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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  not for snow/cold weather - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By GREG STUEWE - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This car has been built for less weight and hence experiences loss of traction coupled with the long wheel base(room for battery)very hard to turn on snow/ice. The first snow we got(after buying) I hit the curb and bent the rim $380 + to replace. Got stuck 4 times. I only had that happen one other time in 27 years of dirving. Poor fuel economy in cold weather. Gas engine never shuts down, has to run to keep warm. I plan on storing this vehicle next winte

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  2001 Toyota Rav4 Review - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By etodd4 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  The car is great to drive. It handles exceptionally and is actually quite high off the ground.

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  4 Great Years - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By ownerofavalon - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car. Weve extended the lease to wait for the 2005 Avalon which is scheduled for spring. Never needed a repair after 60,000 miles (other than tires). Love the room and the ride. Plenty of power. Good gas mileage with regular gas.

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  Love It!! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Healthlady - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Toyota, but wont be my last. I truly love my Camry. It was a hard choice between the Camry and the Accord, but I am glad that I chose the Camry. I am glad that I purchased a vechile with all the options, because I use them all!!

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  Wish I had bought one sooner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By newtotoyota - September 24 - 2:00 am

  As a former chevy driver I can say that I am sorry I did not buy my 4runner sooner! The V6 is more than adequate if you are driving in town. It is surprisingly powerful! The exterior is more stylish than the older models and the interior is roomy. Although I do not have a third row seat I think it would be a tight fit for anyone other than kids.

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  First SUV, Love It and Having Fun!!!! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By lccbrooks - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my SUV. At first it kept jumping 4 a lack of a better word. Whenever I pressed the gas, especially going around corners, my SUV jumped into gear late. Make sure B 4 buying, U R sure U want 2 spend money 4 gas, maintenance and insurance. Short/Petite ladies U will get a workout from the trunk door. It is very heavy. However, on the positive side, my husband said that was good because I wont have 2 worry about it falling down on me. The driver window/door controls are a little award 2 get 2, but will get use 2 the location. If U have long arms, it may not bother U. Overall a wonderful choice.

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  My Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By tcrawford - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY TOYOTA HIGHLANDER! I previously owned a Toyota Camry and because I loved the look, performance, and dependability of my car I knew I wanted to stay with Toyota for my next vehicle. The Highlander is a larger vehicle without the bulkiness of alot of the SUVs out there. My highlander fits my style and size perfectly. I purchased my vehicle just in time for the New England winter season. Ive never experienced problems in the snow or ice with my Toyota.

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  Perfect Road - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Bob Harris - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Although criticized for its lack of dramatic styling this is a handsome well thought out alternative SUV for those not desiring to spend the majority of there testosterone driving around in the woods! Great smooth power and comfortable shure footed handling with tastefull understated elegance.

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  Im Lovin It - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By TThomas - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I made the right choice in giving up my 11 year old Toyota Camry LE. I love my new Corolla S 2004 so much that Im very disappointed when I get to my destinations. I love the interior and especially the look of the exterior (everyone says it looks like a baby Lexus). This is my first moonroof and it is awesome. Drives and feels tight around turns. All I can say is that I love it and would do it again in a heartbeat! Also all the reviews in Edmunds were the icing on the cake in my final buying decision!

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  Lexus Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Melissa - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I owned a RX300. I feel like driving the same car. Except, this one is bigger and heavier. Of course, RX is more powerful because it is 1000 pounds less than the Sienna. Anyway, my kids love it verrrry much! Very comfortable.