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 CAR - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By hoamee - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned. Fuel economy different from advertised. I have been getting 50 mpg on highway and 40 mpg in city - opposite of what expected. Dealership service is good. The only bad expereience is buying from the dealership. They are very arrogant and stupid, making it difficult to purchase.

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  Not as good as my wifes Accord - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By kmeister1 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I had driven a Honda Accord but thought they were a bit pricey when I went shopping for a new car. I bought the 2002 Solara during the big sales in June, 2002, when the dealer wanted to make room for the incoming 2003s. I was looking for a reliable, roomy, safe, 5-speed, 4 cylinder vehicle with decent fuel economy. I got all of those but the car handles poorly in wet weather (left turns are especially sloppy) and the thing is too noisy on the highway. Next time Im in the market for a new car Im going back to Honda.

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  2004 Avalon XLS - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By mjk - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Wonderfully quiet, comfortable ride. Responsive, easy steering and plenty of acceleration. All the features youd ever want in a car. Im delight so far.

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  Tacomas are top Toys! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By TOYLC1978 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 1999 3/4 ton Silverado I bought new. This Tacoma carries & drives BETTER than the Chevy! I havent towed as heavy loads, but it tracks great in town. Ive also carried 1200 lbs. of rock payload on the freeway--great acceleration & no change in fuel economy. Love that I can park it anywhere. Theres also WAY more room in the double cab rear seat than was in the Silverado. Who says you need a full size truck?? Its truly a Toyota!

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  New Highlander Owner - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By karmi - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I dont care for the interior design. Console in the middle of the front seats is a waste of good space. Leave it open and put the cup holders on the doors like they are in the back seats. Ive bumped the gear shifter into neutral at least 10 times already, I dont like it where it is in the middle. Better to have put it on the floor where the wasted space is, or back up on the steering column. I wish the gas tank was a little bigger, I have to get gas more frequently now just because its a smaller tank than I was used to. I do like the way it drives, I feel safer in it than I did in my old car and the exterior design is really nice.

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  04 Highlander Limited - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By spencer327 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Only have this vehicle a week. First impressions are great. Quality is top notch. Easy to drive, sits high but very easy to get into. Very quiet on the road. Feels tight and corners flat. Engine is too new to get on it, but you can feel the power is there.Braking is typical Toyota. No unusual surprises. Just a very good vehicle.

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  Super SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Toyoguy - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is one of a car. I tested before the Pilot and I found the interior to be rather unattractive. In Highlander you feel good, the engine has confidence, controls are well designed, the finishes are perfect and you have the feeling of being in a very refined wagon.

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  Nice, but not smooth - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By John Deere 999 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Car works well. Great on gas. 5-speed is very rough. Also, low end torque is lacking. Rear seating is not ideal for adults as it tends to make people nauseous.

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  Up to Par - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Conny - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Excellent purchase although I find the driver seat to be a little uncomfortable for my 6-1/225Ib Frame. I took it on a 3000mile drive to Florida with little effort. The car literally drove itself.My wife loves it and the weaning process from her 1995 avalon has been very smooth.

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  Excellent - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By 1george67 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Best minivan ever! Excellent for what our family requires daily and will last for AGES.