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 4Runner, BUT - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By MR. Rob - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The new designed 4runner is amazing on the outside, but does have some flaws on the inside. I have the Limited 2WD with the V8 engine and get an average of 19 mpgs mostly in highway driving. The engine is quiet and powerful. The car is gorgeous from the front, but the rear is a bit less macho than the past models. The interior has some noticible flaws: 1) The cup holders are terrible 2) The seat belts are bad (they fall into the cushion and are hard to find. 3) No memory seats available. 4) Cannot get a CD changer with the navigation system. 5) No 3rd seat option.

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  My first SUV ever! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ghostrider - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I literally have only had this truck for 24 hrs, but had to comment. I never owned an suv before but always thought about it. I am happy with this one. It feels comfortable to me(5ft 1 in) and I feel like I sit high in it! It is classy yet also fun. I have driven most of the competitors and hands down, the 4runner has everything a person would need in an suv.

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  Killer Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gregor McGregor - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my new truck, so far I love it. Took it on a lengthy road trip with 2 other adults, quite comfy for such an off road beast. Gas Mileage averages around 18.5. Cant wait to get it off road.

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  best I have ever owned - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jack fleming - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great to drive.I have a very bad back and I can say it is so easy on the back.I drove to Denver from south Florida last year and didnt have any pain or stiffness after driving.I have owned many cars in my 60 plus years,but none as great as this one.My previous cars were Blazers,but I will never go back

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  Satisfied Owner - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Tanna - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have not driven long enough to make any comments yet.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Mikki1309 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to drive. I think its better than having a Cadillac. Its a big car, but not overpowering like an SUV would be. Lots of trunk room.

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  Fantastic!!! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Becky O - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The more I drive this car the more I like it.

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  2004 Toyota Sienna FWD XLE Limited - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By John Mitchell - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2001 Honda Odyssey which was the best van available at that time. I looked at all the vans before purchasing the Sienna which, I believe, is by far the best van on the market today. It is extremely quiet with a very smooth ride. The quality & workmanship is outstanding. Moving of the second row seat is not as easy and convenient as the Odyssey.

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  LUVMYTOY - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Suki - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have not yet taken possession of my new Sienna. My 98 Sienna is my joy. It is without a doubt the most comfortable auto I have ever had. All rows of seats are just as comfortable as the front. Long trips are a breeze! Handles beautifully at high speeds and the 2004 turns on a dime. The road noise on the 2004 is all but gone. It has style, reliability and is made to last.

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  great improvement over last year - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Maggs - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I really loved EVERY improvement, the ONLY thing that needs MORE improvement would be having the second row also fold like the New Nissan Quest 2004 model. Im very glad for the AWD, for the windows that retract for the second row. However it would be nice if they had a sky light like the Nissan Quest also