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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  So Far So good - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By miapoet - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I researched extensively before going to test drive Escapes, Libertys & the RAV4. Right after driving the RAV4, I bought it. The heck with the others! I think the engine is peppy enough & the gas mileage is comparable to the Ford Focus I traded. It rides good and looks stylish, sporty and cute. I now have a lot more room and the first day I made sure it could cross the creek to my favorite campsite! No problem!

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  2003 4Runner SR5 2WD V-8 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By sbncolr - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle over a 2003 Pilot, which was hard to find in the right color and cost $2,600 more. My drive out price w/ lighted running boards, the appearance pack., and auto-dimming rear view mirror was $28.1K. The car came with a bad tire (Michellin CrossTerrain), which was promptly replaced by the dealership, but no defects so far. For dollar for dollar, this is one of the best value vehicles in the category. Glad that I got the V-8 over V-6, as the difference in fuel economy is minimal, but the bigger engine is so quite, smooth, and powerful.

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  WOW!! This is what I was looking for. - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By trophycat - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Really wasnt looking to buy, but after a test drive I found myself sitting at the table with a salesman working on numbers. I was impressed with the new V6 engine and the quietness of the cabin at speeds. Vehicle had all the features we were looking for which came standard.

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  excellent - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By dr gonzo - January 6 - 10:00 am

  perfect so far the 4 runner has gotten better then exspected mpg. toyota made it wider and more roomy inside. the 4 runner is soild and performs perfectly

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  tacoma 2wheeler - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By calijackel - January 6 - 10:00 am

  i really like my new truck but it is a little crowded and the interior design is pretty plan. those two flawed features i don mind too much but wut really bugs me the most is the fact that i cant have a manual transmition in my 2 wheeler. but its still pretty fun to drive.

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  Highly Recomend Highlander to families - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By MrMnico - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle for the money, esp if your looking to purchase instead of lease. We bought the 4cyl because it drove almost identical to the 6cyl and it was way better on gas. Ohh lets not forget that the 4cyl has a timing chain compared to the 6cyl which has a timing belt which means cost savings in the future. We did have leather and a towing package added to our model.

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  I Love My Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By vhines57 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  After quite a bit of hunting & test driving, I chose a Camry as my next new car. The ride was nicer than the Altima or the Mazda 6. It was more comfortable than the Passat and the Accord. With the upscale interior and standard features, its hard to believe I only spent 17500. The trunk is gigantic, perfect for luggage & groceries. The interior layout is nicely designed & the engine is quiet. For a more sporty look, I opted for the model with the rear spoiler. Its definately a family car, but the spoiler adds a bit of punch to an already beautiful exterior. I also test drove a few domestic mid-sized sedans and there was simply no comparison.

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  So Unhappy - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Toyotas Bad - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had my new 2002 Camry for less than two years. The right dash has squeaked and creaked since day 1. My air conditioning had to be replaced. My radiator (!!) had to be replaced. My oil pan had to be replaced. My charcoal cannister had to be replaced. I have never - EVER - had such a terrible experience with a car. I just purchased a Subaru Forester, and will stick with Subarus from now on.

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  Sold it and will not buy again - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Joe Lucian - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Owned it, bought it to the Toyota - biult the best. I will not buy another. I have owned a few Toyota over the years and none has even been better then any of my Dometic brand car owned. I gave this car away and bought a Subaru and it has been 1000s time better then this Toyota. The power and fit of the Subaru.

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  Rattles - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By lna - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Awful dashboard rattles that the dealers have been unable to repair. Everything else is great bu this one issue would keep me from getting another one.