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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  6 More MPG and its PERFECT! - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By JTax - February 15 - 10:00 am

  If you need one vehicle to do everything this is it! Amenities to spare, great power, comfort, superior road manners for its heft, quiet. The extra fuel cost is countered by its reliability. With fuel costs up the cost of a used one is well worth the investment. Heck, if I cant drive it Ill rent it out as a luxury studio apartment.

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  Worth it - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By ToyoGT - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I got this car durning the spring break of 04. From the moment I sat down in it, I knew this was the car for me. Simpliy put the looks are amazing. The redesign of the tail lights is great. They look like the redded out verisons people have been buying. I have found that the power to be lacking alittle, but the way it handles turns you soon forget about that. I love this car and wouldnt trade it for anything else right now. Now stop reading this and go drive one. Not just a chicks car. A drivers car.

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  Must have for 2004 - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Isa Soto - February 15 - 10:00 am

  The best car ever made great room in back and fits two golf bags in trunk, amazing!

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  WOW!! What a car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By SolarKraut - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Mileage has always been over 50 MPG with the exception of one trip with some very long, 75 MPH inclines when mileage fell to 48MPG. The Prius is a truly amazing vehicle! It accelerates faster than my old 2001 Outback and maintains the posted 65 MPH up the steep grades eastward out of SLC. Mileage is astounding! Voice control of the navigation system, A/C and radio is really cool and works very well. Most impotant, this car is FUN TO DRIVE!! People Ive shown the car to are amazed at all the "gadgets" and are surprised that the car costs only $26K. Why didnt an American car co. develop something like this??

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  Toyota Nails It! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By russtf - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Sequioa a year ago and love everything about it! I would only upgrade from the SR5 to the limited because of the Leather Heated Seats

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  I love my Toyota! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Keldawwg - February 15 - 10:00 am

  When shopping for a new truck, my wife asked me to consider a Ford, because a friend could get us areally great deal on a Ford. No Way! I drive 35K miles a year, and I dont want a truck that’ll give me problems before it has 150,000 miles on it. My old Toyota has 197,000 miles on it, and except for maintenance my total repair bills have been $220. An EGR tube and speedo cable. American cars do not have the quality of a Toyota. Our friend with the Ford has had a lot of problems; power windows/power door locks, cruise control and brakes. It’s left him stranded on the side of the road twice! He doesnt have 50,000 miles on it, and hes buying a new Ford.

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  Drivin a Dream! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Phantom - February 15 - 10:00 am

  A much better design than my 1999 Solara. Bigger engine with a stiffer suspension. My 99, although it handled great was a littly spongy around corners. The new 04 really hugs the road. Its a real trip to drive, and the dark blue metalic paint and super styling really turn heads where ever I go. Luxury car quality at an affordable price.

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  I always bought AMERICAN vehicles - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By JOHN C HENE - February 15 - 10:00 am

  In my previous buying habits I only purchased American made vehicles out of loyalty. I wanted an SUV that got good gas milage, was comfortable to drive and was easier for my 82 y/o mother to get in and out of. No American vehicle matched those requirements, but all Japanese models did. I just picked the SUV I prefered and will never go back to just buying by loyaty again.

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  Highlander Comments - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By bdamia - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Love the Highlander.Handles great,big enough and typical Toyota quality. The shortcomings are few....turning radius could be better,driver window has a tendency to go all the way down when lowering (needs to be less sensitive) and shifting seems abrupt in city driving with medium to heavy traffic ,when stopping and going is increased. Overall a very good vehicle.......

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  Great SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Rich48 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, Fun to Drive, Good gas mileage. We have two in the family. brother has one . enjoyed driving his went out and bought one for myself.