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 prius 2004 - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By palsal301 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had it for 3 weeks, but know its the mjost fun to drive of any car Ive had.

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  Good Commuter - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By AlJ - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Good handling, milege, breaks. Vehicle stability control and traction control terrific for this class vehicle. Wold prefer a six, not because it does not have enough pep but because it wouldnt have to work as hard. Interior is a little tight. If room in back is paramont, you can probably make a better choice.

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  SOLARA - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By JOHN B. - July 31 - 2:00 am

  SAME HORSEPOWER OF THE 93-98 NON TURBO SUPRA. WOULD LIKE AT LEAST THE SAME AS THE HONDA, BUT THE SOLARA LOOKS SOLD THE CAR. BETTER STYLE AND FINISH THAN THE HONDA.HONDA INTERIOR DOESNT COME CLOSE.

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  What a change! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By chabney - July 31 - 2:00 am

  We had looked at earlier 4-Runners but dismissed them because they were too "truck-like." After test-driving this one we were hooked! It DEFINITELY doesnt ride like a "truck", and is one of the smoother SUVs weve driven! Weve owned and/or driven over a dozen recent model SUVs (Grand Cherokee, TrailBlazer, Explorer, Mountaineer, etc.....) but this has been our favorite, BY FAR! Contrary to other reviewers, I actually like the temperature controls and "fake granite" trim. The controls are easy to use and the granite is 100% better than fake woodgrain!

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  Toyota has done it again! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Lucky 765 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Highlander has an excellent ride and is also comfortable. Interior is well laid out and easy to use. It is full of safety features and fuel economy is good for this type of vehicle. Easy to get in and out of and as usual quality shows everywhere.

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  good buy - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By night - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable for long distance trips. Performs well enough for normal driving. Comfortable seats and head rest. Easy to maintain.

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  Whisper Quiet - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Cappy - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Whisper quiet, even at highway speeds! You can hardly hear the engine start. You dont have to shout to hear third row passengers, or crank radio when on the hwy. Solid ride and as fun to drive as a minivan gets. We get about 22.5 mpg combined hwy/city driving. Have only got 24.3 mpg on hwy (at 70mph), not the 27 mpg on window sticker. We have the Sienna LE package, which is similarly equipped to the Honda Odyssey EX, at the Honda Odyssey LX price. And the Toyota Sienna LE has numerous features above and beyond the Odyssey LX! If you can tolerate the look of the front end, stop shopping and buy the Sienna!

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  bye bye Odyssey - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By sam champ - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Finally my dream came true!! Great features, great customer service. I just bought in in October and went on a small trip. Cant wait till summer to make a long trip. Its the best minivan in current market. Much much better than Odyssey.

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  Love it! Even the kids..... - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Jin - July 31 - 2:00 am

  We went from the 2002 sienna XLE to the all new 2004 XLE with pck#5, running board,leather,and DVD. We still miss the comfortable leather seat in the 2002 model, but enjoy the many features in the 2004. Have no regrets!

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  the best minivan ever! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By lelo - July 31 - 2:00 am

  its fun to drive and has good handling