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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  Unlevel truck bed - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By flhoss - February 9 - 2:00 am

  After I took my new 2004 Tacoma home I noticed the bed wasnt level (left side over 1/2 inch lower than the right)and took it to Toyota of Puyallup for maintenance. Their first corrective action was to inflate the left rear tire to 34 lbs., instead of 29 lbs.. I wouldnt buy that. A Toyota factory representative "advised that up to 3/4- inch discrepancy in height is acceptable and no adjustments will be made under warranty". Refused to consider defective shocks, springs, assembly, loose or miss aligned u-bolts or noncompatable components. Where has the vaunted Toyota quality gone? Hello Honda!!!!!

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  The Best SUV !!!! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mikesail - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I traded my Passat for the 4 Runner SR5 4X4.What a quality product.Look no further !!!This is the best SUV on the market.Drove the VW Toureg,Honda Pilot,forget about the Explorer-waste of money..Just get the 4 Runner.Why would you pay close to 30 K for anything else.My first Toyota and absolutely love it.Versatile,fun,roomy and really drives like a car.Quality!!!

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  Yep - Its a Corolla!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By slick vick - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Corolla over the summer and immediately took it across the country. Still feels new like the day I bought it. The new redesign is SWEET, looks better than any compact out there. Sporty yet kinda sophisticated. Though next time Im going with something with a little more POWER. Suggested Improvements: That random sulfur/rotten egg smell problem! Thats got to be fixed! Its quite an offensive smell and embarassing when you have passengers! Check the paint before you buy. My paint looks "runny" towards the bottom of the side doors, though its not very noticeable. The interior carpet is cheap. Mine has already severely frayed around the doors.

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  What a minivan was meant to be! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Dr. Jeff - February 9 - 2:00 am

  After seven years with a Pontiac Transport, a capable performer, we switched to the Sienna, our first "foreign" car. Not a bad deal when you can get the top-ranked vehicle in its class for less than the GM nameplates and only $700 over invoice. It rides like a car, has a solid feel throughout, and has features that appeal to every member of our family. Forget the DVD system; add your own portable player for about $200!

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  SO FAR OK BUT............... - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By BIGBOYAL - February 9 - 2:00 am

  SO FAR SEEMS FINE. CLOTH SEATS A BIT UNCOMFORTABLE.AND BACK DOOR IS A PAIN TO CLOSE.

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  GREAT Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By DeeMac - February 9 - 2:00 am

  we absolutely LOVE this van we finally got rid of our 1994 Chrysler Grand Voyager-it had 174,000 on it and served us well. We are so pleased with the Sienna and glad we switched to Toyota we Highly recommend this vehicle

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  My 2nd FJ - 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By dano100 - February 9 - 1:27 am

  The FJ Cruiser is the perfect vehicle for our situation. We have 3 dogs, a pop up camper and live in Ohio, where the winters can be rough. The rubber floor and water resistant seats, the ability to tow 5,000 lbs. and the off road and bad weather capabilities make it a joy to own.

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  2009 Corolla S - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By John Doe - February 8 - 11:06 pm

  I decided to try the all new 2009 Corolla Sport and I absoloutely loved it! I can turn easily. The acceleration is just fine. I feel very comfortable while driving. I would heavily recommend the Corolla over any sedan at this pricepoint in the market right now. Great buy for what your getting!

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  2400 miles later - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Eroc69 - February 8 - 9:46 pm

  OK, Ive had my 07 V-6 for 2 full months. WOW what a disappointment. There are as many rattles, squeaks as my old 97 Grand Prix. Worse when its really cold but thats ok. The engine is still phenomenal and it does get good MPG. The seat comfort is not as it was and I found that the gas-brake pedals are offset too much to the left of my body centerline. The tranny housing is too wide and as such causes an unneeded bend in my right leg, RE: KNEE PAIN. Still a quiet car, looks good, good MPG, but the rattles even if NOT moving are a major distraction. WAIT til the 08s come out to buy one.

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  If only it had suitcase capacity... - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By spicetrader - February 8 - 4:40 pm

  A very fine car in many ways. Handles perfectly. Quite agile on corners. Driving it is a pleasure. Almost every time I enter or leave a parking lot, somebody tells me what a cool car it is. I have actually managed to carry driver and passenger with two bags of golf clubs behind the seats.