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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  Quality SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By biglatka - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Feels and drives like a tough rugged vehicle that could handle most off road conditions yet on the paved roads is smooth driving, handles great and surefooted. Plenty of V6 power, smooth powertrain, and excellent brakes. This SUV gives one the feeling of power, comfort, and safety. Interior is great, seats very comfortable. Improvement areas: Remote key fob should be able to raise rear window as well as lower it, needs audio controls on the steering wheel. Rear door is difficult (heavy) to close. Better placement of gas tank filler door and hood release latches. No ashtray or lighter.

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  2007 Camry Hybrid is great... - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By faldoc - August 10 - 8:40 am

  This car achieves its goal: great mileage for a midsize car, with decent performance and good comfort. I really like the electronics, the steering wheel mounted controls, Bluetooth, and smooth, quiet ride. I have about 40.5 mpg in just over 3000 miles of driving, mostly on the highway. Exterior styling looks great to me. Not so hot is the monotonous interior color scheme, and plasticky overall look, cheap looking port installed leather in this specimen. Some of the interior parts don’t seem to fit well.

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  My Baby!!!! - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Glitter - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!!! Its zippy, and it can fit into the smallest places.

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  2001 TOYOTAL ECHO - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By BOXER14 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  VERY SATISFIEED. EXCELLENT GAS MILEAGE APPROX 38/46 WITH STICK SHIFT. MOST COMFORTABLE RIDING VEHICLE I HAVE EVERY HAD. ONLY DRAWBACK IS ON THE INTERSTATE ON A WINDY DAY OR IF A BIG TRUCK PASSES ON THE INTERSTATE, ROCKS MY ECHO SOMEWHAT. GREAT DEAL.

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  My Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Nicesutherngal - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicel drives beautifully; smooth, comfortable even on long road trips. Its quiet, handles well in curves, hugs the road. Its just the right size if you dont want a full sized SUV and a 4-dr sedan isnt large enough. Gas mileage is excellent.

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  My Favorite Car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Sann - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I really like my car. Its fun to drive and one high point, its very easy to make a u-turn. The mileage is not quite as good as stated. I get about 45 miles to the gallon with a combination of city/highway driving, however, I live in an area with rolling countryside.

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  Awesome auto! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Priusmama - August 10 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Prius sight unseen since the dealerships cannot keep them in stock. We have fallen absolutely in love with it. Its fun to drive, economical and very roomy. There isnt one bad thing I can say about it. After seeing other hybrids at the auto show, Im so glad we bought the Prius. It is built so much better than the others. Give yourself the first 500 miles to see your mileage become what you think it should. There must be a break-in period because we saw a drastic improvement after we hit the 500 mark. Great job, Toyota!

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  One of a Kind - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Pwalrath2 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Prius, and the 2004 is so comfortable, stylish, and it passes gas stations. I use it in Real- estate and the savings is outstanding! I have the 9 upgrads with GPS, keyless entry, 6 CD Changer built in Phone, voice activated, and so much more.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By SteveBatti - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Best Vehicle weve owned. Does everything well. Efficient and effective.

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  The Best Car I Hav Ever Had - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Shawn McHenry - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car I bought it on April 1,2004 and it is still on the full mark. I have all ready put 300 miles on it. Thanks Toyota for bringing out a great car.