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:

• 

  Go Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Eherby - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I compared several SUV and owned a Blazer prior to this car. Toyota by far has this market. The Highlander is quiet, smooth and fun to drive. Gas mileage is very good.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By ClariCory - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Its affordable and reliable. Other then that it is a fun car to drive. It has great pick up and go.

• 

  MY DREAM CAR - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By dbkb - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I was a previous owner of a 97 Honda Accord, and I loved my car. I looked at every single car dealer and the only car that was very attrative looking to me was the corolla. I test drove it, went home, sent my husband up the next day, with the color, the details of everything I wanted-the (sport package) and he came home with it that afternoon. I love my car. Its good on gas, its sporty, very attractive, and comfortable. Thank you Toyota for a great car. Sincerly, Karen Brewer P.S. This is my first brand new car. I always had used cars.

• 

  The greatest car Ive driven - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Missiechick - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my new car. I am in highschool and it was my first car. I had to get it in black. It has a sleek design, handles inpecably, and is fun to drive. I love the style on the inside. I just wish the drivers seat had more comfort controls. Other than that I give it an A+

• 

  cool - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By loohoo - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This car has been wonderful. I have yet to have any problems with it. I recomend this car to any kind of person.

• 

  Great Car ...but, it stinks!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Gailopitz - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2003 Corolla last February. Loved it from the beginning. Handles well, great mileage, and nice interior. My problem is (and continues to be) the smell of eggs inside the car. I asked the dealership and went to Toyotas website to register this complaint. The only answer I get is that the smell of sulfur is from the gas!! Ive tried my different types of unleaded regular gas, and the smell continues. It is especially sickening in the winter with the windows up and the heat on. For this reason alone I want to be rid of the car.

• 

  I love this car! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By hugz2556 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I ever owned! Fun to drive, powerful, comfortable, economical and great looking too!

• 

  Busy Family Driving - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By kinzer - January 15 - 2:00 am

  We are a family of 6 and the van is our lifeline. We are almost always transporting additional children and equipment. It meets those needs admirably. We are certain that our vehicle will run well each time we get behind the wheel. Maintenance has been virtually incident free. Its sleek good looks have garnered many compliments and we will buy another Sienna when the time comes. This is our third. Go get one for yourself.

• 

  UB - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ubalestr - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent overall. The only comment is the lack of visibility to drive backwards.

• 

  Super Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By EJM040670 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I will only buy Toyota. This thing is so sweet to drive and so much more reliable than GM.