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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  Sequoia Squashes GM, Ford & Nissan - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Vig Rig - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a highly refined vehicle that will do everything you ask of it. Sustained highway cruising @ 85? How about 17.3mpg for a 900 mile trip? Hauling a trailer loaded with landscaping? The ride is so smooth I thought Id left the trailer at the store. Need to tote six kids? Hey, theres still room for your wife! Want a marque that means value and reliability?

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  What a great truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Siebum - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great truck, and like all Toyotas, a really well built vehicle. I drove chevy, ford, nissan, dodge, and none can compare. The Tundra gives you more room, better ride, better comfort for rear seat passengers, a really large moon roof, and that get rear sliding window. Coming from a Jeep Wrangler, I can tell you it is great to be able to roll all the windows (including the rear) completely down. Makes me feel like my jeep does with the top off. It might cost a little more than the others, but the peace of mind and the feeling of safety and comfort are well worth the extra cash.

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  WORST CAR EVER - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By barkins - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Our family has been buying Toyota for the past 20 years. From Corollas to Camrys and we couldnt imagine getting any other car when it came to buying a new car for me. It was the worst mistake of my life. From day 2 the car started to make a loud engine noise, the alignment was always off, the tire pressure light keeps going on and the seats move around during turns and sudden breaking. The dealership did nothing to fix any of my problems and nor did any other in my area. They all said the same thing; "ITS SUPPOSE TO DO THAT" I guess Toyotas are suppose to suck. I finally got rid of it and am now driving a Honda Accord with ZERO problems. Good buy Toyota forever.

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  Prius after 6 months - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By montrailer - April 8 - 10:00 am

  After initial software problems, the car is generally reliable. Weather conditions, especially high humidity, will set-off a cacophony of warning lights, but after the software fix, the system resets itself so that I do not have to drive back to the dealership every week. Ive been averaging 51-52 mpg on the highway but most drivers will only average a couple mpg better than a corolla. The secret to getting the advertised mpg is in the law of averages.

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  My First Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By monchichi - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a truck that has SUV plus pick- up truck characteristics combined for a great price. Nice looking truck with handsome exterior features. Especially, silver. This truck has the ability to haul up to 6,000 pounds and is pretty good on fuel. This is my first car, and I love it with a passion because its reliable, sporty, rugged and sturdy. IF you want a car for a great price and if you like a SUV and cant afford it, then this one is for you. I love my 2004 Toyota Tacoma and would recommend for anybody out there looking to buy a truck but not spend and arm and a leg for it.

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  At long last its a 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Umfog - April 8 - 10:00 am

  After years of saying no to SUVs and months of research,I broke down and purchased a 4Runner SR5 RWD V6.If I was going to buy and SUV it had to be a real SUV. The ride is smoother than I ever expected. The truck feels solid and tough. The V6 is powerful and fast on the pick up. Very comfortable interior and rugged yet stilish exterior. Sold on Toyotas history of quality and durability. Could not have made a better choice.

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  2004 Sienna - Were SOLD! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By mjriggins - April 8 - 10:00 am

  We are extremely pleased w/ our purchase! I cant believe how quiet and smooth the ride is. Though the horsepower is allegedly lower than competition, this engine has plenty of get-up-and-go. We love the "fold-flat- into-floor" backseat; it adjusts at the simple pull of a strap. The convenience of the movable 2nd row captain chairs provide an added sense of security by allowing us to put our 2- yr old closer to the center of the vehicle. This also allows him a better view of the portable DVD we carry wherever we go. My wife loves the fact that on rainy days, she can get all the way to the back row w/out exiting the vehicle. Would recommend to anyone!

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  Doesnt seem like a - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Slappy - April 8 - 10:00 am

  When people see it they say, "THATS a CAMRY?!?" It looks too good. 17" wheels, Driving Lights, Premium Pkg.

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  lovin it - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By ladie - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Reliable smooth ride, extremely comfortable for long drives(particular compared to accords) Dont like position of ea radio control button..tend to get in way. Be sure to have lights in visors mirror! excellent acceleration for a 4cyl

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  Great! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By keggo - April 8 - 9:20 am

  My wife just sold her standard cab Tacoma and after a couple weeks of searching for a Scion tC, we decided to look at the Yaris. I WAS a little hesitant as it was fairly small looking. When we got there to see it and test drove it, we knew we wanted it. Its a great car that gets GREAT gas mileage, is fun to drive, and feels really solid. I could only go up to 10 on the rating, but if I could, Id go well above that. Great car, great price, great mileage!!!