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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  2 Year Owners - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Timothy G - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Camry 2 years ago. We have had virtually no problems with the car. It has been very reliable. Still has smooth ride and responsive steering. We have no regrets.

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  RonCornel - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By RonCornel - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 Solara is fun to drive and handles quite well. The new exterior design is outstanding and is what attracted me to it.

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  Love the Limited - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Carolyn Luna - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my 4x4. We bought the 4x4 and the stock 2x2 2004 Tacomas. The Limited package added the luxury I was looking for in a vehicle I love to drive it.

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  Great offroad, harsh ride - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Citrus man - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I now have 50000 miles on my Tacoma. During the fist couple of months I really liked this truck. But, then I started realizing how it will beat you do death off road, and after a long road trip your back will beg for mercy. Overall, its fun to drive and is great off road. However, its stiff ride and plywood type seats make it a very ucomfortable truck to drive.

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  2004 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ed Fabelo - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Sticker was $31,745, I bought it for $28,000. Try buying at the end of the month for best bargains and use the internet department. Obtain competitors best internet price before making offers and dont budge. If theyre hungry enough for your business, they will sell it at your price.

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  Carols Car - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By twistedinmate - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car! I dont like how theres no lights in the vanity mirror, and there should be third row seating available with the sunroof. Other than that, cars great.

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  BEST SUV IN ITS CLASS - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By SPORTMANDO - March 19 - 2:00 am

  AFTER COMPARING THE 4RUNNER TO EVERY OTHER SUV IN ITS CLASS, THE TOYOTA 4RUNNER RAN AWAY WITH IT IN EVERY CATAGORY.

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  The SUV that rides/drives like a car - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By stfaustina - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the one & only SUV that I have driven/experienced that rides smooth like a car. I feel very safe & comfortable driving this vehicle. I never thought a SUV was capable of providing the comfort of a car ride. It is perfect for people looking for the size of a larger vehicle, but not willing to trade the comfort of a smooth ride. The seats are also very comfortable for travel. I never thought I owuld say this about a vehicle but "I Love this Highlander."

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  Nice ride - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Dizzy Dad - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The perfect second car as an addition to our family minivan. Even with the 4cyl engine has enough get up and go to merge and pass even on hills. When you gun it, it will shift hard, but it gets the job done. Under the regular normal driving conditions, the shifting is fine. Our base model is really well equipped and comfortable. Toyota has covered all the bases with creature comforts like cup holders, lighting and power outlets. Storage area is great. We can get the family of 4, luggage and a couple of bikes in the vehicle with no problems. Highlander is a great option if you want a little more room, and a Camry ride without going to a monser size SUV.

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  The most satifying car Ive ever owned! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Autobuff - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Used to admire Benz and owned from 190 to S class. All have more problems than this silky smooth Highlander. Wifes car and she loves it. Ride is smoother than my curret Lexus with 2000 miles on it. Hard to believe. 10,000 miles and no problem whatsoever so far. Absolute buy!!