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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  Living with my Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Michael OBrien - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have had many expensive cars in USA and Europe but this is the best.

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  2004 Solara Sport.. what a ride - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By nassaupc - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. Mechanically the best car ever driven off the lot. Handles terrificly. Has an amazingly small turning radius. Standard stereo has great sound, deep full bass, no car vibrations when you crank it up. Automatic transmission shifter a bit confusing to get into proper position. Standard gauges include trip odometer, your average mpg, you real time mpg,and how long in miles before you need to fill up.

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  Smooth & Stylish - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jint fan - July 10 - 10:00 am

  We love this vehicle. It drives, rides and handles great. The 6 cylinder engine, auto tran. w/a 5 speed manual option really moves in and out of traffic. We get compliments on its looks everywhere we take it. Take it out for a test drive and dont be gentle. Thats what convinced us.

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  Camry - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By fw - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my second camry. The first was a 1991 Camry which I traded in to get my 2001 Camry. We are a Toyota family and I love my 2001 Camry. It seem like the 2001 Camry rides a bit smoother, with a faster pickup. The sound coming from my stereo is awesome.

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  Great SUV!! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Calidude - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is fantastic! It looks great and the interior looks futuristic. They should make the rear window roll up with the keyless but I love this SUV! You cant beat the looks and the build quality. This SUV has great pickup too - its pretty quick. Stock Sound system is decent too.

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  COROLLA S - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By CKING - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Thoroughly enjoy this car. The look is terrific. Excellent pick up. More interior room than the 2001 Corolla LE which I also own. Only wish the center console arm rest was a bit higher.

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  The best & the safest! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By dcflorida - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Simply the best in every category and as insurance tests have shown, also the safest.

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  2004 Sienna XLE Limited - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By WinkMaster - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle replace our 2000 Honda Oddssey. Glad we made the switch this vehicle has it all and is by far the best choice of all the mini-vans on the market today. Toyota is moving in the right direction so long Honda and everybody else.

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  my sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Lady D - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this van. Several years ago I had a different van--pontiac and I cant even compare the two. The ride in this van is superior! The room is great, you certainly dont feel confined @all. This van is fun to drive, has a great look, is quiet inside, etc. I could talk for days about why I love the sienna and that is big coming from someone who never realy liked minivans at all. I researched this new vehicle and felt this was the best deal for me and I am ecstatic!!!

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  LUXURIOUS su-V-an - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By PETE - July 10 - 10:00 am

  got quality, luxury, sofistication & best performance in its class