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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  Best for the Money - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By livcab - August 28 - 10:00 am

  For the money, the Toyota Avalon is the best possible car to purchase. Its style matches any Lexus and the interior is actually more roomy. The trunk is more roomy than any other except the Lincoln.

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  My Toy as my wife calls it. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Downhill97 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the v6 and Im glad that I did. The pick up is great when your trying to get into traffic or passing on the parkway. Im still getting more than 20MPH and over 23mph on the highway. I love the new disign and the way she handles. Its like a sports car with plenty of room within. I couldnt be happier.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steppy89 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The best off-road/on-road stock truck money can buy. The truck handles great on the highway where I average 20mpg. Every time I have taken it off- road on either a beach or a trail, I am amazed how well it preforms. The size of the truck for me is perfect; fitting all my "stuff" in frequent trips to and from college is a huge help. With Toyotas reliability the Tacoma is a great truck.

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  #1 in Truck for Reliablility - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Drewtwo - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a 2002 Toyota Tacoma 4wd w/ the TRD Package. Its quick, reliable, built for abuse and equipt for luxary. No leather here but its not needed for its purpose. Great manufacturer of Vehicles. Seen a tach of a toyota hit 300,000Miles w/out major work Great Truck recomend for anyone who likes mid sized trucks. Also get the TRD package, was worth the extra cost -- DrewTwo

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  Excellent Vehicle! SR5 V6 4X4 4Runner 04 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By chacco - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 4Runner for a couple months and about 2,000 miles now. It is as smooth and quiet as youd expect a car, but extremely capable when tackling one of Nebraskas worst snow falls. It meets all of my needs for a vehicle, and gets compliments from everybody. Thumbs up on this one Toyota!

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  4 Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Anne-Marie - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a terrific SUV. It is luxurious and practical. For anyone with children and/or pets, this is a great vehicle. I will probably only buy toyotas from now on. The 4 Runner beats out the Jeep Grand Cherokee!

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  DEALERSHIPS - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By RIDI - August 28 - 10:00 am

  LOVE THE HIGHLANDER COURTSY TOYOTA IN WINTER PARK FLA WAS GREAT TO DEAL WITH..... AND DAYTONA TOYOTA WAS A TOTAL NIGHTMARE. I WAS WORTH THE DRIVE TO DEAL WITH AN HONEST STAFF CAUTION STAY AWAY FROM DAYTONA TOYOTA

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  Traded in Sequoia/Gas mileage - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Alias/User - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I was so tired of pulling into the gas station with the Sequoia. Ive also had a 4Runner, which I prefer in all aspects except gas mileage. The Highlander is great on slippery roads and has enough space for kids and dogs. I like this car a lot.

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  I love my Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By ForthOfJulyGirl - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Highlander. It is attractive, responsive, and smooth. The interior is very comfortable for five people. Its the perfect size, not like some of the tanks people are driving these days.

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  Solid, Quality Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By RevRDavid - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Very Solid, quality car. First Toyota product after several Nissans. Seems much more quality and better designed. For example the cup holder are where they belong, not under the heater controls, or behind the gear shift. Doors close solidly. Ride is smooth and quiet for a small car.