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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  The best mid size suv - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jamin - August 3 - 10:00 am

  After 22k miles and several long trips towing our boat, I am comfortable writing that the Sequioa is a dependable and hard working truck. I would buy another one without hesitation.

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  Outstanding - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sherron - August 3 - 10:00 am

  We have had the Sequoia for three weeks. The Limited looks for 2003 are beautiful. The interior is refined and comparable to LX470. I see no real difference between the two except the lesser $20,000.00 price and the fact we have much more room. We look forward to years of pleasure driving it. My only complaint is that I never get to drive it as my wife beats me to it. She has left for IS300 to me though.

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  GET ONE FOR YOURSELF !!!! - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By cjvail - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I wanted to wait a year or two before writing this, you know, to see what was going to break. I took this near 40k truck off road on the way home from the dealer,it was so much fun that I go off road at least once a weak.No rattels,sqweeks or leaks.THANK YOU TOYOTA!!!!

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  Beat Expectations - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By TheWanderer - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a Prius ever since I heard they were coming to America. Recently purchased 2003 and it turned out better than I had hoped. I love this car. Totally impressed me in the Rockies where I thought I would be having to used the slow lane for the uphill runs. Nope, I ended up passing nearly every SUV around! Going down was a breeze too. Got awesome gas mileage in the mountains and that was a huge surpise.

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  Great Car!! - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By sexyjessie85 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Continuously runs great and very reliable, somewhat noisy fan belt, but no questions askedv - runs wonderful, STILL!

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  2003 Celica GT 5spd - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Tamour - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in November 2002 and I have loved it ever since. It is a great car that is alotta fun to drive and look at. The quality is exceptional as is the value. I would highly reccommed this car to any youg fun loving person.

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  Best buy for your money - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By scottyinco - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Larger than a Lexus ES300. This car is a dream. Everything fits together perfectly (made in Kentucky, btw). No problems in the 89000 miles on my car. Still runs like new.

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  Great car, great buy - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By lovemymatrix - August 3 - 10:00 am

  We just bought a new Matrix XR, and we love it. Its fun to drive, and has lots of useful space. We also love the fuel economy. We ruled this car out at first because we thought it would be to small, but once we got in it, we knew it was the car for us.

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  Great car! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By TW - August 3 - 10:00 am

  A wonderful car. Had been driving 1/2 ton p/u trucks for yrs. I am amazed what I have hauled in this car. Never thought I would not miss my trucks but I dont. Handles great and great pick up too. Never loses speed on long grades. Very comfortable driving on trips.

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  Shouldve bought Honda Odyssey - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By tony22r - August 3 - 10:00 am

  VERY Disappointed in Toyota. Build quality has really gone DOWN. -Front Brakes squeal after only 7K miles -Rattling sliding door. 6K miles. VERY annoying! -Pulls to the left; alignment off since brand new. -A/C vent fell off. 5K miles -NOISY Firestone OEM tires! Replaced myself with Yokohamas, much better ride now. -Transmission hunting for gears/lunging. -3.0L V6 is underpowered, NO low-end torque at all! Must rev it High all the time to keep up with traffic; not a comfortable way to drive. Especially with fears of oil gelling/sludging in this infamous V6.