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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  best ever suv - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By happy1 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  we love this suv, we drove every suv on the market and after drining this one we were sold. this is one well build suv. do your self a favor and test drive one. all the others were noisy, and were cheaply made and don;t hold there value.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By James Lanca - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my 4runner i have had it for a year and i dont think there could have been a better car that fit the needs of my family. It runs great looks great and it had the best reliability record!

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  New 4Runner a Big Improvement! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By chrissle - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 4Runner Limited in May of 2003. To date, the my only gripes with the vehicle are the annoying rattles, both interior at the headliner/sunroof, and exterior at the rear suspension (my vehicle is equipped with the optional air suspension/navigation package). Otherwise, I couldnt be more pleased with the overall size, ride, quality, and prestige my 4Runner holds.

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  lst time owner - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By WIDOWXTWO - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Love this SUV, have had a Blazer and an Explorer in the past, this has the best of the two, plus decent gas milage. Do not do off the road driving, but do use the cargo space frequently. The gas milage is not as good in the city, but is great for the highway. Would buy another one tomorrow!

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  Corolla 2004 - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By hillyhills - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Its affordable, comfortable, roomy and nice to drive. Great gas mileage and looks really nice.

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  Excellent Car For the Price - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Meg Huf - January 21 - 2:00 am

  for the price of the car i got more than i thought i would. the car is comfortable,great on gas & a sharp looking car.

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  10+ - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By boblaura - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Way above all other vans.24MPG combined.Suggest XLE.Leather.

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  Best Van I Ever Owned - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By RichC76758 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my 2004 Sienna a month ago. Have driven city and highway in that short time. Drives like a dream. Styling and creature comforts cant be beat. Edmunds.com calls Sienna the "Lexus" of vans. They are absolutely right.

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  Dealer Mistake - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By ScotR - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I think the dealer made a mistake and gave me a $50,000 Lexus instead of the $19,000 Camry that I bought. At least it feels like it. The car is great. It does everything right.

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  Gr8 CAR - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Steven Gonsalves - January 20 - 3:00 am

  Overall The 2012 CAMRY Has Been an Outstanding Vehicle. I purchased it NEW Oct 2012- Have owned it almost 4 Years & have NEVER had a problem. I went the full 3 years warranty with NO ISSUES........ Now have Only 36,000 Miles & Runs & Looks Like NEW.......