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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  Too many little things - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By tcj20202000 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Sequoia is great to drive. Engine/transmission MUCH smoother than in my 98 Navigator. Big inside yet feels smaller to drive. Very quiet. Have had problems with rear window, interior plastic pieces, terrible design for rear controlled AC. Averall a great SUV, but without modifications would not repurchase.

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  Why buy Ody?? - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle for my wife. Originally thought toyota was too high ($$). Dealer made us a better deal than GM dealers - even including the 3K (GM) rebate. Bought it for the implied reliability. Saved over 6K against Honda Ody. My wife thinks its very sporty.

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  no problems, great for my wife - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By BrianJ - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall a good "cute SUV". Havent had any problems with it. Only getting 20mpg. Kind of weak accelerating, but its not supposed to be a sports car. The rear seats remove easily for hauling medium size stuff (bikes, etc.). Body design is a major improvement over previous models.

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  no problems, great for my wife - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Brianj - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall a good "cute SUV". Havent had any problems with it. Only getting 20mpg. Kind of weak accelerating, but its not supposed to be a sports car. The rear seats remove easily for hauling medium size stuff (bikes, etc.). Body design is a major improvement over previous models.

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  beef it up a bit - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By neil - May 2 - 10:00 am

  the build quality on this vehicle seems excellent. i have owned toyota trucks prior to this one and i am happy to see that they have not diminished the quality of the product like some other manufacturers have. the ride is a bit stiff on bumpy roadways but feels very solid for a compact vehicle. the seats could be improved on a bit, and i would like to see larger tires available besides the 235x60x16 car like tires supplied.it is more car-like than suv..

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  beef it up a bit - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Neil - May 2 - 10:00 am

  the build quality on this vehicle seems excellent. i have owned toyota trucks prior to this one and i am happy to see that they have not diminished the quality of the product like some other manufacturers have. the ride is a bit stiff on bumpy roadways but feels very solid for a compact vehicle. the seats could be improved on a bit, and i would like to see larger tires available besides the 235x60x16 car like tires supplied.it is more car-like than suv..

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  I Love My Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Mrs. Coldone - May 2 - 10:00 am

  We bought a 2003 after two years with an 01. What a difference. I really liked my 5spd 01, but the 03 is roomier, and the seats are so much higher! A plus when you are over 30!!! I have driven an array of cars and the Corolla line is my favorite. They are dependable, fun to drive, look good, and just an overall great car. Price is a little higher, but they look good longer. I definetely recommend the Corollas.

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  pros and cons - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Tags - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car. excellent fuel economy. Has a better looking exterior and interior design then any car in its class, and some of the higher classes too. excellent reliability. great car for its class.

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  Corolla 03 - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Billy - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car 6 weeks ago, better than I thought it would be. I got a great deal at $15,100 with options. I also own a 01 Honda civic. I give the Corolla the edge in ride and comfort.

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  A beautiful car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Rod M. - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is just one of the nicest looking cars out there (IMHO) One of the things that sold me on this car is how its passengers can literally whisper to each other at 65 mph and thats pretty impressive with a 4cyl.This car is used mostly for commute but incredible for a car this size and with its many standard features that it costs way below $20k, taxes, title and all, included By the way, this vehicle was made in Japan which sold me the car even more. This can be determined by the first letter of the VIN. A car made in Japan will start with the letter J..