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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  Impressive - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Lightning2 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Corolla 2004 is absolutly differently differnt car than before 2003 model. At first, I want to buy used corolla. But after seeing corolla 2004. I cannot buy used one. Corolla 2004 have a great design and big interior dimension.

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  The best minivan I have ever driven! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Lesgo - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I was a loyal Dodge Grand Caravan owner. I was about to trade in Caravan number two on Caravan number three, but the new Sienna caught my eye. I am so glad it did! It is sooo much better at everything it does! It is comfortable, it handles smoothly. It is easy to park - even in tight spaces. It has the first cruise control that I have ever seen maintain the set speed - even driving through the Smokies. The best part of this minivan is that it is fun to drive - it doesnt feel like Im driving a "Mommy-mobile." When people ask me about it I tell them "This isnt a minivan - its a sports car that seats seven."

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  Got caught up in the Hype - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Ernie K - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Owned 97 Caravan (110,000 miles), toss of a coin between this or the Odyssey. Newer Chryslers had to much plastic. Got caught up in the Toyota hype. Have 4000 miles, 3000 from recent vacation trip. Hopefully the reliability will overcome the disillusion I currently have. The issues maynot effect shorter drivers as much (62"). It may have more cubic feet but not as practical or useable as my Caravan (with the exception of the fold down seats). Not stable in high winds or near large trucks traveling at interstate speeds. Alignment scheduled!!

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  My Living room isnt this comfortable - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Angie Malacaman - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Due to the safety ratings on this vehicle, we had planned to get it before the test drive. What a pleasant surprise. This mini van is as close to perfect as you can get. Everything is convenient. All buttons are within easy reach of the driver and passenger and rear controls are easy enough for my 5 year old to function. The kids love the DVD player, and I love the Navigation system. We have not once needed an extra cup holder. The ride is excellent! Id highly recommend this mini van.

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  Great little car! - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By busymom7 - August 18 - 11:16 pm

  This incredible little car is fun to drive and gets awesome gas mileage, even in town. My fifteen year old keeps bugging me about driving it and THINKS she will get to drive it when she gets her license - but theres no way she will get it away from MOM! The interior headroom is surprising. My six foot four husband fits without brushing his hair on the roof, much less his head! Love the pep, love the zip. Great little car!

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  Great SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Toyota Lover - August 18 - 11:53 am

  This is my first Toyota and first SUV. Got tired of the minivan style. Test drove any out there, Escalate, Yukon, Tahoe, Expedition, Aspen, QX56, Navigator. When you compare each of those cars to the Toyota, probably each will have a thing or two better than the Toyota BUT as a package... nothing is comparable. The ride is very close to the Navigator, the performance... well there is nothing to compare too! The interior is extremely roomy and especially the 2nd and 3rd row (both fold flat and recline). Compared to the previous model, it is amazing what Toyota was able to achieve. The interior could be slightly richer. I am getting around 15.5 MPG for mostly city driving. Try it!

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  Feels like a Lexus - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By John Mac - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this truck used and I am very impressed. Driving it feels like a dream and the quality is exceptional. I cant get my wife to let me drive it though - she and kids are sold.

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  Prius performance - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By flyfischr - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive and the mileage it gets is great: 52mpg on the freeway,45mpg average up & down hills. It goes up mountains passing cars with no problem. Its acceleration is steady -- not sudden like a V8 but acceptable. the screen display is usefull to provide the feedback that allows one to become a more efficient driver -- example: take your foot off the accelerator long before comming to a stop sign and you save a lot of gas as well as the brake lining. Its also more roomier in the inside than one would think just looking at the exterior.

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  This car is a blast!!!! - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By heavyd - August 18 - 10:00 am

  We use this car for day trips as as a commuter. Fantastic fuel economy. Fun to drive, very responsive. Gets many looks from everyone. Quality is high and so far it has been very reliable.

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  99 Solara is a GREAT Car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dos1943 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Runs so silently that many people cannot believe the engine had been started. Fast and powerful for a 6 Cyl personal car