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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  I love this SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By AndreaIsAwesome - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE IT! This car is perfect for anyone in the market for an SUV.

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  Performance - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By billu - May 7 - 2:00 am

  After comparing all trucks in this class the Toyota by far offers the most for your money. I own a 4-runner with a 3.0 and it has trouble with mountian roads. This Tacoma powers up the hills with no problem. Ride and handling is about the same as other trucks with an off road package.

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  Corolla S Rocks!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Laura L - May 7 - 2:00 am

  After owning a 95 Corolla, the only car I looked at for my first new car was the 2004 Corolla S. It is a wonderful car and seems much roomier than past models. A great first new car for anyone!!

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  Great Car But..... - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By john7 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is absolutely great and fun car to drive! Exterior is beautifully designed especially with the sports package... A trip from LA back to Bay Area was effortless. Nice Audio system... However, the car visted the dealership for more than three times in the first year. The rubber molding on the top of the car shrunk and flooded the car ceiling. The celling and side pillar had to be replaced as algae started growing in the car!!! Rear seatbelt for the right rear passenger always disappeared into the bottom of the car. Battery had to be replaced once. Lots of blindspots especially in left front and rear right. Lousy sunshade design.

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  GLAD I TRADED THE MAXIMA - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By oakman - May 7 - 2:00 am

  HAD A 2002 MAXIMA SE AND WAS SO TIRED OF SORE BACK FROM THIN SEATS AND HARSH RIDE THAT I TRADED FOR CAMRY AFTER 4 MONTHS. CAR IS LIKE RIDING ON AIR, FUEL ECONOMY IS EXCELLENT, AND ENGINE IS PEPPY. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A COMFORTABLE,ECONOMICAL,AND FUN TO DRIVE CAR---THIS IS IT. I DROVE THE NEW HONDA ACCORD BUT IT SEEMED TO HAVE MUCH MORE ROAD NOISE THAN THE CAMRY.

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  Not comfortable for the larger driver - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By finartlvr - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The drivers seat is uncomfortable and the steering wheel sits too low, even in the up position. The seats were built for small/average drivers and do not fit an average/large driver comfortability There is trouble with the driver side window motor, so beware

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  First time Toyota buyer - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Luckyone - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Have been very happy so far with my Sienna - took me over three months to get it from order date at dealership but it was worth the wait. I hope I remain this satisfied and if so will for sure buy another toyota product.

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  Only a very few small complaints! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By iwannasienna - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Just got my new 8 passenger LE and it is fiiiine...getting lots of looks on the road now!! Only a few quibbles: from my driving position the steering wheel blocks the turn signal indicators. Uh oh - didnt even realize I had a turn signal on for about 1/2 mile! Also, no bell to alert you that your lights are on when the keys are removed. I cant get the "spy mirror" to get a good reflection of the middle seat - again, maybe due to my driving position. The ride is super smooth and cushy on pavement, but it doesnt take the bumps of a gravel road the way my Subaru Outback did. Overall, though, I love it and we are calling it "moms limo!"

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  The best - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By decy - May 7 - 2:00 am

  safe and comfortable. best value.

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  2010 Prius Touring - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By sg3msmith - May 7 - 12:25 am

  Own a 2010 Prius Touring. Still own a 2004 Prius. This third gen car is a great step up. The driving position is much more comfortable than previous generation. Quieter cabin ride. Engine develops more HP and you can tell the difference. Like the positioning of the controls (much easier to see everything). Very nice car. Glad to have my 2nd Prius.