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:

• 

  I love my Rav4! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By redcat - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2004 Rav4 L AWD in pearl white. I test drove the Tribute, Escape, CRV as well as the Rav4 and the Rav 4 was my favorite. It handles well in all types of weather and is pretty economical on gas for an suv. I have driven it up to about 90 mph and it still feels sturdy but once you go above 70 mph, the wind noise becomes more pronounced. Acceleration is much better than previous years, it is smooth and gets the job done. Braking is EXCELLENT! The interior may seem small but my 60 boyfriend fits with no problem. Initially, he thought Rav would be too small and wanted me to get something else, now he tries to drive it as often as I will let him.

• 

  My Favorite SUV (car) - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Catherine Young - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Two of my neighbors had a Rav4. I asked them how they liked it. My husband and I went to the Daytona Toyota "just to look". A very friendly and helpful salesman greeted us. When we walked over to the pretty green gray Rav4 my husband said he knew that was the the SUV for me. I feel very confidents driving it as it handles real well. Everything on the inside is very convenient. The back opens to hold alot of groceries or whatever. I can say there is no other car on the road that I would rather be driving. Even the back seat is comfortable for adults or children. The gas mileage is great and that is important to me. Thank you Toyota for building such a great SUV.

• 

  First Toyota and First Convertable - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SueM - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Love the look and style of the car. Interior is beautiful, very comfortable. Visibility is terrrible, alot of blind spots, backing up difficult to see. Hesitation on acceleration, otherwise love the car. Suprised for V6 pick up not what I expected, had a 2001 Eclipse, seemed like it had much more power and pick up.

• 

  Toyotas for us ! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MILK HAULER - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Toyota, first was a 03 Camry XLE. Wife had to have the soft top. So far this seems to be a great machine. Its got the bling factor she needed for a progressive real-estate broker. The fuel milage and sportyness to make it fun to drive! Thanks Toyota!

• 

  sequoia is awesome - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By cmkollas - January 20 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle - fantastic

• 

  Original Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By PEAJEAN - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a 2001 Prius and have loved my car since November of 2000. Had to select the hatchback, but it is the original sedan. Presently showing 52 MPG on its computer screen. The Zapper loves warm weather, and the lowest is winter mileage about 39MPG. Initial problems all under warranty. Why pay twice as much per gallon and arrive at the same place at the same time as another sedan? Tax credit the first year, and gas economy ever since. Have taken it to Detroit and into the hills of Tennessee. No problems with hills, and turns on a dime.Take four more, three more with comfort. Watch for ZAP GAS in Columbus, Ohio, driven by a retired school teacher lady.

• 

  Tacoma - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Luvinlops2 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck, It had been my dream truck for a while and now I finally own one. It is really a great truck.

• 

  Hello 4Runner - Good Bye GM - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sport Ed - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my first non-GM SUV, and I am loving it! The 2004 Toyota 4Runner V8 Sport Edition 4WD is a great vehicle for looks, comfort, quietness, value, performance, build, and reliability. Most of my driving tends to be city, on-road, with some highway, variable weather, with a little off-road, but my overall mileage is at 19.2 mpg which is great for a V8 4WD. I am also glad I have a 4Runner model that has all the improvements made since 2003. I have previously owned full-size K-Blazers, S-Blazers, and full-size Tahoes from Chevy, but now I cant ever imagine getting anything else to drive other than another 4Runner. This seems to be the overall best vehicle that I have ever owned. Period.

• 

  great van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By orestes - January 20 - 10:00 am

  best minivan I ever owned , great an gas and great on the hiway , very smooth and stable

• 

  Toyota Sienna #1 - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Marty T - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Im an independant car dealer who has owned many personal mini-vans from dodge,chrysler,mazda,nissan,honda and found the Toyota line of vans are superior. My 04 Sienna Limited XLE is outstanding.