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:

• 

  The Best Car I Ever Owned - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JerryW - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I never bothered to fill out one of these reviews before. This time I have to, because the Toyota Prius deserves it. Good points: truly superb engineering; great driving experience; practical, quiet, comfortable, spacious, peppy, and of course economical. My lifetime average: 49,8mpg. Bad points: limited choice of colours; dealership experience can be poor. Delivery times can be long. Recommendation: drive one today; order one tomorrow; phone around lots to get good deals. Try smaller dealers not v. big ones. If only Toyotas marketing and servicing were up to the same high standard as their engineering!

• 

  Prius 2G Hybrid - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Steve Tenbrink - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a really nice car. High quality design and new technology that I believe will be in most new cars in 10 years or so. Hybrid automobiles use less gas and have nearly zero emissions. Its the ideal car for metropolitan area and will help the US conserve gas and lower smog levels. Plus its a great car! Fun to drive and lots of new gadgets.

• 

  Avalon is a winner - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalonia - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Avalon for about 30 days and find it a joy to drive. It performs well, handles well,corners well and rides well. I think it is a lot of car for the money.Signed, Satisfied in Florida

• 

  Avalon over ES300 - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By susanmallen - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the secoond Avalon I have purchased. I bought a 95 when they first came out. I absolutely love the Avalon. I have had no problems, only the expected.....ex. tires, brakes...etc

• 

  Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By peaches10 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is very similar to the Lexus 300. I did alot of research on my car before purchase and it has withstood each test I put it to. Although it is more sedate than what I am accustomed to driving (sport car), Avalon is a classy car without being ostentatious. Toyota should brag about her more and stop making it a "secret".

• 

  I like it - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Eyem - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I am a tall man. I found that in the passenger side in the front seat there is an obstruction where my left foot would usually set. I usually drive so no real biggie. Very good aceleration all be it the foot feed is a little quick.(owned a ford)

• 

  American trucks suck! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By uvlsalsmn1 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  My 3rd toyota! Love the 4 doors and all the room it gives. You pay extra for the toyota quality but its worth every penny!

• 

  New Toy - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By GeoBigJon - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I have driven many trucks but this one is the best by far. We own a Dodge and sevral Chevys on the ranch but none of them compare to the build quality of the Toyota. Not the most powerful on the market, or largest, but hands down my favorite.

• 

  4 RUNNER V6 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By MILES LONG - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I LIKE IT ALOT

• 

  Too new to tell - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By valendug - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Only had it for one week and really like it, especially the roominess and comfort. Time will tell, but Im going to rely on Toyotas reputation of well built vehicles, of which Ive already had two, one I still drive around town with 267,000 miles on it, and my Tacoma pickup, with 91,000 miles on it and still looks and runs like a new vehicle. Like the safety features, which are well documented.