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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  MY 2002 RAV 4 - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By JIMMY BRUNO - April 10 - 2:00 am

  HORSEPOWER IS ABOVE AVERAGE FOR A 4 CYL. HAD TROUBLE WITH NOISE IN THE DASH AND THE TOP CARGO CARRIER. DEALERSHIP TOOK CARE OF ALL OF THAT. IT COMES WITH A COMPASS IN THE MIRROR BUT NO OUTSIDE TEMP. DISPLAY. SEATING IS GOOD IN THE REAR AND FRONT AND THE SEATS FOLD DOWN AND COME OUT FOR ADDED HAULING. FRONT TO BACK MEASUREMENTS ARE EXCELLENT FOR MY NEEDS WHICH WERE A ADDED FEATURE FOR BUYING IT AS WERE THE EXTERIOR DESIGN. THE WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA HILLS RUN DOWN THE TIRES THAT WERE ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TO CHANGE THEM THIS SUMMER AND ITS NOT QUITE 2 YEARS OLD WITH 17,000 MILES ON IT.

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  Spend Less Get More! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By polished prince - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Bottom line, 04 Solara is the best sporty coupe for the money. It beats out Maxima, Accord, Mazda 6, and Chrysler 300M and 300C to come. The design has a flowing continuity from front to rear no other car can match. The interior is as impeccable as the lunar mist finish is flawless. The drive is tight in curves and as quiet and smooth as many much larger luxury cars. Although not a race car, by any means, this vehicle with the Lexus 6 and a gated shifter can still widen some eyes. The people spending more on Lexus and Infinity are not doing so and getting better cars than this -- but dont tell them this!

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  Quality - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jimmm - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle drives like a luxery sedan. It does not have the responsiveness or "Oomph" of a sports vehicle, but if you are aware of this and not opposed to that fact, then this is a real quality ride.

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  what a mistake - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dougie G - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle with 8000 miles. 4 wheel drive has gone out. parts coming from japan. Brakes soft, master cylinder bad. Very bad smell from engine. Told its sulfur and nothing I can do. Horrible gas mileage,17 mpg.Started to rust on the back. Told it was rail dust. It seems no one knows what that is. We have had it. I am buying a Sequoia.

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  8000 miles and its still good - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bouch - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought teh 4Runeer anfter much research and largely based on what other consumers said in the is site. The experience so far has been pretty good. The 4Runner is fun to drive and it looks good. I towed a 2500 lb trailer 5300 miles. I averaged 9 mpg towing the trailer at 75mph. I get ~20 without the trailer. Id buy it again.

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  Awesome - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By KP1234 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is just great. It turns heads all the time. Gas milage is over 30, while not sacrificing power.

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  Best lil car out there - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Rickylevy - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I have always owned a Toyota.. I put about 300,000 on my last one and it still ran great when I traded it in on my new one.. Ive never had any serious issues with any Toyota..

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  Great Car!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Pd799 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 3 weeks now. It is such a comfortable car to drive. I am 6tall and it is very roomy inside the car for me. The ride is quiet on the road and it has a smooth ride. This is my first Toyota and so far I am very happy.The wood grain interior looks so much like the Camry. My sister has a Camry and they say the car looks so much like the Camry in Looks.The dealer was GREAT!!! they got me the color I wanted.

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  2004 Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By trcarroll - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Owned a 97 Geo Prizm before and didnt hesitate to buy a 04 Corolla. Unfortunately I did not test drive it close enough. Major problem with steering wheel too close to dash, and an ackward seat/floor. This has resulted in personal left foot problems (Ive called "Toyota foot"). Also problem with rotten egg smell while ideling at a stop. Need to inform passengers that its the car "not me".

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  Good overall transportation - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Charles - April 10 - 12:27 am