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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  Great truck! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By equin - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable truck considering I abused it for 145K miles. Only had to replace the battery (~100K), rear axle oil seals (~130K - only $7 each & easy to replace) & exhaust manifold (hairline crack ~140K - good excuse to get a header, another easy install). Holds up well with heavy loads. The 2.7L is real easy to maintain and practically bulletproof, except for the ex manifold. Does real well off-road even w/2wd. Lifts and other mods to improve its already great off-road ability are also easy to do. Biggest complaint is the uncomfortable front seats - could use more padding. Rear seats are for tiny kids only.

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  Love My Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By JLD - FMFL - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Matrix. I bought it in 5/02 when it was first available. It is very versatile and offers so much room for carrying large items. And it is very peppy! I have the XRS 6-speed manual. My only complaints: AC vents are either on you (too cold) or away from you (not cold enough), shifting is a little awkward, and there seem to be more blind spots than in other wagons.

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  One for the 2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By manyminkes - September 22 - 2:00 am

  For anyone out there considering one, I spoke to friends who have earlier models and of all of them I have only received the most glowing recommendations - they LOVE their cars. And this is before Toyota added all the fun, handy , and helpful bells and whistles. Really consider one if you can - test drive it definitely. And by the way, I ADORE it! I was telling a friend, that even if I had won the lottery and could pick any car, this is EXACTLY the car I would wish to own - very happy with it.

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  Id rather drive the Sienna. - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Charley - September 22 - 2:00 am

  The thing that really stands out about this van is the light and crisp feel of the steering. I have driven most makes of minivans and only the Chrysler vans have come close to the Toyota Siennas pleasant driving experience. I also like the logical layout in the drivers area - this is a car that anyone can get into and drive without much of a learning curve.

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  From CRV to RAV4 and no regrets - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By DenverSLP - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 2003 CRV to a 2004 RAV4 for the simple reason that the RAV4 handles a tenfold better than the CRV. I found my CRV to be "trucky", FAR too big for a "compact SUV" and had terrible road noise. I would have ranked CRVs seating comfort a 2 for me...the worthless armrests dug into my sides; the legroom in the front was shy of sufficient for me (at 61). RAV4 changed ALL of that...Im glad I got one!!

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  the best small SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By roberto - September 22 - 2:00 am

  very stylish and economical for a small suv

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  Best car ever owned out of 20 new - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By alas124 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had five Toyota Camrys since 1976 and one Toyota Lexus. The Avalon is by far the quietest and best ride of all. So far I have had no problems. All the Toyota cars have been extreamly relyable.

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  Better than a Sienna - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By altztiffany - September 22 - 2:00 am

  We briefly had a Sienna, which had factory defects. We traded over to the Highlander and are very happy with it! For a small family and a dog, it is just perfect. We dont need the huge interior of the Sienna, and like the sporty interior of the Highlander with the new fabric seats. It is a sturdy car that feels solid, but still has plenty of pickup. A perfect vehicle for both city and country driving.

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  2004 highlander limited - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By E Anstaett - September 22 - 2:00 am

  WE have only had it one month, but so far we have been very pleased. The kids love it and love riding in the third row seat. The only problem I have had was figuring out how to get the gas cap off (which I have now mastered).

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  corola - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By moonmasy - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Exelent for every day drive out standing reliability