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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  Decided to buy a 2004 Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Goldfish - August 7 - 10:00 am

  An economic ride with lots of head room for tall people, Im impressed. My brother is 65 and large framed - he was comfortable in the back seat. Gas mileage is good so far. The 17" wheels are standard on 05 models and they should have been for 04 too - they definitely increase the handling. Cargo space is deceptively larger than it appears...Great A/C flow to the back seat.

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  Prius Sedan - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By a prooouuuddd dad - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Pruis, Prius, Prius, and one more time - Pruis. Ingenius, ingenius, ingenius, and one more time - ingenius.

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  LOVE THIS BABY! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By TikiDikiDoo - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car this weekend and so far I truly love it! It rides like a dream and perfect to use for work and pleasure. Toyotas are one of the best cars you can buy. The price was right too!!

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  Good car, but does have issues. - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By vasquezkj - August 7 - 10:00 am

  A nice car, nothing outstanding, but still a very worthy buy. As the reviewers mentioned, the Corolla is very reliable car - though I have only owned it for 3 years / 36,000 miles. The car does seem to be put together well; no loose parts or rattling. Some problems: back seat way too small (no leg room), the engine performance isnt great (particularly with the a/c on), and for some reason my car has always had a problem with shifting into reverse. That being said, overall, this is a good car.

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  2004 Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Wynn Scott - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The truck is fun to drive. Ride is excellent. No problems after 3000 miles. Only thing I dislike is the gas milage

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  Great all around car - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By thighlander - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought a few days ago. Drivability is great. Rides better than my Lexus IS300. 4cyl has good pick-up and smooth. Engine noise is moderate and all amenities for around $25,000. Very reasonable and has Toyota reliability. I like this car.

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  Super Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Jaye - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my third and favorite Corolla. It has higher ground clearance for better visability in traffic and handling, has a ton of interior and trunk space for a small car, gets super gas mileage, has limited road noise, and handles like a dream. Our family took this car on vacation to save on gasoline -- we couldnt believe we were able to comfortably fit all of our luggage, the cooler, and us. Now my husband wants to trade his larger vehicle in on a Corolla of his own!

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  2004 Sienna LE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By asaw - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle two weeks ago. Had to pay extra for the premium white (Arctic Frost Pearl) paint, but its worth it. It looks soooo good. Did a 400km trip (250 miles) over last weekend, and it was GREAT. I love the power of the 3.3L, the smooth ride, and the fit and finish.

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  Great car could be better - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Oro - August 7 - 10:00 am

  very uncomfortable in the last seat and impossible to keep black plastic in dashboard clean it cillects all the dust in the world

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  Disappointed - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By chloe - August 7 - 10:00 am

  We have had continued problems with our 04 Sienna and are very disappointed. We have had the gas tank replaced twice and the radiator replaced once. The van fails to accerlerate at times in very dangerous situations. We like the styling of the van but would be hesitant to recommend. This is our 2nd try with Toyota. Our 1st was with an 01 Sienna which incurred engine gelling. We thought Toyota was supposed to represent quality (?)