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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  Cool Little Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By IMartin - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The 5-speed is quick & gets great gas mileage, about 33mpg in suburban/city commute. I dont feel as confident blasting around curves as in my old Integra because this car is taller & it feels a little "tippy." Only complaint is a weird wind vibration when only the back windows are down. It will drive you mad! Lots of legroom & headroom for a tall person. I chose this car over a Honda Civic due to 1.9% financing & actually like the body styling better than the Honda. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an economical, stylish, dependable new car.

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  Happy To Have It - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Lourdi - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Looked at many cars prior to making my purchase.Toyotas reputation was a very big factor in my decision to buy. LOVE THIS CAR!!! Solidly built, stylishly designed,reasonably priced.

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  Sienna Review - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Susan Martin - June 2 - 2:00 am

  While I am still a new owner, this van drives like a dream and has many wonderful comfort features. My last van was not a Toyota, but I am very happy to have returned to being a Toyota owner. The quality and smoothness of the handling and ride are terrific.

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  WOW - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Vincent444 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I test drove them all and am happy to report I was dead on in choosing the Sienna. I got the upgraded package and love the comfort I have with the advance safety package. Make sure you get the anti-skid with package or you wont like it.

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  I love this Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By bliss1968 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I love this van. My kids love it and want to be in it all the time. It has alot of cup holders which is important. It has a lot of space for you head and feet. It feels really big and spacious inside. I like the way the redid the inside. The fold down seats are great. It the best !!!!!

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  Gary Winters thoughts... - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Gary Winter - June 2 - 2:00 am

  It really did not take long to realize that, when we (my wife and I) compaired other 6 and seven passanger mini-vans to the Sienna, this would be the easy choice. What made it even easier was how helpful the folks were at the dealership... (of course). When we compaired features with cost, again, it was an easy choice.

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  SUV? Sienna makes more Cents - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By RHarvey - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The 04 Sienna is ideal for running to the store, picking up kids or driving to Disney World. Why people drive around on paved roads in 15 MPG SUVs is puzzling. I was guilty myself. But without a boat or horse trailer to pull, a minivan makes more sense. After owning various minivans, studying current options and test drives, I found the Sienna more solid and appealing inside than the Honda and not as cramped as the Freestar. The Sienna is quiet, refined, well built, holds its value and gets great mileage. My only complaint is the strange location of the gear shift.

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  Toyota is the ULtimate driving machine.. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Henery - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my Camry, it is the best for your dollars. Fit and finish is unmatched! As you may have read by now, European autos are NO match for Toyotas! I am getting another Camry in the XLE model, EXcept Im getting leather this time around. 4 cylinder is all you need. Smooth, quiet, and powerful. Resale is superb! I sold it for as much as I paid for it. I put in 20K miles in 1.5 years time. Dont just think about getting it, JUST DO IT! Buy a Camry today, youll love it!

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  2004 Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Gizmoatiwon - June 2 - 2:00 am

  All Toyota Camrys are very dependable cars. Great looks and handles like a dream. Last 2 Camrys had 200000 + miles when I gave them to my son because they both still were in great running condition. I think Toyota Camry is the Best Value for your money on the market today.

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  What a car! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By chuckamuck - June 2 - 1:00 am

  I had an 06 Tacoma that I bought right off the line - never saw a dealers lot, and I loved it. However with the price of fuel approaching $5.00 per gallon I was in need of a more economical vehicle. This one is it. The Echo was made for me. I see a lot of people saying that it is hard to handle in bad weather, but I have to disagree. If you keep the tires balanced and rotated, and properly inflated it handles as well as a Camry. The only thing I would have done differently in design would be to replace the seats with something more comfortable for the long haul - nice for in town driving but a little stiff on long rides. Other than that this car is perfect.