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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  Wonderfull - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Leonard Hope Jr. - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Toyota has finally made the perfect all around vehicle. The ride is great and the style supurb. While pricing is competitive.

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  Happy with the Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By DaveH - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We were replacing our Honda Odyssey (the older version) and looking for a vehicle that handled in a similar fashion.The Highlander met all our criteria.It looks great,gets very good milage and fits all needs!

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  2004 is a greatly improved - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By ARFARLE - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 2001 Highlander Fwd 6 cylinder. Liked the car but not the engine. The 2004 is WONDERFUL! I cant believe the quality of the drive has improved so much. The handling is better and the third row seat is great. My six foot tall son sat in the third row seat and said it was comfortable. The only thing I dont like is the gas mileage is not as good as my previous Highlander.

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  Little Buddy - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Greg in Dayton - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Nice, dependable car. Extremely fine fuel efficiency (about 35 MPG highway for me, 31 MPH in city). Feels solid. Spunky performance.

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  ELEGANT LOOKING W/O POWER - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By cpoled - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Dont get me wrong,I love my Corolla.I had owned a 99 Corolla.When I based my first opinion of my current car, it was against that car. Ive had the car for nearly two years. The gas mileage is excellent.The car is smooth in high speeds. On tight turns, the feel is uneasy,like its leaning away from the turn.I would have liked a little brighter headlights at night.On a lightless country road, the changing from regular headlights to high beams is annnoying.(especially with oncoming traffic) A more powerful engine would have been better.

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  The All Around Mini Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By harry1343 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife has a lung problem. Which means I have to carry oxygen tanks when ever we go out in the van. With the two rear seats hidden flush to the floor it gives me room for her wheel chair and extra tanks plus room for what ever else I need to carry. I am so pleased with the dash, I dont have to bend my head in order to read the different gages that are usually blocked by the steering wheel.

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  The Best Minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Elder - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Should be a Lexus except the lack of memory seats. Quiet, handles well, has a luxurious feel.

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  My dream car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Belstar - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Drove my Ford Aerostar for 14 years and 250,000 miles. Replaced it with the Sienna and I love it. Plan to drive this one even longer. Epitome of style and comfort. Transitions from a luxury ride for a night out with guests, to a workhorse - loaded down with suitcases and dog equipment and pulling a trailer filled with everything needed to put on a field trial 500 miles away.

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  2004 Toyota Camry XLE - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By labassist - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We purchased a 2004 Toyota Camry XLE in May of 2004. We have owned the Toyota brand before and were pleased with it reliability. To date, this vehicle has not disappointed us--it drives like a dream--no road noise, superior sound quality in the upgraded stereo system, very comfortable and room, power seats very easy to adjust in many different positions. Gas mileage has been as rated and interior design is very easy to get used to--the radio/cd/cassette controls are within easy reach. Auto temperature control feature is an excellent way to remain comfortable while driving. The direction indicator in the rear view mirror is also very helpful.

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  the best - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By dmbc - May 28 - 10:00 am

  best car toyota has made in a long time.