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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  Nice ride - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By NJSoccer M&D - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Have had our XLE for six weeks. Excellent ride. Very sound build. Split third row seats have worked out great. "Kids love it!" Weve got three.

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  best minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By blade2004 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  The bnest minivan in the world. everybody should buy one.

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  New To Toyota - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ChancesMom - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I are new to the Toyota line, but weve had a number of other minivans as comparisons. The Toyota Sienna is a great vehicle...comfort, style and performance. The only thing that all minivans need to improve is their fuel economy, but even there the Sienna tops the other Makes/Models weve had in the past. My primary reason for buying a Sienna was its impressive crash-test ratings as well as its Toyota durability. Thusfar we are pleased to "get the Toyota feeling!"

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  I Looooove My Van! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Kay N Jais Mom - February 8 - 10:00 am

  What a wonderful van. I love the deep cargo well in the back, and the fold to the floor seats. My girls think it is really cool to be able to put their windows down. The 3.3 Sienna felt more powerfull than the 3.8 Caravan, and it was more fun to drive. Wouldnt trade if for the world.

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  Great - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By olga - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Thats a very nice practical car, comfortable to drive and fuel efficient! Great car, very nice interior and exterior, good sound sistem.

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  Camary Fobia - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Craig D. - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife bought the car for her. I never liked it, but I dont like Toyota engineering anyway.The interior was very nice but the outside is ugly. The performace was bland and the driveability very poor. No power, bad shifting, terrible lag to the point of being unsafe to drive. Will not accellerate when needed. I hated it so much we got rid of it.

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  My Company Car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By GDT - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I received my LE as a company provided car. I had always driven domestic or Hondas prior to that. I was quite surprised to find the Toyota was as good as anything I had owned before. Frankly, I hadnt ever given Toyota a 2nd thought when making my purchases...that will all change now. The 4 cyl is a little weak at times, but over all acceptable in most situations. Fit and finish is excellent, however I do agree with a previous posting that the rear bumper is prone to scratching easily if accidently bumped with a bag or suitcase. Dont make the same mistake that I did. Give this car a close look when making your next car purchase.

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  six speed - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By dan connelly - February 8 - 10:00 am

  thes things are awesome, the 6 speed is the best part about it. i wish the rims were a little better lookin but overall this thing rocks.

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  Excellent - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Dan-o - February 8 - 4:33 am

  If youre looking for quality, reliability and value, get a Tundra. Ill take the gas mileage 16-19 anyday for the value and the low maintenance costs. Truly a well-built vehicle. Drivetrain is smooth and powerful. This should tell you all about Toyota engineering: they use 6 quarts of oil in the crank compared to 4 and 5 from everyone else. Get the towing package; if nothing else, you get the HD tranny with aux. cooler. The drivetrain will last forever. No regrets.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Riad Abi Chahla - February 7 - 2:36 pm

  When i saw the FJ i immediately wanted to buy... I did some research and i found that it has everything i need. 1st the rugged stylish looks the durability the power and off road capabilities... after 3months of ownership I still find it more amazing everyday...