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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  Great! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By yellowpearl - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car for only a week now after a three-month wait after ordering. This is a great car. It rides, accelerates and handles excellently. Its gas mileage is phenomenal. The fit and finish of the vehicle also is excellent, up to the usual Toyota/Lexus standards.

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  Almost there ... - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By David Stevens - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Generally I love this car (so do my 11 yr old and friends). Its fun to drive, quiet, good controls, nice audio, enough room. I had an 85 Corolla that this replaced - I loved it and the Prius is a worthy successor. Theres enough power to drive in the Utah mountains and it has a quiet, solid feel on the freeway. Its been cold so the jurys out on the mileage - so far 48 on the freeway but only 30-35 in town and it takas a while to warm the cabin. Visibility could be a little better but its pretty good.

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  Very satisfied - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Carl Burkard - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Cads, Lincolns even an MB but have never been more pleased with a car. I certainly will want another.

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  Great family SUV - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By TCDKJ - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been problem free since day one. It has been evrything that we expected from a Toyota and then some.

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  Quiet, safe, & dependable transportation - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Vinse - June 23 - 2:00 am

  The Avalon gives a quiet, smooth ride with plenty of room in the back seat for tall persons. Front seat adjustments help prevent driving fatigue on long trips. Fuel economy is good for an automobile of this size and class. Workmanship and details are first class. The Avalon gives excellent value for the money, and I highly recommend Aubrey Alexander Toyota Agency in Selinsgrove, PA.

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  I love this SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By roadrashpsu - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 4 runner approx 3 months ago and wasnt sure about getting the limited model, compared to the base model. After having the limited model Im glad i decided to go the extra mile. The car is well worth the money and i love driving it. everybody is jealous of my new ride. It has been very reliable and it really keeps its value. Plus the safety features (8 airbags) and anti-lock brakes make me feel safe anywhere i go. I have the V8 model and love the power, the gas mileage could be better, but if you buy an SUV with a V8 what the hell do you expect? I give the vehicle a 10!

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  Love it. - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gasman - June 23 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Tacoma V6 XTRA is confortable and roomy. It has easy to access features and storage. I have had no problems with it and bought a Toyota for that reason.

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  My First SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By M. Spain - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I Just recently purchased a 4Runner SR5, and absolutely love this vehichle, it has nice pick up and is very comfortable to ride in, this is my first SUV, however, i was able to test drive a few models and decided on the 4Runner over the Grand Cherokee, Highlander and Pilot, the closest competion came from the Mitsubishi Endeavor but I chose the 4runner for Toyotas overall Reliability.

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  So far it is GREAT! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Annie Carly - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I am a new owner of the HighlanderLTD, and have fallen in love with it! Its great looking, well designed inside and out! The ride is smooth, the controls easy to use, and it is great in the snow! The moon roof feature is great as is the general visibility.

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  I love my corrola! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By bouterie - June 23 - 2:00 am

  The only complaint I have about the vehicle is the nasty smell that came from using the wrong brand of gas. Had I been informed of the need to stick to the ExxonMobil brands it would have saved me a lot of time and worry. Now, there is nothing keeping me from enjoying my ride.