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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  2003 Toyota Avalon XLS - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By MSch0829 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Toyota Avalon XLS. The car is very reliable!

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  My Wife Loves This Car - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By TX Toyota Owner - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Avalon weve owned (first one was a 98), and the 2003 is a much better car. The ride is very smooth, JBL speakers are worth the money, quality of car is excellent. One could pay more for a big 4 door, but why?! At least twice a month my wife comments on just how pleased she is to have this car & weve had it for a year. Its always great to hear that kind of feedback!

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  Great like all toyotas - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By frank r - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Great truck, Seat could go back more!!

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  The Best Truck I ever owned - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Nightwind15 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is without a doubt the best truck I have ever owned. I have driven every model available and found the handling and power to be second to none. The interior is the only drawback. It could be more comfortable and could offer more features. The big thing to me is Toyota reliablity and resale value. I have owned Ford, Chevy and Dodge and the feel and power are beyound compare.

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  Im glad I switched to a Toyota Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By william.sannwald - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I really like the car-I have had Hondas, BMWs and Maximas, and I think the Solara is the best of the cars that I have owned. I was thinking of buying a Honda V6 coupe, but when I saw the new Solara and drove it, I felt that it was a better looking and more comfortable car than the Honda.

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  A truck to last - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Skywookie - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Just a great truck that there is no need to worry about it lasting in the long haul

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  2004 Tacoma Prerunner - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By MaxOut702 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  this is the second tacoma prerunner I have purchased in the last 4 years they are so much fun to drive and are so reliable.

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  best ever suv - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By happy1 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  we love this suv, we drove every suv on the market and after drining this one we were sold. this is one well build suv. do your self a favor and test drive one. all the others were noisy, and were cheaply made and don;t hold there value.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By James Lanca - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my 4runner i have had it for a year and i dont think there could have been a better car that fit the needs of my family. It runs great looks great and it had the best reliability record!

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  New 4Runner a Big Improvement! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By chrissle - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 4Runner Limited in May of 2003. To date, the my only gripes with the vehicle are the annoying rattles, both interior at the headliner/sunroof, and exterior at the rear suspension (my vehicle is equipped with the optional air suspension/navigation package). Otherwise, I couldnt be more pleased with the overall size, ride, quality, and prestige my 4Runner holds.