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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  Lexus for a lot less... - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Scott in Chicago - July 6 - 2:43 pm

  We have a Lexus RX and this is very comparable. Excellent value for the dollar, nice ride, comfy. Shopped the Avalon (not worth $8k more, Ford/Mercury thing (500/Montego), Accord. Toyota reliability, solid feel and quiet triumphed. The Toyota just was an overall winner, and I expect it to be around a long long time. Looks nice in the silverish paint with grey leather, added a spoiler (like the additional brake light size) and it looks ok.

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  Great Pkg & Value. Its a Toyota .. DUH! - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By casper90651 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  At first I was skeptical at its look, not yet a Porsche, yet not a cheap looking American Convertible at the same price. The exterior look could definitely be improved. Though I can say, everyone that didnt know Toyota had a convertible thought it was a Porsche! ;) ... As soon as I drove it, that changed everything. The ride is go-kart like along with the cornering. A great zip-in .. zip-out kind of car. The luggage space is very limited at best, at best two small carry-on bags & a few smaller bags in the front will work! Best of all its Toyota value in a tight package. Everything is standard, what more can you ask for?

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  I love my Land Cruiser - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Turing - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Buy one, you too will love it. Worth every penny.

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  looking like a genius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By barkat - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Feel I am driving the car of the future. Surprisingly roomy, lots of nice features including no key entry and ignition. Gas prices have been going straight up since I bought and it is more likely that I will more than recoup any extra purchase price in fuel savings over the years. No sales tax on hybrids in my state and federal tax deduction did provide some savings at purchase. Getting around 48-50 MPG in town and on open road.

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  we liked it - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jackd223 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  It sits higher and gives a good driving view. We liked the center console video touch screen. We were suprised at the acceleration. We rented this vehicle for 3 days and it made us want to check it out again when we buy a new vehicle.

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  My Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bob Smales - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Aside from the fuel economy (obvious), it is a fun car to drive although it takes a little time to get used to. The minimal or no engine noise can be disconcerting (you think it stalled at the light). You push the Power button and nothing happens other than the dash instruments turn on but you click on "D", depress the accelerator and it moves out. Surprisingly comfortable for its size. well built and very stylish.

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  MyReview - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Chaunceyf - July 6 - 10:00 am

  My second time around with an Avalon!

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  My first Toyota! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Fonesman - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Toyota and I have to say that Im very pleased so far. I have owned a lot of cars and mainly Fords so this is a test and if it passes then Ill buy more Toyotas in the future. This little car has plenty of power and the gas mileage is one word "awesome"

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  VERY good car! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Chorus1 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Have had three Toyotas, with no problem at all. This is a GREAT car, and being in Northern CA in the valley, I need air conditioning! Feel that the power is VERY good, it handles extremely well. Im STILL finding out things about this car that I had no idea it could do!

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  THE CAR - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By BNAME - July 6 - 10:00 am

  VERY COMFORTABLE AND LOTS OF FEATURES IN IT. But not great power.