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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  This ones a keeper - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By mshw777 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  After 5 years of ownership, I wouldnt trade this 98 4Runner for anything. The 150hp 4-cylinder performs pretty well; my 4Runner is equipped with the automatic transmission. The power option package I got is nice. The dependability and consistency in reliability amazes me! Ive purchased two other 2nd vehicles since then, but refused to trade my 4Runner in for those other vechicles. Overall, I love this truck.

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  the suv of the suv - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By terri christian - December 8 - 10:00 am

  this is the first time that i have owned a toyota,and the first time for a suv, i love it, mines black with the grey on it and has a luggage rack. i was gonna get one with a spoiler on it but after i saw one without the spoiler, loved it better, the spoiler makes them look UGLY!!!! im having a blast with mine.

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  Excellent Quality Pick-up Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sherry M. - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Tacoma Double Cab for two years and love it. It has been very reliable and have had no problems at all with it. The quality of the truck is excellent inside and out. Ive been very impressed that the cost of maintenance is much less expensive than most others. I would recommend this truck to anyone looking for a good looking, quality pick-up truck. The Tacoma Double Cab also has great leg room in the front as well as in the back.

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  Woods Review - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Wood__y - December 8 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 4WD V-8 4Runner Limited is far and away the BEST vehicle Ive EVER owned. Ive had great cars and SUVs in the past but my 4Runner leaves all the others in the dust. I wont hesitate to buy another one in the future.

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  This has all the marbles - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By doshiaa - December 8 - 10:00 am

  After doing, months of research on buying an SUV I finally decided to purchase 2003 V8 Limited 4Runner. This vehicle is exceptional in every possible manner; however Ill mention a couple of things that this vehicle could benefit from: 1. Add memory seats to driver side (most competitors offer this now days) 2. Add more storage bins Besides these, the SUV is fantastic and I highly recommend it.

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  2003 Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By kmcculloh - December 8 - 10:00 am

  After driving the Honda Pilot, Mitsubshi Endevor, Nissan Murano, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Ford Explorer, the Highlander was the winner. Exceptional ride quality, handling and engine performance. The car dealer was wonderful and easy to deal with. Driving this vehicle is a pleasure, it has responsive steering and excellent brakes. It also gets reasonable gas mileage for a SUV. I had every intention of buying the 4 cylinder but after driving both the 4 and V6, I choose the V6.

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  perfect blend - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Zipit - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Accord is too conservative on the exterior design, but built solid; Altima is bit agressive on styling, but little thin on interior layout. The SE is just the right touch, Lexus styling, foglight, spoiler, quiet engine as what you expect from Toyota, what a blend! Manual 5sp would have been ultimate, because I have never driven any 5sp shifting so smoothly close to automatic as SE. Dashboard design is suprisingly more American, spacious cabin and trunk only sustain the point. SE just makes it stands out of Camry family with all the right touches. Proud to own

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  whine in 4 cyl engine - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By w gale - December 8 - 10:00 am

  great car--beware of noticable engine whine around 1600-1650 rpm-dealer says Im the third one this month to complain about it --says they dont know what to do about it-whine is quite noticable and very annoying in such a quiet car. I would probably have paid the extra money for the v6 (assuming that it wouldnt also have the whining noise) I intend to contact toyota and see what they have to say about it. very distressing in an otherwise great car.

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  Simply the best! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By dcflorida - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful and affordable. Other car makes dont come close. Toyota = quality

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  Owner 2004 - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ida3125 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the nicest cars to drive and to ride in. We have driven over 9300 miles since buying sthis van. We have had three minor defects. Other than that No Maintenance except scheduled oil changes, tire rotation etc. we have averaged better than 26 mph on the road and over 21 mph city. We are well pleased with this van