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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  Love This Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By phansen - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The Prius is absolutely wonderful! Fun to drive, more roomy than our old Honda Accord, a georgous, deep red color. Were getting 46 miles to the gallon and it feels great to know that the emissions are almost zero. Has lots of zip and a real sports car feel. Love it!

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  Sequoia Review - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Gary Wentzel - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Traction is very good on snow and ice. Easy to drive and is very responsive. Plenty of room. Leather interior is very nice.

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  I love my camry! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Sam Roundtree - May 9 - 2:00 am

  we got our camry used 1999 camry in 2000, we have been quite pleased with its wonderful proformance, its luxuryous intirior, great realiabilaty, beautiful body style, great gas mialige, E.T.C! the car is fun to drive to! I definetly recomend this for a great family car!

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  KICK YOUR HEELS FOR TOYOTA - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Lewis C. Kupka - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD MANY OF AMERICAN CRAFTED CARS WITH IMPORTED PARTS. THEY START TO DETERIATE THEY MOMENT YOU MOVE OFF OF THE DEALERSHIP SALES LOT. I HAVE HAD CHRYSLER, FORD AND GENERAL MOTORS PRODUCTS. NONE OF THEM COMPARE WITH THE RELIABLITY THAT TOYOTA CAN PROVIDE. THE COST OF MAINTAINING THIS CAR HAS GONE DOWN FROM $5,325.00 TO JUST AND OIL CHANGE AND NEW TIRES.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By JParrish31@aol.com - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I love it. It has style. Easy to park. very comforable. Drives great and smooth like a Cadillac.

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  Why Me - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By joedown under - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Ugly and slow, hate the rear access. POOOOR 4x4. Wish I had bought a Chevrolet Colorado. P.S. POOOOR gas milage.

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  I waited for this truck and Im glad. - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By hulksmashtree - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The engine produces solid performance. The towing ability is adequate. The bigger V8s offered by other trucks boast better towing, but most guys like me wont ever come close. Im sure my Tundra will pull a camper with much more ease than any V6, and thats good enough. The many cool features impress me. I do have to say though that thus far the mileage has been very poor. All in all, my decision was based on getting the most reliable 4-door full size pickup out there, that could fit in a normal garage, and having good toys and performance. Acceleration is solid, but it would be fun to have a little more power. To conclude, Im glad I waited.

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  Affordable Sport Luxury - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Vic Shaw - May 9 - 2:00 am

  A sporty reasonably priced two door sedan. Looks more expensive than sticker price, and worth every penny even for the base model. The quietest sedan Ive ever driven, even on a busy freeway. A true value find if you are looking for two door luxury. Did I say it looks and drives like a Lexus?

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  my truck - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Lacy - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Best car I ever owned.Great to drive. I bought one with upgraded 18 inch wheels-what a gorgeous truck. I can honestly say I am 100 satisfied with my 4Runner!

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  My Runner - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Luke82 - May 8 - 9:50 pm

  Well got my 4Runner back in April 2008 and already have 12,000 miles, this cars runs great so far. Its a V6 Sport Package and it looks mean with that hood scoop! The car does its work how SUV should. The power is great the comfort is great just took it hunting and off road so its a good piece of machine. I would recommend this SUV over any American made SUV!