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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  60+YEARS OF OWNERSHIP - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By WILLIE Ward - October 21 - 12:41 am

  Of all cars (11) Chevolet Coupe, Caprice Classic, pickup)----- Ford-(pickup, Crown Victoria)----- Mercury(Grand Marque)------Pontiac (Executive)------Corvette----- 3 Toyota 1 DX & 2 LE, this 2003 Toyota is the best car I have owned.

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  Super satisfied - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Frog - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Drove it 4300 miles in six days after 9/11 ferrying emergency personel for government organization. Averaged over 700 miles a day. Stopped only to change oil. Never a problem. This is fifth Toyota in our family since 1968. Wife still drives 1988 Corolla and swears by it.

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  New 4x4 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By tkj - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Massive and feel safe. Good visibility at front, but rear quarter has a big blind spot. Will be great going to ski trips.

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  The limo of SUVs - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By C. Elliott - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Yes it is a nice ride. For the size of the vehicle, the feul economy is ok (still is better than the Tahoe, Suburban, Excursion, and Expedition) but the rest so far has been excellent. Fun and comfortable to drive too.

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  mr 2 spyder - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dave d - October 20 - 10:00 am

  the car is fun to drive but i think for the price it could have more horse power and the sound system could be better it only has four speakers in it and it ok but i think it could be better everything else is ok

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  Wow - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By John Quinton - October 20 - 10:00 am

  THis car was an excellent vehicle. It rode well, handled all roads well that Ive been on... I would give this car an A plus for its price and its dealing.

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  An Excellent Choice - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pequot - October 20 - 10:00 am

  It was a little pricey, but I have found it to live up to my expectations.

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  The Best - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By David3427 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  The best, most complete vehicle I have ever purchased.

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  One Tough Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Natphog - October 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Tacoma. Traded in 2001 extra cab for double cab as I needed more room, which I love. Toyotas reliability and fact that I had no problems on 2001 with over 35000 miles on it was main reason for trading. Dealer made an offer that was much better than I expected. I considered other trucks and some SUVs, but Toyotas quality and chance of fewer problems was deciding factor.

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  Almost perfect - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By LeeOfB - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Almost perfect mid-size SUV, but the leather seats are as slippery as ice. I often cant lay anything on the seat - it slides off during normal stopping. Also, the car has no back-up lights! Also would enjoy sound system controls on the steering wheel. Finally, my only other issue with the car is ego- related. I wish it looked more "butch". But I love having all the advantages of a SUV in a vehicle that delivers decent, civilized gas mileage yet rides like a car, with plenty of power. Overall a great vehicle.