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:

• 

  Best car ever - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By MARVENE - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I beleive the Prius is by far the most confortable small car ever. We have a great time filling it up with gas. It takes just a few seconds. All of this plus, it is a good looking car and fun to drive.

• 

  Love my new Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Kutya - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Havent had it long enough to tell about reliability and check mileage in all conditions, but it is so much fun to drive. It is the quietest car Ive ever been in. I espeically like to watch the fuel l.e.d. screen tell me Im getting 99.9 mpg when my foot comes off the gas pedal. It was worth the 4 month wait, but I paid a premium over msrp. All dealers in the pacific northwest are charging a mark-up and nobody is negotiating price.

• 

  2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By nyc4at - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The best car I ever had. Fun to drive, all kinds of new ideas (electronic throttle, smart enter, digital spedometer and odometer, touch screen for controls, etc.), great fuel economy, "stealth mode" (electric only mode). This is the car of the future, and I congratulate Toyota on its vision and commitment to excellence.

• 

  CaNt Go wrong - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By megan olsen - August 28 - 10:00 am

  i bought my rav4 in oct...the best thing i could have done. not only is it roomy ,comfortable,and reliable but for a surfer like myself u can def.enoy this car

• 

  Heathers Rav - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Keirkend - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this fun SUV. I desperately needed a 4WD vehicle and I love this because it is not big and bulky. It is a fun little SUV and has some power to it. I havent found anything that I dont like about it as of yet. Thanks

• 

  Excelent Value/ Best Quality/ Best EPA - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By private - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Excelent Value! Best Toyota Quality! Best EPA, the top gas saveing from all SUV!

• 

  Best of Best - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By LizC - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Best SUV ever driven

• 

  LEONIDISS REVIEW - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By LEONIDIS - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The car is extremely reliable and a pleasure to drive. It is comfortable, responsive, and has all amenities.

• 

  I love my Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Jambeck - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Avalon I have owned. I love it for the comfort, roomyness, especially the trunk. I go for long trips and enjoy the comfort. I can pack an enormous amount in the trunk.

• 

  Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By alyschof - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Avalon and we have been pleased with the reliability of this car. Our first Avalon was four years old and the interior looked like new when we traded it in. There is plenty of leg and head room in both the front and the back. It is very comfortable for those long trips.