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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  prius 2004 - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By skibirdx - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I had a difficult time obtaining one of these cars; there is about a 4 month waiting period here in upstate NY. I scoured all of upstate and got on several wait-lists until Kent Brown got a car and called me. Its very roomy and the only complaint I have is that it does not accelerate quickly from the start/ however once its going its great!! I am willing to overlook the lack of acceleration for fuel economy and therefore less dependence on foreign oil. Cant wait to see the Lexus SUV hybrids coming out next year.

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  jacks new prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By john m van zandt - July 21 - 2:00 am

  i find nothing wrong with this vehicle but my abilty to absorb all the technical data especally need quick study chart for guidance system in place of manual which is too difficult to under stand for me. i highly recommend to all who would buy and i am ordering a new hybrid SUV when it comes out. JMVZ

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  only hybrid you should buy - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By fredr - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were able to pick up two 2004 Prius in late November. I have 2000 miles and I am now averaging about 50 MPG. She has 1000 miles and is averaging 45 MPG because she only drives 7 miles to work. Toyota has priced this engineering design to force the other hybrid manufacturers to rethink their future development. This car is an electric car with gas engine assist because the DC motor is 295 ft- lbs from 0 to 1200 rmps.

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  Prius: Nice surprise - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By gouldtom - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Cruises the highway with ease and great mileage at 75+ mph. Nowhere near the in city mileage so far (36.6 over first 3 tanks). May have to let up on the lead foot a little.

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Arthur James - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Prius after I test drove one and found it quieter and better to drive than a Cadillac CTS (I would have preferred to purchase an American car, but the shortsighted dimwit American companies wont build a car like the Prius). The car is responsive and theres little wind noise; the ride is excellent, and theres lots of room. It seems solid as a rock. I am a bit concerned about the complicated hybrid electronics long term, but the car sure seems solid so far (1200 miles).

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  Mainstreaming the hybrid - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By DiannaFos - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the new Prius for about 3 months now. So far Im impressed. Its streamlined body style is quite an improvement over the last model. The extra interior space is nice as is the extra trunk space. The keyless entry and start take some getting used to as does the new gear shift, but all the added features are nice and having sound system and climate controls on the steering wheel is very convenient. And as you would expect, gets great gas mileage.

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  Great car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By queuetip - July 21 - 2:00 am

  FaNTASTIC MILEAGE AND FUN TO DRIVE. MUCH MORE PEP AND ACCEL THAN EXPECTED. Room for four adults very comfortab

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  Almost like winning the lottery! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By E.M. Fredrickson - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I didnt expect that it would be so hard to get my new 2004 Prius, when learning that if we hadnt pre-ordered the car, it might be almost a year to have the opportunity to purchase from the dealership! I LOVE DRIVING THE PRIUS! People frequently ask me questions about the hybrid engine, and still have the notion that electric car means I have to plug it in to charge somewhere...Toyota engineering is FABULOUS and the electric/gas engine has plenty of functionality on the open road. In bumper to bumper city traffic, it is so quiet and more comfortable when stuck at a long traffic light. This car is a pleasure to drive.

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  only hybried to buy - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By janetlee - July 21 - 2:00 am

  After only one 1000 miles of use I have been in two major snow storms and have dirven seven hours in snow going to Killington. The car is great in snow but it does not replace all wheel drive. It had trouble going up the bear mountain access road because the road was not plowed. It is at least 10 times better in snow than the 1994 Honda Accord.

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  impressive prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By R.Thelian - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is what the world has been waiting for. Move over oil companies,think global, not with your bank account. 400 miles to the tank full, unbelievable. Leave it to toyota. And just think this is only the begining. What next. Incredible vehicle.