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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  Awesome, but pricey - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By loribrewland - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Its a great ride, but its expensive to drive due to its gas guzzling design.

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  Brake & gas pedals - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Steve Hull - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The gas and brake pedals are too close together for people who have size 12 feet or bigger, my shoe at times gets somewhat caught on the left side of the sole with the right side of the brake pedal, I have contacted Toyota twice about this problem, no responce yet, this could cause a delay in stopping and a crash could occure; my wife is the primary driver and she has a size 8 foot and has noted this also. There needs to be a recall for this problem.

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  I should have owned one years ago - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By RNMANAGER - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding performance,good pick-up when merging to an interstate. During icy condition, sets alarm to alert driver of skidding. Ease of view when changing lanes. Storage is adequate with folding back seat, can accomodate long large load. Beats other types of vehicle in an uphill terrain. Full tank I use for a week in a 60 + mile commute daily. Sits 5 adults comfortable. Handles sharp turn well.

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  I love my 4-Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By clskin - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had comments from multiple people regarding the style and beauty of my vehicle. When asked how I enjoy my vehicle I can only respond "I love it". I have always enjoyed the reliability of Toyota vehicles, and also the drive, this is the first vehicle I have owned that I can truly say I love to drive. I find excuses to get in my SUV to drive.

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  4 runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By CourtB20 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I am so glad I decided to purchase this vehicle...I couldnt be happier.

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  Best SUV in its class - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By dogg53 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I test drove a lot of SUVs in its class and once I drove the new 4Runner, I could not find another SUV that came even close to the performance, body style, comfort, leg room and mpg. I feel sorry for all those people who bought the Ford Explorer. Yes, I test driven it also. Yes, the 4Runner is better.

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  2004 Toyota 4 Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Eoneill1213 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. It is sharp looking, sturdy, comfortable and has great ergonomics. The ride feels like you are in a car.

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  This is our third one! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By quxst - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is our third 4-runner and I have to say its the best! We have always had great luck with this quality product and they keep their value for trade in purposes. I will buy another in the future!

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  I love my Toyota - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Cecelia - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have owned alot of vehicles over the years as I usually upgrade every two years.I have never had a vehicle that I have enjoyed driving as much as this one. I love the way it handles especially in the snow. I live where we get an average of 120 inches of snow a year. I have had no problem with this vehicle on the snow or wet roads.

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  Toyota Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By jayteemom - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I was encouraged to purchase this vehicle by reports in Consumer Reports. Since purchase I have been more than satisfied with the handling of the vehicle in snow and ice. We have had much of this this winter. I have also been impressed with the roominess. It is not too large to navigate, but large enough for my needs. This is the first SUV I have purchased and I feel I will own this car for a long time.