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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  Super Mid-sized SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Beach Bound - November 22 - 2:00 am

  A great mid-size SUV. What Land Rover Discovery wants to be. Fun to drive. Easy to handle. Every thing is reachable and eaasy to use. When I want to go, it goes where ever when ever no problem. Worth every penny.

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  Love my Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By rosiem - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Highlander, the body reminds me more of a van than an SUV and that is the only thing I dont care for. But, there is really nothing I would change about my car. I like that there are plenty of drink holders in the car so you dont have to worry about anyone dropping their drinks. It is very easy to keep clean, no hard areas that you cant reach.

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  Toyota Highlander Owner - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Lmn1996 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I shopped for 6 months before I made my decision on the Hilander. I am a girl Scout leaer and I camp a lot wth my girls and my family and I absolutely loves this vehical. I find it very reliable, easy to drice, and safety is the number 1 factor whay I purchased this SUV. I would recommend it to any one who wants luxury performance with out a luxury price.

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  Highlander 2X - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By pbenke - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Simply terrific...in all regards.

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  Everything & More-SOLD!!!!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By DJStephen - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Shopped around and tested everything from Nissan to Honda to American makes and settled on the Highlander.Took almost 8 weeks,5 cities & countless phone conversations but it was all worth it. It rides so smooth youll think youre in a mid size/luxuary car. Blazer felt like a truck and the X- Terra really felt like you were off the road all the time. Drove both 4 cyl. and 6 cyl engines and settled on 6 just for pure pickup getting into traffic Sharp car,from color to performance.Wide seats,even in the back,according to my passengers.So far gas has been fine(18-19 around town...20 on the trips).. Wont get another new car review from me for 12- 14 years...

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  I love this car! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By blinkchik - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is a peasure to drive. I do only modest driving but the time I spend in it is well appreciated. It rides like a bigger car, smmoth, but with the advantage of tight steering and sufficient pick-up for passing on the turnpike.

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  best on the market - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By wagvan - November 22 - 2:00 am

  The van is absolutely the best I have ever driven. The room is about the best you can imagine.Needed the aligngment adjusted a little but as of now no other mechanical problems.Does feel big,but handling and power is very good.EVEN PAYING STICKER IS A GREAT PRICE FOR THIS VAN . Basic Le model more than does the job after that i think it gets pricey. GOOD LUCK!

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  One Hell Of A Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ferretlxix - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Compared to he rest of the vans on the Market, Toyota has made one solid package. The split 60/40 fold flat bench adds alot of versatility to the cargo configuration. The ample amount of cup holders and power outlets make the help make the comfort factor for all passengers very pleasant and the ride is one of the best, responsive and tight (youll love the vans turning radius).

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  We love our Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Nancy and Wayne - November 22 - 2:00 am

  We are a family of 6. The kids are twins 11, girl 12, girl 13. We juggle basketball and baton corp, school and various club activities. It is spacious and versatile. It doesnt feel like a minivan. The gearshift is oddly places but you become accustomed to it very quickly. It is easy to manuever and fun.

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  Well-Pleased - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By rikat - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I researched long and hard to choose a mini-van. The Sienna was at the top of my list and I am not disappointed with it. It is very smooth, the quality of workmanship is great, the gas mileage is good (22-26 mpg), and this car is very roomy inside. The rear seats stow away easily; when 2nd row is removed the interior is cavernous.