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:

• 

  Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jackie Smith - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We love this SUV its fun to drive looks great and has lots of room. We were going to go for the Landcruiser but for the price differance we thought the Sequoia was a better choice, and just as good as far as quality.

• 

  Second Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By jackiesmom - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I originally had the 2002 SR5. In September 2002, my family and I were in an accident which totalled the Sequoia and the 2 other vehicles that were involved and also took out the utility power box at the intersection. We all walked away with the only injury being with my dog and a broken nose on my 10 year old son. After that I could only purchase another Toyota Sequoia because I really feel the quality of the frame and body of the truck saved our lives.

• 

  all around excellent suv - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By diesel - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This suv is just all around reliable.The fuel mileage is hanging aroung 17.6 which is very good for the size and weight of the vehicle with very good power for a toyota. It does not remind me of the earilier toyotas with the 4 and 6 cylinders, this ones got some power. It is also a very quiet ride, When running you cant even tell the engine is running !!! I highly recomend It !!

• 

  2003 Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Skeeter - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV. The fuel mileage is less than expected(15MPG highway). Great for family and long trips.

• 

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

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

• 

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

  its better then those domestics

• 

  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.

• 

  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!

• 

  Roll-over rate - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Philip DelVecchio - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My 4Runner rolled over in two separate accidents in moderate inclement weather; both times sedan-style cars drove through the same conditions right in front of me with no problems. The problem with their AWD is you must disengage it above 60 mph - makes it tedious to constantly be turning it on and off unlike other models that have AWD all-the-time. Be careful with this vehicle - can be a death trap.

• 

  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.