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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  BHL - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By boris721 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle rides very comfortably and smoothly on all road types and conditions. The Limited is equipped with excellent features and design both on the exterior and in the interior. Overall this is a quality vehicle with plenty of interior space.

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  HIGHLANDER REVIEW - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Anniepogs - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV. Rides like a car, easy to get in and out of. Love it. Absolutely no problems

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  Excellent car. Would recommend! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By y mason - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable and easy to drive. Has respectable pick up off onto expressways and very rapid responce.

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  Another Toyota! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Bill n Duane - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This our third Toyota my partner and I have purchased. You just cant beat Toyota for its reliablity. We have had BMWs that spent more time in the repair shop then on the road. We test drove the Honda Pilot. What a dissapointment compared to the Highlander!

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  improvements - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By HAROLD KFARE - October 16 - 10:00 am

  overall I am very happy with the vehicle

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  2003 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By bbA - October 16 - 10:00 am

  tHIS suv IS POWERFUL, COMFORTABLE, QUIET. iTS GREAT IN THE RAIN AND SNOW AND IS BY FAR THE BEST suv iVE EVER OWNED. nO PROBLEMS WITH IT WHATSOEVER.

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  Toyota Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Bob Baldwin - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle for the price. It does not ride like a truck, yet it gives you all the benefits of having one. Gas mileage is super and the overall comfort make driving fun.

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  lots of spunk - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By d. - October 16 - 10:00 am

  great fun car to drive with alot of pep....

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  The Corolla 2003-2004, a mini Camry! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By wallynov - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla has changed for the better. Although being very affordable, its like a mini Camry or mini Lexus. Although known to have 130 horses, it actually feels its got a lot more horse power when you drive it. If youre looking for an economy car with a taste of some luxury without the extra price, the Corolla is for you. Its a great car. I would not pass it by on the shopping list.

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  I love my corolla!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Magan - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car