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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  I love this car! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By toothman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my dream car! It handles great, very responsive, brakes well. Its easy to access the third row seats. My kids can get back there without help. The AC works well. I live in AZ and it blows cold air.

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  FITS ME AND EXTRA KIDS - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By LYNNIE - September 26 - 10:00 am

  RUNS GREAT, GREAT POWER FOR A 6 CYL VEH. LOTS OF ROOM FOR TALL FOLKS. DONT HAVE TO STEP UP OR SIT DOWN IN JUST SLIDE RIGHT IN TO THE SEAT. STEREO SYSTEM WITH CD JUST GREAT. CAN TAKE KIDS AND DOG, GROCERIES ETC. ALL AT ONCE. THIS IS MY SECOND 4 RUNNER BUT FIRST 6 CYL. AUTOMATIC.

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  Best car you can afford! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Eagle4Jesus - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is truly a wonderful car. The savings with gas are great! It has an LCD touch screen inside the car that is fun! It isnt superbly useful but it looks cool! The mileage is great and the car drives amazing. It has really sharp turns and can easily handle over 80mph!

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  2003 Toyota Prius Hybrid - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Aennchen - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I bought this car in Feb. 2003 anticipating gas prices to increase with the possibility of a war in Iraq. We drive approx. 2000 miles/month so fuel economy without sacrificing comfort is important. The Prius has not let us down.

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  Love my Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By vegfem - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car but actual MPG is slightly lower than manufacturers estimates, as well as lower than cars computer display (anywhere from 2 - 6 mpg lower). MPG is lower in the winter as the car takes longer to warm up. The ride is incredibly smooth.

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  The Best fun on the road - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dwrn - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I use the car everyday for work.It parks, turns and handles incredible. I did have to garage it for snow days. I have never had a mechanical problem with it. I open and close the roof from inside the car. The car is fun to drive, reliable, and if there is no passenger I can hold enough groceries for a family of 4! It is great for road trips and an overnight bag will fit in the behind the seat compartment.

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  my toy - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By pyrokid78 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my toy celica. its fun to drive, looks sharp, has god gas milage, and an all around fun car to drive

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  Sleek and fun - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By littlezucster - September 26 - 10:00 am

  It has a sleek, aerodynamic shape. The action package is a must! The seating is comfortable for front passengers. The interior is attractive in two-tone red/black. The paint seems to chip very easily. I have more chips in this paint in 6 months than I did on my other Celica in 6 years. The hatchback storage space is a great feature. It allows a sporty look, while remaining practical. Fuel economy is a plus. Its slow compared to other sports cars but does have fair pick-up and excellent handling. Overall, I really enjoy my new 2003 Celica.

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  I must like it Im buying my third Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By dwolf1087 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a 2001 which was in an accident, a 2002 and am now buying a 2004 Prius. The Prius is wonderful. I get 55+ MPG. My driving style suits the Prius. I drive mostly on trips of 20 minutes or more at 35-40 miles per hour with limited traffic stops. Freeway miles are less at 46mpg. I also get less milage in winter, 45-50. On the other hand my record is 64mpg on a tankful (confirmed at pump not just the computer screen which tends to be off by a consistant 2mpg). The Prius will not get the best milage during the first five minutes or so as it warms up, often only 35. Performance is good, comfort levels high.

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  this is the best car made. period. - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By mikewils - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems whatsoever with my landcruiser. It is flawless and remains beautiful, smooth, and powerful.