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:

• 

  All I need - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By TRD-Stepside - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Truck is incredible head-turner for a everyday driver. TRD leather interior is awesome. Not bulky like the big 3, but not compact either...

• 

  204 Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Reldnahc - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Traded 2003 Solara for 2004. Love new feature and appearance. Great car

• 

  EXCELLENT @ BEAUTIFUL - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By MAX F - June 12 - 2:00 am

  AMAZING CAR-LIKE RIDE, TOYOTA CAN PROUDLY PUT THEIR NAME ON THIS ONE, IT LIVES UP VERY WELL TO THEIR LINE UP, I PREFEER THIS ONE OVER THE PILOT IN A HEARTBEAT, EASY IN/OUT, GO FOR IT, YOULL LOVE IT

• 

  Such a great car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Woogie - June 12 - 2:00 am

  With a larger car and more features, the 2003 Toyota Camry gets more mileage to the gallon than my old 1995 Saturn SL1 did. Pretty impressive handling!

• 

  Toyota Camry LE 2.4 auto - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By alcarra - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is absolutely the best value for the money. Its handling, stability, performance, reliability, design and styling are unsurpassed in the motor vehicle industry by any other car manufacturer.

• 

  My second Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Goldie 4751 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Just received my new Sienna XLE 2 weeks ago-first saw it last summer and just had to have it-at the time I owned a 1998 Sienna XLE-the 98 was very good and very reliable but had a few shortcomings.The 2004 corrected them.Its much larger,and feels it-the interior is beautifully done,everything fits and is logically placed.I waited 3 months for delivery but it was worth it- I also got a very fair trade in for the 98.

• 

  Gotta love My Toyota. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Turtlx - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2003 Toyota Camry, It has everything for just the low end model, but it is a quick peppy little thing i had a 2003 Toyota Corrola and I didnt like, the way it drove to bumpy.

• 

  Hail to the "Launch Ramp"... - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Azrael - June 12 - 12:13 am

  I originally wanted an RSX, but, after the test drive, it left something to be desired. It wasnt fast enough. I noticed this car across the lot, and I was immediately drawn to it. This car is so fun to drive! I am averaging around 30 mpg mixed, and the cabin is uber quiet. Freeway on-ramps are now known to me and my family as "launch ramps". One of the only things I dont like about it is the spoiler. Who thought that putting the spoiler across the CENTER of the field of vision was a good idea?!

• 

  Love to drive - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By pugman - June 11 - 10:26 pm

  My wife and I just purchased a yellow one the other day it is incredible. It constantly turns heads and gets lots of looks. Lots of room inside and with newborn twin boys it will be a breeze to clean up. Great performance and the Toyota name to back it all up. Incredible styling and lots of nice features.

• 

  Loyal Tacoma Owner - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By DAVE T - June 11 - 7:00 pm

  This is the second Tacoma that Ive owned. Ive never been brand partial until my first Tacoma purchase. Its the only truck Ill have now. Needed something small enough for just myself commuting to/from work, but also something I could take the family out in as well. Double cab fits the bill perfectly. 18-24 MPG is decent for a 4X4 truck. Stylish looks are sporty, ride is quiet and comfortable as compared to my 02. Had an unfortunate accident in the 02 when a driver pulled out in front of me causing a serious crash. Truck held up well and recd only minor damage as opposed to the Chevy Malibu that got what it deserved! Toyota makes a solid truck!