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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  disagree with your review - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By scooterbooter - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I own the echo hatch(canada).I love it inside and out .Im 64 and have had no issues completely comfortable.As for the centre mounted gauges, my seated height usually interfered with my view through the steering wheel ,once youve tried it ,its always just there even while spinning the wheel.Handling wise ive driven everything from my old celica and previa up to new f-350 work trucks I can definetly say that my echo handles a twisty road better than anything in my experience its so light you can throw it in to the corners and go fast feeling confident that you can decelerate and manouver in a hurry.

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  I Love My Celica - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By DJ Jumponya - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The celica is a car for people who like to go fast in a car that is lightweight, and has a nice high- proformance 4-cylinder engine that will definatley get you from place to place. Personally I have taken my Celica to its top speed for the auto-manual transmission which is about 125mph. I am looking for upgrades at the moment for the engine,(like cool air intake, exhaust, turbo which are all available), and am considering some fat decals to throw up on the side, nothing but the best for my Celica GTS!!!!

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  One of the first XRSs on the road - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By hoobies - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2003 Matrix XRS on special order in May of 2002. So far so good, only costs have been two new tires, air filter, and oil changes. If you go with the XRS, you have to opt out of the automatic transmission. In 2004 model, XRS comes in manual only.

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  versatile - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By matrix lover - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Matrix in CA on 4/2003 and soon moved to WA. I still get people stopping me and asking what is this car. People really like the style.Love the cargo. Passengers complain about the uncomfortable seats and the seat belts. A few plastic pieces have broken but I am pretty hard on cars.Al

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  Hybrid Happiness - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By goforward - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Toyota, follow-up by Honda, leads the world in the practical application of driver and Earth friendly hybrid vehicle technology. ToyotaÂ’s redesigned and reengineered 2004 Prius is in another league altogether from its present day competitors, offering comfort, five passenger practicality and added cargo space. Toyota delivers a next generation gas-hybrid system that excels in both performance and driver/passenger design. A joy to drive, wonderfully engineered with power to spare. The real reward is at the gas pump, where saying no to big oil translates into filling up on less than 9 gallons, and not having to pay for premium fuel.

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  The car of the future is here now - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Rene A. Doess - March 19 - 2:00 am

  What a wondeful car! I did own a 01 Prius for 3 years. To drive the 04 model is like stepping into a different dimension. The fully loaded version offers a wonderful voice guided NAV system, bloetooth cell phone system, a smart entry & smart start system, lots of cargo room and is just fun to drive. Oh, I almost forgoth the excellent MPG! Anybody who buys a conventional hatchback vehcile must be ignorant to our enviroment. All I can say "you have to drive a 04 Prius". Sincerely, Rene A. Doess

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  Simply RAVASHN - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Bett1e - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I looked for 3 years and was told there is no such thing as a "perfect" vehicle for you. I was just about to settle when I saw the re-designed Rav4. I love this vehcle (oh, I said that already). Anyway, it is Blue Specra, Roof-rack, sports-scoop, and sunroof. It is a joy to drive and to own.

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  surprisingly stunning - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By daddybcoole - March 19 - 2:00 am

  drove my 04 rav to reno,nevada 2 weeks ago with my family. I thought it will have a hard time climbing , I was completely wrong, the RAV 4 was very strong, handling was superb, brakes were outstanding,you couldnt ask for more. The S package was perfect for the snow, huge interior space for the kids.My wife and my kids love it so I know I got myself an all around vehicle.

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  Nice Car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By DeCru - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought our car right after we got married in 2001. We have had no problems with it and find the car to be very economical. The Factory tires only lasted to 13000 miles, but I have heard that is the case with all factory tires. Recently inspected the brakes and the pads have 60% life after 45000 miles! (It is a stick) The car has enough pep and it is fun to drive beacuse it is a stick. The front seats were a little uncomfortable at first.

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  Greatest car Ive ever had!!! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Stephanie Williams - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this car becaus it is so comfortable to drive and all the seats are very comfortable and I feel like you have tons of room. It drives very smoothe and is not very loud.