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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  2004 Camry LE - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By gmcd - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Very good value for the money. 1.9% 4 year interest rate and base price close to same as when I purchased my 2000 Camry which i still use too.Plenty of room inside and a larger car than 2000 model.Blind spots can be a concern and auto on/off headlights of the past should be brought back on all models

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  Great Car! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Colorado Rockies - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my Third Camry and I like the design of the SE model. Very Sporty and have had several compliments on the car. The firm ride is great on the Highway. More pep from previous model in the Mountains. The 5 speed transmission is great.

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  love that camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By mathew - January 13 - 10:00 am

  it is a great car and i ove the way it looks with the new rims and its to put it simple its a great fun to drive car i like it better then accord because accord riped toyotas ideas off nissan also nissan copys toyota alot

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  Best car ever made! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By indoazn - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I had a camry before i bought the 04 model and when i bought it it was amazing. The total design change plus it runs really smooth. plus the sound system is unbelievable.

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  he best of the best - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By l121380music - January 13 - 10:00 am

  i love it! it is all a car should be and more.like i said i love it!

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By 2Bs - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough good things about it. The only possible problem is its fair/poor traction in the snow, without all-weather tires.

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  POPULAR MOMMY - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Missy - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I know that the car is very popular, I see them every where I turn! My brother and sister in law have 2 and pushed me to get one! I am so happy. I know it will last me a very long time! Being a mom, I feel very sexy in it as well!

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  We love this car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Robert Browne - January 13 - 3:56 am

  We had put 16,500 miles on our 2003 Prius, when we got delivery on the 2004, after a 6 mo.wait.While it suits us better because it is a bigger car, it is not as "peppy" a car as the 2003. While the EPA rating is 60mph, we have never managed to get better than 49mpg,probably due, in part, because we use air or heat almost all the time,and also carry 600lbs. Rear window visibility takes some getting used to,as does the keyless entry system. There has been a mysterious,albeit very intermittent squeaking "brake noise" which is improved, but still not completely resolved after 2 dealer trips.All considered, we love the hybrid car concept and this car is an excellent design.We recommend purchase.

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  Awesome Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ed Mandler - January 12 - 10:56 pm

  The Prius is just a perfectly awesome car. Toyota didnt miss a thing. I averaged 49 miles to the gallon on recent trip to Yosemite National Park.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By iconcilio - January 12 - 9:03 pm

  This is our third Camry (1993 V6 SE, 1998 S4 LE, 2008 S4 SE). Again, amazing value at the price. Getting about 26 mpg mixed city/hwy with conservative driving, seating 4 people comfortably.