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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  Really Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Gym Mom - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely impressed with the Rav4s ability to hug the road in snow and ice conditions. If there was anything I could suggest to add, it would be an upgrade on creature comforts like climate control, heated seats and possibly a leather interior option. Handles great, plenty of pep and good fuel economy.

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  toyota wheeling - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ivandamn - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Traded a f-350 diesal 4X4 and love this truck not nearly as hard to park. I could really keep up with all my freinds in the dunns now. test drove the fx4 ranger but liked the toyota alot better. went off-roading with both of them before i bought and liked the performance and gas mileage better than ford. they need to offer a standard model in the 4-doors TRD.

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  My first car - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By asmarks - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Well, I am 16 years old and this 4Runner has great pick up, you do not need to buy the expensive stereo to get great sound the basic is just as good as the rest, i dont even know how i did that? This SUV rides very smooth, my brother has a Highlander and the 4Runner compared to it is much better, if your looking at the Highlander go for the 4Runner, trust me you will regret it if your dont. the highlander V4 and the 4Runner V6 get basically the same milage around 16 or 17 mpg.

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  2004 Highlander Review - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By JLipka - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle because I have a rather large family. I wanted something bigger than what I was already driving. This was exactly what I was looking for. The optional 3rd row seating works great for us. I unfold it when not in use. The CD/radio that came with the Highlander sounds great. I did test drive some other makes and models of SUVs. The Toyota Highlander was the one that I enjoyed driving the most. I like that seats in the 2nd and 3rd row are able to move forward and backwards. With the 3rd row seats folded down there is ample amount of cargo space. The gas mileage is excellent for this SUV. I opted for the 4 cyl. engine.

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  MY TAXI - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Denise2 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  i like my new sienna, but the thing thats missing is the running boards. A must have for all ages.It makes it asier for the ederly as well as small children to get in and out of.I am niether age. but I also like the running boards make my life a little easier.Thanks denise

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  Toyota had a great car that has lost appeal - 2016 Toyota Avalon
  By Joseph DeSimone - June 15 - 9:56 am

  My vehicle was delivered to me with an electrical system problem that took technicians 3 days to diagnose and repair. The front passenger door does not close properly and new I need to make an appointment for that. Seats are comfortable but the ride is very stiff and feels like a truck type vehicle.

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  Traded-in 09 toyota corolla - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By steve - June 15 - 5:50 am

  Purchased this 09 corolla s model in DEC of 09 and traded it in on March of this year (2010). Corolla was garbage. Steering was horrible wind blew the car all over the highway and if a 18-Wheeler passed you, you had better hold on for dear life. Car was a death trap and after 4 months I had enough and got a 2010 Kia forte coup and the difference between the 2 cars is night and day. Easy to see why Toyota is having all these problems. They are not building quality cars like they used to. According to owners reviews on this site i am not the only one who had problems with the corolla.

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  Excellent car - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Daxmal - June 15 - 1:00 am

  We had the car for a year and a half and has been excellent, only oil changes, filters, and brakes, excellent car to drive long distances and excellent mileage, nicely equipped with everything except leather and 6 cyl, but are things we dont miss, if you have the oportunity buy one, and I think is better looking than the 97-99 camrys.

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  Smooth and comfy ride - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Sharif - June 15 - 12:38 am

  I love this car over the accord because the ride is very comfortable. However, the price you pay for that is less than stellar handling. Cornering fast will have some body roll. I still absolutely love this car though because it has a great design, simple center console layout, and a spacious interior.

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  My Rav - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Jody - June 14 - 10:30 pm

  Love the rav 4 it is quick and easy to maneuver. Leg room for the driver is short. I rock heads of the head rest due to the lack of leg room to the accelerator. like everything else just need more leg room.