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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  toyota tundra d-cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By mr big red - August 8 - 2:00 am

  toyota quality along with fun to drive front seat. roomy comfortable rear seats. talk to you in 10 years with the more important review.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By billy artic - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This truck is great.I think everyone should get rid of there junk fords and gmcs and get the tundra.The tundra is the hottest truck out there.It drives and handles great.It is very good off road.I put lots of miles on and have no problems.If you had a gmc or ford you would have to replace many things after alot of miles.Overall its a great truck as for the money and its reliability.

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  Bravo Toyota - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By jamesIII - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Unbelievable when compared to the last model. The V8 gives you much more power. Still drives like a car but performs like a truck.

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  TH - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By klklklklklklkl - August 8 - 2:00 am

  it is a very fabulous car and i love it so much you are great creators of a practical car

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  A very well put together car! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Michael B. - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is very good! Ive had it now since June, and there hasnt been even a hint of trouble eminating from it! The ride is so much better than the 94 Mustang Convertible that I bought new before getting the Corolla S. I am impressed with the quality of materials used, and the solid Lexus-like build. For people interested in buying this car, opt for the 6 CD changer... it will be well worth the investment!

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  One word: Wow. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By caitie - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I test drove over 20 cars when searching, and I wanted to try the corolla before choosing (I was choosing between a jetta and focus at the time). I got in it, and drove it (its a manual) like I had been driving it for years. I bought it that night. I was very impressed.

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  Great Choice! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By dorkydad - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I put a lot of time into choosing this car. Final decision, came down to Sienna, Odyssey, and Quest. All had pros and cons, but the overall feel I got from the Sienna could not be beat. The quality of the Sienna overshadowed the Quest and the Odyssey and the cost was similar. Sounds weird, but but the Sienna feels "homey"...like a home away from home.

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  vehicle rating - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By dmcdowell1 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  my toyota is a 2002.. had for 2/1/2 year.great gas miles. reliablity.this car willlast 15 years.toyota carmey.is well build. i wood buy a nother one. this car rate a 10.

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  My Toyota Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Amber Riggs - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Camry and it was my first toyota I have ever had. I have always bought honda. When I researched and compared the new Camry to the new Hondas it was hands down the best choice I could ever make. Ive owned three hondas and I will NEVER go back to Honda again. The quality of the Toyota is unbeliveable.

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  No Buyers Remorse!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kevin - August 7 - 7:06 pm

  We love our Yaris, we are absolutely 100% pleased, Usually with big purchases we have some buyers remorse, but we are totally at peace with this purchase. It looks great, gets great mileage, fits all four of us comfortably with plenty of room in the trunk for luggage.