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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  A roomier Lexus 430SC - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By JESteff - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, powerful, roomy, great looks, who could ask for anything more for less than $30,000.00. I looked aroud and could not find anything else in its class.

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  SR5 4dr V8 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By gipp - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Over all love this SUV. Test drove other SUVs and loved this one soon as I got in. Beware - be ready to buy when you test drive - you wont want to leave this one behind.

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  Oh What a Feeling! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Wacky - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this truck for almost seven months now. I find that it handles well for a truck.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By lampright - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 3 Toyota trucks and two american 3/4 ton trucks in the past that I greatly enjoyed, but this new 4Runner takes things to a whole new level of pleasure. Vehicles just dont get much better than this! The V8 and 5 speed auto are silky smooth with plenty of power. For a V8 it gets decent milage 15-16 city and 19-22 highway, the best being 24mpg. The JBL sound system is the best factory system Ive heard, although it could still use more bass. I do wish there was an aux input for an mp3 player though. The ride is pure pleasure. I could go on and on about how much I love this truck, but Im limited to 700char.

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  more than pleased - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By John Radtke - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The experience has been better than expected. The smooth responsivness is incredible. It is fun to drive and will be a while before the excitement wears off. I dont have many cons on this vehicle. The one thing that could have been done better is the climate contrals. I cant seem to get used to the multiple steps to get what I want in climate comfort. Overall, this vehicle has been mt best SUV I have ever owned.

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  Corolla S great value - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By yotefan12 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased a 2004 Toyota Corolla S. It is a sporty looking car with lots of leg room and comfort. Very economical and fun to drive. My teenager now wants one of her own. At the great discounts now available, that just might happen!

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  I LOVE my new Corolla!!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By LauraJ619 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new Corolla in July, and I must say I have fallen completely in love. Not only is the car great looking, the inside is amazingly roomy. Additonally, the trunk seems very spacious. For such a small engine, the car has surprisingly good acceleration, and the handling was great on my cross-country drive. The engine is exceedingly quiet- it just purrs along. Combine all these things with he dependability of Toyota cars (I hope to keep this one for a looong time) and you clearly have a winner! My advice to potential buyers would be to go for it! Its a great buy!

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  toyota corolla sport is the best - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By northernpatiot - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this corolla because I got into an accident with my 2000 corolla. Although my old corolla had only 50,000 miles on it, I had to have the 2003 model because it was so nice. I love my car and I love to drive it everywhere. Now that it had 22,000 miles on it I just cant stop. What can i say I love my car.

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  Great Family Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By pokui - October 24 - 10:00 am

  After three months of driving the Toyota Sienna 2004, I am still as thrilled about the car as when I drove it away from the dealership. I have driven it to Las Vegas (approx 275 miles) twice and am amazed at the Siennas comfort and stability. The engine is strong and responsive, cruising at 80-85 seems like 65. Turning radius is wonderful and helps tremendously when parking. The interior is comfortable. I would strongly recommend this car. Our previous van was a Windstar and test drove the Odyssey which was a great car also.

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  NEW VAN - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ABBEY - October 24 - 10:00 am

  EXTREAMLY LUXIOUS, HAS A LOT OF GREAT FEATURES,ROLL DOWN SECOND WINDOWS, FOLD DOWN SEATS, AUTOMATIC SLIDING AND REAR DOORS. HAD A 98 WINDSTAR THAT THE WIFE WOULD RARELY DRIVE, BUT HAVE A HARD TIME KEEPING HER OUT OF THE SIENNA. WE ALSO HAVE A 2000 AVALON AND ARE VERY HAPPY WITH BOTH TOYOTAS.