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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  Love This Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By lmhadley - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Have had the car for 7-8 months and have had nothing but outstanding performance. Not one problem!! Only downside is gas mileage. Have taken it on several trips and it has performed as I had hoped. Would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Great and fun car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By apaske - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The toyota corolla is a great car. Its fun to drive and I have had nothing but good experiences with it. It drives smoothly and its alot of fun to drive.

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  The best car we ever owned! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By spcamry - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Mileage exceeds sticker even driving at high speed. After 28,000 miles we have had no defects for dealer to repair—a first for us on any new vehicle.

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  Just the best - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Mammy - January 13 - 10:00 am

  After driving a 98 for 5 years I was used to the quality. Our 5th Toyota vehicle. I was a little concerned about the gear shift position but now I just love it. The turning radius is awesome but a bit of getting used to. The auto doors are a boon for older people or short and I fall into both catagories. I will probably always have a Toyota.

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jhswartz - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 Honda Odyssey and the Sienna blows it away. Great ride. Great features. Plenty of power. Quiet ride. Huge inside.

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  High Hopes Diminishing - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jsize - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I am afraid my expectations from this van are not becoming a reality. Its been back twice for the passenger door adjustment. The "door ajar" light would stay on when the door was closed. This caused the interior lights to stay on all night. There is a slight ticking in the engine that almost sounds like a valve ticking but the dealer said it is normal. Now the most concerning problem just started and thats the transmission clunks really hard when you almost come to a stop but then take off again. Its also done it a couple of times in stop and go traffic when it downshifts. So this means another trip back to the dealer. I suspect the worse.

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  My fourth Camry. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By berk - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Built in Kentucky this is an "import" anyone could love. Good gas mileage, yet the model I have is fairly sporty and stylish. (My wife made me buy the sporty SE rather than my standard plain Jane model.) Ill put 50k miles on it and get another one.

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  LUV MY CAMRY - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By JUST ME - January 13 - 10:00 am

  THE CAMRY IS THE BEST CAR ON THE MARKET! IT IS SAFE. ITS DURABLE AND MADE TO LAST. CANT IMAGINE DRIVING ANYTHING BUT A TOYOTA

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  The seat - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By gotcga - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving toyotas since 1968; the seats are too short; my leg gets tired from the lower thigh to the knee

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  excellent car!! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By bob wright - January 13 - 10:00 am

  great car excellent comfort