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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  sequoia review - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By cswaney - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Great ride. Fun with family or without.

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  sweet ride - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By fijianthug - January 24 - 10:00 am

  its better then those domestics

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  BEST OF ALL - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By jsmjr - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car since October 2002 and drive about 15,000 miles a year. On average I get around 45 miles to the gallon, and would be getting more if I didnt live in a hilly community. Cant say enough about this car. I have owned many new cars in my lifetime, and this care is fantastic.

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  tree - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By sequoia love - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the best buy I have made. I got rid of a Lincoln Navigator to get this SUV and I am glad I did. The Navigator was in the shop almost as much as it was on the road, the Sequoia has been in only for oil changes. It is great!

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  Awesome Van - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By jarhead - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great mini-van. Smooth driving with all the little amenities you could ask for in a family vehicle. Awesome turning radius, comfortable interior with room for many. More than enough room for groceries. Love it and wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  excellent mini van - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By pmurtey - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This van is excellent in all aspects. Very quiet and smooth. Great acceleration.

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  WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS TRUCK - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Mark and Joanna - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I never thaught we could love a truck this much. Everyday my wife and I fight over who is going to drive it. It is the most practical, reliable, and all around smart truck. The best truck we ever owned.

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  support engineer - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By andrew chang - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The ride is very comfortable. The accelation is very smooth. The rear room is spacious and relax.

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  I love my RAVioli - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Kate W. - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my RAVioli because I knew it would be quality. It corners very well, and I take them all fast. Never had any problems with it. I had one rattle from the roof rack, but that was because I didnt tighten the screw all the way. You know, the idiots who dont rate this well probably dont take care of it, or maybe the RAV was put together in the USA, because they sometimes do a half-*ssed job of building things. Or they just had bad luck. But dont take it out on the car, it is probably your fault in the first place. :)

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  Excellent all around-Love it - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Sherrie - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This Suv is so much fun to drive,it steers and controls so easy.I am under 5 feet tall and can see out of the window without a cushion.It is so reliable.Looks good,very good on gas ,and a good price compared to most Suvs.