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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  I will definitely by another one! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Brandy3612 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I have never had a vehicle that was so perfect for my family and myself. Its sporty yet it seats eight and its roomy but its not too big. I love the style and how this SUV rides and handles. I enjoy actually look forward to long drives now.

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  It Doesnt Get Any Better Than This... - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By DaveinCarolina - May 11 - 10:00 am

  2-word summarization: DEPENDABILITY & RELIABILITY! Of course the Tundras Gotta have it factor also played a major roll as well. ANY vehicle you look at, has to have a certain "look" which simply makes you want that vehicle. The Tundra has TONS of this! In fact, weve only owned our Tundra for just about a month and I STILL catch myself standing in the garage just looking at the truck, or worse, just sitting in it! I NEVER thought a truck could ride this good and be this quite even with the TRD package! Theres PLENTY of room for my over 6 frame. EVEN IN THE BACK SEAT! The most comfortable we tested! Owning a 95 Tacoma with 122K didn’t hurt either!

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  great car but.. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mightypanther - May 11 - 10:00 am

  enjoy my solara very much..however i have had a swerve to the left since i bought the car with 15 miles on it..toyota has checked it a number of times with no success..i am frustrated that no one knows what this problem is.dealership has treated me well but it is time to get the problem fixed and quit speculating

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  Almost perfect! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By AntGut - May 11 - 10:00 am

  After weeks of research, and several test-drives, I found the 4Runner to be the best overall vehicle for my budget. This truck kicks serious butt and the price is very reasonable. Its great to look at, in and out, and the engine performance is amazing. The only drawback is the gas mileage! Beware!!

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  The Best Yet! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ckon - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had one of each of the four generations of 4Runner and this is the best yet. So far it had exceeded the other three in every category except poddibly exterior style. For my use, it does everything very well.

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  Its a Corolla! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By bc_sizemo - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Its a Corolla people, an economy car. So far it hasnt given me any problems, it has enough power (needs more low end torque). I like the layout of the shifter, and most accessories. I had a 96 Cavalier and this is a nice upgrade. As for everyone who says it needs more power (v6/turbo, ect..) ITS an ECONOMY car, you wouldnt have bought it if is had a V6 cause it would only get 25 mpg. Go buy a WRX or VW 1.8T then, and pay for premiun gas.

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  A superior vehicle - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By keithb - May 11 - 10:00 am

  After owning the vehicle for just over a year, it has met or exceeded all expectations. No problems and just a great all round car- offers no logical reason to buy something more expensive. Engine is strong through the rev range and works exceptionally well with the automatic transmission. Handling is very good as is ride and noise control- although there can be a bit of wind noise on the highway. Lots of interior space and quite comfortable. Gas mileage reached 41 mpg -hwy. Car is far superior to my 97 Protege. Even after driving the well reviewed Mazda 3, I feel it still has an edge in many areas.

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  Feedback after 20,000 miles - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Geo-Green - May 10 - 1:20 am

  I am motivated to review the Prius again (after having the car for over a year and a half) because so many people are now interested in the car -- thanks to higher fuel prices. Regarding the mileage: It is always exceptional but will fall short of the EPA parameters especially in the heat of the summer when the AC is on. I drive a mix of congested local and highway. When very hot outside, the "worst" mileage is 44 mpg. The very best mileage? I am now averaging 54 miles per gallon in temperate weather. There are ways to improve your fuel economy and as one gets acclimated to the hybrid engine, mileage should improve even more. Its both patriotic to country and greener for our planet.

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  Loved this car!! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By janet stahel - May 9 - 11:22 pm

  Comfortable, reliable, good looking. Good ride, dependable. Cant beat it!

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  hybrid doesnt = 30+mpg - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ken - May 9 - 5:00 pm

  The vehicle is comfortable, reliable, has decent power, pick-up and performance. However, even without exceeding 60 mph om the highway, I only get around 26-28 mpg, not the 33-35 shown on the sticker. Still, I am very pleased with the purchase.