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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  MY 4RUNNER - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By C HILL - August 28 - 10:00 am

  ITS GREAT, HAVE DRIVEN 94 PATHFINDER, LAST 5 YEARS, TRIED TO BUY AN XTERRA, HAD 3 XTERRAS IN 2 1/2 WEEKS, ALL OF THEM LEAKED FROM THE TRANSFER CASE. I GOT MY MONEY BACK, AND WENT AND BOUGHT A NEW 4 RUNNER SPORT V/6 IT IS AWESOME, MUCH NICER IN EVERY RESPECT

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  This is the one - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Primo - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Strong. Reliable. Fun to drive. Outstanding performance. THE compact pickup to buy, hands down. Test drove them all and picked the Tacoma.

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  Doing Research Pays off... - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By ptelep - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I read Consumer Reports, and the Tacoma is the only compact pickup they endorse. I read lots of reviews online from customers. I read edmunds reviews and the like. I spent a month reading and reading. Then I test drove maybe seven or eight Tacomas and really got a feel for them. Maybe Im a nut, but I wanted to make sure I was getting my moneys worth. Well, I sure did. I have a 2003 Gold Tacoma completely loaded with leather, woodgrain dash, bug guard, upgraded wheels and tires, bedliner, lighted color-keyed running boards, and toyoguard (overpriced but what the hell, maybe the gunk works!) This is arguably the best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Excellent choice - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Brandon & Kim - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I cant think of anything bad to say about this car. My parents have a 2001 Camry XLE, and it has been a faithful part of our family. I decided to buy the 2003 XLE because of the comfortable ride, elegant styling, and reliability of their model. Ours has turned out to be everything we hoped it would.

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  SE Packaging A Hit! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By curly - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The SE lured me away from accord. Targeted to buyers like me who need family practicality but also need room and economy. Love the car, BUT, and this is very dissapointing - Clutch has developed a noise after 1000 miles, dash creaks, sun roof shade creaks in open position. Mine was manufactured 5/03 in Japan, so as far as Toyota fixing rattles for 03, dont believe it. Well see how dealer solves this. Stay tuned.

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  new toyota - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By indo - August 28 - 10:00 am

  runs smooth, quiet. comfortable. over all excellent vehicle

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  Quality Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By douglj - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I owned an Oldsmobile Alero prior to getting the Camry and after 8 months I am still amazed by how much better the Camry is. The quality is far better than any GM, Ford or Chrysler I have ever driven. I would buy another Camry in a second!

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  A lot for your money - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By TNT - August 27 - 5:16 pm

  I did a lot of research and searching for an SUV that would meet my wallet size and travel style and I found the Highlander to exceed all my expectations. It is an SUV that drives like a car. We drove the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Saturn Vue because they were classed so closely and there was no comparison. The Highlander was bar none, the best deal and ride we found for the money. And it is so fuel efficient. I am extremely happy with the vehicle and the sales process we went through.

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  4Runner.....one great car - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By phil89 - August 27 - 11:56 am

  I got a 2002 4Runner SR5 4WD Sport Edition and I love it. The ride is trucklike and bumpy over washboard surfaces but the 4Runner can take almost anything you throw at it. The engine is smooth but it will leave you wanting more horses(one of the only faults). The braking is exceptional plus the traction and stability control helps me stay firmly on the road in bad conditions. The inside and outside styling is superb and in my opinion it is the best looking SUV on the market. Average fuel economy for an older SUV about 17-21 in my experiance.

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  Great Truck - 2012 Toyota Tundra
  By voiceover - August 27 - 4:35 am

  This is my third Toyota truck and is by far the best. I looked (briefly) at others when it was time to trade and I easily came home to Toyota. This truck has it all - capacity, comfort, durability and great looks. The 5.7L V-8 offers plenty of power for even the most demanding of tasks. Plenty of room in the front, back and the bed. Leather interior is top-notch. Navigation w/ JBL sound system is superior to others I have owned including Bose. We often take the truck to our vacation home and find the ride pleasant and relaxing. Lots of storage space to keep things organized. If you are looking for a full-sized pickup truck, give the Tundra a close look. You wont be disappointed.