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 car few gliches - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Erika M. Bruno - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Great car had some trouble with check engine light but its a great family car. It was a dealership problem. Security should be standard.

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  I Love My Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By jeanene fisher - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my sequoial. I have 3 boys and travel with baseball alot. It has served us well. However, I do have one rattle I can not get rid of. It is in the pull out drink holder that is in the dash. Other than that It has been wonderful so far. Gas millage is not so great but did not expect it to be with the weight of the vehicle

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  Toyota Rules - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lindie - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This, by far, is the best vehicle I have ever owned. My husband has only driven Toyotas, and at first, I wanted the Lincoln. However, I have had nothing but major problems with my Fords. As far as looks, and performance, this is the best out there.

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

  excellent to haul the family, or any large load.We have had multiple toyotas and this car continues to live up to high standards

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  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Coug120 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I really like this SUV. I had a Expedition before and I think the Sequoia is much better. Has more leg room and I like driving my car better than the Ford. Toyota you have made one of the best SUVs in the world.

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  Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Imran Virani - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy the vehicle. Due to the nature of the vehicle, I find it difficult feeding it gas all the time. I also enjoy the spaciousness it has to offer compared to other SUVs in its class.

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  Great - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Me420 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome!!

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  worth every penny - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Barbara Anne Hormann - May 20 - 10:00 am

  very good car even with hevy miliage

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  Great midsize SUV - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By prichardson - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The 2k Toyota 4Runner is a very capable SUV both on and off road. With rugged styling and truck toughness to match, this is a refreshinly capable truck in a world full of pavement queens. The last year of a manual transmission, 4 cylinder, as well as a selectable rear locker make this a good model, also for those who like driver control the VSC system was still optional. As a truck that does not compromise off-road ability for a cushy ride expect to feel bumps, but this stiffness also lends to its on road handling prowess.

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  Carve up the backroads - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By matt_in_motion - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Nice engine. Quiet. Excellent stereo. Superb handling. I drive 30 miles each way to work (27mpg). Back roads and 2 lane highway. I bought this SUV for the FT4WD and the stickshift. I didnt want a computer deciding when to engage the 4WD. I also test drove CRV, Saturn, Forester, Imprezza, others... I was really excited when I first purchased it. My wife likes it. Now after 3 months, I am very satisfied. I cant wait for a lot of snow this winter to test the FT4WD. With a rear-facing car seat, my 56" wife has 1" of kneeroom between the glovebox. Forward facing car-seat provides adequate room in front seat.