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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  FUNctional Car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By GGREGG - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Matrix. It handles very well around turns at higher speeds. The interior space is awesome! Lots of head and leg room not to mention cargo space. It has a very sporty feel inside and out. The only complaints I have are, it could be a bit more peppy with maybe a 2.0 vs. 1.8 and the gas milage could be alot better. I only get 20-25 tops. This is my first Toyota. I have had many Hondas in the past and I cant say I regret leaving Honda. I loved all of my Hondas but my Matrix has more room than the Civics and are alot more fun to drive.

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  Sienna is a Great Choice - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Glenn90 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Our Sienna has proven to be a very wise purchase and great asset to the family. We have 2 young children and the spaciousness of the cabin has proven to be everything wed expected. The van is strikingly similar in overall size, power, and driver "feel" to my parents Lexus RX300 SUV--its got gobs of power. The black exterior is, as the conventional wisdom states, hard to keep clean.

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  Great Road Trip - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Ravlover - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Im very impressed with the stability of this SUV. Very good handling and ride. When floored at speed there is a tendency to drop into too low a gear. All controls are easy to reach and work/feel tight. Interior design is modern/functional which I like. Will submit another review after the first winter here in Toronto. Nice 2liter Lexus 4cyl. engine. Plenty of torque.

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  Lap of Luxury - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By MCR - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Grew tired of the van, upgraded to SUV. Love my Sequoia, nothing like it. Interior like a Cadillac, roomier than a van, drives like a sedan, performs like a truck. One great package.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Nancy W. - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I sold my American made 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII because it was in the shop every two months with mechanical problems, mostly electrical, although the brake pedal went to the floor at 35,000 miles and the door handle fell off in my hand at 42,000 miles. I purchased a new Avalon from Fred Dargie at Freeman in Santa Rosa, CA. and love it. Note - It was the easiest purchasing experience I have ever had and highly recommend this salesperson. It is comfortable to drive, has more interior room than the far larger Lincoln and is 100% reliable with almost all of the luxury features of the Lincoln. I plan to own this car for a long time.

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  Tacoma Crew update - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike Humeston - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Now have 27699 on this truck I bought in July of 2002 The AC compressor quited down around 9k miles and works well. Developed the rattle in the dash around 7500 miles. Dealer fixed it on first try. Getting 19-21 around town with K&N air filter and ECT button off. Best on the road has been 24.3 MPG. Seats seem to be getting soft but still comfortable. Very happy with it and will consider the 2005 Taco or Tundra when I retire. Very satisfied with dealer and truck.....so far!!

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  Happy to own Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mehmet - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my new toy.SLE V6 W/Navigation. It is fun to drive and beautiful interior makes you enjoy driving anywhere.V6 puts out enough juice.

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  2004 TOYOTA SOLARA SLE V6 - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By anaconda - October 13 - 10:00 am

  totally awesome car..great dealership..paid only 60 dollars over invoice..car rides like butter..great suspension..powerful..interior comfort cant be beat..exterior design makes it the hottest looking car around..many great improvements over the original 1999 design..

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  SOLARA 2004 - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By HEIDY - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT A SOLARA 2004 V4 HAVENT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By dben - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I put alot of miles on my vehicles & the 4Runner is the best value for the money and for reliability, creature comforts & resale value. It may cost more up front but resale value & low repair / maintenance expenses more than make up for it. (I got a better deal on it than I thought possible (under invoice)).