Toyota is a Japanese car manufacturer and the largest automotive manufacturer in the world.
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Toyota Car Reviews
Toyota Overview
Brief History
Toyota’s first product, the type A engine, was produced under Toyota industries, a company owned by Sakichi Toyoda. By 1936 a Toyota had made their first passenger car leading to Sakichi Toyoda’s son, Kiichiro Toyoda to create a spin off company which is now known as the Toyota Motor company, and is part of one of the largest conglomerates in the world.
In the late 1990s Toyota established Toyota Motor Europe Marketing & Engineering to help promote Toyota sales in Europe. Two years later, Toyota set up in the United Kingdom where the cars were already popular. Todays Toyota brands include Scion, and Lexus. The Toyota Group also owns controlling stakes in Daihatsu and Hino, 8.7 percent of Fuji Heavy Industries, and 5.9 percent of Isuzu Motors Ltd.
Toyota have also achieved much in the form of electric technology. They were the first to push and mass produce hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius and continue to expand the hybrid market.
In 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation alone employed over 315,000 people worldwide.
Model Range
Toyota Auris
The Toyota is a medium family hatchback which can either come with 3 or 5 doors and offers a wide range of engines to choose from including both diesel and petrol variations. The Auris was released in the United Kingdom on the February 1, 2007. A Hybrid version was also made available to the British public on July 1, 2010 around the same time it also achieved the’ What Car?’ magazines “WhatGreenCar Car of the Year 2010” award.
Toyota Avensis
The Toyota Avensis is a large family car that has been produced in two generations and is available in three forms; four-door saloon, five-door estate, or as a five-door hatchback. The Avensis comes with a wide range of engine choices including a diesel option. The Avensis was designed to replace the Toyota Carina E and was first produced in 1998.
Toyota Aygo
The Toyota Aygo is a city car and is the result of a joint venture between Toyota and the Peugeot Citroen Group. There are two engines available a 1.0-litre three cylinder engine and a 1.4-litre HDi diesel engine. There is also a choice of a 3-door hatchback body style or a 5-door hatchback body style. The Aygo has received high marks for safety and reliability.
Toyota IQ
The Toyota IQ is a small city car which was introduced in 2008 with European sales beginning in January 2009. It is a 3-door hatchback and can be purchased with either a diesel or petrol engine.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a series of large 4X4’s which been produced in several generations. The Land Cruiser was first produced in 1954. Many second-hand car buyers look to buy a used Toyota Land Cruiser as a viable alternative to Land Rovers or Range Rovers.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a medium family hybrid automobile and the first gasoline-electric hybrid to be mass produced. The Prius has won many awards from various countries including Car of the Year awards from Europe, North America, and Japan. The Prius was first produced in 1997.
Toyota Prius+
The Prius+ is a seven-seater version of the standard Prius+ and shares the smaller car's hybrid drivetrain.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a medium 4X4 that was first produced in 1994 and has been produced in three generations. The RAV4 is front-wheel drive with a four-wheel drive option designed to satisfy costumers who wanted a car which has all the benefits of the larger 4X4 as well as the manoeuvrability and fuel economy of a smaller car.
Toyota Urban Cruiser
The Toyota Urban Cruiser is a small 4x4 which was first produced in 2008. It is smaller than the Toyota Rav4 in order to compete with other vehicles such as the Nissan Quashqai and Kia Soul. The Urban Cruiser also appeals to the family hatchback buyers giving it a very diverse market.
Toyota Verso
The Toyota Verso is a small MPV people carrier which was first introduced in 2009. The Verso can either be purchased with 5 or 7 seats. It was also named the safest MPV by Euro NCAP’s standards scoring 100 points overall on their safety tests.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is a small family car which was first produced in 1999. It was designed to replace the Toyota Starlet and is available as a three or five-door hatchback. The Yaris has been produced in three generations. The used Toyota Yaris is a popular choice amongst those looking for an ultra-reliable small car. They are economical to run, although they do retain their value and so can be expensive to buy.
Toyota MR2
The Toyota MR2 is a two seat sports car which was produced from 1984 to 2007 in three generations with the third generation model capable of doing 0-60 in 6.8 to 8.7 depending on the transmission option which could be any one of three.
In the second-hand market, the used Toyota MR2 remains a popular and inexpensive choice for those looking for a relatively inexpensive sports car.
Toyota GT86
The GT86 is a 2+2, rear wheel drive coupe which was developed in conjunction with Subaru -- the GT86 is near-indentical to the Subaru BRZ. It's great to drive and certainly looks the part.
