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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  poor - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Cindi - September 26 - 10:00 am

  brake problems starting at 8000 miles, car in shoe more then at home. replacing brakes every 8000 miles per Toyota is normal.

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  Awesome car! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Nicoles02Cmry - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a lot of great luck with this car and plan on driving it until it stops running.

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  Excelle t - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Walter - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the best Camry yet. I love the ride, handle, the new look. Everything.

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  GoO CAR - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By ESTOYPISTIADO - September 26 - 10:00 am

  THE TOYOTA CAMRY IS VERY SPACIOUS. IM A 6 FOOT TALL PERSON AND THE PERSON THAT WOULD SIT BEHIND ME IS STILL COMFORTABLE!! I TOTALLY RECOMMEND IT

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  Best Car for me rated by Consumer Report - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By DAWN - September 26 - 10:00 am

  CUP HOLDER-TERRIBLE LOCATION WITH SHIFT. ASHTRAY IN BACK -FOR KIDS? MY WINDOWS SPECIAL TINT BUBBLED UP. MY GAS TANK LID BROKE OFF IN COLD WEATHER.

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  My Camry Experience - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By William Horn - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Actually the Camry sold me the first time. I was a hard core American Car only person.I drove a Camry just to see if what I heard was true. I couldnt believe how smooth, how quiet, how much fun to drive this car was. I went back to the dealer from the test drive, and bought it on the spot. I have purchased two more Camrys since that time. Ill be buying the Highlander before Christmas. Thanks Toyota.

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  Everything you could want in a car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By James Pfirman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car has everything you could want in a car and more. We particularly like the navigational system. Unbelievable. We continually find new aspects of the car that we are completely sold on the Toyota and cannot imagine ever purchasing another make. It even has seat warmers.

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  Best choice no doubt - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By dsrice6602 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  When I decided to buy a new car I enlisted the help of a family member who is a car salesperson. I was given a Toyota Camry to drive for a day and the next day I was given another new car, different make. The other car was considerably less money since they had a great promotion going on. We are talking around three thousand less. The two days I drove these cars I asked ten different people their opinions and explained the deal I could get on each model. There was not one person that recommended the other vehicle. They all said"BUY THE TOYOTA"!!! I took their advise and have been nothing short of thrilled with my choice.

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  2004 Toyota Sienna LE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Leon Conary - September 26 - 10:00 am

  When traveling from Fl.to Me. with less than 1000 miles on it, loaded to the ceiling I averaged over 31 mpg on this van. This is an improvement over my 99 Toyota Sienna XLE.

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  Interior work - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Elizabeth Avila - September 26 - 10:00 am

  First of all, I love my Sienna, the sleek look. I was tired of driving my 94 Quest Minivan. So the color, (dark grey) is a welcome change. My observation is the interior of the vehicle. The cloth fabric of the seats is great,BUT the plastic coverings are poorly installed. My second week with the vehicle and already the covers are falling off. The handles have become loose, I had to find where the screws were to tighten them myself. I am afraid by years end, the inside of the car may be falling apart.