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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  One of a Kind - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Pwalrath2 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Prius, and the 2004 is so comfortable, stylish, and it passes gas stations. I use it in Real- estate and the savings is outstanding! I have the 9 upgrads with GPS, keyless entry, 6 CD Changer built in Phone, voice activated, and so much more.

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  Best Toy Ever! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Sellen - August 10 - 2:00 am

  From the GPS Map to the LoJack to the CD player to the (extra cost) 75,000 mile warranty, this is the BEST TOY Ive EVER Owned! One problem - This car brings out my EVIL streak! This last Halloween I was following my kids while they went out for candy. I turned out my lights and started moving up (in Electric Mode) behind a group of teens. They had the BIGGEST scare of the night when ALL OF A SUDDEN a Car turns on its Headlights & Honks its horn, RIGHT BEHIND THEM!! They Never Heard Me COMING!! LOL!! If youre even THINKING about a Prius, GO FOR IT!! :) d. s. ellenwood, Lodi, CA

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By SteveBatti - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Best Vehicle weve owned. Does everything well. Efficient and effective.

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  The Best Car I Hav Ever Had - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Shawn McHenry - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car I bought it on April 1,2004 and it is still on the full mark. I have all ready put 300 miles on it. Thanks Toyota for bringing out a great car.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By bonkweesha - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is one of teh best cars that i have ever driven. All of you should seriously consider buying this car. The engine is quiet and it is extremely fuel efficient. I have saved so much money from this car. I know that this car will sono pay for itself from all teh money that I am saving from gas, especially now that gas prices are at an all time high

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  I love my Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By kanndo - August 10 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive, good power

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  Avalon the best in its class - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By susieislandgirl - August 10 - 2:00 am

  nothing but good, cant wait for the new 05 model, buying another one.

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  If you are taller than 6 feet, beware! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By DrLev99 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  After only 1 week & 400 miles I am ready to trade! I am 6 feet tall & with the sunroof my head was rubbing the roof liner & my line of sight was at the top of the windshield. At that position you cant see the odometer, the turn signal flashers nor the fuel gauge without the steering wheel tilted up in high position. The side lateral supports were too narrow, digging into my side/kidneys. Minus the above, I am sure its an excellent SUV otherwise: plenty of power, smooth and quiet on the highway. Its a solid good-looking SUV, so be more careful upon your test drive than I was.

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  2004 Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By JaxBon - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Corolla!! I own a 1994 model, with 186,000 miles on it, and it still runs like I just drove it off the lot. There is such a huge loyalty factor when dealing with Toyota cars. I dont know of another manuf. with such reliablity. I definitely expect my 2004 model do treat me as well as my "old" one--which, by the way, my husband and I chose to keep! I love all of the improvements. They definitely made all of the right changes.

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  Love my little rabbit - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By curtiss Andover - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Wow,friends getting tired of me bragging about 30+ MPG in the city.Best radio Ive ever had.Pulls in clear stations 100 miles away in DAYTIME.Fits in any parking space.Perfect city car,easily keeps up with traffic.Gave up my 5 year old SUV.And of course,that great Toyota reliability!