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 Ive Ever Owned - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By ajohnbeck - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the base model highlander for almost 2 years now and couldnt be happier. With 52000 miles and nothing more than oil changes and tire rotation. This car has all the power anyone could need in the base 4 cyl. I average 24.5 mpg with mixed city/interstate driving. Great vehicle!

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  Corolla Lover! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Peter Mitchel - May 24 - 10:00 am

  High quality car in every aspect compare with the money you pay! Best milage: 38 mpg at 65 mph in highway in mountain terrain (after break-in). Power more than enough for the weight of the car. Excelent handling quality. Good handling in snow condition.

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  I LOVE my Corolla! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Mellissa - May 24 - 10:00 am

  The Corolla is my favorite car on the road right now. Its quiet, quick, and a blast to drive. My husband complains that its not a stick, but he drives it almost as much as I do. Its great on gas too which no one would complain about.

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  luv my blue car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By ubs - May 24 - 10:00 am

  i thought it looked funny at first. My dad got me the 2003 LE at first, then, a year later, he traded it in for another corolla. He knew I was so comfortable in this car he got me a blue S with everything in it.I just love this.its gas efficient, comfy, sporty, light, roomy...its just the right size. its perfect. My best friends sis did the same thing, she got into an accident and got money from insurance...I thought it was weird that she got another corolla...but now i know...hahaha

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  this is a car you can look good in..... - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By portulaca - May 24 - 10:00 am

  this is my 1st new car (my last one was a used Neon), so im VERY happy with the Corolla! it accelerates very well (esp. on a highway, which was an issue when i owned a 92 Tercel), and is VERY spacious inside (can fit 3 people in backseat). my mother has a 98 Corolla (which ive driven), and it doesnt compare--the 04 Corolla is a better car for the $. i consider this car a solid investment--itll probably last the next decade for me!

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  Excellent - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By blackroxanna1 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car! The pick up on my car is great and it is only a 4-cylinder.

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  Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By bill21145 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Odometer and cruise control indicator difficult to see in daylight. Steering wheel should have telescope as well as tilt...and very little range in the tilt.....difficult for a tall driver to find a comfortable position.

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  Realiability - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Ka - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable, most economical for its class, fuel efficient, comfortable and smooth ride.

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  My carmy - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Ms.Johnnie Merrill - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the most loveable car I have even driven.Its beautiful inside and out handle very well on the road and get great gas mileage.but watch your speed you can be speeding before you know it., it is roomite and it on the highway.

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  $7000 Less than a Lexus! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Julie W - May 24 - 10:00 am

  With the premium package and safety package it has virtually every feature of the Lexus ES330. Good construction and quality materials and fit. I had a problem with the sunroof not closing -- something to do with the computer?? It made me wonder if more could go wrong, as this car has a lot more gadgets than Im used to. There is a slight hesitation when youve almost stopped the car and then go again, like at a stop sign when you dont come to a complete stop. Im 511" and have good head and leg room. It is well designed for a comfortable ride and I like the little cubbyholes around the driver.