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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  Toyota Echo 2003 met all my expectations - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Bob Hoy - March 25 - 10:00 am

  After a year of owning my 2004 Toyota Echo, the car has met or exceeded all of my expectations. It is light in crosswinds and has poor acceleration getting onto the Interstate highway. But given that, I smile all the way home as I pass the gas stations filled with gas guzzling SUVs and minivans (like I used to drive). I have been on several cross country trips and have been pleasantly surprised. No aching back, cramped leg muscles or headaches. And the sound system beats anything else I own. The car drives straight and the tire wear so far is very even. I keep finding nice surprises, like the hidden tray under the passenger seat, just right for holding CDs.

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  Cant believe its a hybrid! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By toopey - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is one sweet car! Forget the fact that the gas mileage is unbelievably good. This car feels like luxury on wheels. Of course I got the package 9 which comes with all the bells and whistles, but I would imagine even the lower packages are awesome. The car handles incredibly well, the interior is incredibly roomy- even the legroom in the backseat. And whenever I go out of town, I cant wait to get back home so I can drive it again!

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  New car for a new generation - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By solidzeero - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I am a big fan of the new Toyota Prius for more reasons besides the great fuel economy, but for the many features that can only be found on the highest end luxury cars. The Prius has the smart entrance system is really handy for us key fumblers. Has an auto dimming mirror which stops the annoying person behind you from blinding you with his lights. Finally, the navigation system will keep you from getting lost no matter where you are. I give this car a Perfect 10 out of 10.

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  Prius Impressions after 3K miles - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mikenunb - March 25 - 10:00 am

  After driving and washing and some interior disassembly for the purpose of Scothgaurding components I have come to some conclusions about the Prius. It is an inexpensive "econobox" type of car with high end electronics and gadgetry and the most sophisticated power train available in any car at any price. The seats are moderatly uncomfortable for my 510" 240 lb frame. And the interior construction and materials are kind of cheap. But all this is offset by only having to add gas every other week, instead of weekly or more often in Toyota Camry it replaced.

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  How was I to know - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By WineMan - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Toyota and its the best machine I have ever owned. From the first day it has been a joy and to drive. With no effort I dart in and out of traffic as if it was a car. Taking it through the mountains of Napa Ca you would think the curves would give one reason for caution. Not here. It continues to amazie me how well it handles on the road, in turns, hard curves, quick stops. With a full load of seveal cases of wine it does not change the ride. How their can be any way a rating company can not give this truck a number one or best in class must just what to be kind to the other manufactures.

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  dont settle for 4 cyl or softness - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By thegman - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I needed a car with good gas mileage,is reliable and less than 10k. I prefer cars with some personality and some performance. I installed a set of progressive lowering springs (about 1.2 inches) What a difference and with little compromise to ride quality. Threw in a K&N filter. Well worth 30 some bucks for a couple hp, cooler growl from the motor and improved throttle response. Upgrade to some 215/55/16 all season tires and this car is now looks better handles and brakes better and sounds better on throttle. All for about $1500 bucks. TRD offers a supercharger for about $3500 installed. This car now becomes fast!

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  An excellent choice - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tredshift - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car since the first week of January, and I am very happy with it. I tested quite a few cars over a 4 month period and picked this one over all of them (this includes BMW 325, Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Acura TL, Mercedes C 230 and more). Originally, I had not even considered the Solara and decided to test drive it after seeing a commercial for it. I liked many of these cars, but the Solara offered a combination of looks, power, price and quality that was tough to beat.

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  Serves the purpose well - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By spyd3rm4n - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The Tacoma is a great truck. I bought a 2004 which is the last year of this body style. It is getting outdated, but it is a very solid truck with a proven record of success. The 2.4L engine provides enough power to allow you to haul heavy loads once in a while, yet it is still practical enough to drive every day. The build quality is far superior to other compact trucks (Nissan Frontier, Chevy S-10, Dodge Dakota). I would suggest getting the manual transmission as it will get better gas mileage and will be better for hauling heavy loads. I got the automatic because I spend 80% of my time driving in city traffic and dont like shifting.

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  A GREAT SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By DAGREATEST - March 25 - 10:00 am

  THE 4RUNNERS RIDE IS SO SMOOTH AND QUIET NO OTHER SUVS COMPARE. I DROVE A LOT OF THEM. THE SEATS ARE COMFORTABLE AND VISION IS VERY GOOD. THIS SUV IS A SOLID ONE. TOYOTAS QUALITY DEFINETLY SHOWS IN THIS VEHICLE

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  Boat towing highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Illinihighlander - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Compared several midsize Suvs. choose Toyota Highlander for our familys needs. It will be used to tow a 2,500 bass boat on the weekends. Have made 2 trips to the lake so far, over 100 miles each way. I had a 2 inch hitch installed. Very happy with towing performance (16 mpg towing) Very solid made vehicle. Have owned 2 Toyota cars in the past with zero problems both over 150,000 miles.