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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  I Love it !!!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By toyota solara - May 11 - 2:23 pm

  I absolutley love my car.... fun to drive its a looker have had numerous folks come to me and ask how i like it... Its my first toyota and i look forward to its longevity...

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  Comfortable and Reliable - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Daniel - May 11 - 1:23 pm

  Never had a problem since I bought the car in 2000. Very comfortable and quiet. Good acceleration and mediocre brakes. Less than satisfactory gas mileage in city driving. Car rattles unlike near luxury car when driving over uneven surface. Suspension could be a little stiffer. Sound system could be a little better.

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  Efficient Performance - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Dennis Jacobson - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the car for you if you value performance and economomy/efficiency. My previous car was a Mark II MR2 and I loved it. This car has similar performance but it is more civilized in everyday use on the highway. It is comfortable, quiet and very fast in day to day use. I would not hesitate to take it on a long trip yet I enjoy the excitement every time I get into it.

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  Gone but not forgotten - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By zronbo - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought with 19,000 in 95. My wife then I drove this car until last week. Gave to 16 year old daughter and she totalled (not hurt)this week. Had 198,000 miles and drove and rode better than my 2000 & 2001 Camrys. Only regular maintenance timing belt oil and tires till replacement of distributer at 190,000 (stalling problem like previous reviewer). I miss this car.

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  So Far So Good - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By RubyRedSienna - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Have had several minor problems, but nothing major. On hot summer days, the door locks stick, and you cant enter or exit through that door. Locks were replaced by dealer twice in 2002. Also had problems with seat belt jamming in retraction mechanism. I have heard about the engine sludge problem, so we have changed the oil on time every time without fail. Havent had any problems with the engine yet (so far, so good). Overall, it has been an excellent vehicle. The ride is extremely comfortable, and there is enough room to be comfortable, even loaded with bags on vacation (although there are only 4 of us). Might be too small for a family of 5 or 6.

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  I will definitely by another one! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Brandy3612 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I have never had a vehicle that was so perfect for my family and myself. Its sporty yet it seats eight and its roomy but its not too big. I love the style and how this SUV rides and handles. I enjoy actually look forward to long drives now.

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  It Doesnt Get Any Better Than This... - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By DaveinCarolina - May 11 - 10:00 am

  2-word summarization: DEPENDABILITY & RELIABILITY! Of course the Tundras Gotta have it factor also played a major roll as well. ANY vehicle you look at, has to have a certain "look" which simply makes you want that vehicle. The Tundra has TONS of this! In fact, weve only owned our Tundra for just about a month and I STILL catch myself standing in the garage just looking at the truck, or worse, just sitting in it! I NEVER thought a truck could ride this good and be this quite even with the TRD package! Theres PLENTY of room for my over 6 frame. EVEN IN THE BACK SEAT! The most comfortable we tested! Owning a 95 Tacoma with 122K didn’t hurt either!

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  great car but.. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mightypanther - May 11 - 10:00 am

  enjoy my solara very much..however i have had a swerve to the left since i bought the car with 15 miles on it..toyota has checked it a number of times with no success..i am frustrated that no one knows what this problem is.dealership has treated me well but it is time to get the problem fixed and quit speculating

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  Almost perfect! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By AntGut - May 11 - 10:00 am

  After weeks of research, and several test-drives, I found the 4Runner to be the best overall vehicle for my budget. This truck kicks serious butt and the price is very reasonable. Its great to look at, in and out, and the engine performance is amazing. The only drawback is the gas mileage! Beware!!

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  The Best Yet! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ckon - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had one of each of the four generations of 4Runner and this is the best yet. So far it had exceeded the other three in every category except poddibly exterior style. For my use, it does everything very well.