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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  2004 Toyota Sienna FWD XLE Limited - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By John Mitchell - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2001 Honda Odyssey which was the best van available at that time. I looked at all the vans before purchasing the Sienna which, I believe, is by far the best van on the market today. It is extremely quiet with a very smooth ride. The quality & workmanship is outstanding. Moving of the second row seat is not as easy and convenient as the Odyssey.

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  LUVMYTOY - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Suki - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have not yet taken possession of my new Sienna. My 98 Sienna is my joy. It is without a doubt the most comfortable auto I have ever had. All rows of seats are just as comfortable as the front. Long trips are a breeze! Handles beautifully at high speeds and the 2004 turns on a dime. The road noise on the 2004 is all but gone. It has style, reliability and is made to last.

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  great improvement over last year - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Maggs - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I really loved EVERY improvement, the ONLY thing that needs MORE improvement would be having the second row also fold like the New Nissan Quest 2004 model. Im very glad for the AWD, for the windows that retract for the second row. However it would be nice if they had a sky light like the Nissan Quest also

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  toyota sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By trollmandan484 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  this car is great. It is loaded with many cool standard features and a very powerful engine.

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  Toyota Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By devilman484 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car drives very well. The ride is excellent and the space in the car is gargantous. I am a tall person and this van is made for me. It has a great value and is loaded with standard features, from a rear seat that folds into the cargo floor to power 2nd row windows that actually go down. This car is great and I hope you consider buying one.

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  Awesome little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ivan - July 30 - 6:43 am

  I hear people complaining about the dashboard but it really does not matter because its fully visible without the steering wheel obstructing the view as you turn, great idea, easy to get adjusted.

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  Toy 4Runner sr5 4wd built to last - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jen k - July 30 - 1:28 am

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  Better than Reports - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By 2-avalon owner - July 29 - 9:36 pm

  This is my second Avalon and both have been wonderful cars, the first got crashed, although both have been wonderful cars. I just took a trip to the Grand Canyon from southern CA, and averaged 31.7 MPG with the cruise control set at 70 MPH. I have not taken a trip that I have attained less than 29 MPG. This is a well engineered car great handling and comfort, lots of luggage space. This car pretty much has it all. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

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  Great car, lots of power, high quality. - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Andrew - July 29 - 8:36 pm

  This car will exceed your expectations! You cannot find a better SUV for the price. Fast V6 at 269 horsepower and great fuel economy with 22 MPG city for me and 28 MPG highway. Great quality, no problems, large enough for the family and our Chocolate lab! Great Dog car, great for towing up to 3,500 lbs, great for hauling small to medium size stuff, great in the snow!

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  Lovin my Rav4 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By matxutca - July 29 - 2:36 pm

  Ive had my 2008 V6 4WD Rav4 for a week and lovin every minute of drivining it. Ive already tested the PSI warning light as I had a nail in the tire within a few days of purchasing. Had the light not gone on, I suspect I would have had a flat tire vs. being able to check it out before it went completely flat. Engine very quiet - to the point it sounds like it stalled. Its the perfect size - takes up the same space in the garage as my Volvo S70 - maybe even a little less space.