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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  Great SUV - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By keebo39 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Love the car. A bit of a gas guzzler, but that is what and SUV does! Handles great for a big car

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  Best of the Best - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By La6co - March 8 - 2:00 am

  You have no idea until you drive it feels like you own the road

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  Luxary Truck! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Weiler - March 8 - 2:00 am

  You can count on it. You are also buying TOYOTA.

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  drive review - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By itsmeeric - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Handles elevations up to 11,000 without any strain. Did well in Hi Serria. Gas mileage in town around 17. Almost 22 on the highway unless leadfoot hits it over 75.

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  Reliability and Performance - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 6benzene6 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The body style of the car including the interior makes it a special addition to Toyotas fleet. Performance: very responsive both acceleration/deceleration. A true winner.

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  Best truck for the money - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By T.K. - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Toyotas cost more, but over the long troublefree life of this truck, its the cheapest 4x4 on or off the road. I finally blew a head gasket in my 94 2wd at 225,000 miles. Im getting it fixed, but decided to step up to a new 4X4. So many improvements! I know Im going to love my new Tacoma.

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  An Excellent car. - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Donald L. Dady - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We have 7,000 miles on this vehicle, and our friends all rave for its beauty, we love the gas mileage, comfort and looks of this car. Think we made a very good choice.

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  Super Auto - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By J. Mahon - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Just an all around great car. Fun to drive, great fuel economy and extremely Reliable. Complaints to dealer since purchase is zero. Toyotas reputation is a definite plus. I have a 1992 Toyota Tercel in showroom condition. Runs like new. Id love to buy the new hybrid but cant until the Tercel dies, and I dont think thats ever gonna

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  Second Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Harry Aldrich - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Previously owned a 2001 Sienna CE. The 2004 is smoother, softer-riding, very quiet on the road. Handling has improved on cornering. Acceleration is Just a dite less that my previous Sienna, and of course, gas mileage is less, locally. This is a top-of-the- line car in many ways: convenience, improved interior lighting, overall looks, but the inside and its seemingly hundreds of conveniences is outstanding. Yes, I plan to be a repeat buyer!

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  A Great Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By tregruban5 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  First off, for those of you that want leather and to get rid of the black lacquer dash and install wood grain accents in an LE it is possible--mine was done at the port up in Jacksonville before being shipped to the dealership. Youll pay, but it is well worth it. If you are a music fan, do not pass on the JBL system...I did and regret it. As far as performance, this vehicle moves- but as others have stated the brakes are soft and the transmission does hesitate a bit but nothing really to complain about. Toyota has really produced a well thought out vehicle. We are very satisfied.