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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  Love this car - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By JBK - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The wife and I spent several months looking at cars. After testing driving the dealers Avalon03 demo, we both wanted the Avalon. It has more room than the ES300 handles as good if not better, plus is much cheaper. Some reviews have said this car is slow. Ours is very fast and seems to be getting good mileage on the Hwy. This car is a pleasure to drive.

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  Toyota Fundra D-Cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By vitikema - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a combination of luxury and heavy-duty. The spacious rear passenger seats make it an excellent family car and the normal sized bed makes it an excellent outdoors, adventurous vechicle. I recommend this excellent truck to those with varying degrees of needs.

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  Excellent overall - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Larie - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I waited 2 yrs for this truck the (4Dr) Crew Cab and I am glad I waited. My husband has the 2001 Access cab and after driving it, I wanted one too. This truck drives like a car, a very smooth ride. I highly recommend it. My 16 yr old neice saw me in it one day and told me later, that "I Looked Hot"! What better compliment could you get?

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By gage - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2004 Solara SE Sport in Septemeber, right after they went on sale. It is the only version offered with its unique suspension, 17" wheels, and body kit. It has been an enjoyable car thus far. Many people have commented on how nice it looks. It is a lot different than the previous model, as I have a family mamber that has a 2002 model. So far with the V6 engine, I have consistently gotten 25 mpg, which is excellent for a car like this. I strongly recommend it to others, as it is well-built, and a pleasuable car to own.

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  LUV OUR NEW TRUCK - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By hrspeech - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Super smooth V8 . . . cant believe how quiet the ride is . . . we love our new 4Runner . . . best SUV on the market

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  A Good Recomendation - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By glade 007 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I use this truck for everday use. This includes towing, hauling, and some off- road use. The truck has performed nicely with no problems.

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  4 RUNNERS R 4 US - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By COJACK1601 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR TO DRIVE. FULL CONTROL AT ALL TIMES. VERY REPONSIVE. FULL OF HIGH TECH FEATURES.

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  2400 miles after purchase - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By gunner12 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Taught chasis and suspension. No rattles or creaks. Engine 3.3L has lots of torque, tons better than that whirring 3.0L of old model, nice grunting rumble under load. Smooth tranny. Responsive steering, breaking action is a bit slow to catch, could scare you when pedal pressures are low, wont stop quite as nimbly as you might expect.

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  Reliability with no comfort! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By ODonnell - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Corolla merely on name and reliability... For me it was a mistake! I get 34 around and around 38- 40 on hway. Now, for the cons... The engine is quite spunky, but merging onto highways is nearly impossible and not without heavy lagging. The shocks and struts are terrible. I feel every bump in the car. The seats are extremely uncomfortable for any person over 50" and 130 lbs. I weigh 200 and am 6 tall. Never comfortable. Radio design is not natural and hard to reach. Cruise control should be part of steering wheel, not an extra lever easily debunked. Overall, great looking and gets good mileage, but uncomfortable and lacks stability...

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  Its the bomb! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By noofmom - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my first minivan in years. Looked at oddysey, liked the concept, not the dealers. No 2004s at the time I was looking...but found out the 2004 awd Sienna was out...tried it...with my 18 yearold grandson...we loved it from the time we set foot inside...even the 18 year old thought it was a cool ride. 120 lb. neufoundland dog loves it. Sonar, laser assisted cruise control, ac outlets, send row windows that OPEN...none of my friends want to take their cars anymore. I think Ill sell my house and move in to the car.