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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  Love My Prius! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Cheryl M. - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It is so much fun to drive and so comfortable that my husband and I drove from NJ to Georgia direct with only the basic stops along the way and still felt refreshed when we arrived. The car is averaging anywheres from 48 mpg to 59, however, we have already gotten over 60 mpg on occasion.

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  Ill Drive!! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By macwitch - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this beautiful Sequoia last week to take advantage of year end prices. It is awesome! I cant wait for each next chance to drive!

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  Never Again - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By flyer131 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Worst choice Ive ever made in a vehicle. Charged full sticker price eventhough I asked what was the dealerships best price as per their "lowest price guaranteed" billboard. Day of delivery took over 2 hours to get the car. Car delivered dirty. I was asked to pay half the cost of the cargo net that was promised by the salesperson. Dealership very unresponsive to my concerns. Steering is very loose. Car seems to float over the road. Tires spin on wet pavement. Drivers seat has NO lower back support. Tilt steering blocks the view of the gauges. 4 cylinders lack power for merging onto highways. Carpet sheds! Worst of all is Toyotas poor customer assistance.

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  Great Vechical, gald I waited for the 05 - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mrchips77 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the 2005 Sequoia Limited with the LUXURY package. Gives you a removeable console with 2nd row bucket seats. Paint is the new Artic Frost Pearl. Only available in that trim. So far in 3 days PERFECT. Made a Navigator I was looking at seem like a piece of junk. Great car, side curtain air bags, more HP, 5 gears, list 46K, bought for just under 41K. In this class of vechical I do not think you could do better. The dealership I bought one at gave us extra oil chagnes and even a extra detailing. Even sending me a basket of cookies. Anyone wanting a good internet purchase in Atlanta , found the place. Even have massage and manicure for woman who bring their car in for service.

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  satisfied prius owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By pbj - July 12 - 10:00 am

  roomier than last years model.led readout screen is larger and easier to read.gear shift is out of the way and easy to operate .rear backup buzzer is annoying. climate control a plus over last years model,easy to operate. sound system is upgraded also.

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  Week one - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ragin24 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought mine over the weekend and was off on a road trip that put on just more that 500 miles. I can only hope that as the motor breaks in, the mielage will increase as I wasnt impressed by what I did get in that dept.. Im sure its due to breakin time needed. Comfort was pretty good overall. I wish it had a lumbar adjustment though. What can I say about the styling that hasnt been said already. This thing is a nasty looking truck. I know Im going to love owning this this. No more full size p/us for me.

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  Solid as a ROCK - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ishharon - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I purchased MY 2004 4runner sr5 6 cl last month. All I have to say is WOW!!! Coming from a 98 Jeep Grand cherokee, this is a mojor upgrade. The Car has so much more room then the Jeep. I needed a bigger SUV, but I didnt want a gas guzzller. This was the best fit. The car is super quiet, and smoth on all road conditions. If I had to describe the car in 1 one it would be "Solid". The price is also right for all the Statdards too.

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  Great car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By vueltador - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I had a used 89 Corrolla and loved it so much that I bought a new one in 2003. I have never had a single problem with it, it gets great mileage, and its fun to drive.

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  Dependable car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By blackkdogdrive - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my corola, its a car i should have bought several years ago ive always been a chevy guy in the past but i got tired of haveing to repair them on a regular basis. Ihave found the toyota to be much more dependable and a lot better on gas.

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  Toyota Corolla CE Automatic, 2005 - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By tigresmoon - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is very comfortable for its size and the gas mileage is really great..It handles well, Feels solid, and performs well...Having owned many smaller cars, I feel this is the best for the bucks...You may pay a bit more, but considering you can get over 150,000+ miles out of these cars if you take care of them, I think this is one of the greatest buys out there...A Very reliable car..The dealership where I purchased my Corolla is great also...