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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  Napa Fun - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By John C Naab - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is awesome! Much better than I expected. Last ride was a 95 Ford Exploder with 220,000 miles on it. Couldnt keep a transmission in it, so I went back to Toyota & Im glad I did!!!

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  Sequia -2002 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Urquia - October 24 - 10:00 am

  IT is one of the best SUVs we have ever owned and we will get a second!!

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  BETTER THAN ANY AMERICAN SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By GENEORICO - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED ALMOST EVERY TYPE OF SUV AND THE TOYOTA SEQUOIA MEETS AND EXCEEDS EVERYTHING I HAVE HAD IN THE PAST. THEIR ISNT ANOTHER SUV THAT IS BUILT BETTER.WE HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. I HAVE ALSO HAD FOUR TOYOTA TUNDRAS WITH OUR COMPANY IN THE LAST 4 YEARS AND THEY ARE FAR BY THE BEST PICKUP ON THE ROAD BAR NONE, NO ONE CAN EVEN COME CLOSE IN QUALITY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH GENE ORICO

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  great deal - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By zaachrist - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I love toyota very nice car for different activities.It has a lot it room and confortable.I love the economy mileage for the city and fwy compairing some other v8s

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  Very Good - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Robert Panzer - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle.

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  Sequoia Rocks - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By GWE - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Great reliable Toyota vehicle...not a lot of flash or dash...but going on 60000miles, very comfortable, not a problem.

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  Bullet Proof - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Phil3927 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my 97 for a 20003. Hope this one is as good. 95,000 miles and replaced 2 tail lights. Thats all. 17- 20 mpg. Same brakes and battery, new tires after 50,000.

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  toyota matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By gladys - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Great car love it very comfortable and easy to drive. Lots of room for the family and friends.

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  03 Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By T Wilson - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Im a single female in my mid twenties with no kids. So although I didnt need anything really large, I dont like small vehicles. I wanted something decently priced, sporty and fun, yet reliable. I found this car to be fun and funky, yet sensible. All the toyotas Ive had as well as other peoples have run for up to a couple hundred thous miles. Its fwd and theres room for my mtn bike. Its as large as some SUVs but with much cheaper insurance.

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  Amazing - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SpeedyII - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Great looking and super performance