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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  Very nice car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By pc - February 5 - 9:13 am

  Ive had my Avalon for a month now and I am very pleased. One minor trim problem (faux wood piece in door not seated properly), which Im surprised was not caught at the factory. Very roomy, which was a priority in my purchase decision. Transmission takes a little getting used to and can be hesitant on occasion but not something that would change my original decision. Power is more than adequate and a nice, smooth ride. Im hoping my Toyota wears as well as most others Ive heard about. If you want a roomy, full size car, this is the one!

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By RevsRav - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Currently at 93,000 miles, this Rav has been a gem. It has seen all types of terrain. In wind gusts, tends to feel too light on the road, but has not been a problem as far as staying in the lane. Does well in the snow. Will keep it until it dies (which wont be any time soon).

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  CelicaGT2000 - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By GngrBrat - February 5 - 2:00 am

  This car rocks....it has great pickup for a 4 cylinder. The only problems I find are that the headlights are very hard to change due to limited space. Otherwise....this is one of the greatest cars Ive owned.

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  Smooth as Silk - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By badjura - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchase this car after doin alot of homework...it has paid off. This vehicle is exactly what I was looking for - turn heads, be reliable, and don;t take me to the cleaners on pruchase or maintenance. It has held up its end of the bargain. Its a shame Toyota ruined the loos of the Solara with its 2004 modsel - man, its really overweight looking. My Solara will be with me many years to come as it has checked out with the leading consumer report magazine and has stellar reliability as most Toyota products do. Go for it, this car is a winner.

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  What SUVs Should Be - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Setu Petaia - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, I put 285X50X20s on the car and it became a fused Rambo and Arnold - very smooth, adequate power and eye turning piece of art work. I wouldnt mind if Toyota turn up the HP/Torque catagory a little pit otherwise the car looks like a classic warrior with the comfort and executive ride. By the way this is a 2001 model with no much difference from the 2004

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  2003 4runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Gaschley - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Myself, family and dog love the vehicle. Not too big for getting around town, but very capable on highway. Gas mileage not good, but knew that getting in to it. I have a 6yo, and this will be her first car.

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  SR5 V6 - Great truck! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bears Fan - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I compared many SUVs in this class and it would be silly to buy anything else for what this vehicle can offer. Great comfort, nice ride, awesome technology, and a strong name to back it. It makes me wonder why anybody would buy an Explorer, Trailblazer, or any JEEP product. My only gripe is that McGeorge Toyota in Richmond, VA may not be the best place to do business. Look elsewhere.

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  EXCELLENT SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By JOSEFELI - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I AM VERY PLEASANT WITH MY RUNNER. VERY FUN TO DRIVE, STRONG AND QUIT ENGINE AND GOOD GAS MILEAGE (20.7 AT HIGHWAYS). IT IS VERY EASY TO PARK, AND VERY GOOD LOOKING INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. THE STEREO SYSTEM IS A MARVEL.

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  This is a great car - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By mslrupton - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this SUV because it had been rated excellent and I am so glad I did. Its beautiful to look at and so much fun to drive. I dont have to fill up as often with this SUV as my parents do with their Honda Pilot.

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  no buyer remorse!!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By luvmytoya - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I luv my toya... I test drove o4 civic lx and my 04 corolla s. Corolla beats it hands down.