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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  BBB - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By AZY - September 4 - 10:00 am

  LOVE MY TRUCK RUNS LIKE A VETTE BUT HAULS LIKE A TRUCK

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  Luxury XLS - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By kdsmom - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The Avalon has been an excellent car although I have had it only 1 month. I am teaching my daughter to drive in it. She thinks it is great to drive. It is very smooth and easy to handle. My last vehicle was an SUV so this is a luxurious upgrade!

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  Excellent Choice - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By tlh19 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The V6 Solara SLE handles like a dream. This car is very sporty and powerful. I found that my car gets great gas mileage, however, filling it up intitially isnt cheap because the car has an 18 gallon tank. But, it is well worth it because you can ride forever once you fill it up. Everything in the car is driver friendly. The radio/cd controls are placed within easy reach of the driver and the stereo system is nice. Also, although the Solara is a 2 door car, dont be fooled because it has a full backseat that can accomodate 3 average size adults.

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  Sweet SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By MarkinCT - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I have been loving my new 4Runner for 1200 miles so far. Averaging 17.4 mpg, but mostly stop and go. Hey, its a V8 so thats not bad. This truck looks hot, gets noticed. Build and materials appear premium to other makes. In terms of quality, I think this is like a slightly smaller version of the Land Cruiser at half the price. Interior is more refined that the Sequoia (which I strongly considered, but 4Runner was more bang for the buck). With the V8, it can out-perform most sedans when in a pinch. Comfortable passenger room. Nissan Pathfinder cannot match the 4Runner in any contest.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By linzi - September 4 - 10:00 am

  It has the best mielage of any car I have ever driven. It has good pick up speed for a 4 cylinder. Its adorable and NEVER has any problems! My dad is the manager at Toyota and has told me, Corollas are the best selling car because they have no problems and last forever.

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  From Ford to Toyota - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Me_In_BhamAL - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Recently switched from SUV to Camry. Was so happy when I test drove the Camry V6 that I traded my SUV within the same month. Am hoping Toyotas reputation proves to be good thing! Was disappointed when dealership had to get my Camry from another dealership and ASSURED me that it was the new 210 hp 03 SE V6 model and when I went to pick it up, it was the 192 hp V6. Was then told by dealer that 210 hp is not available in 03 SE models. Funny how other reviewers on here say they bought the 03 SE V6 model w/210 hp. Lesson here--dont ever trust car salesmen to know what they are selling!!

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  Toyota did its homework - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By 1st minivan - September 4 - 10:00 am

  We test drove a loaded Odyssey EX and were not impressed (the 3rd seat was cumbersome, the ride was just OK, road noise, not enough luxury options) and then drove a Sienna LE and were very impressed with the ride quality and the quiet ride We wanted more equipment so we ordered a XLE AWD. Several $K more then the Honda - but well worth it. The child seat installation is MUCH easier than any other vehicle we checked out, and it rides better than any other van out there. The p/s is very light - good for parking lots, so- so for highway driving. This is definitely the best minivan available (it shows in the pricing!)

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  Sienna review - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Kierstin - September 4 - 10:00 am

  With three kids under three (1-yr-old twins + 3-yr.-old), I had to make the move from cool SUV to the mom-mobile (mini-van)--but this car made that move so worthwhile! We love this car! And the kids do too! Its so functional with the 3 carseats, and the DVD player is perfect for my oldest!

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  Currently Best Minivan on the market - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By wizdog - September 4 - 10:00 am

  After test driving the competition it is very clear why the Sienna should be on the top of your buying list. Comfort, efficiency, styling, quietness, and performance are key attributes in this redesigned minivan. Features are well thought out and plentiful, however you do have to pay with no buying incentives as demand is great.

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  very pleased - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By NRB - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I have been pleasantly pleased with this vehicle. It gets great gas mileage and is surprisingly fun to drive. Perfect vehicle for our family of five. Nice space and great power. Only complaint is that it drips water in front door windows when cracked if raining- worse than any other car I have driven.