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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  Miss my great Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By hurt and disgusted - May 22 - 5:43 am

  I loved this car, meant to keep it many more years, until a drunk driver totaled it and left me without it. It was great on fuel economy, mostly highway driving, a great 35 to 37 mpg. It was comfortable and easy to handle, excellent braking. Reliability was excellent, nothing wrong in the 5 yrs I owned it. Now trying to find another comparable is turning into a nightmare, as prices have been hiked up for these great cars, and no 2003 or 04 models out there with low mileage.

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  Prius Review. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By MarkD - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Very happy with the milage vs. previous prius models. Out performs the honda hands down. Finished off well. I am really enjoying the car.

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  I want a double cab - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By chuckcowpie - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive been running up the miles on this truck & havent had a problem yet. I did have problems at 70k mi with carbon build-up. Sounds like a common issue from reading these reviews. Other than that, I have 0 (thats zero) complaints.

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  OH!! What A SUV! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Zacdil88 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a Mercedes!The best Little SUV on the market today.Try one...youll LOVE it!!

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  I LOVE MY TUNDRA - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By SHERI - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I like the fact that my truck is full size but not...... It is easy to maneuver which is something I was worried about coming from a Honda Civic. I think it is very comfortable atleast the front seats are. I have the bench seat in the front (the middle seat where the arm rest goes up isnt all that comfy). The back seat is comfortable and roomy for people under 6, but I wouldnt recommend it for anyone on long roadtrips. The back seat is very "L" shaped, no recline or bucket to it at all.

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  Great automobile - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dick H - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this "absolutely red" Solara for about 3 weeks, and find it a joy to drive. Good roads, or bad; good weather or bad; night or day this is a wonderful car! We have had ice and snow at times, and this vehicle is a real champion with the wide tires, anti- lock brakes, and traction control. The fit and finish is first class, and the gray leather seats looks great with the gray dashboard and red exterior.

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  so far so good - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By TacomaHi - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I am to say the least pretty impressed so far with my 2004 Tacoma. I assummed the ride would be a lot rougher than what it actually is. It is actually very smooth. Engin seems pretty much up to anything that I want to do. The overall workman ship is excellant.

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  First-time Toyota Owners - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ambys Owner - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is our first Toyota and we love it! For an SUV, it handles very well and were impressed by the gas milage it gets - for this V8, we average about 19/20 mpg. Our previous SUV was a GMC Jimmy and there is no comparison.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By xkrinkles - May 22 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR, NO PROBLEMS, DROVE TO FLORIDA FROM CHICAGO IN COMFORT,THE RIDE AND HANDLING ARE QUICK AND FIRM

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  HIGHLANDER IS FUN - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By CRumRI - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive had 2 Avalons - traded one for a Chrysler Town/Country and that was the most expensive piece of junk we ever bought. Toyota quality far superior. Instrument panels, center console, etc. all good placement. Really a fun vehicle with PLENTY of power, GREAT gas mileage for a SUV and easy load/unloading.