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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  So Far So Good - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By JJPC - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Just brought our 4Runner home a short while ago but the test drives and initial week or two of driving have been impressive. Went to buy a Mercedes ML430 or similar upscale vehicle but resale values, reliablility ratings, and features for the dollar made the 4Runner the best deal.

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  Base model great value - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Patrick Haney - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Best value for the money. I bought the base model 4wd SR5 which comes with a full line of standard options. I added leather and still walked out under 28,000. I couldnt see spending 7000 for the limited upgrades.

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  Great truck - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By abengelbrecht - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine in Nov 2002, one of the first ones. Have done 20000 miles already and a number of off road trails. Very capable on and off road. Comfy, although some headroom and rear foot room would help, Im 63". Great ride and great engine and transmission combo. Very solid and reliable. Had minor issues which was resolved, believe it is now resolved with later vehicles. Vehicle is great, dealer support lacking compared to BMW and Volvo which we had before. I want to see how all these fancy SUVs (VW, Porsche??, MBZ, BMW, etc) hold up after being really used off road. Explorer, etc does not even compare.

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  Value SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Rich A. - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my 4WD Highlander one month ago; not suprisingly it continues to impress me. Car-like ride, quiet cabin, and secure, controlled handling. Interior layout is a study in ergomonics. Excellent visibility, supportive seats, and controls that are intuitively positioned. The 3.3 V6 is strong but quiet motor that mates well with the powertrain components.

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  Highland Rocks! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Shopperlee - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I am a Toyota fan and at my age never thought I would own an SUV. However, now that I am living in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, my needs have changed. This SUV has it all.....in one week, I used the roof carrier to transport a surfboard (before moving from Florida), the third row seat to transport 6 passengers and the seats were down to transport boxes to my new home in SC.

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  Toyota Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Craik - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the Honda Pilot and the Highlander and felt this vehicle overall was a better vehicle. The car is a pleasure to drive and the 3.3 engine is smooth with very good pickup. Milage is about the same as the pontiac montana I owned. Very pleased with the purchase and vehicle

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  Lovin it! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By kprn - September 30 - 10:00 am

  My first SUV and Im hooked! Love sitting up high, drives like a dream- practically drives itself. Turns on a dime, ride is very smooth. No regrets at all...even at the gas station. Its not great mileage, but far better than most SUVs.

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  Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By urS - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. Its not only comfortable, but it is fun to drive! I started off looking for a van but didnt feel that the vans were sporty enough or comfortable. Everyone who rides in it remarks how comfortable it is. Thats the young and old alike. A few times my husband took it for his hunting trip and remarked how comfortable highway driving was. I was afraid I wouldnt get it back. This is by far the best car we have ever had.

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  judis highlander2004 - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By iamjudi - September 30 - 10:00 am

  in the interior i would change the side doors so there is vinyl, not fabic at the top where your arms rest. i am also very dissapointed with my fuel usage.i expected better. also the smog emissions are 1.5 times the average.

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  My toyoto experience - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By bjcnshreve - September 30 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my Toyota! When I first test drove my Toyota I thought it was a little bigger car then I had planned but after getting used to it I wouldnt have it any other way. IT rides so smooth and nearly drives itself! Took a trip to Florida and you could really put your little finger on the steering wheel and it did the rest.. hugged the road so good.The trunk is very spacious. I love my Toyota