Toyota is a car manufacturer that has been around since 1937. It is also one of the most recognisable brands worldwide. Toyota has won the World Car of the Year award a record number of times and was also awarded the World Branding Award in 1999. They are best known for their compact sports car in the 1980s and their ultrathin products in the 1990s. They officially entered the new millennium in 2004.
If you want a car that can go from -40 degrees to 185 degrees, you might go with the Toyota. If there are running boards or other car stuff stuffed under the seats, you might want to look at Toyota too. Either one would be a lot easier on the body and chassis without the exposed wheel well areas. For a five-seater or larger vehicle, we would personally recommend you with the Toyota, because of the almost limitless on-road capabilities the Toyota has to offer.
It would be hard to kill a Toyota on a forest road trip. Its versatility is one of its most appreciated quality. We’d gladly trade one or two horsepower and a little under-the-hood drivability for a completely stock and drivable Toyota.
Origin
Toyota entered the compact car market with the Acura RLX concept. Toyota’s sales were lower than the pioneer, the Nissan Micra, but they won the coveted “Design” category at the prestigious Tokyo Motor Show in January 2006.
The company’s new concept, the TX-5, launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in September 2006. Priced at a record 1.5 million yen, the Austin-based TX-5 was one of the most expensive cars at the time — even higher than the outgoing Audi A1.
However, sales picked up steadily and the car gathered a lot of attention. Brianna Wiest, then editor of Car Source Japan, said, “For the first time, a Toyota has garnered the top honours at the Tokyo Motor Show. It features breathtaking technology such as a three-dimension display, a lightweight interior, and truly green LED headlights.”
The TX-5 was Toyota’s third car to achieve this prestigious award, after the original TX-1 and their Sports Convertible. The new car rounded off its futuristic look, boasting a wide stance, which was more than enough to attract younger customers like Kate Middleton and her husband Prince William.
The car received acclaim worldwide, including the prestigious Tokyo Motor Show gold award.