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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  Lorettas Highlander Limited AWD Review - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Loretta - July 21 - 2:00 am

  After having driven Toyotas since 1979 I have found them all to be totally reliable. The Highlander is a perfect size. It doesnt sit up as high as other SUVs. So it is easy for me to get in and out of...Im 5 feet tall. Being a Toyota fan I love everything about my Highlander.

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  second time around - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By raymond/kimberly - July 21 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND COROLLA S..I TRADED MY 2003 FOR MY 2004...I REALLY LOVE THE CAR AND THE WAY IT DRIVES...

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  FABULOUS - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By DerekCamus - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Steering radius incredible.......Drives like a DREAM......Comfort beyond compare. Lots of room and outlets...Had 2003 and the previa for years. This is the best design yet as far as room goes. Seats fold into floor. Bck windows operate like a car or truck. Just cant say enough about it

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  I love my Camry!! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By jcp#1 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My 3rd Camry they just keep getting better. And dollar for dolar this was cheeper then my 99 Camry!

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  The Best, Most Reliable Sedan - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By DPROF11 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Having owned seven Toyotas over the years, I find the Toyota Camry to be the most reliable and most functional sedan of the Toyota family. Also, most of my friends who previously drove Fords, Lincolns, BMWs, and Saabs have migrated to the top-end Camry models. There are reasons why this sedan outsells all others.

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  One of the best cars that I have owned! - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Janice - July 20 - 6:18 pm

  I purchased a red 2014 red Venza. I had a 2010 green one prior and I only traded it because I wanted a red one and I wanted more features. The Venza handles well and is a comfortable ride. Very happy with this car and sorry to see it discontinued. If I ever replace it I probably will go back to a General Motors car. Toyota doesnt have anything else that I like. I already had a Rav4 and I like the Venza much better. I just traded the Venza for a 2017 Ford Escape Titanium. Even though I really liked the Venza I owned two and it was time for a change.

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  Wonderful car - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By ambi - July 20 - 5:40 pm

  No doubt about it, I will purchase another Avalon. This car has more comfort in the rear and front than most of the largest. Everyone who rides in the rear seat is amazed at the comfort.

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  Best, not an SUV - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By evilclown1962 - July 20 - 4:32 pm

  If you purchase the Land Cruiser for its intended use it cannot be beat. For low maintenance and off road, on road ability it cannot be beat in the long run. It is not intended to be a grocery getter. All are built in Japan and intended to last 300k miles. They are shipped all over the world for tough off road conditions. Enjoy your Cruisers. I have owned 5 throughout the years. Do your research and you will not be disappointed. Look at the vehicles diplomats are escorted in dangerous situations around the world and you will notice a large majority are the Cruisers.

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  Love this vehicle! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Marilyn - July 20 - 3:50 pm

  This is my 5th Toyota and probably the most fun and most economical one Ive owned so far. I bought it off the lot with the options that came with it and I was very pleased that it came with more than just basic options. It is great on gas, handles very well, easy to maneuver, surprisingly great pep for a 4 cylinder, tons of cargo space and storage, very user friendly with all dash controls and love the design and the Pacific Blue metallic is a beautiful color. I love that the rear door opens to the side rather than raise like a hatch-back, it makes loading and unloading so much easier. The only complaint I have would be that it didnt come with the rearview camera.

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  Will it die? - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By toyotasonly - July 20 - 10:03 am

  Bought this Sienna van used a couple months ago. After driving a couple of weeks the trans started making a grinding/whining noise, (shifts okay), almost like a bad differential. I took it to a trans shop where they gave me the bad news. Trans needs to be replaced; $1,400. Oh well, Ill keep driving till it drops. So far, 4000 miles and steady as she goes. I guess the trans repair will pay for itself. Having never owned a minivan, this one is a blast. This van never lets me down when there is somewhere to go; bad trans and all! Ive never had a Toyota let me down yet; 98 Tercel, 05 Taco, 07 Yaris, 99 Sienna. Bullet-proof van, only had to do routine maintenance so far.