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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  Great Truck - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By John Fogle - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive this truck, its comfortable, but lacks power. Being 64" it could use a little more leg room. Gas milage could be better. Also had a blown head gasket while going up a grade on the freeway, temp. gauge never moved off normal, so cracked the block. Toyota claims that the head gasket recall of earlier engines was fixed and I was stuck with the cost of a new engine.

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  luvdamatrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By MandM - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The matrix is a great car. Dispite what the editors review say, its fun to drive. I agree with some consumers in that Toyota can improve on the quality of its dash board interior. I hope theyre listening. Overall, its drivability has been very reliable and I push it hard.

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  AEWSOME - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By FF757 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Great Truck I love it

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  One for the Road - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By trippin - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Love this car! Its sporty, practical & spacious: Handles like a sports car. Economical like a compact. Roomy like a wagon. Stylish like an s.u.v. Dependable like a Toyota!

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  my car - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By georgeeee - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I think this a very comfortable car to drive

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By round guy - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Im probably older than the average purchaser BUT I love this car. Ease of operation,response and quality say it all. Very pleased with the ride and room inside.Obviously the rear seats are less than pleasant BUT the front is outstanding. Very nice ride...

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  severe alignment problem - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Fred A - December 24 - 10:00 am

  We bought a 2004 Solara V6. It started pulling to the left the very next day. We had to try hard to keep it straight. We took it back for an alignment but then found out that many consumers are facing the same problem with 2004 Solara and Camry. Toyota has been unable to fix the problem. It is unsafe to drive this car, especially on highways.

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  Love My Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Ama Lyons - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The Highlander drives like a car, gets fairly good gas milage. I love the easy loading and unloading of grocery, etc. I thought I wanted a SUV for my next new car. I checked out the Jeep, Chevrolet, Honda, Ford SUVs. Loved the style, ease of driving the Highlander. I added running boards, as I am short. I just love it, it is fun to drive and couldnt be more pleased.

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  Excellent - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Threekidsdaddy - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent all around mini van from performance to quality except for one thing.... gas mileage isnt even near whats on the EPA sticker.States 19 city and 27 highway: NOTTA!! We have done everything and barely get 19mpg all highway.vehicle has been checked out and found to be in excellent order . Have spoken to dealer and others have brought up mileage issue also. But what we lose in mileage makes up for performance....this van is a rocket!!

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  Cant believe I love driving a minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By smittyman - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Was really apprehensive about getting a minivan. A little pricy, but the safety and convenience features more than make up for it. Best vehicle weve ever owned. Perfect for a family of four plus a dog who regularly make long trips