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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  "Oh what a feeling" - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By 1funnykat - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Im on the road alot. I was driving a Dodge Ram 1500 4wd lifted w/36 tires.That got 12 gallons to the mile. I needed something economical but with flare and style. There is no way I was going to drive something wqithout style. the Matrix is perfiect 4 me, its has style, great sound system and 43 mph.I bought the 5 speed 4 fun and it is.

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  lovit - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By brooknew - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Its what the world is waiting for! Its a get-in-and-go car with lots of comfort, style and room.

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  Fun, Green, Sporty Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Expect a lot - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Been waiting for a new re-design Hybrid for more than 2 years. Getting this Toyota Prius 2004 is worth all the wait. There is plenty of power that goes a long way with this Eco-Friendly sedan. Especially, a lot more interior space compared to the rest. It fits five comfortable, while the driver still have comfortable space to drive

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  2004 Toyota Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By TaDah23 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my seventh new Toyota. It is the one that is bringing me the most pleasure to own. As a Hybrid, it is surprisingly peppy, rides like it is on air, comfortable to drive and at 55 MPG makes me feel good. Rated as a PZEV emission vehicle, it has less than 10% of emissions than the other hybrid has. America needs to catch on to a much more fuel efficient vehicle.

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  great car - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By tig_nj - August 12 - 2:00 am

  the best 2500 iever spent got it from a honda dealer needed a clutch so i guess i stole it for 2500 out the door. i drive it to kill it but it keeps up. strong 1.8 fast and econimical. handles great in all weather. change the oil and go and regular gas is even better. 5 speed fun to drive.

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  Drives like a car, hauls like a truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By jerjermeister - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2003 Tundra after looking at them for over 2 years. It has exceeded my expectations for comfort and ride. Had a Ford truck before, it was good but always felt like a truck. My wife and I drove the Tundra to Seattle this Christmas. It was snowing over the passes and the Tundra handled the snow perfectly in FWD. Also, we drove straight through from Seattle to Sacramento on the way back without feeling any driving fatigue. For us, it is more comfortable then our 1998 Caddy. Try one, youll like it.

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  Plain looking but a great performer! - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By toshiko - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Plain Jane to look at but what a comfortable, smooth riding sedan! This is my second consecutive V6XLE (both are manufactured in Japan). On both cars, I never had to REPAIR anything yet. Always dependable in a extreme cold of NJ and heat of FL. If the performance and dependability are important to you, I recommend this model highly.

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  Great TRUCK - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By sccrchick - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck. I always wanted one and now I have one, I am so happy. I cant wait to get another one so I can have two great toys to play with.

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  great truck!!!! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By stevestruck - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Maintenance free!!! This is the fifth truck Ive had since 1984. All you do is change the tires when they wear out and put gas in it. run run run. Had a ford ranger. You get what you pay for. Now when I see a ford ranger on the road I think: "You Fools!!!!". I took one over to Germany in 1995. drove it all over Europe. Put 60k miles and sold it for more than I paid for it new. They really keep their value and evryone knows their quality. I have seen and experienced the proof. I will never go to another truck, unless its a Tundra. Thabnks toyotsa for building a great truck.

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  Vehicle is enjoyable! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By JackSCPA - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Owning a Highlander is, so far, a good experience (at 2,500 miles). The inside contour is pleasing, and the vehicle seems to be very safety oriented. Everything about the design seems to be built with the consumer in mind. Its fun to drive, handles very well, and is fairly quiet.