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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  Tundra Takes Over - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By birdliver - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the truck to tow my boat which weighs about 3 tons. I couldnt be more satisfied. I very much like the looks of the truck and its road handling. Everyone who drives it says it handles more like a car(always a positive comment) than its competition. I agree and approve.

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  DREAM COME TRUE - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By CLF - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I THOUGHT ABOUT TRADING UP TO THIS CAR FOR SEVERAL YEARS. ONCE I BOUGHT IT AND DROVE IT FOR 30 DAYS, I KNEW I HAD MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. ITS EVERYTHING I WANT IN A CAR. TYPICAL TOYOTA QUALITY.ITS SMOOTH, QUIET AND ELEGANT TO DRIVE. IT S A DREAM TO DRIVE.

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  avalon is often overlooked - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By mungous - September 26 - 10:00 am

  this is a terrific car. i had been an american car owner only, for over 30 years. died in the wool. however, the last 3 GM cars i bought (brand new) left me disappointed. the Monte Carlo needed a new engine at 50K. the 92 SSE Bonneville broke down on average once every 6 months and had to be towed (cheap alternators, plastic coolant nipples in the engine block (!) and just an overall decline in quality)same with the 96 Grand Am (alternators)

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  Toyota Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Casey Charles - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Avalon is an extremely smooth riding car on the road and very easy to handle. A very well built, solid car and very comfortable to ride in. Nice size back seat.

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  Improvement on near perfection... - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By karbourt - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 98 4Runner Limited and loved it....this one has carried a lot of the stuff I loved on the old one but improved a lot of the interior...the cup holders are now located in a place that makes sense...not in front of the air conditioner...the interior of the vehicle is wider and much more comfortable...probably the best thing is the ride is 100% smoother than the previous model...theres nothing I would change about it!!!

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  2003 Toyota 4-Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By DougD - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Extremely pleased with the new 4- Runner. A quiet, roomy interior...and impressive power under the hood.

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  My Review - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Leonard - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Its a great SUV for anyone. Easy and fun to drive. Makes you want to go out on the road evenr if you do not need to. Its safe for a family car. Everyone is a amized with this car. For sure I am keeping up with the Jones.

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  great truck - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By don1485 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  this is my second 4 runner. I was pleased with my last one 96 and didnt have to spend a penny on any maintenance costs other than routine care. I am very pleased with my 2003. I hope to have the same experience as I had with my 96. So far, so good!

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  I love it - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Peter I - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The fit and finish is top noch. Its a pleasure to drive. I enjoy my truck very much. I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  toy 4 trd - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By mh - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Perfect do it all vehicle with a great on and off road manner. Comfortable for four passengers yet able to tow, haul and achieve very respectable gas mileage. This vehicle is very reliable, looks good on the town and on the trail.