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Get To Know Toyota With TouchUpDirect
In 1957, Toyota made their big US debut with the Toyopet Crown. While gorgeous and luxurious enough to be dubbed the “Baby Cadillac”, the Crown couldn’t handle the sturdy American highways. Toyota only sold 288 vehicles in the United States their first year. But they persisted and slowly but surely, Toyota’s reputation and sales began to rise in the United States. So how did Toyota go from slow and steady to an absolute force in the American automotive market? In the 1970s, the oil crisis turned Americans away from the big, gas guzzling machines they had been buying. Now smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles were wanted and Toyota was perfectly placed to fill that need. Over the next few decades, Toyota became a leading name in everything from SUVs to trucks to even minivans. They even became trailblazers when they released the Prius, the first mass produced hybrid car. What does Toyota look like in 2024? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular models and fiercest colors this company has to offer.
Toyota Cars
As we’ve seen before, Toyota likes to give their sedans rather regal names (Crown, Corolla, Corona, Tiara, Scepter). The name Camry is derived from the Japanese word for crown, kanamuri (冠). Introduced in 1982, the Camry was originally a compact car but grew into the big mid-size sedan we all know and love in the 90s. The 2024 version has six-cylinder power trains that deliver both power and great fuel economy.
The Corolla, which means small crown in Latin, is 58 years old this year. One of the best selling cars in the world, the Corolla made its debut in 1968. Originally introduced as a subcompact car, the Corolla made the jump to compact in 1991. Available in 2024 as a hatchback or a sedan, this mainstay is a comfortable and reliable choice of car.
Introduced in 2022 as a high performance variant of the Corolla, this car is produced with the help of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division. In 2024, this hot hatch is an absolute joy for track enthusiasts. Toyota also created 1600 units of a circuit edition that adds all kinds of performance enhancing features including a carbon fiber roof, a rear wing, and black forged aluminum 18-inch wheels
From 1978 to 2002, the Toyota Supra was Toyota’s sports car and GT. It was the spiritual successor to the Toyota Celica and when its time came, the Supra ceded the floor to its own descendant, The GR Supra. This version, as you might have guessed from the GR in its name, was developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing. They collaborated with BMW to bring drivers this gorgeous sports car in 2020. In 2024, the Supra GR features a rear wheel drive and a choice between an 8-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual.
Named in honor of the Toyota AE86 from the 80s, the Toyota 86 made its debut in 2012. In 2021, the second generation of the 86 became the GR86 as it was now under the purview of Gazoo Racing. A 2+2 coupe, the 2024 GR86 comes with a choice of 6-speed Manual or Automatic Transmission, rear wheel drive and is advertised by Toyota as “the thrill-seeker’s delight”.
The Prius was named after the Latin word for first, an apt choice for this game changing vehicle. Toyota began developing the Prius in 1993, when several members of the Toyoda family realized that they had to start thinking about what a 21st century car would look like. Development eventually yielded the Toyota Hybrid System, combining an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. This revolutionary vehicle is in its 20s now. Over the years and generations, the Prius has evolved with a plug-in hybrid released in 2012.
Introduced in 2014, the Mirai is the first fuel cell vehicle to be mass produced and sold commercially. Like the Prius, Toyota gave this car a name heavy with meaning. Mirai (未来) is the Japanese word for future. By combining hydrogen and oxygen to create power, the Mirai is a no emission vehicle.
TouchUpDirect Toyota Tip #1
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Toyota SUVs
Released in 1984, the 4Runner is celebrating its 40th birthday this year. Its name is made of several puns. The 4Runner a forerunner for many Toyota SUVs. It has 4 wheel drive. And it can run on many terrains, including off-road. Over the decades, this SUV has evolved into a rugged and reliable SUV that will get you where you need to go.
Sometimes sold as the Subaru Solterra, the Toyota bZ4X was introduced in 2023 as part of Toyota’s bZ series of battery electric vehicles. You’ll be pleased to know that bZ4X continues the complicated naming structure of its forerunner. Sorry. 4Runner. The bZ stands for Beyond Zero, the amount of emissions it releases. 4 is a nod to the RAV4. Finally, the X indicates its status as a crossover SUV.
Introduced just two years ago, the Corolla Cross is an SUV built on a Corolla platform. A compact crossover, the Corolla Cross is smaller than the RAV4. Roomier than its Corolla siblings, this SUV has incredible storage capabilities. The Corolla Cross also has 32 combined estimated fuel efficiency, getting you further on less.
This mid-size crossover SUV made its debut in 2023. Sold as the Lexus TX, the Grand Highlander is a major size upgrade from its parent SUV. It also distinguishes itself from the Highlander with its stylish new exterior and interior designs.
24 years old this year, the Toyota Highlander is exactly as old as this century. The Highlander has the distinction of being one of the very first mid-size crossover SUVs. In 2024, this icon is loaded up with tech and luxuries like heated and ventilated seats, while still retaining its usefulness on the road.
The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a legend for decades now. Introduced in 1951, the Land Cruiser has a reputation for being able to tackle even the roughest terrain. There’s a reason that this full size SUV is so popular in Australia. Discontinued in 2021, the Land Cruiser made a roaring comeback this year with a hybrid powertrain, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the ability to switch off-roading options at the touch of a button.
Meet one of the most popular vehicles in the United States of America. Making its debut in 1994, the RAV4 has become the go to SUV if you need a great and effective vehicle for an affordable price. While named for its 4-wheel-drive (Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive), this current generation of RAV4 has an all-wheel-drive system, as well as good fuel economy and a comfortable interior.
This full-size SUV lives up to its name as the second largest SUV that Toyota has ever produced. With its i-FORCE MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid engine and 437 horsepower, the 2024 Sequoia remains a literal powerhouse in the world of SUVs
The Venza’s first generation, based on the XV40 Toyota Camry, lasted almost ten years from 2008 to 2017. In 2020, Toyota rebadged XU80 Harriers as the new generation of Venzas. This sleek and luxurious SUV has great fuel efficiency and will get you where you need to go in style.
Toyota Minivans & Trucks
Named for the Tuscan city of Siena, this minivan made its debut in 1997. Popular with families, the Sienna became a hybrid vehicle in 2021. Bringing just a bit of style to this most practical of vehicles, the Sienna possesses a luxurious interior, an all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain.
This almost 30 year old truck has gotten a bit of work done for 2024. This year’s Tacoma marks the 4th generation of this line. Its exterior has bulked up, now sharing the same platform as the Tundra. Its interior upgraded the tech and added fabric-trimmed heated seats for luxury and comfort. With its XtraCab ad Double Cab options, this truck is ready to tackle anything you throw at it.
The second full size pickup truck Toyota ever created was built to last. In 2024, the Tundra is still going strong. With its twin-turbo V6 engines and strong towing power of 12,000 lbs., this truck packs a punch. The multi-terrain select dial allows you to traverse all kinds of different ground while you’re ensconced in the Tundra’s comfy and luxe interior.
TouchUpDirect Toyota Tip #2
Taking that Tacoma off-road? Those fenders might need some looking after once you’re done! We recommend our Aerosol applicators. The Aerosol’s rotatable nozzle creates a fan-like spray that’s great for larger panels.
Your Favorite Toyota Colors
White
Color Code: 040
Models Available: 4Runner, Camry, Corolla, Corolla GR, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra
Color Code: 089
Models Available: 4Runner, bZ4X, Camry, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Grand Highlander, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Venza
Black
Attitude Midnight Black Metallic
Color Code: 218
Models Available: 4Runner, Camry, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Highlander, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tundra
Color Code: 202
Models Available: bZ4X, Corolla GR, Land Cruiser, Mirai, Tacoma, Venza
Gray
Color Code: 1G3
Models Available: Corolla, Highlander, RAV4, Sequoia, Tundra,
Lunar Rock, Sequoia, Tundra
Color Code: 1H1
Models Available: Camry, Sienna
Silver
Color Code: 1J9
Models Available: Corolla Cross, Grand Highlander, Highlander, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra)
Color Code: 1D6
Models Available: RAV4
Color Code: 1F7
Models Available: 4Runner, Camry, Corolla
Red
Color Code: 3R3
Models Available: 4Runner, Corolla Cross
Color Code: 3T3
Models Available: Corolla, Grand Highlander, Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, Venza
Color Code: 3U5
Models Available: bZ4X, Camry, Corolla GR, Mirai, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra
Blue
Color Code: 8X8
Models Available: Corolla, Grand Highlander, Highlander, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tundra, Venza
Color Code: 8S6
Models Available: 4Runner
TouchUpDirect Toyota Tip #3
Some of these colors are Tricoats. That means that they have two Colorcoats (a Basecoat and a Midcoat) that work together to create a great looking effect in your car paint. Most often, these effects are Candy or Pearl based.
Not sure how to touch up that Toyota? Don’t fret! We’ve got step by step instructions that will help you get the best coat possible for your vehicle. Between our blog posts and the giant library of instructions we’ve created, we’ve got touch up paint walkthroughs for everyone. And if you don’t want to read, check out the many instructional videos on our YouTube page.
