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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  Still a great vehicle - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By DougT - November 16 - 5:56 am

  I posted a review back in November of last year after owning my 4Runner for six months. Its been four months since and I have nothing new to say other than this is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Ive owned it for ten months now and it still blows my mind at how well this thing was made. Its now seven years old with over 110k miles on it and everything is functioning fine. I love the 4Runner more and more each day. I got it for a really good price when I bought it and worry that Ill never find another deal like it on my next Toyota (which is what Im sticking with). Those Japanese designers have their stuff together thats for sure.

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  Toyota Echo - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Yoter - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Toyota Echo. Its gets me wherever i want to go. It goes ok on the snow too. its a great car to cruise around town in.

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  Great truck for the $ - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Felito - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this baby brand new in 1999. This is a very powerful 2.4 lt 4 cyl engine. I used to tow a 20 Commander jet sky boat 3500 lbs from Corona, CA to the Colorado river and I was amazed at this great little truck pulling avility. It has over 80K miles and all I had to replace was tires and front brakes. What more can you ask for?

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  Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jmdog - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car, brings hybrids into the mainstream

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  affordable luxury! - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Nate56303 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  best car i have ever owned...very, very comfortable, very snappy 210 hp. looks great, i loved the camry, but i would be tough to go back to any other toyota sedan after driving an avalon! half the price of a lexus with all the extras!

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  Rating - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mark M. - November 16 - 2:00 am

  We have already taken this vehicle on a long trip and were impressed. The mileage ws better than expected. The fit and finish on both exterior and interior are better than other SUVs we looked at. Very happy so far.Typical for toyotas that we have owned in the past.

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  Love my Sequoia! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By blondie56 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  For three years Ive been eyeing other SUVs passing by. The one that always caught my eye was the Sequoia. Now that it was time to buy, the Sequoia was the first SUV I wanted to look at. I researched my Consumer Reports magazine and it was HIGHLY rated. I looked at all the others, but they didnt compare. I knew that QUALITY,RELIABLITY & SAFETY were in a Toyota. The exterior is beautiful and the interior is even better. I chose the Limited because all the optional features on the SR5 were standard on the Limited. I am very, very happy!

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  Awesome Lexus looking car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Benny Aloha - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for about a month and a half now and put on 1,500 miles on it. Really enjoyed driving it and to think that it was my last choice between a 2004 Nissan Maxima and an Acura TSX. I test drove all three and fell in love with the Solara.

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  My 4th 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By wldlif - November 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th 4Runner. I just traded a 2003 Sports Edition in on a 2003 Limited and this is the best vehicle I have ever had. Got tired of the gray cladding on the Sports Edition! My first 4Runner was a 1991 and I put 180,000 mi. on it and I still see it around town, a quality vehicle! This to me is one of the best SUVs on the road and I would highly recommend it to anyone. I have always gotten a very good deal and paid a fair price!! This Limited V8; is a KEEPER!! I purchased w/ 9k on it and have put 600 mi on it in last week driving in many different conditions; rain to heavy snow; from mountains to 4 lane hwys and handles fantastic in all conditions!!

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  Best of trucks:Toyota - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By trotter.3 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  When I see a Toyota add, I wonder why it doesnt push Toyotas greatest point: reliability. I know it will get me where I want to go. It starts every time, and requires minimal maintenance. When others tell me of car problems, I ask: what make is it? Why dont you get a Toyota? The last trip I made to my mechanic, I asked him to give my truck a good look over. I have 85000 miles on my truck. My mechanic came back and told me my Tacoma is in excellent condition. I wasnt surprsied. As a loyal Toyota customer, Ill never have any other make than a Toyota. You might, say Im in love with my Toyota.