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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  120k+ - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By cmo - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Happily driving the wheels off. Very reliable. Pros are the interior room (Im 62") which is the best in a high fuel economy car Ive ever known, excellent manueverablity and parking. An excellent city car. Cons are crosswind sensitivity (you MUST stay focused on the road on a windy day) and the stunning lack of Toyota aftermarket parts and repair manuals. Much of the car is engineered to make you bring it back to the dealer. I paid $42 for a fuel filter that was mounted in the fuel tank under the rear seat. Tercel (ECHO is a very upgraded Tercel) had a $5 fuel filter under the hood on a fender. OTOH it simply doesnt give any trouble.

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  Nice little car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By BoxerChamp - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Downsized from a full size SUV to the matrix. Lots of room in the back I love how the back seats fold back and leaves you with a large area for storage. The gas mileage is a plus too.

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  Excellent bang for the buck - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ceebee100 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 97 Camry for the SE 4 cyl Solara. Even though I didnt get the amount I really deserved on my trade in, I have no regrets. The Solara is an excellent car and handles like a dream.

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  2003 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By lanette - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had my truck for a year. I love this truck, but have had it in the shop 3 times for front end noise. The technition can never duplicate the offending sound and therefore can never fix it. Strangely enough, when I come in for a ride with the technition the sound is gone. Talk about shady. My stereo is being replaced Thursday for a constant Error1 signal, and my sunroof has an intermittant problem. But for all the irritations, I love my truck!

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  Is my gas gauge stuck?? - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Bill-KY - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Before purchasing the 04 Corolla, I test drove a 04 Honda Civic. I was totally amazed of how easy it was to get in/out of the Corolla, The center console on the Corolla was much larger than the Civic. The Corolla also was a much more smoother riding than the Civic. I chose the Corolla because it has a "timing chain" in the engine (which is alittle more engine noise compared to timing belts which are quieter.) Also, the gas mileage is unreal!! Im getting 37-38 mpg driving an average of 65 mph and about 100 miles daily, 80% highway miles. I find the power of the engine to be very satisfactory to get in/out of highways and local streets.

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  LE Auto - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By ToyotaFan2004 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  The build quality was almost perfect. One thing so far....The trunk has to really use force to latch. Also, there is an exposed wire from the headlinear down the windshield to the rearview mirror to power the reading lights. It looks so "after thought". Other than that the car performs more than I expected in every aspect, it drives good, the night visibility (headlight & instrumenattion) was super, gas mileage is unapproachable by any automatic seden in its class. However, the price really adds up fast when you start adding options like ABS, sideairbag, alloy wheels, upgraded stero. Overall, I am very happy with it.

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  Magnifique! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Oh What a Feeling! - November 5 - 2:00 am

  We wouldnt trade this van for any vehicle. The power is noticeable, the ride is smooth and responsive and the interior space is phenomenal. Its no exaggeration to say this, our first minivan, has improved our quality of everyday life. Its well worth the price, even at MSRP. We looked closely at all the new models, and the Sienna fit our needs more comprehensively than any other. The Nissan was cute, the Honda functional ... but the Sienna combined the best of all worlds.

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  Gret Car! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Ladyeight - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I am very satisfied with my car. It is very fun to drive, and has great features. The trunk has so much space and I love that it has a full size spare tire.

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  Luxury ride at budget price - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By repleo - November 5 - 2:00 am

  After 6 months I am still amazed at how smooth this car is every time I get into it. I only got this car because I needed a reliable car for low payments and Toyota was runnung a lease special. Even the most basic model is equipped and drives like a luxury car costing twice the price. Dont know how they get the performance they do out a 4 cyl 2.4L engine. The only problem - my wife and I argue who is going to get it every morning. Solution - looking at a Highlander to replace Taurus wagon.

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  My 95 Tacoma after 11 years. - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jim - November 4 - 2:50 pm

  My tacoma is now 11 years old with 84000 miles on it. I have the original tires and brakes. I am trading it in for a new 2006 Tacoma just because I want a new truck. The 95 still runs great. I do not regret having bought it. I do all the suggested maintenance and have had no unexpected maintenance issues. The truck has never let me down. I go off road in Utah and Colorado and have a great time with it. Biggest beef is the flimsy drink holder that pulls out from dash. A pop can will bounce around dumping out pop. Another is the brittle paint; it chips too easily.