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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  Toyota is the only choice - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By digitalgothic - February 8 - 2:00 am

  It is the most reliable, great looking, handling truck I know of. We have all kinds in my family, and it is clearly the best.

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  Comfy seats sold me. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jmack253 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The Solara was a compromise between the V6 Accord, the Passat and the V6 Camry SE. The Solara seats (leather with lumbar support) were some of the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. The engine feels pretty strong and is very smooth. The interior is very elegant, except for the cheesy fake wood accents. Otherwise, great ride, good power, distinctive styling (though from some angles it looks bulbous), 2.9 % financing for 60 months. There is a slight pull to the left. I have heard from message boards that this is common with this car.

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  Wind it up, Baby! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By New car smile - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I had the 02. Its a joke in comparison to the 04. Totally different cars. This time I got the whole package,(nav sys,leather, etc.). Glad I did. The outside looks good and the inside is FANTABULAS! When considering the price, comfort, power, etc, Toyota hit a home run this time. The factory tires are very pricy,( 17" low profile) and hard to find. I found out the hard way. Its a long story! Bottom line, Great car!

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  timkarr review - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By timkarr - February 8 - 2:00 am

  What can I say? Toyota really knows how to build one hell of an SUV! Exceptional quality throughout the vehicle. Vehicle rides surprising smooth and quiet, especially for an SUV. NICE! :-)

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  Pain in the butt! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joseph Raney - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Hi, ever since I got this vehicle I have been back and forth to the dealership at least 8 times, thats not including servicing. I just purchased the truck 5 months ago and its been giving me probs ever since I first got it.

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  Itll last forever - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By bobmarley - February 8 - 2:00 am

  One thing that is great is how long your car will last. My boyfriend has an 1985 Toyota Corolla and his car is still as reliable as mine. This is what encouraged me to purchase one. I would suggest this buy for anyone.

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  A good choice - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Bluedaisy - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I already have a 1990 Toyota Corolla and I decided to buy the 2004 Corolla. Theyre very dependable cars I still have my 1990 and I dont plan on getting rid off it. I got my car for a good price and I just want to say that the people at Neil Honda in Lynbroook are so nice, they really care about the customer. I encourage anyone interested in a corolla to go in for it.

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  2004 Sienna XLE limited - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By dotsang - February 8 - 2:00 am

  overall this is a well built van.

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  Impressed - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By bulldog - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I was never going to own a minivan. We had a lexus SUV (2003) and ended up getting rid of it for something bigger when second kid came. I decided to bite the bullet and get something with lots a cargo room and safe with decent gas mileage (that took the suburban out of the running) Look at all the minivans out there and Sienna was hands down the best overall. It is the comfort zone and all kinds of conveniences are at hand. We got the limited with the navigation and DVD entertainment and I must say the van is plush. It is a lexus minivan if they had one. I plan on keeping this one for a long time to come.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By GrammaLyn - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Rides like a luxury car, but holds everything and everyone.