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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  Nice car but poor steering - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By gordons - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car (bought the 2002 SE V6 new)but the steering is fuzzy (doesnt track well). It takes a lot away from the driving experience for a sporty looking car with a V6.

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  Good Performer -- beautiful family car. - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Townncountry - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new. Thrilled by its looks at first sight -- Much preferred it to Honda Odysseys appearance. Price difference was negligible between the Honda and the Sienna (Sienna was $200 more) -- the Sienna felt more car-like in handling and ride, was more comfortable for the driver and front passenger, and had better visibility. My biggest gripe about minivans -- make them with rear windows that open? I am claustrophobic, and I wish minivan designers would not make you feel so closed in. Would like a hybrid minivan soon, and if tax rebates are given for hybrids, thatll be what we trade up to.

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  my toy - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By hector rodriguez - July 18 - 2:00 am

  the best driving suv easy to drive .My wife has no problems parking it at the mall very comfortable.

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  2004 is a winner - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By crimefighter - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2000 Solara prior to my SLE 2004. The improvements in design, both performance wise, and styling wise are amazing. I too feel a slight pull to the left, but nothing too major. I am impressed with the comfort inside. It handles well and is a true joy to drive. It has smooth quiet acceleration and is getting great gas mileage. I have never enjoyed a car I have owned more.

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  I love My 4 Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Divagirl - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my 04 4 Runner. It drives like a luxury Car. My mother has a Avalon and it feels the same. It has style class and durability like a truck. Its perfect size for me and my stuff. I would recommend it to anyone who doesnt want a big bulky SUV!

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  I like this vehicle - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Yoome - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV, the second that Ive owned. Toyota quality and a whole lot of fun to drive. I hope this runs as long as every one says it will. My first SUV was American made and it just didnt quite cut it.

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  Best car I have even bought! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Marianna K. - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car about one month but I can honestly say that I love it to death already. It drives like no other SUV, midsize or larger size, that I test drove, and I test drove many. It handles beautifully on the highway and on local streets. The interior features ar nice and not too big and bulky which I like. I wanted the Limited model but they didt have it so I opted for the regular model fully loaded. Overall I think it is a great SUV for someone who wants the luxury of a car but also wants to be able to get around any weather condition. I love it!

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  Toyota cars - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By sara1118 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I think that the toyota cars are great cars but way over priced for what you get. I enjoy my car and I have very happy I bought a toyota corella. I love how it drives.

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  I Thought Id Never LOVE A Minivan! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By MelindaQ - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the most comfortable vehicle Ive ever driven. Its easy to handle - doesnt feel like youre driving a huge car. Plenty of room for adults, kids and cargo.

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  the best family sedan on the market - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By rman1675 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  are you looking for a dependable, yet fun to drive car, well here it is, the new toyota camry. the ride is nice and smooth, quiet interior, and comfortabe seats. also it has a lot of value for your dollar. power driver seats are now standard on le and se models, and on the honda accord, its only standard on the ex, which is more money. the other features are power windows, mirrors, locks, cd player, and much more to list here.