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:

• 

  Zippy Little Car - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By InuRa - September 22 - 10:00 am

  My parents (im a high school student) were happy to get this car: cheap, slow acceleration, small, fuel- efficient. I like this car b/c I can easily pass someone, its weird- lookin. Ppl can always tell where I am, b/c not too many ppl drive this car. The only prob: Its missing all the "basics". youre going to end up puttin a buttload of options in the car.

• 

  Its the Fresh Maker - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By KOPOBA - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Fresh looks and very low maintenance. Fine for cruising around and pickin up chicks! 75k miles and goin strong!

• 

  disappointed - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By automatic - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I was driving the Tacoma, and could not wait to get the Tundra, it was my third Toyota. I was very pleased with the overall hanlding, ride and comfort of the Tundra. The accelaration is smooth and powerful. It rides great with or without a full load in the bed. I was a satisified owner. Then some problems started to surface. It is now on the third oxygen sensor. In Nov. 03 the transmission started acting up. Fortunately I had the extended warranty, because in Mar04 it failed and had to replaced. The rebuilt is not working very well. Im not so satisfied any longer.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Prius Owner - September 22 - 10:00 am

  While the fuel economy is slightly less than advertised (i am getting about 50 mpg in mixed driving) it literally "sips" the cheapest fuel. acceration is adequate but even better "off the line". It has many really great features like "bluetooth technology". With a "bluetooth enabled" cell phone (I have a motorola V600 and AT&T) when you get into the car it "reads" my cell phone and magically (without even taking the phone out of my pocket!) becomes a fully integrated car phone - using the cars computer screen, speakers and microphone. What a deal.

• 

  Toyota Avalon xls - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Robert Steele - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Second Avalon I have owned. First one in 1996 was quality. The 2004 model, is very poor quality. They are making the car cheaply, and poorly. The car is smoking like crazy with only 4,000 miles. With 4 trips to the dealership, they say they cant find any problem. I call smoke on a new $32,000.00 dollar car a problem. Lots of road noise, the front seat does not support your legs. The instruments reflect in the windshield. The radio is full of static, after spending 5 trips to the dealership, they say there is nothing they can do. On a $32,000.00 dollar car, give me a break. Buyer BEWARE

• 

  Great, but beware of sulfur smell - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pilli - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Enough power (quick response) to feel confortable passing cars in a bussy road; but you pay in gas. Good turning ratio for the size of the vehicle. Nice look inside and out.

• 

  4Runner is in a Class by itself - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By fonz777 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  4Runner/SportV8/SunRoof/Alarm/RearSpoil er/CarpetCargoMat/DayTimeLights:$32000 I am a happy owner of a brand spanking new Metallic Silver 4Runner Sport V8. Initially interested in the V6, but the Consumer Reports remark about poor reliability in the V6 kept me away from it. The V8 rides very smooth Also, this is a GREAT looking truck! Even if I had $10 million in the bank I would still buy a 4Runner. Yeah, I do not like the X5 or Lexus or Acura or any other SUV Import that touts itself as Luxury. Most of them look like spiffed up mini-vans, hybrids or plain Jane SUVs. I love my 4Runner!

• 

  My highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By TIAEL - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT MY HIGHLANDER, ITS A SMOOTHE RIDE, PLENTY OF ROOM FOR MY SONS CAR SEAT AND PASSENGERS, OVERALL LOOK IS BEAUTIFUL.

• 

  excellent - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By terminator - September 22 - 10:00 am

  the best car i ever owned

• 

  What they dont tell you about the AWD - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By dontask/donttell - September 22 - 10:00 am

  First, I had to have the motor on the side door replaced. It took the local dealership 3 tries to fix, and they kept my car each time, refusing to pay for a rental. In addition, I was not aware that the AWD does not come with a spare tire, or a place to store a spare tire. I had a flat tire on a "run-flat"tire that was defective, and was not able to drive the car. I had to have the car towed to Toyota, where it took them 2 days to get a new tire. They would not cover any of the costs of towing, replacement, or car rental. In addition, all handbooks show this car with a spare. Buyer beware...it appears it is truly Toyota "Cutomer....No Service!"