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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  2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V8 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By runabout36 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Love this vehicle! After driving a Chevy Blazer the last 8 years, this is unbelievable. Had been a Honda owner previous to the Blazer and missed the reliability and the way they stand behind their vehicles. Something GM seriously lacks. Considered Honda Pilot, but it lacked the towing capability. I believe I made the right choice with the 4runner!

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  Roomy & Zoomy - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Paul Feldmann - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven Toyotas for many years but this is the first one Ive ever owned. The exterior styling is classy and the interior is roomy and quiet. Sound and reception from the optional JBL stereo is excellent. The best sound however comes from the 4 cyl. engine. Its got plenty of zoom and revs to the redline without a hint of vibration. Overall Im extremely pleased with this vehicle.

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  2004 SIENNA - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By BTYSON - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is without a doubt the nicest vehicle weve ever owned. Toyota had to steal this vehicle from Lexus. The vehicle is quiet, quick, AWD, and very roomy. The only negative I have ever heard on the car is the price, but when looking at value, it is a no brainer.

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  Just about perfect - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Cappy4103 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This van is just about perfect. Weve had four other minivans (one GM and three Dodges) and this one seems to have all the amenities of the others, and then some. If you can get beyond the unique exterior look, the inside of the van is as functional as they come. Storage is abundant-dual glovebox, under front passenger seat, base of center console, door pockets. Whisper quiet ride compared to the competition, and nicely equipped trim packages. Our LE was priced similarly to the Honda Odyessy LX, but was similarly equipped to a more expensive Odyessy EX, minus the power drivers seat.

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  SE has RACING LOOK, STYLE and POWER ! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Larry T - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This SE is a cut above all other model Camrys! Its 3.3 V6 is there when you need the power to pass and compliments comfort while doing it. The interior offers quality build features and materials. I owned Accords in the past but I am much more impressed with this Camry SE than even the new Accord. With a more spacious interior, quieter ride and racy appearance, I love my Toyota Camry SE. The 3.3 V6 is worth every penny !

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  Real World Transportation - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jeff Backman - August 26 - 8:43 pm

  My daily drive to work is 36 highway miles one way. Turnpike driving 95% of time. Average 45.2 mpg. Great gas mileage, comfortable seats, real nice stereo, all with temp controlled AC comfort. Nav sys. is fun (and helpful) on weekend road trips to new places. Body color chosen.. white. In Florida, this was a smart buy. Interior seems to stay cooler and doesnt take as long to cool down once the AC is turned on. Many controls at your fingertips (on the steering wheel). My next cell phone will have bluetooth tech. so I can use the hands free feature. Plenty of storage space and with the back seat folded down, we carried about an 8 rug with the hatch closed! A true hybrid at its best!

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  Love this car - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bgardn3 - August 26 - 8:10 pm

  Just the looks of this Solara coupe sold me on the car. It also did not hurt that it got 9s and above from used car owner reviews. It looks great standing still and the 4 cylinder sips gas. I averaged 33 on the highway driving it home from Florida. Roomy back seat for a coupe. We love it and hope it lasts a good long time. It is roomier than the Accord or the Altima and that is another reason we picked it. Too bad they are no longer in production.

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  Fun Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Hybrid Believer - August 26 - 3:00 pm

  Great car! Fun to drive and very quiet. Average daily mpg 40-41 rural/urban roads and 41-43.8 mpg interstates(soft foot driving). Love all the screens available on nav., Bluetooth & ECO screens. Comfortable for both 63"and 51" bodies with the power seats and adjustable steering wheel positions. Great dual climate controls and sound system for CDs and easy iPod connection.

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  4Runner - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Marvin - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Reliable vehicle. 151,000 miles and still in very good condition.

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  The Most Fun Car in the World - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Jastram - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive never been enamored of any vehicle as I am with this one. When i drive this car, I have a smile on my face. Everyone looks at me in this car and the handling is unbelievable. Its fast, its great looking, it handles curves beautifully. I love driving the hills at night with the top down. This is pure, unadulterated pleasure.