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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  Real Great Trouble-free Camry!!!! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By koop - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Only trouble I had was the need to replace original battery at 19,000 miles in May 2003. This car was stored for over 3 years as we had 90 Camry before selling it in Oct 2001 at 145K miles. The 98 is very smooth.

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  Lemon 1999 Camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Linda McCleary - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had numerous problems with this car. The check engine light keeps going on and off. Numerouse things have been identified and "fixed" at very high costs. It still does it. The brakes needed replacing at 41000 miles, At the same time a front tie rod needed replacing even though I live in the city and do not drive on rough roads. The CD player skips. I bought the car for its quality, but they seem to have left that part out.

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  just another review - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runnercrazy - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this car since its my first since my previa lol. I love the moonroof, the leather interior (if u dont get the limited edtion, why even buy a 4runner?), SEAT WARMERS ON THE FRONT 2 SEATS, all the cargo space in the back, theres a few hangers on the back for shopping bags, grocery store bags, or clothes, and the little handle on the inside of the back door so its easier to close the back door.

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  best car I have owned - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jcsmith529 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I, like many long time Toyota fans, wasnt quick to take to the new stylings etc. of the 2003 4runner. I bucked it for a while until the 98 started to seem a little small. Then we test drove it, one word came to mind, Amazing. Bigger, smoother ride, more power, more options, all the bells and whistles standard. It offers the most for the money by far. We will have it for years to come. I dont know why we ever questioned it.

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  Great Design - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By dypugh - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I choose the DoubleCab so that I can carry more the one passenger. I has plenty of room for 5 people. The front leg room needs improvement. The ride is bumpy. I took a trip to Laughlin, NV, and it was a nice ride and good gas milage.

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  Great Buy - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brookieman10 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I had 91 Nissan 4x4 that just rusted away The V6 was very thirsty and in town 4x4 driving was in minutes of driving not mpg. I needed an economical replacement with an xtra cab. A replacement 4x4 4 cyl was ~ $8000 more (Canadian) So my next choice was the pre runner 2.7 l having the same horse power as my Nissan V6 and better mpg. Would definitely recommend the 2.7 l if you want a 4 cylinder truck to boot around town cheaply. Reliability of Ford/Mazda was worrysome. Nissan was better equiped but 6.9%

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  03 toyota highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Rosemarie Sample - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is solid and refined. I previously owned an Infinity I30 and have found this highlander to be very close in comfort and smooth ride. The excelleration isnt as powerful as I would like but I am sure it is up to its horses. Also my last car was leather but the trim in this highlander is a very beautifully tailored cloth which I am very happy with. The SUV was also very comfortable on an 8hr long nonstop trip. My dealer in Bradenton Fl was excellent to deal with.

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  only one serious problem - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By pensat - February 28 - 10:00 am

  this is a great vehicle. just got back from a 3500 mile drive to Canada and it performed wonderfully. even had some impressive off road moments on the rocky "beaches" of Nova Scotia. the ltd has a good stereo, otherwise I recommend the standard w/the 6 cyl. got the dvd which quieted the kids less than I had hoped, but it is impressive, especially the audio quality. got good mileage @ 25. serious problem: back window noise. Plus, only average rollover protection is another definite minus. but, still a vehicle I recommend highly.

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By dick - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Highlander and it is an outstanding value and a great car. Plenty of room, excellent design inside and out and a pleasure to drive on long trips. WE LOVE THE CAR!

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  kens - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By kens - February 28 - 10:00 am

  i feel very safe in this vehicle .