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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  Overall Package Works Well. - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By casper90651 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This was the first 2-door Camry that I could ever recall. It certainly was as relaxing as the sedan, but the expectation of a coupe is different than that of a sedan. But, what compensated for that lack of was the Lexus-like quietness of the cabin and the smooth ride quality of a Lexus. The only negative experience I had with it was a defective cold valve that wouldnt open and cause the engine to die during cold starts. The dealer wasnt very cooperative. Other than that I am satisfied with the vehicle.

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  Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Mikal - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent response and handling on the highway. Incredible turning radius, plenty of power for climbing and good gas economy.

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  Driver comfort - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Greg Misemer - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Love the mileage. The car handles well. Its a great car for running back and forth to work and around town. The front seats need better lower back support. My kids have a hard time see out from the back seat. It is a hard car to beat for the price.

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  What I wish I would have known - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By MIrebel - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned our Vintage Gold Highlander for 3 years now and am very satisfied overall. But the Highlander has a couple of quirks that a potential buyer should beware: 1) Excessive wind noise. You can not drive over 30 miles an hour with the windows open because of the extreme howling and pressure to your ear drums. Its unbelieveable! Also the car will "moan" sitting still in the driveway when the wind blows hard enough across it. 2) No drip edge above the doors so everytime you open the door (if its raining or snowing) you get a wet seat. 3) The cup holder design is less than convenient. Buy a after market console for storage and cup holders.

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  Wouldnt Drive Anything Else! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Yoyta Girl - April 1 - 10:00 am

  My husband passed away 3 months before I bought my Tundra. I wanted something dependable and able to handle anything I had to do. This truck has been exceptional. It is a black, limited, TRD. LOADED! I get more compliments on it all the time. Im known around these parts as "Yota Girl". Your financing and service are outstanding in every way.

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  my convertible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By gardenfeever - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car; lots of room even in the trunk.

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  4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By GC7769 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  My first brand new vehicle and I chose the 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5. A great buy with many included options like a CD/Tape player with 6 speakers, moonroof, power everything, running boards, and leather. Very roomy for me at 61". Lots of leg room and very comfortable during long drives. The gas mileage is acceptable since it is an SUV. A great family vehicle and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in owning an SUV.

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  One of the best SUVS - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jonathan Espanta - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2004 4runner sports edition.The plus side to the sports edition compared to the SR5 is the inside of the sports edition is a lot better.The drive is really smooth on the highways and city streets.

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  MY Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Steve MY - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Before I bought this vehicle, I had never owned an SUV AND I was a lifelong Chevy man. When the boss (my wife) decided it was time for me to buy a SUV, I decided to test drive EVERYTHING in the price range we were looking for ($20,000-$30,000). Ikept leaning towards the Trail Blazer (or the Explorer, Grand Cherokee, etc). However, over a period of several months, I had to admit to myself that the Highlander was (in my opinion) consistently 1st or 2nd in every category I could think of. As a result I now find myself driving everywhere. Try it....youll like it!

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  Toyota Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Jesus Prado - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Toyota HIghlander is a well- built reliable car-like suv. It has very good gas mileage on the freeway. It is a very fun to drive car. It has room for 7 third row seat. But it is a mid-size suv so the third row seat is only compatible for children. The sound system is very poor even with JBL sound.It is a very secure well built suv and I should not be surprised because it is built by the Japanese which is the best.It has a lot of safety features and it has disk brakes on all 4 tires. The exterior and interior design is excellent.