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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4 runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
By NC007 - April 25 - 11:20 amSUV is all around fun to drive, I used to own a 2000 4 runner limited. Its literally like night and day, especially the past two winters. The VSC and traction control make driving fun in the worst weather. The SUV is roomier and the ergonomics are great.
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Love my Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By roatd - April 25 - 10:00 amFirst SUV I have ever purchased. Glad I did. More room that expected and rides smoother than the Land Cruiser. Braking is a little soft but then again its a big vehicle.
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Car of the Future is here - 2003 Toyota Prius
By xkater - April 25 - 10:00 amThe Prius is amazing. It uses the best combination of engine, electric motor and battery to propell the itself. It recovers energy during braking and it minimizes engine use while stopped. I average 45 mi/gallon in the city and about 50 miles per gallon while traveling long distances. It is gentler to the environment and to my pocket.
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To drive it is to love it. - 2004 Toyota Matrix
By ex-jetta gal - April 25 - 10:00 amWhen I first saw commericals for the Matrix, I thought, "God, what an ugly car." Then I got inside one. Wow. The seats are so cushy, the dash is so fun and so bright, and the car feels so spacious. Even my tall friends seem to have plenty of room. Also, the car is loaded with little storage cubbies and power outlets. The clutch is very easy to ride, and the overall ride of the car is very smooth. Lots of compliments... this car has a little something to appeal to everyone. Plenty of space to tote around all my junk. Great price and gas mileage to boot.
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MY BEST CAR - 2004 Toyota Matrix
By NEWBABE - April 25 - 10:00 amEXELENT CAR AND ECONOMIC IS FUN DRIVE THIS CAR
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I love the way it looks outside... - 2001 Toyota RAV4
By Pamela - April 25 - 10:00 ambut i think the seats are kind of cheesy. its pretty fun to drive, but i wish i had gone with an automatic. i get sick of shifting in traffic.
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Best Car I have ever owned!! - 2001 Toyota Highlander
By Liz in MD - April 25 - 10:00 amI bought this vehicle after owning 2 previous Toyotas that I was very pleased with. This is my favorite Toyota YET!! I am constantly told what a comfortable vehicle the Highlander is by all of my passengers. I recently added a baby to the family and the carseat works so well. Other friends are always complaining about how difficult it is to get their carseat in correctly and how the front seat has no room once the babyseat is installed. I have NONE of these problems with the Highlander. I bought this car from Jerrys Toyota in Maryland and the dealership was so great to do business with.
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TOO MANY CAMRYS - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Elxtra - April 25 - 10:00 amJust got tired of seeing Camrys. I purchased my 2004 Solara SLE 9-1-03. I am very pleased with the car, it is quiet and smooth. Turns corners tight. Plenty of room and driver seat adjust nicely. Center console is large and two- tiered. Interior is sweet. All the fancy stuff. I know 3 days is not enough time to provide a in-depth review, Ill be back......
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Worth IT!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
By Doggs - April 25 - 10:00 amGreat truck. But it is a truck, not a cute car with big tires. Rides great. No need for the V 8 unless you are towing somthing big. The V 6 has some serious pick up... Great gas milage for a 4WD V6 - We are getting about 21 MPG...
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Great family vehicle - 2003 Toyota Highlander
By Dave from MA - April 25 - 10:00 amWe purchased a AWD 6cyl about 2 weeks ago and we love it. It is a pleasure to drive compared to our old RAV4. It has plenty of room, silky smooth engine and tranny. After test driving the Highlander and 4Runner back to back, we went with the Highlander for the better ride. Since Honda dealers are not dealing with the Pilot, we figured we could with the Highlander. We got it for below invoice after a $1000 rebate from Toyota.
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Toyota 4Runner 2,243 Reviews
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Toyota Avalon 1,746 Reviews
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Toyota Avalon Hybrid 61 Reviews
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Toyota C-HR 23 Reviews
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Toyota Camry 4,530 Reviews
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Toyota Camry Hybrid 552 Reviews
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Toyota Camry Solara 1,098 Reviews
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Toyota Celica 486 Reviews
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Toyota Corolla 2,989 Reviews
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Toyota Corolla Cross 1 Reviews
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Toyota Corolla iM 1 Reviews
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Toyota FJ Cruiser 436 Reviews
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Toyota Highlander 1,941 Reviews
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Toyota Highlander Hybrid 371 Reviews
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Toyota Land Cruiser 273 Reviews
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Toyota Matrix 1,135 Reviews
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Toyota MR2 Spyder 278 Reviews
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Toyota Pickup 14 Reviews
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Toyota Prius 2,454 Reviews
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Toyota Prius c 84 Reviews
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Toyota Prius v 74 Reviews
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Toyota RAV4 2,041 Reviews
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Toyota RAV4 EV 2 Reviews
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Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 4 Reviews
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Toyota Yaris 744 Reviews