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 Prius experience - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By happynholladay - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Much enjoying driving the Prius. Excellent acceleration, gas milage (46) in mostly freeway driving it is getting better-now have 4500 miles on it. Engine is a little noisier than I expected. Handling is not in the sport sedan class, but is adequate. The limited slip system worked well in snow. Rear seat has good knee room. Good Halogen headlights.

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  Telling it like it is! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By ChrisBRLA - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great Trucks! Not a truck designed to be the biggest or the strongest on the market. If a person is looking for a truck that is comfortable to drive and built to work hard and last a long time, then this is the one for you. Fuel economy is in line with the others, toyota trucks are not the gas sippers that people think they are! I- Force V8 is a good motor, smooth, strong power delivery, I pull 20 HD trailer with 5500 LB tractor no problem.

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  One of the best truck ever - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By pipi - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This truck seen small truck but has more power and better handling that tha big one. I Own a 2001 f-150 before I bought this truck and there no compare this truck is 110 % better.

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  Sequoia SR5 Review - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Katherine F. - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I was recently in a car accident. I suffered some injuries however, I would be in pretty bad shape had the Sequoia not done what it was built for. I was rear ended at an approx. speed or 45 miles an hour while I was at a complete stop. My Sequoias rear end took a major impact.. But I am alive because of it.. THanks TOYOTA

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  Outstanding highway car - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By emiddle - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I travel about 30,000 miles per year in my job. The Avalon is an ideal choice for this type of use. Definitely a Lexus in a Toyota wrapper.

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  AVALON NEEDS -VERY FEW - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By edwards - July 31 - 10:00 am

  GREAT RIDE-GREAT FUN- A PLEASURE TO DRIVE-GLAD WE DIDNT BUY THE VAN.

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  Dream Car - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Olishka - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This car handles like a dream. Instant response. Comfort, Style, Luxury.

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  Tundra is Great - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By thomasadcock - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I disagree with the numbers toyota says about the towing cap. I tow a trailer that ways just over 10000 pounds five days a week and not a hint of arguement from this truck. I have also had 1800 pounds of aluminum in the bed of this truck and no problems as of yet (with 20000 miles of this on a stock truck)

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  Used to be aFord Man - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By c meusel - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Has always owned Ford trucks but with only having this one for 3 months you would have a hard time getting back to Ford. The overall rating for this vehicle is excellent.

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  This SUV is awesome - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Galileo - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had the Highlander for almost a month and I can say it is a great vehicle. The ride and pickup are far superior to the Honda Pilot. The back seat is as big as anything on the market today. If you are looking for a vehicle that you only need the third back seat occasionally this is it. One major selling point, can negotiate the price on the Highlander where as it was take it or leave with the Pilot. The Pilot has the better third row seat, but the Highlander beats it hads down on passenger comfort and ride. I would highly recommend this vehicle.