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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  Borrowed the car and never returned it! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By kj82703 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I recently borrowed my sisters camry with 130,000 miles on it and completely fell in love. The next day I went out and purchased a Camry and I am thrilled with my purchase.

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  My 2005 Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Dolphinrv - June 19 - 10:00 am

  A very nice automobile. We have owned other Toyotas and I am equally happy with thi one. We just took it on a 200 mile trip and it was very comfortable. I highly recommend this vehicle. We got good fuel economy, approximately 29-30 MPG.

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  What Youd Expect From Toyota - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By terenitup - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Solid. Reliable. Well thought out. Just about everything is right--fit and finish, quality of materials. I expect to drive this for a LONG time.

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  LOVE MY TUNDRA - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By JTLowitz - June 19 - 10:00 am

  It drives like a dream. The seats are comfortable for me. I love the room. What kind of milage does one expect from a V8, it is good under these conditions. Would like to see more creative cover... I am sooo very happy. My kids love it too. I have never been so happy, even with my BMW.

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  A great value - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By STP - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The car is what I expected. Great fuel economy in a larger car. (32+ MPG on regular) My dealer really tries to be perfect. I paid 18,700 and for that price I feel I have a great value.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By BurtBC1976 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car.I was extremely hesitant about buying a foreign car.This is actually my first ever out of 13.I am happy beyond words with this vehicle.Well done!

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  excellent - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By sporty toyota c - June 19 - 10:00 am

  i love my car. It was an excellent purchase for me! I would definately suggest the toyota corolla sport. It has been extremely reliable and dependable. the gas milage is great. All in all i highly recommend this car.

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  Go Ahead...Ask Me - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By GoAheadAsk me - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I could not be happier with my 2004 Corolla! Being a VW only owner for years I had such a bad time with my 1999 Jetta that I decided test drive a Camry...the Corolla drive was just for fun while I waited for more info on the Camry. I loved the Corolla immediately and so much so that I decided to go with this instead of the sister Camry. Either way, you cant go wrong with Toyota! Between the Service and dependability you will not be disappointed! I still look forward to my morning commute every day in my comfortable, affordable, reliable Toyota! So, go ahead...Ask Me About My Toyota!

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  The ideal starter car. - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Reign - June 19 - 10:00 am

  My parents bought me this car for my 16th birthday and its been reliable through in and throughout. It seats four people comfortably and has HUGE trunk space. At first glance, it looks like a small car, but dont be deceived. The Corolla is hardly a monster car, but its decent in size. The air conditioning is good if that counts at all as is the handling. Its fun to drive, but then again, Im a teen. Driving is fun all around. The Corollas a little noisy from the inside, but its expected from a V4 car. All in all, you get a lot for your buck.

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  Great car, sporty looks, good price - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Joshscar - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for about 3 months, and it has been an awsome car! I liked the LE because it had a better quality interior and more little features such as a multiple conpartment armrest, two- tone interior, etc. I choose the auto. trans., and opted for the cruise control, anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbag, and the upgraded rims. The final cost including tax and fees was $17,300, which is a lot of car for not a lots of money. My Corolla performs well, and afterall, it is a toyota- so reliability should not be an issue.