford and this is the only thing worth it. Excellent price, great look ( I have the lunar mist one ), I would buy anything else at this time. Every time I drive this car I feel like it looks way more than what I bought it for.

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  A GREAT LITTLE VEHICLE - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By jos wain - October 31 - 10:00 am

  GREAT TO DRIVE GAS ENCONOMY