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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  wanted a 300c - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Ring - March 30 - 12:16 pm

  Put an L on the grill. This compares to the Lexus without the price!!! Gas mileage is terrific.

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  Rollover survivor - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Deb - March 30 - 12:10 pm

  I rolled this truck after hitting ice in a snow storm and walked away without a bruise. The pros who came to the site said they expected to be pulling me out on a stretcher. I felt secure and safe even as we flipped and Ill buy this same truck again. Im glad the 2005 model has the bigger back area on the access cab as it was toooo small on the 2004

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  doubting myself - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By comfy - March 29 - 1:50 pm

  Im 20 years old, bought this in the forest green color have gotten compliment on color. Ride is kinda rough in first couple gears, interior could use a little sprucing up, otherwise it does have a lot of pick up for a 4 cylinder. Im keeping up with 6 and 8 cylinders on the highway and have no trouble passing. If youre around my age, Id say buy it, but youre gonna have to shell out some cash to spruce it up a little bit to make it a little fancier.

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  relief at the pump - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By oak462 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  after trading a quad cab v-8 4x4 truck for this little wagon, I can actually pass some gas stations now. Not as macho but much easier on the wallet. Hardley ever used the truck as a truck, more as a pleasure vehicle.

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  I love my Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Regena Hoglan - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Sequoia since November. Have had no problems. Just took a family trip in June to the Mountains. Very comfortable ride. My 2 kids loved having their own row of seats...

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  The Best - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By evelyncj100 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  overall the car is sturdy it has a smooth quiet ride far as handling and performance. the fuel econoy isnt all that great but itll do.

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  Test of Time Prevails! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By HilndrFan - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I lied- I actually have an 02 AWD 3L 6cyl model (purchased 11/01). The last 2 1/2 yrs in it have been WONDERFUL! No problems, and still as smooth & quiet as ever. Best vehicle Ive ever had! Passengers cant believe its not new, as it still rides like one. Drives fantastic in the Colorado winters.

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  cool car for cool mileage - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By jbdvm - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Just obtianed 38mpg in mostly interstate driving with A/c on. Very comfortable and well-mannered on the freeway. Great combination of power and fuel economy with the manual tranny. Only complaint is some buzzing coming from the rear headliner and dash at certain RPMs not a good thing for a Toyota.

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  WOW! What a CAR!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By jdz - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. Its the first time Ive owned a Toyota and I wont buy anything but one now! The car is beautiful and lots of fun to drive. This has to be the best sedan on the market. No wonder the Camry is Americas best selling and rated sedan.

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  A Joy to Drive - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By sdallenhou - March 29 - 4:53 am

  Ive never enjoyed a vehicle as much as Ive enjoyed this one. The styling and layout are perfect, and the handling is smooth. The navigation system is more difficult to learn than I thought it would be. There are a couple of visibility problems. First, there is a wide blind spot with the roof up - good luck backing out of a parking space. Second, the top of the windshield hits just so that I cant see traffic lights if Im first in line. Other than those two flaws, this is the perfect vehicle. I drove a 2006 Solara I4 coupe for several months and replaced it with the SLE convertible and am thrilled that I did. Gas mileage isnt as good on the V6, but it is much more enjoyable!