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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  WE love it! - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By emmaco - December 29 - 2:00 am

  After having 4 Runners for 7 years we moved up to the LC for the extra room for our growing family. Living in the mountains of colorado - I wouldnt want another car. There have times in the past 5 years when only Land Cruiser and Range Rovers were allowed access to our sub-division during snow storms. Their durability and reliabilty are outstanding. Their performance in the snow impecable and the 2004 has terrific gusto that makes it fun to drive. Only down marks are for gas mileage and its the same size tank as my 4 runner so ... Otherwise - get this car!!! Its awesome!!

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  Land cruiser - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By juan C - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Very nice to drive

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  Our "tan" Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By dmartin - December 29 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our 2003 Matrix last May. It is a lot of fun to drive and handles like a dream. So far we have only one complaint. When it is sunny, you cannot see the odometer with sunglasses on. The head and leg room are great. We have taken it on our first real family vacation last summer and look forward to another great vacation this summer. Thank you, Toyota for bringing back the "wagon".

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  SAFE AND SPORTY - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By MARK NGUYEN - December 29 - 2:00 am

  THE CAR IS GREAT TO HANDLE AND A GREAT VEHICLE TO TAKE AROUND IF YOU NEED SPACE AND COMFORT. I TAKE MY MATRIX WITH ME EVERY WEEKEND TO THE BEACH ABOUT 100 MILES FROM WHERE I LIVE. IT HAS PLENTY OF ROOM FOR MY 9 FOOT 9 SURFBOARD AND 2 FRIENDS.

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  Zero Problems Got2Luvit - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Gus_Zilla - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Tundra for over 4 years and have had ZERO problems with it, Not even a light bulb has burned out on me. Definetly the the best quality vehicle I have ever owned. Gus E. Phoenix,AZ

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  EXCELLENT CHOICE - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By snoook45 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH MY RAV 4 HAS A GREAT PEPPPY LIL ENGINE AN HANDLES VERY WELL WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL .WAS CONSIDERING A NISSAN XTERRA BUT AFTER TEST DRIVING THE RAV 4 . IT HANDLES AN PERFORMS 100% BETTER. AN NO ONE CAN BEAT TOYOTAS QUALITY AN RELIABILTY .

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  Great - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By whites - December 29 - 2:00 am

  In 2003 I was driving a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am. Because I have 5 kids this car was just not big enough. When I went to the dealership to test drive this Sequia I fell in love with it instantly.It had everything that I was looking for. I am a sports car person and driving a vehicle like a van is just not me. This Sequia looked great on the outside.It was MY STYLE. It rides so quiet and smooth and drives like a dream. The kids are very fond of the entertainment system for them and it comes in handy on those long road trips we take. Ive had my Sequia since August of 2003 and have not found anything that I do not like about it.

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  what a truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Douglas2 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the 4 door limited a few week ago so far I love it. It drives so smoothly. I just got rid of my Ford Supercrew and the difference in comfort and ride is unbelievable. I also had a Silverado before the Ford. Still no comparison. I had all intentions of buying the new Nissan Titan in fact I was on my way to the Nissan dealership to order one but instead stopped at the Toyota dealership and test drove the Tundra. It won hands down.

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  Toyota Sienna 04 great family car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By cathy - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Toyota really improved the Sienna for 04 by changing pretty much everything about the vehicle. The styling inside and out make it truly a thing of beauty. I just love my car! Even my sibling who own Lexus, Mercedes and BMWs were impressed with its styling and handling. Ive had my car since June of 03 (I was the first in my area to own one!) and I still enjoy it more and more each time I drive it. Thank you Toyota for such a fine family vehicle.

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  Love It!!!!! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Janice Hill - December 28 - 10:00 pm

  I have just purchased my Matrix and I am thrilled about it. A friend has one & she loves hers also (one of the reasons I bought mine). It is stylish, gets better gas mileage than expected (38 mpg) and fun to drive. Not a lot of pep but knew that going in - Ill take the great gas mileage any day. Wanted a white one, got a dark grey and it is just beautiful - glad I didnt get what I thought I wanted!!!!! Lots of space inside - front and back seats and hatch back is awesome!