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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  Sienna rocks - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By madoc - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a car. Excellent panoramic visio

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  Toyota did it again! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Carol Whipkey - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 1998 Sienna in on the all new 2004 Sienna and I just love it! The old Sienna had 90,000 miles and was only about half way broke in but the new, sleak design of the 2004 made me want one. I have owned a few Toyota products and each one has been an excellent quality vehicle. Once again, Toyota built one for me!

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  Wonderful VAN!!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By E Ready - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We like our 2004 Sienna so much that we think that Toyota picked the wrong name for it. My 5 year old son thinks that it should be called the Toyota Supervan and I think that it should be called the Toyota Joy because it is a JOY to drive. Every day we talk as a family about how much we love the features of our van. Can you tell???? WE LOVE OUR TOYOTA!!! IT IS THE BEST CAR WE HAVE EVER OWNED IN ALL OF OUR LIVES! ***** 5 stars THANKS TOYOTA!

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  Luxory, Style, Comfort-& its all mine! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By SusiQ - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I had wanted a Toyota Sienna for a couple of years but was glad I waited. The 2004 Sienna is incredible! The exterior is sporty and stylish. The interior is roomy and nothing short of luxurious! My son loves the DVD player and so do I on long trips. A friend asked to see the interior of mine. I gave such a wonderful sales pitch that she went out and bought the exact same one! I love telling others about the wonderful features and feel very proud to own such a well-designed, quality built, beautiful minivan. I cant say enough good things about it. I love it!

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  Upscale Minivan For Comfortable Travel - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By MTrueblood - March 19 - 2:00 am

  With this latest upgrade to the Sienna line Toyota has increased vehicle size, power and features. We have especially appreciated the fold-down third row seats,dual electric side doors, improved power and three-zone interior temperature controls. This Sienna is an amazingly easy vehicle to park. It turns on a dime. The XLE Limited package includes bumper-mounted sonar and a rear view camera as well. It all but parks itself. As middle-aged people with grown kids, older parents and lots of dogs, we were looking for a versatile vehicle for travel that came with upscale ameneties and lots of creature comforts. This is the minivan for the upscale/luxury market.

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  My First Mini - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Howard et al - March 19 - 2:00 am

  With wife, 2 kids, 2 greyhounds, I needed more than my truck. At the Toyota dealer, I shuffled up to the on-deck salesmen, with my hands in my pockets, and said, "My wife says I have to have a mini-van." At first they were dumb-founded,, as if they were witnessing a broken shell of a man, then one started laughing heartily.. He was my man. He quickly brough me up from my 10 yr lack of car knowledge. This had everything: folding/stowing seats, the DVD player, removable seats, places for 2 kids, 2 dogs, and wife. This is NOT a "mini". Being the "Mr. Mom" of this outfit, this van is indispensable.

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  This is the BEST minivan out there. - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Eolo.3 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This minivan has EVERYTHING. A woman or several women had to have designed this vehical. I have 3 kids and am always asked to pick up or take more. I live 25 miles from school. So I am on the road an average of 3+ hours. I need comfort, reliabilty, nuks and cranies to hold stuff without the clutter. This mini van I could live in. There is no better. This is our 5th toyota product. And our 2000 sienna minivan, I got 15,000.00 in tradein. Now that is quality.

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  excellent - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Donald Waleson - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I puchased my Toyota Sienna at the end of june 2003,i have driven this van on my vacation to winnipeg manitoba,ill.and mi. The sienna has performed above my expaction for comfort and full comsumtion. Before i owned a plymouth voyager se mini van for 5 years.[1999]

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  2004 Sienna is a joy to own - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By mews - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Just when I thought Toyota couldnt possibly make the Sienna better, my new 2004 XLE is even better than my last model. The ride is smooth, it turns and stops on a dime and the interior design is user friendly and comfortable. This is my 4th Toyota... 2 Camrys and now 2 Vans and I couldnt be happier.

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  Great Min-Van - Thats for Sure - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Peter Brunett - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Very roomy...excellent ride, great power going up hills, heats up quicly in winter, cools down quickly in summer, comfortable seating and great looks.