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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  pretty good highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Sspjal - July 21 - 2:00 am

  good value for price. fabulous in winter driving. very reliable. control easy to learn and use. plenty of cargo space. gas economy only fair. too much road noise enters passenger compartment.

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By pampered deej - July 21 - 2:00 am

  its a great car!!!

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  Toyota Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By OhioBarb - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the quietest vehicle I have ever owned. The ride is very smooth and it is fun to drive.

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  Best Car I ever drove - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Jokars - July 21 - 2:00 am

  As a short woman I find visibility excellent. It drives like a car and is very comfortable with lots of pep to get on and off the expressway.

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  2004 Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By GA Pete - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned. A lot of fund to drive. Aliitle pricy, but you get what you pay for.

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  Lorettas Highlander Limited AWD Review - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Loretta - July 21 - 2:00 am

  After having driven Toyotas since 1979 I have found them all to be totally reliable. The Highlander is a perfect size. It doesnt sit up as high as other SUVs. So it is easy for me to get in and out of...Im 5 feet tall. Being a Toyota fan I love everything about my Highlander.

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  second time around - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By raymond/kimberly - July 21 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND COROLLA S..I TRADED MY 2003 FOR MY 2004...I REALLY LOVE THE CAR AND THE WAY IT DRIVES...

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  FABULOUS - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By DerekCamus - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Steering radius incredible.......Drives like a DREAM......Comfort beyond compare. Lots of room and outlets...Had 2003 and the previa for years. This is the best design yet as far as room goes. Seats fold into floor. Bck windows operate like a car or truck. Just cant say enough about it

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  I love my Camry!! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By jcp#1 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My 3rd Camry they just keep getting better. And dollar for dolar this was cheeper then my 99 Camry!

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  The Best, Most Reliable Sedan - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By DPROF11 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Having owned seven Toyotas over the years, I find the Toyota Camry to be the most reliable and most functional sedan of the Toyota family. Also, most of my friends who previously drove Fords, Lincolns, BMWs, and Saabs have migrated to the top-end Camry models. There are reasons why this sedan outsells all others.