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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  Excellent - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By daku - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Very good blend of sportiness,comfort

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  Less than what I expected - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By HMHMHM - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I was expecting a lot from all the reviews I had read. I have been disappointed in the Sienna. I have not found it to be much better than my older 1996 Grand Caravan.

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  The best SUV I have ever had! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Arny - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have been a lover of SUVs since 1988. I have tested almost the best of the most renown automobile manufacturers in the world. I have never had such a great feeling of stability and control while driving one. When behind the wheel, it give you the feeling that you and your RAV 4, are part of the same moving body, and you can actually feel the extension of your senses out of your body and around the vehicle. The first time I took the car for a test drive, it was so handy and easy, it gave the dealer the idea this is going to be my second RAV 4 in the garage! I have loved this model, and congratulate Toyota for such great success!

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  I Love this 4 Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By madmary - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I am very excited about driving this vehicle on road and off.

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  Loud and missing key options - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By dtskiles - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I rented on for a week from Hertz. I was among the first people to drive the car as it had less than 1000 miles. First complaint is engine noise. Trying to accelerate to keep up with just Tallahassee traffic was enough to drown out the radio. Second complaint is power locks. This model had keyless, wood trim and a CD player. I could not, for the life of me, find automatic locks inside the car. Either theyre so unituitive I couldnt find them, or they dont include power locks with keyless entry. If the car has power windows, then power locks should be standard. All in all - get the Civic.

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  Nice Ride - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By SUV driver - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Compared Honda Accord and Camry side by side. Each has exactly the same gadgets, bells and whistles, etc, but ended up choosing the Camry. Honda is a sports car feel and drive, Camry is much more of a luxury car feel and style. although the drive is sporty. 4 cyl power is good, great handling, very responsive. Cant get over all the gadgets they put in the cars nowadays. Gas mileage @ 25-28 mpg, very comfortable feel and ride. Excellent price/value.

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  So far so good - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By SClerch - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought it certified used have to say that it beats all the American cars I have driven in the past. Ride quality is very good all around including a very quiet interior at freeway speeds. Probably not the best performer in its class, but more than adequate for everyday driving. Interior is very roomy, especially the rear and trunk areas and the quality of materials used as well as the look is very nice compared to the competition. Sound system sounds very good but the its high placement on the dash needs a little getting used to. Overall, Toyota has put its signature mark of quality they are known for in this car.

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  Good Value but a Little Disappointed - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Chris Nichols - September 2 - 10:00 am

  This was my first "grown-up" car. I loved the car at first sight. However, within one week I noticed that the rear bumper had been repainted and never disclosed to me. My salesman said that there was nothing indicating the car had been repainted. I believe him. Toyota repainted the bumper but nowI have a repainted bumper that is obvious. Also, I have an annoying rattle in the back of the car. I love the car and my whole family owns a toyota of some kind. But I expected better quality for my money.

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  Quality and Value Supreme - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By dekindy2 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a quiet, comfortable family sedan with an emphasis on value over performance, it is tough to beat the Toyota Camry. I drive back and forth between Indianapolis and Cincinnati weekly. The first trip with the Camry seemed to take 1/2 long because of the comfortable, quiet ride.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By David E - September 2 - 5:30 am

  This is a great car that will set the standard in its category. Ive had it a week and it gets the 38-40 MPG that Toyota advertises. The Nav is a must because it gives you so many additional features besides just the nav.