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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  I love this car!!! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By MAHTOCIRET - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand why Toyota isnt advertising the Matrix in my area (Central CA)- maybe they dont have to! I love the seats - really comfortable. I like the way Im sitting higher than I was in my Sebring. Now I can see traffic better. The fuel economy is always a plus and the fact that it wont begin to fall apart after the warrantee expires (from experience with my husbands Celica) is a big relief! Mine is light blue and I get all sorts of complements on it - a lot of people haave never heard of the Matrix and are impressed with the interior space and the nice lines. GREAT CAR!!!!!!!!!!!

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  great car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By teresa - June 22 - 10:00 am

  It has alot of pick up for a litttle engine

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  LOVE MY MATRIX!! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By artluverr - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive had mine since April and cant say enough about it! Ive had Nissans for years, but my last Sentra had one problem after another. This car has been fun and problem free so far. First car Ive had thats a great family car and that my teenage son thinks is cool too.

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  Waited for months, love this car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bill F. - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a no compromise vehicle. Not only do you get terrific styling, size and performance, but it is incredibly gentle on the environment at an affordable price. The "wow" features such as smart entry and start, GPS navigation and the LCD information screen are options usually found on cars twice as expensive. This is an amazing improvement on the previous Prius.

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  Nice Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Honcho - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Excellent power and acceleration. Highway mileage is around 19 MPG. Captains chairs are very comfortable. Easy to drive long distances (400 miles per day). Very good ride, even with the off-road package. Negatives: With automatic, difficult to shift into 4LO -- button takes several tries. One dash light doesnt work. Steering wheel isnt centered. Quality control isnt as good as Honda.

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  2003 Tocoma - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Shawn Gerrow - June 22 - 10:00 am

  The more I drive it, the more I love it. It allows a man with a wife and kids to still own a serious truck and avoid the dreaded mini-van! The back seat is very comfortable with plenty of legroom, even for adults. It is comfortable on the highway and competent off-road. I am completely impressed with its off-road abilities, its height and locking rear differential have allowed me to go places my previous pickup could only dream of. To top it all off, it looks awesome too!

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  THE BEST OF THE BEST--TOYOTA!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By TOOLMAN139 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  GREAT RIDE-QUITE,POWER,STYLE WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?

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  solid car - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By jbarnum - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I also own a 99 4Runner and the 2004 is a quantum leap in handling and comfort. The car feels very solid and has smooth, rapid acceleration. The price of the V 8 engine has dropped. The Sport edition has a high tech look, but still pleasing to the eye.

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  Love my Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By memere - June 22 - 10:00 am

  My first SUV. Drove 2 Avalons before this. Loved the Avalon. Highlander drives just as well and feels just as comfortable. Passengers often remark on the comfort in the back.

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  Our Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By elm - June 22 - 10:00 am

  We put 3,900 miles on this vehicle the first month owned on a long vacation trip. It is easy to load and pack the vehicle. Really enjoy riding in and driving this car.