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:

• 

  Owner of 02 Solara Convertable - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Steve Beeker - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a convertable to use primarily in the summer that was reliable, had enough room to carry two sets of golf clubs in the trunk and carry 4 persons, even though its primarily used by only two people. It has exceeded my expectations and its a great automobile. I recommend it to anyone looking for these traits. Winter usage in Michigan has been very satisfactory also.

• 

  Hybrid Fun - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By B. Olive Young - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very spunky, lots of fun to drive, lots of get up and go. Lots of leg room for my grown children, who are very tall. All my neighbours are very envious, and interested in the new style with all the special features in the dashboard. I love passing all the gas stations and laughing.

• 

  NOT WHAT I EXPECTED FROM TOYOTA - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JOHN SMITH21 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  WHEN I COMPARE THE HONDA VS THE TOYOTA THE CIVIC WAS A BETTER BUY FOR THE PRICE

• 

  Preferred over my Camry and Van et all - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Faith - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Love my RAV 4! Easier to enter and exit than cars or trucks. Much more comfortable to sit in for long periods of driving than my Camry or van was. Can actually get out without walking like Grandpa McCoy. Handles great in country on dirt roads, mud, sand, and fields. Easy to maneuver in interstate and freeway traffic and great visibility. Parking is a cinch, even parallel, and even I can back into a parking place with it - no problemo!

• 

  My Rav4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Maria Marciano - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2004 Rav4. I got the sports package which has a little scoop in the hood and metal roof racks and a spoiler. I got the Rav4 in blue which is my fav color. I feel like i have a one of a kind Rav4.

• 

  I like the sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By adankwa - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I am enjoying this vehicle. So far I think it is the best SUV around.

• 

  Toyota Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By pjcho - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed this car. Moving seats up, back, and over is so easy. I can store groceries, boxes, plants, big objects easily. My kids love the comfort, I love driving it. It is the best SUV for a busy family in my opinion.

• 

  Toyota Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Richard Medlin - November 22 - 2:00 am

  The best vehicle that I have owned. This is my second Toyota pick-up and I will stay with Toyota for my next vehicle.

• 

  BEST FOR THE MONEY - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By DINHEART - November 22 - 2:00 am

  THE TUNDRA HAS MEET OR EXCEEDED ALL OF MY EXPECTATIONS. PLENTY OF POWER FROM THE V-8. COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. PLENTY OF ROOM IN THE EXTENDED CAB TO MORE THAN MEET ALL OF MY NEEDS. TOYOTA QUALITY WITH THE SERVICE PERFORMANCE FROM METROPLEX, BEST IN THE COUNTRY. MOST KNOWLEDGABLE, HARD WORKING SALES PERSON,BARBIE.

• 

  Great Small Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pilgrim - November 22 - 2:00 am

  For a small truck this is really comfortable to drive and easy to get into for large people. Your passengers are comfortable and at ease while riding in this truck.