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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  Couldnt be Happier - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By Tom & Lois - March 24 - 10:00 am

  We watched Rav from day-one. In 2000, my husband surprised me for my B-day with a RAV4L (ltd edition). I love the large windows & almost no blind spots; I sit up high enough for a birdseye view without needing a ladder to get in! I love the smaller steering wheel and it turns on a dime; park it anywhere. The mileage cant be beat for highway road trips; city isnt bad either. Seats are formed & back- supporting. Everything is at your fingertips. Its a dream to drive. I love my RAV4L, can you tell? Get metallic green!

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  Prius rocks! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By whoosit - March 24 - 10:00 am

  more than adequate accel, surprisingly roomy, unbelievable fuel economy, smooth regen braking, seamless transitions between engines, toyotas really put it all together this time

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  RAV 4` - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By ELAINE DRISCOLL - March 24 - 10:00 am

  this car was bought in 2000 and i will probable never give it up till it gives up on me thanks

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  Expectations continue - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By riverwalkerr - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Continuing a 10 year legacy of Toyota ownership . Tacoma purchase compliments an aging fleet 94/190K,2001/75K. Traveling home to Michigan UP ,I averaged 21.8 mpg without using cruise,but utilizing varying throttle opening with small changes in RPM that resulted in the best milage. I have made this trip hundreds of times and am usallly ragged out regardless of rest stops. Tacomas ride with optional 16 inch tires and form bucket seats aided in the arrriving at the destination refreshed compared to previous trips. With 1235 miles ,the next ten years will reveal the story of this investment. We are hopeful as a Toyota will usually give trouble free service

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  Best Car I have ever had - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Michelle E. - March 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my Highlander! I put 30,000 miles on it in one year and never had the first problem. It is comfortable, smooth and fun to drive. Handles beautifully in Virginia winters, even without 4 wheel drive. The heated seats are great on a cold morning and the DVD player has saved my sanity on several trips. I would buy another one in a heart beat.

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  2004 Toyota Highlander in the highlands - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By msvoyageur - March 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my new Highlander for a month now and love it. It rides like a dream on the interstates, but mountain climbing is also a piece of cake. Ive also mastered twisting radical steep downgrades in the mountains without touching the brakes. Im looking forward to trying it out in rain and snow. Oh...did I mention the 22 mpg? Yes, its true the 4 runner was sportier looking, but I was tired of "climbing up" into my ride everyday. The highlander gives me everything I want in a vehicle. After all, its a toyota!

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  Another New Corolla Owner - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By hoody - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Got this car July 19 04 Had pretty good experiance at this dealer, but than I was "ready" to buy one.... the car is just fine, I was real suprised when I did my first wash and wax that there were no sharp edges any where on this car... I usually own SUVs, and have an old Caravan yet still around, but somehow I was able to get aclimated to the lower driveing with no big problems. I didnt get the ABS or side air bags, just the usual stuff as I dont plan on keeping one for more than 3 years anymore...... man is this thing "red" :)

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  Goodbye Detroit - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By mlk503 - March 24 - 10:00 am

  After driving detroit iron for 27 years I decided that I had had enough. The superior crash test ratings, quality ratings and reliability compared to american manufactures offerings convinced me to purchase this vehicle. The price and the quality are far superior. The car feels smooth around corners and over the nasty railroad tracks on the drive to work. I parked this next to a 1999 Camry and they are actually about the same size. It seems more like a midsize car with a compact price. You wont be cheated on interior room or trunk space. I had to pick up an order for some computer equipment for work and couldnt believe that it all fit in the trunk.

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  Tall or big persons beware! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By BW - March 24 - 7:50 am

  I have enjoyed my 4Runner and have found the reliability to be outstanding. It handles like a dream off-road. I race up and down deep sand beaches with no problem. Its light and quick (V6). The features and interior are nicer than your typical truck plus no rattles. Interior room is better than I expected. However, Im 63 200 pounds and the seat + headroom is less than desirable. Fortunately, I have a sunroof, otherwise I wouldnt fit. The seats are narrow as well. If you lean the seat back like the kids do, you will have no issues with head room. One other thing, the computer states a MPG of 25 on the highway and 19 in town. Not true! Its more like 20/17.

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  2004 XLS Avalon is a Keeper - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim-n-IL - March 23 - 10:23 pm

  We bought our XLS at 30k and now have 120k. This car is truly the best bang for the buck on the road of any other. We recently had a screech when starting, and replaced starter, didnt fix prob, dealer thought flywheel, turned out to be battery! Features are superb and gas mileage is also. Driving slower (55-60) provides close to 30mpg, above 70 is 28 and less. Onboard computer gives immediate feedback for mpg. Roominess and reliability, not to mention all the options truly make this car a keeper. We recently researched others on this chassis, 00-04 and found several at 250k and up, so that makes us confident. We will keep this one until we get to that point. Why not save your money?!?!