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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  My RAV4 - its a BLAST! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By ajf - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle - its a blast to drive and an interesting style. Very comfortable and lots of space for the kids and their hockey & soccer equipment. Were constantly running around from event to event, the trunk space is great and larger than most people think for a small SUV. It rides well and has great features - lots of nooks and crannies to store things

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  Highway cruiser - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By glix - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Large, comfortable car that cruises the highway effortlessly yet gets good gas milage. For someone on the roal a lot, the reliability of this car is very important to me. Four large adults can ride in this car in comfort, even for long drives.

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  Solid - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bwill - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Have had the car about a month. Well done...sporty and stylish...looks much better than the regular Camrys. Only two things weve noticed so far are: 1- a bit of hesitation when you accelerate, and 2- Gear shift seems to be getting rough when moving from Park to Reverse...well have to wait and see if worsens. Overall, very satisfied and feel like weve bought something reliable and sporty

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  MY 4-RUNNER - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By DEL - February 22 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE 4TH TOYOTA WE HAVE PURCHASED (FROM THE SAME DEALERSHIP IN FACT). WE GOT RID OF OUR PRIDE VOLVO BECAUSE IT DID NOT GIVE US THE RELIABILITY AS THE COMPANY REPUTES (AND AS WE THOUGHT?). WITH ITS NEW DESIGN, WE BELIEVE THAT WE MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE, BACKED BY TOYOTAS RELIABILITY. IT HAS A VERY QUIETE RIDE FOR AN SUV. IT ALSO HAVE A MUCH BETTER ADVANTAGE WITH ITS V8 POWERED ENGINE. ITS ACCELERATION IS QUICK AND SMOOTH. I SOMETIMES GET A KICK OUT OF OTHER DRIVERS ON THE HIGHWAY WHENEVER THEY THINK THEY CAN OUT-RUN ME. PEOPLE GOT USED OF LOOKING AT 4-RUNNERS MAINLY WITH A V6 ENGINE. STEERING IS ALSO QUICK AND SMOOTH.

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  Loving it! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By hemaar - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have driven Toyotas for the last probably 10 or more years. Never had a 4runner but I can tell you. I could not have gone wrong with this one. I am loving it all the way. Very quiet ride and smooth. Yes there is a little rattle from the moon roof no big deal. Other than that I am very happy.

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  I love it - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Outgolfin0 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems with my 4 Runner. I have already taken it off- road and it performed like a champ. Although the gas mileage is low. I think it is pretty high for a 4X4 V8 SUV. I get about 18-19MPG. Plus a smooth ride.

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  Keeper - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pete in Alabama - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Previous vehicle was an 89 Toyota pickup. Hoping the new Tacoma will be as reliable. After 3 or 4 hours on the road, the firm seats get slightly uncomfortable and 19MPG is lower than Im used to but it was expected. The ride (on and off road) is great even with the TRD package. Acceleration is OK. Recommend DrawTie hitch receiver and Line-X bed liner. Have towed light loads so far with no problems. Hope to enjoy it for 10+ years.

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  Best Economy Value - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Bart 15 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding car that delivers more than what you pay for. Toyota delivers outstanding fit and finish throughout their entire product line - even the economy end. Have had two plus four hour trip and felt very comfortable - offers excellent back support. Very impressed with the smooth transmission. I have the LE with leather package. Wish they offered heated seats but understand the have to create some differentation to sell the more profitable Camry. If you need a great vehicle that delivers comfort, reliability, and quality the Corolla cant be beat.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Greatjobtoyota - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I did not want to buy a mini van at all, but when I saw the new Sienna I was in love. It has the best options and look. I didnt want to feel like I was driving a mom mobile and I dont with the Sienna. Very satisfied with everything about it.

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  Great car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Joe Chiesa - February 22 - 10:00 am

  A great car to drive. I am glad it was a Camary. Restful after a long drive of 10 hours. The lumbard back adjustments is a great feature too. I like all of the storage pockets and door storage pockets.