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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  1st Month - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By dave_duvall1 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Gotta say, love the car. Couple of minor factory quirks, squeak in the dash quickly fixed by the dealer. Fun to drive and great gas mileage. Im a 6 foot plus man and have plenty of room for myself and someone in the back set behind me.

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  nothing special, just reliable - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By young123 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been excellent except for some minor things. The dash makes a rubbing creaking sound whenever there is a temperature change. The gas mileage seems a little low, ( around 10- 12 in town, 15 on the highway.

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  Best compact SUV - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Marc Leaderman - March 12 - 2:00 am

  If you want a speed/handling, car-based SUV with very good fuel-economy and the very best drivers seat-comfort/support, the newer-model-year RAV4 is far ahead of the rest of em. Toyota has a penchant for the best and the brightest cars/SUVs and trucks. This one again makes its nearest competitors, Fords Escape/Mazdas Tribute into also-rans.

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  2004 Base 4WD RAV4 5 Speed - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By BrianBiker - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the RAV4 for my wife because she liked the looks and we have had good experiences with Toyotas. I would have preferred an Element, but she hated the appearance. Anyway, now that we have it, it is growing on me. It is somewhat underpowered, even with the new 2.4L, so if you drive quickly, avoid the automatic, as it will be constantly downshifting, which is very noisy. With a 5 speed it is O.K. Handling is also O.K., it seems a little less precise than a 2003, although that is from memory. Steering and pedals all have a very light feel. But reasonably enjoyable to drive, especially for an SUV.

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  XRS Review (Toronto Canada) - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By nrg3k - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! i drove a Civic HB for five years, and this was a natural replacement. The more powerful engine is lots of fun, and still gets good mileage when need on long trips. I drove from Toronto to Banff with two passengers and loved every mile.

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  Sequoias are the best - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By DFH2004 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a Jeep CJ7, Grand Wagoneer, Exporer XLT and none can be compared to this Sequoia. I average 21.5 mpg on the highway which is great for a 5,700 lb vehicle.

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  Trade in 98 limited for 04 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By maved - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 1998 4x4 limited for a is great. The ride is definitely more car like for all those 2x4 people. Both my dad and I though still miss the 98-though the ride was lot more truck like. It was easier to know where your tires were at off road especially.Hopefully the new painted bumpers will perform like the old chrome ones thatlooked perfect after alot of rocks and branches flying at them. Overall it is very comfortable and nice driving vehicle which a few small design kinks. The interior material that is used to cover the doors is not very good with several bumps. In my old limited that material still looked new after five years.

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  great car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By sc23 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  excellent drive and handling. one design flaw is high pithced noise the moon roof makes when open which is alleviated when the front passenger windows are slightly opened.

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  good lil car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By vaipunk - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Decent car...tends to get blown around on the highway. My CD player doesnt fit right into my dash...and seal around drivers side rear fell off, both will get addressed at next o/c. Car gets great gas mileage and has little road noise. Brakes are great, and roomy interior.

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  Toyota Camary LE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Bus208 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Great running vehicle - very smooth riding and lots of power. Mileage is very good but expected maybe a few more miles to the gallon.