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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  driving a dream - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jimmy hamar - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 sienna rides like a lexus .Corners like acamry and is the quitest van I have ever driven.The vis.ibility is terrific and the power it has is adequit.The stereo system is excellant and the heating system is great when a passenger controls his own. this is my 5th minivan none of the others came clse on performance. Jimmy Hamar

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  Best Mini Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Patricia Garner - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Although I purchased my Sienna in 2000, it runs like a new car, and it just turned 80,000 miles. LOVE my Toyota.

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  Superb Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By cfischer - September 26 - 10:00 am

  From a drivers perspective, pure joy to drive; as a passenger, sheer comfort. All it needs is a whirlpool! I am proud to take it anywhere - and believe me, it has gotten its share of second looks. Even my older teenagers think its cool. I hope you enjoy yours!

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  Best MiniVan Made - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By rshin49 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Dont miss the boat with this van. It is made on Lexas specs!!!

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  I love my Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By maria larsen - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Hello, We recently purchased a 2004 Sienna. We have always owned Dodge vehicles including a Grand Caravan. My new Sienna Le surpasses my old 2000 Grand, in comfort, style,and ammenities for both driver and passengers by far. I have never considered myself a minivan personality, but I would purchase another Sienna I really love it. Thanks Toyota for all the thought that has gone into the remodeled Sienna. Maria Larsen

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  The best out there!!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Putyfly1 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is great! I didnt know I could find the comfort, fun, security, and luxury all in one. I got this with the Toyota Sienna. At first I didnt want a minivan because I didnt want to look older than I really am. (24) And I have 3 kids. So I was really concerned about that, only until I saw it. Beleive me when I say that is not the case with this minivan. Besides security for your family it has many features, and some of them can only be found in this minivan. Its great!!! I love it. Besides the Toyota dealership has wonderful customer care after you have purchased the vehicle.

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  Sienna is tops - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ssonthenet - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Talk about an all around GREAT vehicle. Those folks at Toyota sure know how to beat the boys at Honda at their own game. Evertyhing is wonderful about this van. If you are in the market, testdrive the rest and then buy the best...Toyota Sienna

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  A good car at a good price. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Ralph C Meola - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 1998Camry LE V6 and could not have been happier. My new 2004 Camry SE V6 is more luxurious, handles better at high speeds and is mavelously comfortable. The styling, while a repeat of last year is sleek and expensive looking. I own a car for transportation purposes, not because I like cars; however, this is one car I really like to drive.

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  One satisfied customer - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Ninotchka - September 25 - 8:33 pm

  Only scheduled maintenance so far ... one previous owner (1997-2004) kept great records, though. The build quality is its best attribute; before I bought the car, I asked my mechanic what he would want to work on -- what had parts that are easy to get to, etc. He mentioned four or five vehicles, and I continued my research. This was a GREAT buy.

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  My Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Amelia Bravo - September 25 - 7:10 am

  The performance of this car is great the way it handles and over all a good experience and confort fun and economic, I recomend it Ive driven one the past 4 years so I know.