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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  Is this normal? - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By PM9003 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought my wife a Sienna because shed had 3 Chrysler minivans and wore out multiple transmissions on each. After odometer hit 30,000 she asked me if why it hasnt had a recall or been in the shop yet for anything but oil changes. Is this normal? - she asked. I answered smugly - Yes, for a Toyota. Her Sienna has been all over the country with ZERO hiccups. Every Chrysler minivan had been in the shop at least twice a year and did little to instill driver confidence for a long road trip. I figure that we average 27 mpg at 70 mph. Any other minivans want to try that?

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  Lovin life in my Echo! - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Deco Doll - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive added 126,000 miles to this car in 14 months & Ive LOVED it! Gas mileage is great - 38 mpg! Seven front seat storage compartments are unrivaled in ANY prev. car Ive owned for both quantity and convenience. Interior roominess is unbelievable - awesome for tall drivers! Id buy one for every day of the week, but its just not necessary.

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  The Best Yet - Better than my Mercedes - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By GJAYW - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my new "TOY" [when I can get to it before my husband does]. It performs beautifully and I am still learning about all of the functions that it offers. After having owned and driven Chevys, Buicks, Toyotas and Mercedes-Benz this is by far the most fun. It performs beautifully on accelerating and the gas mileage is all you could ask for.

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  Excellent Auto - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By hf8553u - December 3 - 2:00 am

  The car is completely reliable. Very low maintenance. Highway fuel economy consistently in the 30 mpg range. The car interior is quiet and roomy with a very good sound system. Handeling is also a plus for this vehicle. All in all a quality vehicle with good price range.

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  I love it - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dianed - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I drive a lot with my job and spend a lot of time in the car. I love my Solara-I would highly recommend it. I would recommend that you get the electric passenger sear, the mannual is a pain.

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  A Girls Favorite Toy - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dayna - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This truck is the best!!! I take it off road just about every weekend (on the beach). It rides so good! Keep on making them!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  I LOVE THIS TRUCK - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By sqwrilytaco - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This truck was a repacement for my much- loved 1990 4Runner. Line-Xd and Snugtopd This is my daily driver and gets me to the snow (almost) every weekend. The 3.4L engine is much more powerful than the 3.0L that was in my 4Runner. The truck has more than enough power, and climbs the Sierras like a gorilla climbs a tree. The DC has enough room for everybody -- my friend whos about 62" 250+ fits comfortably in the backseat rather easily. The short bed is great for manuevering thru the parking lot at work, and has more than enough space for all my weekend gear (snowboards).

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  Best new car I have owned - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Atoyot - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Not the cheapest SUV around but as far as I can determine, the best value. Prior to this car I woulnt look twice at an SUV--they were all disguised trucks and rode that way to prove my point. It is roomy, rides well and is not a problem to park. Three of my friends have the same car and really are totally pleased.

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  my awesome fully loaded type s - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Julie Schroepfer - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This ride is soooo awesome, i needed a 4 door with a new baby coming and a 3 yr old plus being that im only 22 and big on trends and looking good this car is both comfertable and stylish....as well as roomy and soooooooooooo economical,this car is a definate head turner and in sooooooo happy with my purchase, highly recommended

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  My Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Gail Durfee - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a very good looking car and one that handles well on the road. I enjoy the white dials on the dash board as they are so much easier to read. I have the wood grain dash and it is very classic looking.