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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  DEALERSHIPS - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By RIDI - August 28 - 10:00 am

  LOVE THE HIGHLANDER COURTSY TOYOTA IN WINTER PARK FLA WAS GREAT TO DEAL WITH..... AND DAYTONA TOYOTA WAS A TOTAL NIGHTMARE. I WAS WORTH THE DRIVE TO DEAL WITH AN HONEST STAFF CAUTION STAY AWAY FROM DAYTONA TOYOTA

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  Traded in Sequoia/Gas mileage - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Alias/User - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I was so tired of pulling into the gas station with the Sequoia. Ive also had a 4Runner, which I prefer in all aspects except gas mileage. The Highlander is great on slippery roads and has enough space for kids and dogs. I like this car a lot.

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  I love my Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By ForthOfJulyGirl - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Highlander. It is attractive, responsive, and smooth. The interior is very comfortable for five people. Its the perfect size, not like some of the tanks people are driving these days.

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  Solid, Quality Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By RevRDavid - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Very Solid, quality car. First Toyota product after several Nissans. Seems much more quality and better designed. For example the cup holder are where they belong, not under the heater controls, or behind the gear shift. Doors close solidly. Ride is smooth and quiet for a small car.

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  fun car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By jiggagirl54 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  i bought one in jan 04 and LOVE IT i highly recommend it - it is one of the cheaper cars and thats a plus - also its a great car

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  Worth the wait - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Kris Fielding - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Two years ago I chose to buy a used nissan sentra instead of the more expensive corolla. What a mistake. The nissan was nothing but a problem. The corolla has more power, much better mileage, a better reputation, and looks better. You cant go wrong with this car.

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  AWESOME!!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Pamula - August 28 - 10:00 am

  We wanted the best and thats what we got, 4 stars

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  Traceys Sienna aka - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Tracey ClarkJohnson - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have thoroughly enjoyed driving and owning my Toyota Sienna. When you climb inside, the space is cavernous. I have four children and a dog. We all ride comfortably. We also have the rear entertainment system and six CD changer. This is the first Toyota product I have ever purchased. But based on the performance, ratings, and quality thus far, it will not be the last time we purchase a Toyota product.

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  Camry (GREAT CAR) - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Jeska - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Toyota, it is comfortable to drive and very reliable!

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  2004 TOYOTA CAMERY LE - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By REX MAUK - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR EVERY DAY TRANSPORTATION AND SHORT WEEKEND TRIPS. IT IS A VERY QUIET SOLID SQUEEK FREE CAR. HANDLING AND BRAKING ARE GOOD AND PREDICTABLE WITH GOOD FEEL. FIT AND FINISH IS BETTER THAN AVERAGE WITH DOORS THAT SOUND SOLID WHEN CLOSED. OVERALL I THINK A VERY GOOD INVESTMENT FOR THE MONEY.