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:

• 

  Excellent SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By lhenson - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Chose the 4 Runner by accident. I was looking into buying a Honda Pilot or Nissan Murano, however I had not researched the 4Runner because I wasnt aware of the major model change for 2003. Was negotiating a deal on the Murano and just happened to stop by the Toyota dealer next door and looked at the 4Runner. I test drove both the V6 and V8 models and was sold on the V8. The Honda Pilot and their dealers were wanting MSRP and no deals, Nissan was dealing fairly well, however I was able to get this for about $800 below invoice and 2.9% Financing.

• 

  Wonderful SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Roccos Van - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck, I am very impressed with the power, transmission and smooth ride. Since the day I purchased the truck, Ive enjoyed driving it. I especially like the stereo, which is 6 CD in dash, a nice feature and it sounds great. Another nice feature is the auto lock rear tailgate and the double deck cargo area. Would recommend this car to anyone! The only poor feature is the headlights, not much output. I added an HID upgrade kit from CATZ HID to fix the problem, also, not enough headroom with sunroof if you are 62" or taller.

• 

  Fantastic Truck - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By junkfisherman - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This truck is amazing. The six is just as good as the 8, if not better. It drives like a car, its smooth, and has a turning radius that is unbelievable. NOTHING but good things to say about it.

• 

  love it - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By thomas kamp - January 6 - 2:00 am

  my husband bought me this for my birthday, what a guy huh??i absolutly love it ......i used to drive a nissan pathfinder and i must say the 4 runner tops it hands down.everything about it is great except for the gas miledge.

• 

  the best in its class - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By firesarfar - January 6 - 2:00 am

  cant think of anything better in its class. hss more history than civic.

• 

  New corolla is Awesome - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By bethaney11 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I hated the looks of the 80 and 90s Toyota Corollas. There is even a song about a really ugly brown Toyota Corolla that makes fun of it. But I put my stereotypes away and test drove the 2004 model and fell in love. I drive alot with my job so it is important that I feel safe and comfrontable and get good mileage. Add these features to envrionmentally savy, reliable, and very sporty, it is a car well worth its price and I feel it compares well with vehicles that cost $20,000 more. I feel like this vehicle and I will be many miles together. Very awesome. Good Job Toyota!!!!

• 

  I am glad I got rid of my honda accord.. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Letitia Fyfield - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I was having trouble with my honda accord and I got tired of putting money into this car and I am so glad that the dealership talked me into getting a corolla because this is the best car that I have driven I love the color and the body style of the car and it is built like that of the camary and I heard people say that this corolla is a baby camary

• 

  great little car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By pbrunn - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Our 2004 corolla s is a good looking fun to drive car. It handles well, has very good gas mileage, and suprising exceleration.

• 

  SIENNA 2003 - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By LAU367 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  THE VAN DOESNT FEEL LIKE A VAN, IT HAS INCREDIBLE PICK-UP. LOTS OF ROOM FOR CAR SEATS, ALL THE FEATURES A PARENT IS LOOKING FOR FOR STORAGE, SAFETY, AND COMFORT

• 

  too fast to market? - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By neil e - January 6 - 2:00 am

  . transmission late kicking down to first . vague steering . weak brakes . 2nd row seating difficult to remove/install . plastic bumper easily chipped . wind noise near top of windshield . rattle in drivers door . poor stereo . difficult to adjust heater controls . position of rear heat/air outlets