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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  Fuel efficency - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By npecz - December 26 - 10:00 am

  So far i have noticed that the Prius does not preform to its milage. Im getting about 46 mpg, which is still very good. I think that the New England hills might have something to do with the fuel usage. It is very roomy, bigger than our SUV!! Other than the fuel economy, i would highly recoment it.

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  very nice! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By 10sne1 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  What a great car! Very roomy and easy to drive. Lots of extra features. I am only getting about 46-47 MPG which was a little disappointng with the advertised 50-60.It has great pick up and is very quiet. I love it!

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  Hot car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By B Green - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the car 10 days but am averaging 48 mpg already, unlike some of the other reviewers. Really really pleased with its handling, high tech. features, and interior room for such a fuel efficient car. I purchased package 9 for the navigation system and extra safety features (which should be standard by the way) and am so pleased with this car. FYI: I have driven a Mercedes station wagon and Volvo wagon in the recent past and this car is just as much fun to drive, is far less costly, easier to park, and, of course, much greener!

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  THE PERFECT CAR - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By LANNAHOE - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN SUCH A QUIET CAR. YOU CAN ACTUALLY HEAR AND FEEL THE ROAD. I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN SUCH A WONDERFUL AUTO. THE ONLY CAR THAT CAN CLOSE WAS A GERMAN MERCEDES I DROVE THROUGH THE ALPS ON THE AUTOBAHN IN AUSTRIA. PLUS WITH A $2000 CASH CREDIT FROM THE GOVERNMENT FOR BUYING IT (NOT AN EXEMPTION A CREDIT - MONEY IN THE BANK), THE CHOICE WAS CLEAR. I DRIVE A LOT YEARLY, MY LAST CAR ONLY AVERAGED 15MPG. I GET 50. IF EVERYONE HAD A CAR LIKE THIS WE COULD TELL THE MIDDLE EAST AND THEIR OIL TO "DRINK IT" AND GO TO HELL!!!

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  Getting used to it ... - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By GLA - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I ordered my 2004 Prius last October & took delivery in November. After 5800 miles there are still lots of differences. Not the gas mileage, that is easy to take. But letting someone drive it is something else. I have yet to have it valet parked, even with the printed instructions. The most fuel I have ever pumped was under 9 gallons. The gas gauge flashes at you but I rely on the computerized mileage data to decide when to refuel. And, after a side-impact collision that required major repairs, it still drives wonderfully!

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  My little RAV - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Chichi - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my RAV. It rides smooth for a small SUV. The sound system is great and the reliability is wonderful!!!!

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  My Blue RAV 4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Sue h - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This SUV goes very excellent in the rain and the snow. NO problems at all with this vehicle.

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  1999 Solara to a 2004 Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By JasonS72 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a Solara when they first came out in March 1999. It was my first car purchase and I have loved it ever since. I have had no major issue with the vehicle. I am purchasing a 2004 Solara and will really miss my 1999. It still runs like it was a new vehicle. This car is simply one of the best on the road, for the money.

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  New Mommy-mobile - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Expymom - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This truck is great for hauling kids, motorcycles & dogs which is something my Expedition couldnt do. Looks great and wears the "dependable" Toyota namebadge. Look forward to owning this truck for years and years to come.

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  Great - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Gaurang Talati - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I like the performance and the look of this new car