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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  Love My Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Ama Lyons - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The Highlander drives like a car, gets fairly good gas milage. I love the easy loading and unloading of grocery, etc. I thought I wanted a SUV for my next new car. I checked out the Jeep, Chevrolet, Honda, Ford SUVs. Loved the style, ease of driving the Highlander. I added running boards, as I am short. I just love it, it is fun to drive and couldnt be more pleased.

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  Excellent - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Threekidsdaddy - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent all around mini van from performance to quality except for one thing.... gas mileage isnt even near whats on the EPA sticker.States 19 city and 27 highway: NOTTA!! We have done everything and barely get 19mpg all highway.vehicle has been checked out and found to be in excellent order . Have spoken to dealer and others have brought up mileage issue also. But what we lose in mileage makes up for performance....this van is a rocket!!

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  Cant believe I love driving a minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By smittyman - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Was really apprehensive about getting a minivan. A little pricy, but the safety and convenience features more than make up for it. Best vehicle weve ever owned. Perfect for a family of four plus a dog who regularly make long trips

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  best car ever - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By hape1 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  We love this one. We had the Honda before this and that was great but Toyota thought of all the little things to put into this one that Honda didnt have. The only thing is the immediate pickup is a little sluggish on the hwy.

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  no title - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By bubba123 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  great van to drive and travel in. needs lower price options

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  I love my van! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By PastorKay - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a great family vehicle, comfortable and well equipped inside. Storage capacity is great for all those kid items, and it still has wonderful pick up for accelerating onto a busy freeway. I really love this van!

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  Sienna is GREAT!!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By April YB - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I traded a Toyota Landcruiser for the minivan so I was very apprehensive about the way the vehicle would drive. It is great. Very smooth and easy to manuever. The seats are extremely comfortable and I can fit 2 strollers in the cargo area with room to spare.

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  Best Minivan Ever Created On Earth!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Beefie - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Simply amazing. If you like a smooth ride, strong and responsive engine and refined interior, buy the Sienna. If these things dont appeal to you, buy the Ford.

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  From Cadalic to Camry with Joy - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By elza - December 24 - 10:00 am

  After two decades of driving big gas- drinking tanks, I moved on to a Camry which I love. It handles well, is gas efficent and fits my lifestyle so well. I think it is pretty and easy to park! I only wish it had rear-view mirrors that automatically dim the lights of the driver behind you, a carryover from my Caddy years! I wont go back to a gas gussler again!

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  Love this car - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By RAV4istheRAVE - December 24 - 9:43 am

  This is a great vehicle. I down sized from a Dodge Durango and other than a few of the comforts (heated seats, leather) I dont miss it for a second. The RAV has a smooth ride with guts when needed. I love taking it up to the mountians on ski trips and with all the room there is plenty of room for friends.