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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  Terrific Car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By pongo - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Fun car. Get it with all the bells and whistles, including the map system

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  the best - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By sienna_buyer - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Sienna is the best.

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  my review - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By mcduck315 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Ever since I have purchased my 2004 Toyota RAV 4, I have only experienced true, effecient, and quality results from my SUV. It is an extremely fun to drive, gas thrifty small SUV and has just enough space for me and all my stuff to fit in comfortably. I especially love this car for its sporty and refined looks and its off-road capabilities. I feel like I can take it anywhere and still recieve the renowned Toyota driving experience.

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  Rav4 L - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By greenleaf33 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I was never a fan of the Rav4. Earlier models were very unattractive. When my wifes lease expired on her Honda Accord, we began looking for a compact SUV that she would be comfortable driving. With some reluctance, I convinced my wife to look at the Rav4. She had owned a Celica and a Corona in the past, and liked Toyotas vehicles, but she had the image of the original Rav4 (with its ugly side panels) in her mind. We ended up purchasing a black Rav4 L with step rails,a roof rack, full power, and leather interior. We are both huge fans of the Rav4 now, and probably will buy another one when our current one gets older.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron LaRue - June 15 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I are really impressed with all the attributes of this vehicle. We originally purchased to tow behind an RV, but we love it so much we use it everywhere. The interior room is really great for the two of us and hauling. The outside dimensions make it a great tow vehicle with a dolley.

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  great little SUV - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By E. Costa - June 15 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Rav-4 For our daughter, a first time driver,this SUV is such an easy drive and so dependable. Were very happy with pur purchase.

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  2004 Rav4 Manual - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Deputy Dan - June 15 - 10:00 am

  SUPER good vehicle - my favorite ever. Great acceleration, nimble handling, just plain fun to drive. Reliability is great, stability on all types of road surfaces is superior.

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  Really Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Gym Mom - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely impressed with the Rav4s ability to hug the road in snow and ice conditions. If there was anything I could suggest to add, it would be an upgrade on creature comforts like climate control, heated seats and possibly a leather interior option. Handles great, plenty of pep and good fuel economy.

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  toyota wheeling - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ivandamn - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Traded a f-350 diesal 4X4 and love this truck not nearly as hard to park. I could really keep up with all my freinds in the dunns now. test drove the fx4 ranger but liked the toyota alot better. went off-roading with both of them before i bought and liked the performance and gas mileage better than ford. they need to offer a standard model in the 4-doors TRD.

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  My first car - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By asmarks - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Well, I am 16 years old and this 4Runner has great pick up, you do not need to buy the expensive stereo to get great sound the basic is just as good as the rest, i dont even know how i did that? This SUV rides very smooth, my brother has a Highlander and the 4Runner compared to it is much better, if your looking at the Highlander go for the 4Runner, trust me you will regret it if your dont. the highlander V4 and the 4Runner V6 get basically the same milage around 16 or 17 mpg.