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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  Silver Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By MLGiunta - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving my new Prius for almost 3 weeks now. The mileage is lower than sticker, but more than double my old car. This is the break in period, so I expect more after 600 miles. I love the gadgets and the soft interior. It is definitely a head turner. The climate control is the best in any car Ive ever owned. The styling is unique. I waited 9 months for this car, but it certainly was worth the wait.

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  This is the best! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By nikita1 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have to drive an average of 500 miles per week and have always been concerned about fuel consumption and pollution. I owned a Tercel which gave me 40mpg, but when I found out about the Prius, I was one of the first to get it. Since I drive part in the city and part in the Hwy. the car gives me an average of 50+ mpg and it is comforting to know that I am not burning gas when I have to make a stop at a light, since the gas shuts up and the system works only with the batteries. The car has all the computer and Gps features you will find in an expensive Camry. At night, the inside panel lights are in the center,and outside visibility is clear.

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  Will Drive A 4Runner Always - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By My car/My dog - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Looks good, rides nicely, & roomy. My dog loves it as much as I do. I bought this car in 2/04. Runs like a charm.

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  toyota sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Hernando - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a vehicle with all the bells and whistles. Comfortable and fun to drive. The only thing that needs changing is the straps that hold the second row of seats up when they are folded. Without the straps, the seats come tumbling down. The straps do come loose on their own and could cause damage to your cargo. This is a very poor design and I believe Toyota forgot to include a locking mechanism for the second row of seats until the first Sequoia came off the line. Then they realized they needed to do something and this is what they came up with as an afterthought.

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  Avalon Rating - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Kempmack - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The fit and finish is execellent as is the performance. The quiet interior is especially appreciated. I am currently getting about 29.5 mpg on the highway at cruise control speeds of about 70 mph. City/Island driving gets around 24 - 25 mpg. This is a superb car to own.

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  2004 Toyota Solara - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By vlcampbell57 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Great, low to road driving. Hugs the road great. Gas mileage for highway is good. Very comfortable seat with manual positiong. All electric as part of standard package would be better. Great sound system. Excellent trunk space for a sport coup.

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  My Wifes Toy - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bigpapa G - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I loved my 2003 so much I bought my wife one she said she wanted a Camry until she drove her new Tacoma. I also advised her that she would be going down a dirt road alot to pick up her grandson,now that her son moved back from California a couple a months ago.

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  Mini Me - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By MinniMe - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have drivin a Suburban for 10 years, the Highlander is like a sports car to me. It handles great and has a lot of pep. No problems at all going over the mountain pass. I have had four kids in the car, with one that is 56" in the third seat and they were comfortable. A 63" man in the back seat with plenty of leg room. Love this car!

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  Lovin It - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By RSH1138 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I personally love the Sienna. I decided I wanted to test drive the new Sienna after having driven an older model. The quality was there and I thought "Wow, if they have improved on this I need to see it to believe it" Boy have they ever improved." The Sienna is "the Lexus of minivans" I actually enjoy commuting to work. The drive seems less painful now that I have a comfortable fun vehicle to drive.

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  Love this vehicle, riding on a cloud - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Booker - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I give it a 10. Its so easy to drive. like riding on a cloud. Love the capacity, and perks. Cant drive anything elso.