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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  Enjoy the 2003 Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By esommerton - October 14 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Sequoia is fun and luxurious. This responsive SUV provides a quality ride, plenty of room and features a very responsive 4.7L motor. The exterior remains elegant while newer SUVs get boxier. We looked at other SUVs only to find the interiors are evolving into a less-than-plush look — featuring many hard lines and brushed steal versus the warm feel of the Sequoia.

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  Avalon--Better by a Mile! - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Dave and Karin - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought used and by far the best car we have EVER owned with a driving history of 30+ years! I would recommend this year to anyone, and plan to buy another if need be. Toyota really messed up when they built this car-- its too good! Superb power, agility, ride, roominess. No problems mechanically other than normal wear.

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  Fun car to drive - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Gerald Sutton - October 14 - 10:00 am

  The car body is to low to the ground causing you to hit parking stops if you pull in too far.

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  Great Deal for Your Money - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By sabsmiles76 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Solara for less than a week, but it is awesome! I feel like I am driving a luxury car for half the price. If you like having a sports car, but hate how low it is or the lack of space, then the Solara is for you! The faux wood trim is a little cheesy, but it does break up the monotony of all of the silver and gray.

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  solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Kristen Weg - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle since I sat in it.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By forunna - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Like it better than the 01 Audi A4 I traded in on it. Gas mileage is better than expected at 18.2 (based on my own calculations, but close to the displays 18.1). Plenty of top in power with great passing ability...surprised me actually that the acceleration is as good as it is. Really enjoy driving it!!! Also, totally recommend Toyota of Orange in Southern California

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  2004 sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jm toy - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this van. I am so happy we got it. We have only owned Toyotas.They are the best cars on the market.

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  toyota sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By lilsamblazin - October 14 - 10:00 am

  this van is one of the best minivan every build by and company

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  Sienna 2004 AWD - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By michivan - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Great minivan with lots of safety features for the family. We really like the power sliding door and power hatch. We use the moonroof all the time and the folding down back row seat is a true "space-maker" The tight turning radius beats most of the other minivans at the school parking lot and lots of extra zip for passing /avoiding trouble on the freeway. The AWD is a superb performer and the reason to buy the car and the side airbags bring peace of mind.

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  Fun Car To Drive - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By adaun - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 2002 SE (w/ manual transmission) in 01/2003 brand new. Love the handling and good acceleration. Get a combined gas mileage of about 29 MPG (wish it couldve been higher) and 33-34 MPG on freeway (at a constant 70-80+ MPH). Not a true sports car but is good enough for me, especially w/ 16-in tires. I like my wifes 1997 Camry LE but this one is far better in terms of performance and gas mileage.