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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  Satisfied Owner - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By wbshakira - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My third Camry, excellent reliablity, comfort and size.

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  I Love My Toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By allyn dennis - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have driven large sedans made in America for years. I am now near retiremant and tired of the overpriced product that does not hold its value and has what appears to be a short "shelf life" I searched many sites before I bought my car and 5 months later I can honestly say I love my Camry. I love the ride, the gas mileage I get, the look of the car but mostly I love the comfort that it provides.

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  My Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By DD54 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a 1989 Camry then a 1997 Honda and now a 2004 Camry. The 2004 Camry is the best to drive and feels like a luxury car.

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  Camry 2004 - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By ddb - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Luxury; top of the line. Little bit slow during need for quick acceleration for a V6 engine. Everything else is fantastic. Smooth drive; and luxury car features. Good price.

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  CAMRY - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Samuel J. Cruz - August 28 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR I GET ABOUT 24 MPG COMBINE

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  roberts - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By roberto yo - August 28 - 10:00 am

  the camry is an overall great car for anyone from a single teen, to a young family just starting out, to an old couple. the camry is equipped with every need and want imaginable for comfort and convinence

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  great car good value - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By x434000 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  With the exception of hard seats and poor headroom (when you have both the power seat and moon roof option) the car is great.

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  Love My New Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By bobmarilyn - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Jim Barkley Toyota in Asheville was an excellent dealership. They were helpful, not pushy, and patient while I selected the car I wanted. It is a wonderful car---plan to have it for many years! Safety features are excellent as well.

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  Number 4 - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Maple Lady - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Camry in 1994. Got another in 1997, and again in 2000. A couple of weeks ago I picked up the 2004 It is just a perfect fit. So comfortable. It is not too big and not too small.

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  #1 Car to Own - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By bluediamond - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Camry now for 2 years. Prior to that I owned a Dodge Neon. It gave me more problems than it was worth. The Camry is one of the most comfortable, stylish, reliable, gas efficient cars I have owned. The details interior and exterior are beautiful. Toyota has a reputation of being built to last. Ive known other people with 10 & 12 year old Toyotas. So I am confident I have a car that will last.