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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  Sleek design with form and function! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By alberto martinez - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Not only is this a very PRACTICAL vehicle with great gas mileage.. it is stylishly designed with the interior design having a Mercedes-influence that seats 5 adults comfortably.

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  My first new car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By lspark658 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I sold my much-loved 88 Corolla for the 04 LE Model and although I miss the great fuel economy of the 88 (I got 40+ mpg), I LOVE my new car. It looks good inside and out, feels safe and is very comfortable to drive. Im told that mpg will improve after I reach 1000 miles...I sure hope so...

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  Why cant it be like Camry? - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Joe Hasting - July 28 - 2:00 am

  May be better than previous version, but not quite there yet to my standard. (This is my first van.) Why it cant be like Camry - handling, acceleration, noise, braking..

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  Blubbady - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Ken Kolodner - July 28 - 2:00 am

  A great car to drive...very fun

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  Best Toyota yet - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By William Wallace - July 28 - 2:00 am

  No problems, fun, comfortable--another typical Toyota.

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  Wow! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By beamup - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Have driven my car more than 10,000 miles in the last few months and it drives great. Had to have the alternator replaced and am driving a Ford Windstar. The difference is night and day. My Sienna drives like a car while the Windstar drives and feels like a big old truck. Cant wait to get my Sienna back!

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  Great Mid-Size Truck - 1998 Toyota T100
  By Dastankii - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I have 45,000 miles on a 98 ext. cab, auto, a/c.... I tested the back seat on the new Tundra and I, nor any of my family members could not fit in the back. The dealer said perhaps Toyota made a slit error in designing the Tundra back seat. The T100 is a very strong vehicle. Build quality is tops. Very comfortable and the engine will just blow you away with its power. I tow a 16 bass boat ... no problem. I also get 21 MPG on the highway , and 19 around town. It youre looking for a T100, I suggest you get a 97 or 98. These are hard to find because most owners are not interested in getting rid of wheels that require almost no maintenance.

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  Love My Landcruiser - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Bill Jr. - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Love this SUV. Had all kinds of including LX470, this has a better ride. Very quiet. smooth. Very well built. A TRUE luxury SUV all the others try to be. Still a very rugged off road machine. I will buy another one.

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  Makes Being Thrifty Fun - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By ALW - July 27 - 10:00 am

  The car is unbelievably roomy for its size (headroom and legroom are outstanding, even for 6-footers). The engine is smooth and responsive. The exterior styling, grows on you, and the interior design is brilliant. The amount of storage space in the interior...with its myriad, smartly designed cubby-holes...allows you to fit everything you want to take with you to have its own space. Gas efficiency is, of course, excellent. Visibility, due to the high seating position, is as good as any car Ive ever driven. Even the trunk is surprisingly large. Reliability, so far, seems typical Toyota.

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  AWESOME!!!!!! - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By LANDMAN - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Incredible Vehicle........the best! An ultimate machine of modern man. Smooth, fast, AWESOME.