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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  crb-mom new solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By russellville - October 16 - 10:00 am

  We just this past week took delivery of this vehicle. Thus far, we feel we will gain incredible enjoyment fromt this unit. So far, so good and we feel this will not away.

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  BEST SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Floridian - October 16 - 10:00 am

  After test driving similar SUVs: Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer, Acura MDX, etc., the new 4runner LTD tops them all. Wind noise is minimal compare to the others SUVs. To-date, I have driven my new 2003 LTD for 3500 miles and it is the best buy for the money in the market. Had some noises coming from the engine and overhead, but were quickly corrected by the dealer. Was told this is happening with other models.

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  I love it!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tr10x - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned and driven around all the other styles of 4runners over the years and this one is simply the best....there is no comparison to the difference in power and the smoother ride that all the previous year models had....I Love it!!! Great job Toyota!!

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  4Runner Sport Tops - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By rexgretel - October 16 - 10:00 am

  We looked at some Jeep Cherokees and Dodge Durangos.... not even in the same ballpark, muchless the same league. Everything about this vehicle has been impressive, from the quality to the surprisingly good fuel mileage. For someone who never wanted an SUV, I have thoroughly enjoyed this workhorse.

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  Typical Toyota - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By R. P. Petersen - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my 9th Toyota purchase and the quality and appearance is second to none. I briefly owned a Honda Pilot and with less than a year ownership I was more than glad to rid myself of it. Regardless what others say about the Honda product Toyota is still head and shoulders above them. Attention to detail, reliability and resale value will keep me a Toyota customer for quite some time. Good job Toyota!

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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