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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  Excellent choice - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By toycannon - February 11 - 1:03 pm

  Gave back 05 pilot for the 08 highlander. Huge improvement in looks, ride comfort, shifter location, a/c, stereo, moonroof. Miss homelink and split 3rd row. Display gives you current mpg and different useful data as well as back up camera. Very quiet, steering feel is light.

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  MOST EXCELLENT - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By tlyke - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR. ALL THE FEATURES ARE AMAZING

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  the best suv made - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By bevelh - February 11 - 10:00 am

  best suv ever and the best dealership in Florida. i will forever be a toyota buyer

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  First Thoughts - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By hatchbacker - February 11 - 10:00 am

  The XRS is a lot of fun to drive. The six shifts smooth; gates for 5th, 6th and reverse take a little getting used to. Oozes quality and value. Good acceleration and handling. Strong point is ergonomics-big back seat, lotsa versatility, comfortable seats all around. Easy entry/exit for all riders. Also considered loaded Mazda 3s, but the space was not quite on a par with Matrix, and Toyotas interior and comfort appeal to me. Mazda 3s center pillar intruded too far into my right shin.

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  Very Happy - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dicker - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Really, what competition is there to the Solara convertible? The Chrysler Sebring is a quality joke, and actually costs more similarly equipped. The Ford Mustang is old technology, at least until the 2005s are available. (Then try to buy one for six months.) The Turbo Beetle costs two thousand dollars less, but it is definitely not in the same class. The Solara offers Toyota quality, 7 second to 60 mph performance and luxurious accomodations. This truly is a great buy.

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  Tacoma Rules! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By johnof - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Great design in a powerful package. The 4 doors are perfect for the kids -- surprizingly spacious in the rear compared to the 2-door extended cab versions. No mechanical problems in almost a year. Mileage not bad for a 3.4 liter V6 with plenty of towing power.

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  2004 highlander 8cl - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Antonio Borrell - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Is one of the best suv I ever drove.

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  Excellent - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Ellyn Davey - February 11 - 10:00 am

  We went on our first road trip with our new Toyota Sienna 2004, and it was the best road trip yet. Thanks for making a van that the whole famiy can appreciate and enjoy!

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  A Dream Car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Ainthair - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I have bought new cars since my first (a Ford Mustang) in 1963. The Toyota Sienna is the FIRST car I ever loved so much that I bought a second! It is the safest, most comfortable and yes, even the most enjoyable car to drive Ive ever owned. I have an entertainment center, AWD, "run-flat" tires, a rear- view camera, and a navigation system all of which gives me a sense of security Ive never known before. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!

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  Love my Sienna! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Mommymobile - February 11 - 10:00 am

  For reliability, safety features, handlind, and comfort, the Sienna cant be beat.This is not my first minivan, but it IS my first Toyota. I wont go back to any other minivan.