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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  Bought 1999 in 2003 - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By rileykins28 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1999 Limited 4WD in 2003. I went to the dealership looking to buy a new 4runner, and couldnt bring myself to pay $35,000 for the newer model after driving the 1999.I bought a certified used 4runner and purchased the extended 100,000 warranty. I only had one problem mechanically with this vehicle and it was totally covered under the extended warranty. Since purchasing and seeing all the new 4runners, I wanted to trade just for the new body style, but cant get the comfortable feeling like I have in the 1999. Overall I love this vehicle, but will try another dealership next time.

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  The Best Vehicle Ive Owned!!! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By jckgian - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota RAV4 is the best and most fun vehicle I have owned and I have been driving for over 30 years. It a sturdy truck and it drives like a car.I think this car, not only rides well, but it also is a good looking vehicle. I also had a wonderful experience, with everyone at the dealership.

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  I Love My RAV4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Mary Jo Peterson - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I first fell in love with the RAV4 in 1996, but it has taken me this long to convince my husband to buy one (hes a Corvette guy). The interior is very spacious and comfortable, especially considering its small overall size. Its fun to drive, has great pickup and lots of room to carry everything from a large TV to our two big dogs. Its fun to take to the beach and very easy to clean out the sand.

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  great - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By gokhan - January 15 - 2:00 am

  a perfect car. what can i say more. please beleave me. drive the car and enjoy your life

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  An outstanding truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Stationed at Bragg - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my first true truck since switching over from owning nothing but chevies. I went with Toyota because of their reputation for reliabilty and havent been disappointed yet. My last vehicle was a 96 4WD blazer that would shred a tranny every 12000 miles. So far I have 22000 onthe tundra and it has performed flawlessly.

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  love to drive my toyota truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By jason bowden - January 15 - 2:00 am

  the truck looks great.i drove many trucks before purchasing this model.even against full size tucks this had the most rear legroom.with a bed cover i get almost 20mpg in it.i think the seats are very comfortable,much better than the honda i had previously.the trd package is definitely worth the money,and i havent had any trouble with the truck.

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  Never Quits! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Grizz12 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had my truck for almost a year now, and it has given me no problems! Previously, I owned a decked out Nissan Frontier and there is no comparison; My Tacoma which I had outfitted with Toyotas TRD supercharger produces 265 horsepower approximately which kicks the heck out of my previous rig... I just love driving this truck, Ive never been stuck, the 4wd is the best Ive ever owned and the supercharger helps. Only bad thing, you cant get the supercharger factory installed, you have to go through your dealer. However I got a great deal, never take the first offer is a good tip guys! I recommend this setup big time, it is a great vehicle!

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  Excellent - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By JSiv - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had it for a year and love it!

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  Its the Perfect Vehicle - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By DianeDD - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Toyota 4Runner that Ive owned and its simply an incredible vehicle. My current model is a loaded Limited and its comfort level, beautiful design and variety of option features truly make it the most perfect vehicle Ive ever owned. Its large enough to perform as a truck (ie, 4WD for driving in snow and hauling furniture, etc.) yet luxurious enough to make me feel wonderfully comfortable whenever Im behind the wheel. I LOVE IT!!!

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  My Runner. - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Gasbill - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The 4-Runner is a very well built and reliable vehicle.It does a good job of meshing its offroad capabilities with its luxury and road features.My wife loves it and I feel assured that it one of the safest vehicles available.