Catalog / Toyota
Toyota Motor Corporation, a pillar of the global automotive industry, traces its roots back to 1937 when Kiichiro Toyoda founded the company as a spinoff from his father's textile machinery business. What began as a small Japanese automaker has grown into one of the world's largest and most influential car manufacturers, known for its quality, reliability, and innovation.
The company's early years were challenging, with World War II disrupting production. However, Toyota's fortunes changed in the post-war era. The launch of the Toyota Crown in 1955 marked Toyota's entry into the passenger car market, setting the stage for future success. In 1966, the Corolla was introduced, quickly becoming a global bestseller and cementing Toyota's reputation for producing reliable, affordable cars.
A pivotal moment in Toyota's history came in the 1970s with the oil crisis. Toyota's fuel-efficient cars gained popularity in the US market, establishing the company as a major player in the global automotive industry. This period also saw the introduction of the Toyota Production System, a lean manufacturing approach that would revolutionize the entire industry.
In 1989, Toyota launched its luxury brand, Lexus, successfully competing with established European luxury marques. The 1990s brought another game-changer: the Toyota Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid car, launched in 1997. This pioneering move established Toyota as a leader in environmentally friendly automotive technology.
Interesting fact: Toyota's commitment to innovation extends beyond cars. The company has been developing humanoid robots since the 1970s, with the latest generation, T-HR3, showcasing remarkable dexterity and mobility.
Today, Toyota continues to be at the forefront of automotive technology. The company is heavily investing in electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, autonomous driving technologies, and mobility solutions. Models like the Mirai fuel cell vehicle and the bZ4X electric SUV demonstrate Toyota's commitment to sustainable transportation.
Despite facing challenges such as the 2009-2011 recall crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, Toyota has maintained its position as one of the world's top automakers. The company's global reach, diverse product lineup ranging from compact cars to luxury SUVs, and reputation for quality and reliability continue to drive its success in the 21st century.
The cost of a Toyota car varies widely depending on the model, trim level, and features. Toyota offers a diverse range of vehicles to suit different budgets and needs, from compact city cars to luxury SUVs.
On the lower end of the price spectrum, the Toyota Aygo, a compact city car, starts at around €13,000 in Europe. The popular Corolla, one of Toyota's bestselling models worldwide, has a starting price of approximately €20,000 for the base model, while higher trim levels can reach up to €30,000.
Mid-range models like the RAV4 SUV start at about €30,000 and can go up to €45,000 for top-tier hybrid versions. The Camry, Toyota's popular midsize sedan, ranges from €35,000 to €45,000 depending on the specification.
For those seeking luxury, Toyota's premium brand Lexus offers models starting from around €35,000 for the compact UX SUV, up to €100,000 or more for high-end models like the LS sedan or LX SUV.
It's worth noting that prices can vary significantly between countries due to differences in taxes, import duties, and local market conditions. Additionally, hybrid and electric models often come with a price premium but may offer long-term savings in fuel costs and potential tax incentives.
The most affordable Toyota model in Europe is typically the Toyota Aygo, a compact city car designed for urban environments. The base model of the Aygo starts at around €13,000, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers or those looking for an economical first car.
However, the exact price of the cheapest Toyota can vary depending on several factors:
It's important to note that while the Aygo represents the entry point to Toyota ownership in terms of price, it may not necessarily offer the best value for all buyers. Sometimes, stepping up to a slightly more expensive model like the Yaris (starting around €16,000) can provide more space, features, and long-term value, especially for those who need more than just a city runabout.
The most expensive Toyota models are typically found in the company's luxury brand, Lexus. However, if we're focusing strictly on vehicles badged as Toyota, the price ceiling is somewhat lower but still substantial for premium models.
In the Toyota lineup, the most expensive models are generally large SUVs and high-performance vehicles. The Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its legendary reliability and off-road capability, is often the priciest Toyota-badged vehicle, with top-spec models reaching around €80,000 to €90,000 in Europe.
The exact price of these high-end Toyotas can be influenced by several factors:
It's worth noting that while these represent the most expensive Toyota-branded vehicles, the company's Lexus luxury brand offers even pricier options. For instance, the Lexus LX (based on the Toyota Land Cruiser platform) can exceed €100,000 in its highest specification.
The pricing of these top-tier Toyotas reflects their position as premium vehicles, offering a combination of luxury, advanced technology, and Toyota's reputation for quality and reliability. However, they still often undercut comparable models from some European luxury brands, maintaining Toyota's value proposition even at the higher end of the market.
