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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  An excellent, well rounded player - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By LTJ - July 15 - 2:00 am

  You will definetley feel like you are riding in a car or lets say a Camry. There are good space accomodations and I like the hidden bins in the cargo area. The V6 engine is excellent although could use more power but take off is excellent. Provides peppy, and fun power which makes you want to rev it high. The ride is excellent and comfortable. Radio sounds excellent.

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  MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By COLLINS PAULK JR - July 15 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY FIFTH TOYOTA. IVE PREVIOUSLY OWNED 2 COROLLAS AND 2 CAMRYS. I LOVE THE STYLE OF THIS COROLLA. TO ME IT FEELS LIKE A BABY CAMRY. IT IS JUST WHAT I NEED TO GET TO WORK AND GET AROUND TOWN. I REMEMBER WHEN I FIRST GOT THIS CORILLA. IT WAS THE SECOND WEEK OF APRIL, 2002. BRAND NEW, NOT TOO MANY LIKE IT IN THE ROAD. HAD ONLY BEEN OUT 2 OR 3 WEEKS. REALLY TURNED A LOT OF HEADS. THE BEST YET.

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  2004 Toyota Corolla LE - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By tvaudio - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2004 Toyota Corolla LE!! It gets around 28/30mpg in the city and I live in Chicago! It rides very smoothly and handles excellently. I will definitely buy another Corolla in the future!

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  Happy with my 2004 Corolla LE - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By CDC - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Very nice appearance, I love the MoonShadow Gray Metallic Exterior with a lighter Gray Interior. The ride is very smooth and quiet. Acceleration is very good and makes for easy passing and entry into traffic situations. Braking is easy and smooth. Controls are all in easy reach and easy to operate. Seat belts are of adequate length even for the larger occupants.

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  This car saved my life! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By zosozep24 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my Corolla! As a college student, I needed something that is not only reliable, but that offers enough room to bring home all my laundry! ;) This car is GREAT on gas and its very sporty! None of my friends can believe its a Corolla! I also get compliments from everyone that rides with me on how smooth the ride is! It always puts my passangers to sleep! I highly recommend this car!

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  Love my Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Jlcrawford - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Toyota Sienna last June. I had been looking at the Dodge Caravan, but just hadnt made up my mind on it yet. When I visited Germain Toyota to have my Camry serviced, I saw a Sienna that had just arrived. I fell in love with it right away. I had to wait until the AWD model became available, but just as soon as it did, I ordered it. I just love my Sienna. This is the first minivan I have ever owned. I am confident that with the quality products that Toyota produces, It will be the only minivan I own for a long time to come.

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  My favorite Minivan ever - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By tasafe - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This van gives you the room for the whole family. Its like driving your living room around. The transmission is awesome, youll never believe how smooth the gears change. This van has it all. As much as the American Auto Manufacturers try to convince us that they have made great leaps toward better quality they are way off. Theres not one American minivan that could even get close to competing with the quality of this vehicle.

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  Undeniably great-though slightly boring - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By mpsearcher - July 15 - 2:00 am

  My fourth Toyota, it was totaled at 6 months when i was t-boned by someone who ran a stop sign. GET THE CURTAIN AIRBAGS - THEY WORK. After 8200, miles i wanted to get something a little sportier as a replacement, but cant find the value/ mileage/ reliability/curtains,etc. so will likely buy another. As to resale- insurance gave me almost what I paid. Dont pay more than 86% of sticker.

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  We love it! - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Speechy mom - July 15 - 12:56 am

  I have had my Highlander for 10 months and I love it more and more as time goes by. The engine is whisper quiet, the seats are very comfortable and the gas mileage is much higher than I ever expected. The third row seat pops up easily.

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  Happy Yaris Owner - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Bob Wickline - July 14 - 9:50 pm

  I am 66" tall and I fit just fine in this vehicle. I look forward to driving it. Not only do I love this particular car but I believe Toyota makes the best cars on the road. I love the simplicity of the controls and the conveniences designed into the dash and doors. It handles extremely well. I was looking for a comuter car and this is just perfect for my needs.