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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  Excellent car -a pleasure to drive - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By MartyB - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought the XLE Limited and so far it has been all I had hoped for and more. Id recommend not getting any dealer options though as they can be exhorbitant. For example, the dealer wanted $595 for a clear bra that I had put on privately for $110.

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  Best of the Best - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Einstein1104 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  As a die-hard Toyota consumer, this is my first experience with the Sienna. Waited specifically for the newly, redesigned model, and well worth the wait. Plenty of room; great gas mileage; engine pickup is terrific (when needed); and its reliable! A++

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  I love my American Toyota - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ReneeE - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I have been changing cars every 2 or 3 years, but now I have found the one I am keeping. This van makes having a family fun, espically on long driving vacations.I love the dual automatic doors, and it comfortably seats adults as well.

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  The Best - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By papadoug - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Wow... they thought of everything....I have seen many minivans but this tops it...I was also afraid of being a "minivan" person and not a SUV person...but no problem here

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  Toyota a winner in my book - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By lesjes - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the Toyota after having a Ford Windstar for three years. I found the Sienna to be a much smoother, quieter ride. The seats in the rear were much more comfortable for adults and the auto sliding door was a super feature. WE chose the Sienna over the Odyssey mainly because we liked the body style. Price-wise, we might have spent about $400 more compared to the deal we would have received at Honda. The only down was a slight hesitation when trying to accelerate quickly.

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  great mini-van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By bigbobby - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Avery nice ride, rides like a car ,very roomy great stero system. Sleek design,also very quiet . Good pick-up speed

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  Our Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Jack Keilman - March 19 - 2:00 am

  After waiting for nearly 2½ months we finally took delivery of our 2004 Sienna XLE on Oct 1st 2003. Except for missing the runningboards that we had ordered the vehicle with, it was otherwise a great looking and riding piece of automobile. We had ordered the vehicle with only one option, the traction control and 4 wheel discbrakes because we felt it had plenty of "standard" equipment as it was. We love the way the car performs and the driving comfort it offers to all the passengers. Room to boot!

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  OMG - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Eree - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This was the best thing that my me and my hubby have ever bought

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  Assume Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Richard M. Probasco - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the second 2003 sienna that I have owned. The first van was totalled in a collision and the passenger compartment was completely intact with the exception of the air bags. Great safety design!! Really a great van to drive especially compaired to my old caravan.

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  Love my Toyota Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By CMleader - March 19 - 2:00 am

  fast and quiet.Really smooth ride. Got it in Oct. and have 5,000 miles on it. Took to the beach last weekend and on open highway with no traffic did 90MPH without a problem or shake! (not recommended - a first for me but I was alone and wanted to see how it did!) highly recommend the TOYOTA! (Have owned Dodge Grand Caravan, Olds. Silouette and Chrysler T&C.)Took boys 11,12,14 along to sample all vans.Came down to Quest and Toyota. Picked Toyota because of headphones, sound system & ability to open middle windows. Didnt like Quest offset dashboard. Drifted when looking over.Quest sound system and dash controls were conplicated to use when driving