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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  Love it! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By rn8last - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Smooth riding is why I love this car. Its very comfortable riding in and very economical when it comes to fuel. A friend of mine that I asked to drive my van told me that the steering wheel is so smooth and so sharp on turns, that it feels like driving a Rolls Royce (and of course he knows, because he drives one)!Lots of trunk space too.

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  wonderful van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By mdnt - March 19 - 2:00 am

  what a great vehicle....

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  One heck of a great van!!!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By John Gray - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this van since May and I love it. I still see people one the streets turning their heads and watching this van go down the street. If your looking for a great van with tons of run and power, buy this one.....

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  2004 Toyota Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By rerumi - March 19 - 2:00 am

  love everything about our sienna, the power is great, seating is good all around, really all like the "creature features" we were use to a GMC full size van and find the minivan meets all of our needs and is so much easier to drive and is so much nicer inside. we also have a pop-up camper we plan to pull with the sienna, it should do fine bwcause it has more hp than our full size van had

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  Jacks Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By JCraw1044 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Mileage is awesome for size of car. I regulary get 30+ on fairly level roads with speed between 60-65. Drops to 27- 29 at 70+ on freeways, depending on winds and traffic (ability to keep constant speed=better milage). Interior configuration options great and easy to change. Im a big person with neck/back arthritis and I select a vehicle based on ability to get in without having to bend head/body. This one works!

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  Best of review for me - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By drmookie - March 19 - 2:00 am

  If my new van were a woman-I would marry her. After testing several of the top rated mini vans, I knew I was going to buy the Sienna. I tried several dealerships and settled on North Hollywood Toyota. California. For me the van is a dream boat.

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  Feels Like a Silk - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By boilersw - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I have always said I would never drive a "minivan", until I drove the Sienna for the first time!! I love it!!! It feels like Im driving a car and it has plenty of room and storage space. I have to toddlers and carrying a double stroller and going grocery shopping are a breeze!!! I love driving it!! I cant say enough about it!! I just love my Sienna!!!

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  2004 XLE Sienna, option 5 - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Kim Buck - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is our first van and have enjoyed it so much. Were looking forward to our first "road trip" in comfort!

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  Smooth as butter - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Fill it to the Rim - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I was strongly considering purchasing the Honda Odyssey, but after I drove the Odyssey, and the Sienna, the Sienna won me over. It has such a smooth ride, which makes it very enjoyable to drive. The interior is pleasant and comfortable. Our kids really enjoy being able to have their own separate seats. The fold down rear seat is great. The exterior is cute. Of course, the engine performance and quality is excellent. To sum it up, were glad we purchased the Sienna.

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  TRY IT/YOULL LIKE IT - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By PATRICIA ROWE - March 19 - 2:00 am

  i WAS UNSURE WHEN WE BOUGHT IT, IT WAS MY HUSBANDS CHOICE, BUT BEING THE SOLE DRIVER, I HAVE LEARNED TO LOVE IT. IT GETS GOOD GAS MILEAGE, OVER 400 TO A TANK ON THE HWY. VERY COMFORTABLE AND HAS ALOT OF FEATURES. GRANDKIDS LOVE THE REMOTE HEADPHONES AND OPPORTUNITY TO LISTEN TO OTHER THAN "OLD FOLKS"MUSIC. VERY COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE AND RIDE IN, AND GOOD FOR ALL AGES, OUR CHILREN AND THEIRS ALL LOVE IT, THEY ALWAYS WANT TO GO IN GRANNIES VAN. FOR THE MONEY, I COULDNT HAVE GOTTEN ANY BETTER. I TRIED IT, AND I LIKED IT.