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 Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mukund Khalasi - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I got the Toyota Sequoia 2003 in April and i love it. It has a lot of space and seating for up to 8 people, thats great for a big family. It also has 4WD so its great for the off road. It also has a VERY SMOOTH ride, you can hardly feel the ground.

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  sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By tiac11996 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I had a 4-Runner for seven years prior to this car. I loved my 4-Runner and only had to replace the battery in all those years. But the Sequoia drives so much smoother to be so much bigger. It is comfortable and has plenty of room. I have really enjoyed this SUV.

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  The Best Vehicle Ive Owned!!! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By munchkin - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Sequoia. From the drive to the comfort and ease in wich it handles there is nothing on the road today that I would buy other than the Sequoia. The gas mileage is great the room, there is enough for anything and everyone. I have driven and have owned alot of vehicles and this is the one for me. If you havent driven one you are mising out on the best suv out there today.

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  I love being a Toyota owner - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By trolinger1 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my toyota... its an ideal suv for a large family. It can seat 8 people comfortably and still have room for luggage, sports equipment or our giant dog.

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  The best vehicle i have ever owned - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By seqiuoia lover - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The Sequoia is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned because it is safe, comfortable, roomy for my family (3 kids) and it is an SUV that is luxurious. It has a great sound system as well.

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  Roger;s Review - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Macktastic - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle performs very well. I was suprised with the gas mileage because for a Suv it isn;t that bad. I feel real comfortable driving my Sequoia.

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  Toyota Sequoia Experience - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By casanares - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I like the comfort and elegance of the exterior. My children enjoy the space and the luxary. I dont like seeing it everywhere. I want to be exclusive :) One day I pulled up and there were 4 in a row all of us were the same color. Popular or what?

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  You just have to love it ! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By T.Cudmore - May 20 - 10:00 am

  It sooo comfy. And drives really nice. Lots of room for everyone.

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  The Sequoia is my dependable friend. - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Andrea Melton - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy my Toyota Sequoia and think that it is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. It is a fun vehicle for city use or for a weekend of camping. It has so much room inside and coming from a large family it helps out a lot.

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  my own holiday inn - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By gjbcalagui - May 20 - 10:00 am

  it is my home away from home....my own one star hotel....very reliable on the road(especially on winter time)...even my friend borrowed it ...just to go for a vacation with his whole family/long drive