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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  Great - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By snake1972 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Solid, functional, well-built Toyota. Quiet ride and great fuel economy makes this car a winner.

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  My Toyota - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By C3a5r2 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Love this car. Its already paid for itself as far as Im concerned. Love the room in the car as far as seating and storing. It handles like a small car, but has the capacity of a crossover.

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  Replaced my Corolla - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Murrays - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun and convenient for city driving.

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  2004 Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By PennySavr - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 2000 Solara (with poor access to trunk storage) for my very quick, extremely nimble, front wheel drive 2004 Matrix. I get 30-36MPG with it (5 speed manual), its a real kick to drive, it maneuvers well, is fabulous in winter weather, and -- fully loaded including side air bags -- was less than $20,000. Great car! I love it!

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  Great little car! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By League Family - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We have a Ford King Ranch pickup and love it, but needed a second vehicle for Church activities. We purchased the Matrix, and so far, we really like it. It looks, drives and rides good. All our friends like it also. For a smaller car than we are used to, it does the job well.

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  my matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By 178tf - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Love my matrix, had a driving vacation in sept, and went from NJ to Boston, Marthas Vineyard, and New Hampshire, handled well, and held a lot of gear. Pleasure to drive to work, and handled great in the snowstorms that we have had already.

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  My Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By gtillery - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I drove a jeep Cherokee for 6 years. Compared to it, this vehicle is a dream. No effort is required to drive my Matrix. We have had a fairly deep snow (12"). It drove like a dream. The Cherokee would slip, this did not 1 time. The gas mileage difference is phenonemal. I can haul as much as I could in my Jeep and the seats are much easier to operate. GO TOYOTA. I LOVE IT!

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  prius 2004 - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By skibirdx - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I had a difficult time obtaining one of these cars; there is about a 4 month waiting period here in upstate NY. I scoured all of upstate and got on several wait-lists until Kent Brown got a car and called me. Its very roomy and the only complaint I have is that it does not accelerate quickly from the start/ however once its going its great!! I am willing to overlook the lack of acceleration for fuel economy and therefore less dependence on foreign oil. Cant wait to see the Lexus SUV hybrids coming out next year.

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  jacks new prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By john m van zandt - July 21 - 2:00 am

  i find nothing wrong with this vehicle but my abilty to absorb all the technical data especally need quick study chart for guidance system in place of manual which is too difficult to under stand for me. i highly recommend to all who would buy and i am ordering a new hybrid SUV when it comes out. JMVZ

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  only hybrid you should buy - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By fredr - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were able to pick up two 2004 Prius in late November. I have 2000 miles and I am now averaging about 50 MPG. She has 1000 miles and is averaging 45 MPG because she only drives 7 miles to work. Toyota has priced this engineering design to force the other hybrid manufacturers to rethink their future development. This car is an electric car with gas engine assist because the DC motor is 295 ft- lbs from 0 to 1200 rmps.