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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  Great SUV - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By seano - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have own many SUVs over the years. I always wanted to drive American (this SUV is buildt in America). Toyota is great best in class. The little know fact that it runs on Reg. Unleaded gas is a day to day savings. The truck handle very well in Snow when FWD is used. For the price and value very much worth the look.

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  Suicide Doors were a mistake!!! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By intuit4fun - August 8 - 2:00 am

  While looking at this truck it never crossed my mind that the suicide doors would be such a problem. Imagine trying to put groceries or anything youve purchased in the back seats in a crowded parking lot... You have to open the doors and be inbetween them...

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  Like this truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Rob F - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I was really happy to get one of the first to roll into the dealer. It is a little under-powered for my towing needs, but when my supercharger is installed, look out hills !!!!

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  toyota tundra d-cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By mr big red - August 8 - 2:00 am

  toyota quality along with fun to drive front seat. roomy comfortable rear seats. talk to you in 10 years with the more important review.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By billy artic - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This truck is great.I think everyone should get rid of there junk fords and gmcs and get the tundra.The tundra is the hottest truck out there.It drives and handles great.It is very good off road.I put lots of miles on and have no problems.If you had a gmc or ford you would have to replace many things after alot of miles.Overall its a great truck as for the money and its reliability.

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  Third and last Toyota truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jess01 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Toyota truck, all different models, and I have been continually disappointed. Its a fun ride and I feel safe driving it. However, Ive expererience the same problems with all three models. I think 6 years is long enough to work out the kinks. If all youre looking for is a safe, fun rugged vehicle than this is it, but I recommend not upgrading to get all the options as youll be disappointed with quality vs. price tag.

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  QUALITY TRUCK - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By MATERV - August 8 - 2:00 am

  VERY RELIABLE VEHICLE ON AND OFF THE ROAD. MY TACOMA HAS ONLY THE TRD OPTION AND IT DRIVES OFF-ROAD LIKE A FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE, BUT IT IS NOT. I WOULD RECOMMEND THE PRERUNNER, FOR ITS HEIGHT AND EXTERIOR LOOKS.

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  Truck lover - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By toyotafan11 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1986 standard bed Toyota 4x4 4cyl. 5sp for 9 years and had 125,000 miles on it before it was totaled. After that I purchased a 1995 Corrola which had 330,000 miles before tading it in on this 2003 Toyota Tacoma xtra cab, V6, 5 sp. I hope to enjoy this Toyata as much as the other 2. I loved the 86 truck and wanted to own another truck. I would only purchase Toyota because of its dependability. I purchased the truck Nov. 2003 and enjoy it except for the gas mileage.

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  Bravo Toyota - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By jamesIII - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Unbelievable when compared to the last model. The V8 gives you much more power. Still drives like a car but performs like a truck.

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  TH - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By klklklklklklkl - August 8 - 2:00 am

  it is a very fabulous car and i love it so much you are great creators of a practical car