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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  Worth Waiting For - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Philadelphia - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Good thing we waited. Initially we were considering the Odyssey, Town & Country and Winstar, until we came accross a preliminary review of the 2004 Sienna on the internet. My wife and I decided to wait for a month until the new Sienna is available so that we can compare it also. There is no comparison. The Sienna adapted all the desirable features of the others, incorporated and improved upon them in the 2004 Sienna.

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  Fun Family Car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Kha4me - May 14 - 10:00 am

  We wife and I just had twins and need a Minivan. We always liked the Honda Odyssey; but after seeing the 04 Sienna, it changed our mind. We bought the Sienna LE on Saturday after seeing it for the first time. Our intention was to go buy the Odyssey. After comparing the two, the 04 Sienna was our pick. Driving home was such a joy. Very well layout designs and roomy. We love to take this car with our twins and our 2 year old son. Good job Toyota.

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  Love My Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By T. Ryan - May 14 - 5:40 am

  Ive had my Highlander 3 months and still love getting behind the wheel as if it were a new car. Handles very well ,love the luxury features inside.Stereo, moon roof, and comfort of the seats. Love that you dont have to climb up or get down getting into it, just slide in and out.Very quiet ride ,as good or better than my Avalon was.

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  Echo Hatchback Headed to Canada! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Leslie Tang - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I am 17 years old and have had my G2 license for about a year now and I cant wait until I can go and buy my very own car (no more driving my parents Chevy Venture!). After going to the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto (GO LEAFS GO!) and seeing first hand the all new Toyota Echo Hatchback, Ive got to say this car is truly worth emptying my account for. Note, This car is only coming to Canada and will not be for sale in the U.S. So if your willing to drive up here and get one, be my guest!

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  Bowlas Corolla - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By dbowler - May 14 - 2:00 am

  The Corolla is the ultimate ride in its class. Its 1.8L engine can get you where you need to be at a surprising rate. It may not a Corvette Z06, but it certainly is ready for ANY task you can give it. Its reliability makes it much better than a girlfriend and its quality both inside and out help surpass it beyond Hondas cheesey interior and whiney engine sounds.

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By russo188 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Our family of 5 (3 boys) and friends can ride comfortably in this SUV The drive is incredible. We have had numerous SUVs. My husband was a die hard Chevy man and Toyota has changed him!

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  A lot of car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By touche - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Im a long time Toyota driver. I traded in a 2001 Avalon an didnt want to give up a comfortable ride. Not only is my Highlander comfortable, it looks great with what looks like "Candy Apple Red" color. Looks good, feels good and is good.

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  Getting My Moneys Worth - 03 Corolla CE - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By DBinMidW - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for a month, put about 1,500 miles on it, and getting 38 mpg. The 5 speed is peppy with good acceleration when needed. Rides smooth at all speeds and handles decently in the snow for a car its size. Interior heating is quick, and AC seems to work well without sacrificing engine performance. Adequate leg/foot room for average adult in rear seat. This is obviously a well thought out car, and a great value considering Toyota reliability. I chose the CE over the LE - the extra "features" on the LE seem insignificant with no real added performance or value for the money.

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  Excellent! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike - May 14 - 1:16 am

  I leased my runner in early 2005 and LOVE it. Great ride, stylish interior, good stereo, low noise.

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Bob - May 13 - 3:43 pm

  Put 700 miles on it the first week-end. Got 35 MPG on mainly level interstate with an automatic. Cruise control stayed "locked on" to correct setting even when crossing the Smokey Mountains in NC/TN. Not as comfortable as my Camry XLE, but then not supposed to be. Loaded a lot of stuff into it without any problems.