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:

• 

  Best car ever owned out of 20 new - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By alas124 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had five Toyota Camrys since 1976 and one Toyota Lexus. The Avalon is by far the quietest and best ride of all. So far I have had no problems. All the Toyota cars have been extreamly relyable.

• 

  Better than a Sienna - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By altztiffany - September 22 - 2:00 am

  We briefly had a Sienna, which had factory defects. We traded over to the Highlander and are very happy with it! For a small family and a dog, it is just perfect. We dont need the huge interior of the Sienna, and like the sporty interior of the Highlander with the new fabric seats. It is a sturdy car that feels solid, but still has plenty of pickup. A perfect vehicle for both city and country driving.

• 

  2004 highlander limited - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By E Anstaett - September 22 - 2:00 am

  WE have only had it one month, but so far we have been very pleased. The kids love it and love riding in the third row seat. The only problem I have had was figuring out how to get the gas cap off (which I have now mastered).

• 

  corola - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By moonmasy - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Exelent for every day drive out standing reliability

• 

  Great Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By New Van Guy - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Our first minivan though have been in many. Everything is outstanding. It is like driving a Lexus. Pure pleasure!

• 

  Excellent Car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By RAH - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a Phanton Gray 2004 Camry LE 4cyl with options like ABS brakes, moonroof, aerodynamic wing, and carpet/cargo mat set a couple of weeks ago and I love this car. It is one of the smoothest, most comfortable cars I have ever owned. All this in a near luxury ride without the cost. The engine is so quite, many times I cant tell it is running unless I push down the gas pedal! The car accelerates and handles very well. Good amount of power for your average person. I wish the domestic car makers would take lesson with Toyota or Honda and produce as dependable cars that would last a lifetime and keep their resale value.

• 

  GOOD CAR - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By alias 3 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  THis car is very reliable its looks are fine exept I feel that the Honda Accord LX has a litte more weight to it

• 

  Everything I needed... - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By TacoTruck - September 22 - 12:36 am

  I have a base 2wd Taco with Clock and enhancement pk. as the only options. This truck was exactly what I was expecting - no frills transportation with hauling capability, my 88 Civic with a picup bed basically. I get around 30 mpg on the highway, can haul mulch and mountain bikes, evan occasionally pulling a trailer for short distances. Resale value seems extrmemly high. Reliability wasnt what I was expecting from a Toyota, however as it was in the shop 5 times for coil packs and alignment. Also, the Wrangler HP tires are DANGEROUS in the wet - cant wait to replace. I added an OEM bedliner and CD/cassette purchased from online auctions, which really increased the value of the vehicle to me

• 

  Really nice car - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By SamS - September 21 - 10:00 am

  If you like comfort, quiet ride and a quiet cabin at highway speeds then you really should consider this car. The car has plenty of power to accelerate quickly, as in turnpike merges and passing situations. The four wheel disk brakes are sure and responsive with no fade noted. Interior and exterior fit and finish are excellent. This car has very chiseled and angular lines in contrast with the rounded lines of the earlier Avalons and competing sedans, however, there are a lot of second generation Avalons on the road. The fact that the Toyota is known for reliability is what sells, in spite of the external style lines.

• 

  Bang for the buck - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Florida speed - September 21 - 10:00 am

  On the first test drive, the tight, responsive suspension amazed the pants off me. Got my own (spectra blue mica), and told my buddy, "It lets you do s*** you really shouldnt be able to do," then yanked the wheel for a 90-degree left turn at about 40 mph. This car makes driving to work absolutely fun, and a trip to the mountains Nirvana. GT easily beats SUVs (and occasional Z-3 or Boxster) off the line & runs on cheap 87-octane gas. Very sexy car. Everyone compliments the color. A lot of car for the money; lucky I didnt get this when I was 16, or I might not be alive. Im 30 now, but feel like 23 behind the wheel of my Celica.