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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  Best Car for me rated by Consumer Report - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By DAWN - September 26 - 10:00 am

  CUP HOLDER-TERRIBLE LOCATION WITH SHIFT. ASHTRAY IN BACK -FOR KIDS? MY WINDOWS SPECIAL TINT BUBBLED UP. MY GAS TANK LID BROKE OFF IN COLD WEATHER.

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  My Camry Experience - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By William Horn - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Actually the Camry sold me the first time. I was a hard core American Car only person.I drove a Camry just to see if what I heard was true. I couldnt believe how smooth, how quiet, how much fun to drive this car was. I went back to the dealer from the test drive, and bought it on the spot. I have purchased two more Camrys since that time. Ill be buying the Highlander before Christmas. Thanks Toyota.

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  Everything you could want in a car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By James Pfirman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car has everything you could want in a car and more. We particularly like the navigational system. Unbelievable. We continually find new aspects of the car that we are completely sold on the Toyota and cannot imagine ever purchasing another make. It even has seat warmers.

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  Best choice no doubt - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By dsrice6602 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  When I decided to buy a new car I enlisted the help of a family member who is a car salesperson. I was given a Toyota Camry to drive for a day and the next day I was given another new car, different make. The other car was considerably less money since they had a great promotion going on. We are talking around three thousand less. The two days I drove these cars I asked ten different people their opinions and explained the deal I could get on each model. There was not one person that recommended the other vehicle. They all said"BUY THE TOYOTA"!!! I took their advise and have been nothing short of thrilled with my choice.

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  2004 Toyota Sienna LE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Leon Conary - September 26 - 10:00 am

  When traveling from Fl.to Me. with less than 1000 miles on it, loaded to the ceiling I averaged over 31 mpg on this van. This is an improvement over my 99 Toyota Sienna XLE.

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  Great for Mom, Dad, and the kids! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By as6369 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  After several short and long trips, we have fully realized the value of the Toyota Sienna. The XLE Limited is a marvel of comfort and versatility. The Navigation system adapts quickly to missed turns or changes in route. The entertainment system allows the kids to watch and listen to one source, while the parents can listen to another. You can even watch a DVD from the Navigation screen (while the parking brake is engaged). The rear back-up camera is fantastic for spotting those toys and neighbors kids that get in the way, and the sonar parking assist is sensitive and accurate every time.

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  Great Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By new van buyer - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the new Sienna for three weeks now and I love it . The interior design is unmatched.

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  Sienna Satisfaction - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By DNorris - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Sienna the first model year because of Toyotas reputation and safety features. Although it is not as solid as our other two Toyotas (Supra and Camry), you can count on their service department and Toyotas integrity. This year, the transmission was going out. Toyota extended the warranty and replaced it ($2200) without charging us a cent. I love Toyota!

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  LEXUS OF MINIVANS - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By brett rekcored - September 26 - 10:00 am

  drives like a luxury car!!! design is fantastic i recommend everyone get s one. nothing bad.

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  Great People Mover - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By AJ & JA - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is our familys second Sienna. We were pleased with our first, but love the 2004 Model. With the exception of the look of the front end, its not a bad domestic animal! Its got great pick up and handles well on the road trips, which is when I have to drive it. A great vehicle for its class.