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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  AWESOME - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By TheProfessor - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This thing ROCKS! I dont know what I enjoy most: The incredible handling, the 30+ miles per gallon, or getting more attention than the Ferraris and Boxters out there! After 1 year of ownership, no problems yet.

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  2000 Toyota Echo 55000 miles on odo. - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Istok - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This Car is better than Honda Civic. I drove that Car. Other than hadeling there is nothing that is beter about 2002 lx except: Exterior looks and handling. I drove my friends 2002 lx. Echo rides better, gets better fuel economy, engine seems stronger ( I blow his doors off), than we swich cars and Echo still wins. His car is also manual. I pay a lot less for insurance than he does, both of us same agent, he is 1 year older, I even have one ticket and he does not, and we have identical policies. BUY THIS CAR.

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  Prius Review - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By tfrancis - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Have 5000 miles on car bought on Jan. 15, 2002. Have had absolutely no problems with it. I love to drive it. I love the 45 - 50 miles per gallon economy.

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  Been waitin for 3 years since rumors! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By hla26v - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Other than Honda,been waiting for full size ute that wasnt Landcruiser price range. Got Ltd 2wd loaded minus side airbags, 41.5k for my wife, only time I got to drive after bringing it home was once a week. I love it, she loves it more, that = I get to drive once a week. Got so fed up, found a used 2001 SR5 leather, 15k miles for 31.5k.(I didnt believe it either) Now we are a 2 Sequoia family. I am smiling now. Almost opted for Tahoe/Yukon. Knew of Toyota quality. The Seq just gets all types of looks! Hers is white, Mines is Thunder Gray/champagne trim.

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  Wonderful Touring Car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SilverSolara - December 26 - 10:00 am

  2000 6cyl w/manual tranny. Extremely comfortable, almost luxurious ride. All reviews saying it is Lexus-like are dead-on. The engine, brakes, tranny have been problem-free at 36K miles. After comparing it to CL/Integra, Accord, Cougar, Tiburon,and Seabring, I think I have the best car (that suits me) for the money.

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  Great Car For The Money - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By 03matrixXRS - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought my XRS last night, 4-6 weeks until I take delivery. The car offers more versatility for the money than any other car we looked at in the price range. Its great if you are looking for a fast, fun car that can still handle a bit of cargo. It looks great, but I wish there were more of an aftermarket!

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  Highlander: you got to feel the ride... - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Mohit - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I live in Michigan, one day decided to visit a friend in Virginia. The drive was very comfortable. Didnt even feel that drive was for 16 hours. love the smoothness, style, and quality of the car.

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  2003 LE versus 1993 LE - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Cape Cod Driver - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I guess I am one of the few who think the interior fake wood trim is gaudy, and the high visibility dash is annoying. I would have considered the CE, but it is not available with cruise control - in spite of the Toyota brochure. Is Toyota is playing marketing games with pricing ? The LE does not come standard with Cruise, yet every LE in my area has Cruise from the factory. Possible gimmick to make the price appear to be less than $ 16,000 ? My 1993 Corolla LE came standard with more options that the 2003 !

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  I grin whenever I see it! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By SNS - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my new Camry for 2 weeks, and I keep looking for excuses to go places in it. Its so smooth and quiet that my daughter-in-law was surprised when we started moving -- she didnt realize Id started the engine! I think its the most fun to drive of any car Ive owned.

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  So far, So good - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Plowe - December 26 - 9:53 am

  Good kidhauler alternative to a minivan