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 LAST VEHICLE YOU WILL BUY - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By VILLA - March 7 - 10:00 am

  TRULY THE LAST VEHICLE YOU WILL EVER BUY. I WAS A BIT HESITANT A FIRST IN PURCAHSING IT, BECAUSE OF THE PRICE, BUT NOW THAT I HAVE IT, NOTHING COMPARES. I AM GONNA ENJOY THIS.

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  toy 4 wheel drive - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By bertolini - March 7 - 10:00 am

  it handles well off and on road plenty of hauling power lots of room and fun to drive.

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  The best car like ride I ever had - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By vann - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Quite and comfort ride

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  my review - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By raptorriderdp - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I think that this is a great car for anyone who has an active, family lifesyle, and enjoys offroading in style and comfort.

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  Clean Green Lean Machine - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Brad Munger - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent energy efficieny and "super ultra-low emissions car. Pushing 50 mpg actual, this is a smartly engineered, high quality vehicle, with excellent safety features. Well laid-out spacious interior for a compact vehicle, sits four adults comfortably, with adequate trunk space. Safety features ABS, DRL, front- and side-airbags. Adequate power and speed (does 85 mph without problems) with aceptable--but not performace-- handling. Great car for in-town or road trips. Mileage superiority really shines in town.

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  Awesome car - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By flyrite - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my first brand new car and it is a great car! It is sporty with adequate performance and I love the styling (I still get compliments). It is also the most practical sports car, it can fit alot in the hatch when you have the back seats down, I fit my Christmas tree in it every year. I havent had any mechanical problems with it except for a squeaky serpentine belt, but I dont put many miles on a year.

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  My 5th Celica - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By k2 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th Celica. Ive had a 78, 83, 86, 90 and bought this one brand new. My first new car. Have had no problems with it, with the exception of a head light burned out at 500 miles (under warranty) and the driver side window came off track at 1500 miles (also under warranty). I would recommend a toyota to anybody, just this car is not for all. It is on the small side and low to the ground and can become a problem getting in and out of it. Also the factory tires are junk and wore out (I dont get on the car) and had to be replaced at 32,000 miles.

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  Love My Car - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By kumarr - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car, easy to handle, quick and well responsive for me, great acceleration, and amazing looks. A fun set of wheels

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  2003 4Runner V8 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Buzz Mann - March 7 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. Ive had my Runner now for 7 weeks and have driven over 3,500 kms since I bought it (2,200 miles). Runs like a charm. Decent fuel economy considering its a V8 - in fact its better on gas than my previous 1999 V6 Runner. Great ride, great performance, great handling and an excellent array of safety features made this new Runner a sure winner over the competition. I shopped around and considered domestics and other foreign brands, and finally settled for another 4Runner. My insurance premiums actually came down over $200 per year versus my 1999 Runner. Toyota has done it again!

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  mtnhygh - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Lauriedarlynn - March 7 - 10:00 am

  this is my 5th toyota, and I would buy 5 more, best cars on the road! Great car for the snow.