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 for Mom, Dad, and the kids! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By as6369 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  After several short and long trips, we have fully realized the value of the Toyota Sienna. The XLE Limited is a marvel of comfort and versatility. The Navigation system adapts quickly to missed turns or changes in route. The entertainment system allows the kids to watch and listen to one source, while the parents can listen to another. You can even watch a DVD from the Navigation screen (while the parking brake is engaged). The rear back-up camera is fantastic for spotting those toys and neighbors kids that get in the way, and the sonar parking assist is sensitive and accurate every time.

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  Great Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By new van buyer - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the new Sienna for three weeks now and I love it . The interior design is unmatched.

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  Sienna Satisfaction - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By DNorris - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Sienna the first model year because of Toyotas reputation and safety features. Although it is not as solid as our other two Toyotas (Supra and Camry), you can count on their service department and Toyotas integrity. This year, the transmission was going out. Toyota extended the warranty and replaced it ($2200) without charging us a cent. I love Toyota!

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  2004 SIENNA - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By CAROLINE - September 26 - 10:00 am

  GOOD EXPERIENCE SO FAR, FIRST TOYOTA, PREVIOUSLY OWNED 5 HONDAS...

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  LEXUS OF MINIVANS - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By brett rekcored - September 26 - 10:00 am

  drives like a luxury car!!! design is fantastic i recommend everyone get s one. nothing bad.

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  Great People Mover - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By AJ & JA - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is our familys second Sienna. We were pleased with our first, but love the 2004 Model. With the exception of the look of the front end, its not a bad domestic animal! Its got great pick up and handles well on the road trips, which is when I have to drive it. A great vehicle for its class.

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  driving a dream - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jimmy hamar - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 sienna rides like a lexus .Corners like acamry and is the quitest van I have ever driven.The vis.ibility is terrific and the power it has is adequit.The stereo system is excellant and the heating system is great when a passenger controls his own. this is my 5th minivan none of the others came clse on performance. Jimmy Hamar

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  Best Mini Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Patricia Garner - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Although I purchased my Sienna in 2000, it runs like a new car, and it just turned 80,000 miles. LOVE my Toyota.

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  Superb Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By cfischer - September 26 - 10:00 am

  From a drivers perspective, pure joy to drive; as a passenger, sheer comfort. All it needs is a whirlpool! I am proud to take it anywhere - and believe me, it has gotten its share of second looks. Even my older teenagers think its cool. I hope you enjoy yours!

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  Best MiniVan Made - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By rshin49 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Dont miss the boat with this van. It is made on Lexas specs!!!