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 my Convertible! - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By buckeyegirl - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I had always wanted a convertible, but I wanted one with a back seat that had some style. I looked at a few, and fell in love with the Camry Solara as soon as I saw it. It is so much fun to drive, and a year later, Im so glad I bought it. Im just sad that they discontinued the model!

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  04 Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By SaraInMA - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car and I love it. I also looked at the Corolla and Saturn Ion. I chose the Matrix because it gave me all of the room of an SUV but with the costs of a car. It is really fun to drive and I find it very versitile. Make sure you get the "weather" package to get the rear window wiper if you live in a snowy area since it doesnt come standard. I really like the feel of this car, Im an average height person and can see easily out of all of the windows. I love my car!

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  Great so far - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By eightdotthree - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I am really enjoying my new Matrix. I have driven it over 1000 miles now, in the city and on the highway and its been great. Everything that is said in the reviews is spot on, even their complaints (which arent enough to make me dislike the car.) The highway performance is better than I expected from the reviews however.

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  Great car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jshindler - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! Its fun to drive, accelerates nicely, and is quiet as can be. I consistantly get 45 miles to the gallon (which isnt quite what they say, but how do you argue with such a high number?).

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  Fun Economic Car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Silvia - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my Corolla. I had to trade in my Ford F-150, which I loved, because I was about to have my baby, and It was getting harder to get in and out of the truck. I was a little upset in the beginning, but love it now. Its a fun car to drive, and cute too. What really got me was the steering wheel, very sporty... Ha ha. Well, if youre reading the reviews because youre considering to buy a Corolla S model, trust me, you wont be disappointed.

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  Grandmas Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By LowKey - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, lots of car! I am a big fan of Toyota.

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  a GREAT vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By 4056 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Lots of space without feeling like you are riding around in your living room like in a Suburban (also the Sequoia has a far superior sound system.). Excellent pickup and enjoyable to ride or drive around in. The third seat(s) are so easy to fold up or remove. As an added benefit the price to service the vehicle is far below that of a Volvo. We love our Sequoia!

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  Just got it - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By TrishG - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up my Highlander today. I traded in a 1999 4Runner with high mileage. So far, so good. I really had my heart set on another 4Runner, but, I really enjoyed the test drive. Its got great pickup a smooth ride and great handling. Im going to ease into it adjusting for the 4Runner- but Im sure it will be a breeze

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  Best Car Evar!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Katrina Brown - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Corolla. It is cute, reliable, spacious. Its all that and a bag of chips.

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  Outstanding - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By PatSantos - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Just became foster parents to a two- week-old and discovered the old Honda wont carry an infant seat and two children seats. Found out about new baby on Tuesday morning, called everywhere for a minivan Tuesday afternoon, visited dealerships Tuesday evening. Went to Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota dealerships. Was lucky enough to find an available Senna. Went back to dealership on Wednesday with my wife to sign the papers and found out that the car had been sold. We had to wait two long and hard weeks for another 8-seater to arrive. But it was definitely worth the wait!