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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  HOT MAMAS ECHOES - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By HOT MAMA - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Its nimble and fun to drive....you actually have to drive it...it doesnt go 80 mph unless you have put it there. Bit difficult if you have to go up a mountain.... good in snow.

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  Futuristic Look without the High Price - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By SpiderMan - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Great Car and reliable

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  simply the best - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By car tester - May 25 - 2:00 am

  amazing; smooth, powerful, esp going up hill; build quality superior,perfect seats great vision even in back.Navigation system is futuristic.Info screenshows hybrid working, and exact mpg& drive reminds me of bmw3 series, not quite as sharp, but close!

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  Outstanding Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By camehome517 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The Matrix is a cross between a SUV and a Station Wagon. Driving it you feel the size and security of an SUV but you have the economy of a ecomomy car...

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  Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Anthony Libretti - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Avalon, trading in aa 2000 Avalon with 46000 miles. This car has the weight, stability and the easy of handling that I like in a vehicle. In addition, it is a modern, yet of a conservation design which is attractive and could be traditional for a long time. We treat it like a baby.

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  I love my Tundra!! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By LuvMyTundra - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this is just a great truck with eye appeal.

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  very happy - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By dstreet - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for 1 month and am very happy with it so far. I enjoy the 4 runner so much better that the GMC Yukon that I had previously.

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  Love my Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By DanielleV - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my corolla. Its fast, light quick and sporty. Its a nice car, and it really shines when its clean. Its easy to shift, and queit too. im impressed with all the cute little pockets inside to stash stuff. The stereo is AWESOME for a factory model. Love the Car, all my pals are buying them and they love them too!

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  Incredibly practical car. - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By T.Fish - May 25 - 2:00 am

  If you want excellent quality, reliability, resale, safety, and mileage, buy this car. If you want wild fun and excitement, look elsewhere. My first new car ever, and at $3000 down, $250/mo, I expect it to still be worth something after five years.

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  Camry SE - A great car! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Brazilgoal - May 25 - 2:00 am

  After driving a 86 Nova (Carrola really) and a 88 Camry my new Camry is a dream come true. I get many good comments on how good the car looks, black with upgraded Enkei rims. It drives very nice but I did add a K&N air filter and still plan to do a few more things to increase the horsepower. Only problems have the process buying the car with the dealership, a repeating nightmare of ineptness. Also, the transmission had to be completely rebuilt after the first two days because it would slip out of gear. We love the car though.