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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  great truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By mattw - June 27 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a great truck! It handles great, for a truck and the reliability is awesome. Absolutely no problems other than brakes and regular maintanance. The V6 is very strong. Not geared like a car but has plenty of power. I think it tows a full 5000 lbs. Ive overloaded the truck and it still pulls strong.

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Lila - June 27 - 10:00 am

  We have had this car for over three years now and have been extremely happy with it. The back seat is roomier than most larger cars and we have been amazed at how much we can haul inside (furniture, skis, bikes ). The Highlander handles somewhat like a car, drives well in ice and snow, accelerates quickly and is small enough to park just about anywhere. Very dependable - highly recommend it.

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  best car I have owned - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By robert pipher - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2001 solora and loved, The 04 was redesigned and love it even better, fun car to drive, people are always asking how nice it is and what kind of car it is, need more promotion by toyota. great fun car

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  Loved my TRD Taco! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacomarc - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I actually purchased my 99 Tacoma in 9/1999 for $22,500. It was well equipped with SR5 and the TRD-Off Road package. I wanted one with a 5-speed though, and it was very hard to find because of the "popular" build packages. If you ask my wife, shed tell you she was jealous of it. I didnt help matters by calling it my baby. I had to sell it recently because I now have two kids that I didnt have when I bought it. It always ran perfectly. Nothing ever broke. It was great off-road, in the rain and snow. I sold it in early 2004 for $14,500, thousands more than I could have got for any other comparable 99 truck.

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  2004 Toyota Sienna best minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By gme - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I previously had a 2001 Sienna LE. I decided to get the 2004 Sienna loaded, and Im really happy I did. I love it. I never wanted a minivan, but this is my third one and is the best by far. It has everything I could want, except saved settings for the power seat and a power front passenger seat. Before I bought this one I looked at Odyssey--their back seat is the original that folds flush with the floor--but its all or none. The Sienna back seat is split 60/40. That way you can fold it without losing all of the seating in the back. Chrysler Town and Country has middle row seats that fold into the floor. But it wasnt as luxurious.

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  Dont Buy!!!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By 04sienna - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Its a beatiful vehicle while sitting in park!!! When you take it out of park, it is junk!!! There is many problems with it, that the dealer says is normal or they dont know what to do. It has a lemon title. Way to pricey to have these problems.

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  I Hate This Car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Roseanne - June 27 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I have been driving Toyotas for 35 years and have always been completely satisfied. Unfortunately, when we bought this car we didnt test drive it and what a mistake that was. It hesitates and jumps ahead on a steady basis, but you never know when. I really feel this is dangerous and we will never buy a Toyota again. It feels like its struggling to get any pick up. Im being told that this is because theres a device protecting the transmission. Sorry, Toyota, you messed up on this model. We are trading it in but not for another Toyota.

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  My Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By StephieEve - June 27 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has been up to now a satisfying reliable pleasure. Its great to know that I wont be visiting dealerships with nigling little problems. Its just a wonderfull comfortable car with great economy and a joy to drive.

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  Love It! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By foxxyfreddy - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Love It! Quite, Handles great, cant tell how fast your really going. Easy passing on the interstates

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  Half-year review of 2004 Toyota Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Fly-boy Sr. - June 27 - 8:13 am

  Tire pressures were 5# over those recommended by owners manual, and rear- seat ride was noisy and uncomfortable; both front and rear are good to excellent now and less tiring than other vehicles driven. Power steering provides less road feel than others driven, but with practice (6500 on odometer) it becomes more natural. Fuel consumption has been greater than mfg. estimates, but is steadily improving with experience driving conservatively and apparent break-in. Freeway driving and hill climbing performance is competitive with all but the hottest; acceleration is very smooth and surprisingly brisk, given the 1.5 L engine size.