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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  A Real Head Turner! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By TBarry - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my matrix only two days ago and I am totally impressed with it so far! Its comfortable, roomy for cargo and people and also very stylish. I love the interior chrome finish, and the premium stereo in mine is just great. I have noticed that there are rough edges on the plastic on the doors and center console (as it says in the consumer review), but for the price I think its a very well put together car. I love the looks my solar yellow matrix gets, and its hard to miss in a parking lot! Overall a great value. I cant believe how many extras I got with my xr model, and this car can really pick up speed too!

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  Awesome! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Sblantonus - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I waited nearly three months for this car, but it was well worth it. Though it does not have the acceleration of a sports car, it is still perfectly acceptable, and very fun to drive. In fact, it is fun to drive, fun to own, fun to see the looks of envy from other drivers, and will be fun at tax time when I can take a nice deduction for buying a hybred. Its just awesome. I love it!

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  they said it could not be done - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By mkitty - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I love the idea of using an electric motor to save on gasoline usage. And it doesnt have to be plugged in. The gasoline engine shuts off at stops and the A/C runs off the the battery, not the gasoline engine. Just a couple of ways to save gas money and decrease emissions. Not only that, but it is a very attractive, spacious, and well-made car that is fun to drive.

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  My Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By TAGS - November 12 - 2:00 am

  1 Have 120k+ miles. So far no major mechanical problems. It does eat tires every 40k if you do not rotate. I do not believe the bad brake comments others complain about. I Change my front pads with Toyota orig. equip. every 60k and there is still pads left before the indicator. Someone is doing something wrong with your car if you have a complaint about quality or engineering. I built my house with mine.

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  Excellent Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By henderr1 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this SR5 V-8 4WD extended cab for four years now and love it as much today as when I drove it off show room. This truck steps over everything. Logs, bolders you name it. I hunt and fish in WV and it has never had a problem getting me to and from. I have 76000 miles on it and only have had trouble with the front brakes. The dealer this year finally put the new 2003 brakes and heat shield on it and what a difference. Toyota picked up the labor and I bought the parts. Im ready for another one as soon as they offer heated seats in cloth. Not another truck on the road with this ground clearance. Toyota quality is excellent.

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  Toyota? Lexus? Solara! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Kramer4Solara - November 12 - 2:00 am

  SLE V6 w/DVD nav.The build quality is unparalleled.The car is just solid, smooth, refined to incredibly high standards. The interior feels comfortable and stylish, all controls are intuitive and in the right place. Sounds like a 325i when you punch it. Took it on a four day road trip the fist day I got the keys. Exterior is stylish, but not dated. A truly worthwhile machine.

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  Sweet Wheels - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bigC - November 12 - 2:00 am

  My Solara replaced an 02 Infiniti Q45. I have been totally impressed with the change. Never thought Id be happy with a Toyota. I was wrong!

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  Brakes are too soft - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By silverbox - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I am still trying to figure out why the brakes are so soft... This is not an offroad vehicle that needs this type of feature. Am I the only one with this problem b/c the dealer will hear about this. I do feel safe stopping at a light with the possibility that i may hit the car in front unless i stop much further back than a reasonable distance...

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  TOYOTA COROLLA S - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By POOPNOGGIN - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I COMMUTE 50 MILES ROUND TRIP EVERY DAY, THIS VEHICLE IS AN EXCELLENT DAILY DRIVER. THE GAS MILEAGE AVERAGES ABOUT 33MPG, I ADMIT I HAVE A HEAVY RIGHT FOOT.

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  Great van! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By turbojimmy - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have very few complaints with our "GJ" XLE, which is great considering the very high expectations I had of this van. After looking at all of the competition, we felt that the Toyota had the best combination of size, features, power and asthetics. We were right! With baby seats consuming both middle captains chairs there is still room to get into the van and to the 3rd row. The van is comfortable to sit and ride in no matter which seat you pick. Power from a stop is great, from a roll it is adequate.