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:

• 

  2004 Matrix XR FWD - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By sirich - November 4 - 2:00 am

  As always Toyota products are above all. Fun to drive no problems so far. I own two Toyotas presently. This is my fifth one.

• 

  Couldnt be happier! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Jax - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for almost a year now, and I couldnt be happier. I have the XR model, fwd, auto and I was attending a school 3+ hours away from home in the Appalachian Mts (good to have a car that heats up quick). Lets just say when we had our snow storms I wasnt stuck at school. I drove home every weekend. The MPG great, and it handles perfect for me. This is my 4th car (one died from the weekend drives) and I can honestly say, I will have this one until it dies, or I decide to upgrade to an XRS. It was very helpful with the hauling of all my junk when I was moving in and out of the dorms. A++

• 

  I Cant Imagine Myself in any other auto - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By thelastrevolt - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I cant see myself in any other car, even my old Toyota Camry. Perfect for band equipment, amps, guitars, great for road trips, plus looks amazing for a night on the town, to the movies, the theatre, musical, opera, or club.

• 

  Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Cary Lescure - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought a Matrix two weeks ago and absolutely love it...wow what a car. The gas millage is well worth it and the performance is outstanding. Wanted a sedan and when I came across the Matrix I couldnt refuse after that. The car offers more space than two sedans put together, the seats fold down and its like having a flat bed. Also it reminds of it being a minature S.U.V. which provides the interior space inside of one too.

• 

  Smart car, Smart choice - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Lexdex - November 4 - 2:00 am

  What the Prius lacks in style it more than makes up for in substance. It offers remarkable fuel economy. The annual fuel cost for a Prius is less than a monthly fuel expeness of other vehicles. Another BIG bonus (especially for Southern California drivers) is being able to drive in the carpool lane without needing to have any passangers on board with you. An options package also includes an in dash AM/FM cassette/6 CD changer,with 9 speaker sound system and voice activated DVD navigation system among others, all for under $26,000. The Prius offers the driver to save both time and money. Not many cars on the market today can do that.

• 

  Car of the Future - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Montreux - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The 04 Prius is revolutionary because its mainly electric with gas assist only when needed. As if the great mileage werent enough, the multi- display touch screen actually teaches the owner how to drive even more efficiently. Hybrid electric "stealth" mode allows quiet driving in town and in traffic jams with almost no emissions. Theres lots of power on the highway with very little wind resistance or wind noise. And the liftback design is both practical and sharp-looking.

• 

  Awsome - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By momd - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I would buy another just for fun. My 15yr old is already telling me its his.

• 

  Tundra, Baby. - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By grochef - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 1998 Toyota Tacoma and had 90,000 miles on it when I needed a larger truck. I got the Tundra limited and it rocks. It rides like a Lexus and accelerates like one, too. The sound system rocks for a factory stereo. I actually look forward to going to work or anywhere just to have the privaledge to drive it.

• 

  Perfect for whats its designed for - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By jon61575 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota RAV 4 is perfect for what it was designed for. A compact SUV that is sporty and fun to drive. If you looking for power and space then the RAV 4 is not for you.

• 

  best truck ever drove - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By maliky rose - November 4 - 2:00 am

  drove toyotas 3rd world truck for years and never had problems when maintained. this truck is great. got it and have 30k already. it has only been in shop for oil changes. traded from explorer that had 9 recalls, 4 major parts replaced in 4 years. comfortable for me a large guy. good ride in bumpy backroads. i have used it to haul numerous loads and never felt it lag at all. a great truck for me!