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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  MY RED MATRIX - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By tenn girl - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I LOVED THE MINUTE I SAW IT . I THINK IT LOOKS BEST IN RED OR WHITE. IT HAS SO MUCH ROOM . I LIKE EVERYTHING.. THEY GAVE ME A CAMARY TO DRIVE WHILE THEY DID A FEW THINGS TO MY CAR AND WONTED TO KNOW IF I WONTED TO TRADE....NO WAY!!!!!!!MINE HAS SO MUCH MORE STYLE..IN THE DASH.. LAYING THE SEATS DOWN GIVES YOU TON OF ROOM....THE DASH IS JUST...COOL!! I HAVE HAD THREE FULL SIZE PEOPLE IN THE BACK SEAT..AND NOT ONE COMPLAINT!!!WHICH IS AMAZING IN ITS SELF....YOU JUST WOULD JUST NOT BELIVE THE ROOM...GREAT PRICE...I HAVE SUNROOF.POWER DOORS AND WINDOWS.KEYLESS ENTRY..GROUND EFFECTS,FOG LIGHTS, 17 INCH.WHEELS..SIX SPEAKERS,

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  Beautiful - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Big Daddy T - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I have baught new cars every 2-4 years for the last 32 years. This is hands down the best investment I ever made. Do not buy this car enless you love being noticed. It really brings the looks and comments.

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  Ya Gotta Love It! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By A Long Time Waiting - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive waited over three years to purchase my Prius (was waiting for an old accident to clear from my record) and it was well worth the wait. EVERYTHING that others have told me about the Prius is true. Its fun to drive, handles beautifully, and is extremely comfortable. Did I mention that its really fun to drive!?! The features mounted on the steering wheel are absolutely wonderful.

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  Grrreat car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By aevans - June 7 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 modole has a lot of cargo space.I have gotten a large shopping cart of groceries in the back and still had room. Rides great, handles the crosswind great. (you dont get blown off the road). We have been getting an adv. of 56 to 58 miles to the gallon in fuel.

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  The Best - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By PhilthyAK47 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  A great truck for a great cost.

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  I love my Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By obgyn - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Enjoyable ride. Sharp looking inside and out.We receive many compliments on the color (red). Wish we get better mpg.

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  03 Corolla, Great Little Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By ski46 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Toyota and I am very impressed. I have driven Hondas for many years and just wanted a change. The gas mileage is terrific, usually about 38-39 highway and 30 around town with the automatic transmission. Its quiet, roomy and very well put together. Also there is no timing belt to change like on the Hondas and a stainless steel exhaust system. These 2 items alone represent a considerable savings.

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  A Minivan Well-Suited for the Family - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Liibanana - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my minivan half expecting it to be as lackluster as my 2000 GMC Safari, but it was more than that. The Toyota Sienna has all the amenities I looked for in a minivan. Even though I could have shelled out a few thousand more for the Limited AWD edition like my mother in law, I am very pleased with its performance and reliability factors. Plus my kids (all boys mind you) enjoy the spacious leg room the van affords us, plus it has a deceptively big trunk space for all that crap I have to lug around. I hope this rating helps just a little...oh and the mileage were getting out of it is pretty good. Go to Toyotas website to see more about the van. :)

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  toyota sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By darlinw1 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I highly recommend this minivan... with all the storage space and extras they put into it this year... it is well worth the money. Minivans have come a long way since I was a kid, and this one is at the top of the line for quality and bang for your buck

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  2004 Sienna - Take a LOOK! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By BandD - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Prev Chrysler Minivan owner-LOVE the Sienna! I have 5 kids and it leaves room in the DEEP trunk for cargo AND kid things! DVD player and additional plug ins for CD Players wonderful! LOVE THE LOOK and the DRIVE. Very comfortable and SAFE FEELING. Have to get accustom to the blind spots in the back and sides due to the high middle seat backs-and do not rely on the rear bumper sensors,they ocassionally do not "see" whats in their peripheral. All in all, it is THE BEST vehicle I have ever purchased and would HIGHLY RECOMMEND ED at LOMBARD TOYOTA (where purchased) in Lombard, IL-GREAT customer service and very trusting/ethical to work with. Also Steve/Elmhurst Toyota