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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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Jerome - October 16 - 4:26 pm

  I just got this truck and am so glad that did! I did my research and this is the best truck for the money. Great features and good performance.

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  very disappointed - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike - October 16 - 10:50 am

  I am very disappointed in the inside design of the Toyota Tundra, the power window controls are placed too far back for ease of use. The clock is very low on the dash which makes you take your eyes off of the road to see the time, then you have to look up to see the temp. and direction your are traveling. Toyota should have placed the clock in the radio which would have made it easier to see. The bucket seats are uncomfortable and the center console should of been higher, then no need for armrests. Probably will be my one and only toyota truck.

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  YOU NEED THIS SUV - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By GP - October 16 - 10:30 am

  I decided to test drive a Sequoia... I took it home an hour later. This is an extremely quiet and smooth ride. Solid workmanship makes this the ultimate in style, comfort and an all around SUV that remains timeless. Well done Toyota, Ill be back for another one if this ever goes out. I currently have 93k on it, runs like a brand new Sequoia.

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  A keeper at last - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob Pond - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Having happily owned a number of Land Cruisers from FJ40 days onward, when the price of the LC got above $50K I defected to an Expedition. Mistake. Returned to the Toyota fold with a 2002 Sequoia Limited. What a great vehicle! Tows my trailer and Mule wth aplomb, even in the mountains. Mileage is 15 town, almost 20 highway, 14 towing. Only complaint (a mild one) is that it is kind of a tire eater with the factory rubber. Switched to Michelins as I usually do and expect that to be a non-problem from now on. Rides like a car on the highway, and not too stiff on the backroads. Wife is fanatic Toyota fan on 3rd 4-Runner.

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  Sequoia - One Year Later - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By alans727 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This has been a wonderful vehicle. Very solid, plenty of room and a great road car. Only wish it would get better mileage.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Angels Nana - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have almost 10 years experience with Toyota products and have been very satisfied with all of the vehicles. I have purchased 1 Corolla, 2 Camrys, a 4 Runnner, and now a Sequoia. The ride of the Sequoia is very smooth and the manuverability of the vehicle is excellent. Highway gas mileage is about what I expected it to be but not disappointing. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone wishing to purchase a full size SUV.

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  Toyo Sequoia TRD rules!!! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By BigDog69 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle! I contstantly come out of a store and find people peering through the windows. It out performs all of my previously owned vehicles...Ford, GMC, Isuzu.

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  sequoia review - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By sym430 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Love the cars handling and turning radius.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By LaVonne - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The best ride Ive ever had in an SUV. Its comfortable and roomy enough to fit my 66" husband perfectly. Other comparable SUVs couldnt pass that test. It drives wonderfully and performs excellent. Carries full-size adults comfortably. I love this vehicle.

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  Love my Toyotas - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Veronda McQuay - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my forth Toyota. Ive owned a Corolla, Camry, 4-Runner and now a Sequoia. I have been blessed to not have any problems out of any of the Toyota vehicles Ive owned. I love driving the Sequoia. It drives more like a car instead of an SUV, the ride is very smooth.