The Used Car Buyer's Guide to purchasing a Used Toyota in Grand Rapids, MI
Steeped in history, Toyota Motor Corporation (known as Toyota) has produced cars since the 1930s. From the very first Model AA sedan in 1936 to producing over 10 million cars per annum, Toyota's trajectory to success has been nothing short of phenomenal. Today, they are one of the most popular car brands in the world, with renowned models like the Toyota Camry, Corolla, and RAV4. Their vehicles are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and value retention. It is not remiss to say that the Japanese manufacturer produces some of the most sought-after vehicles on the market, with used Toyota models being highly popular among used car buyers across the globe.
If you're in the market for a used Toyota in Grand Rapids, MI, this guide will give you all the information you need to make an informed purchase. Buying a used car or used SUV can be daunting, so arm yourself with the right knowledge and be prepared to get behind the wheel of your new (to you) car in no time!
Toyota history
Toyota has existed for over 80 years and has a rich history dating back to the 1930s. The company started as a division of Toyota Industries, which was itself a spinoff from the Toyota Automatic Loom Works (Loom Works). This automatic loom manufacturer was established in 1920 by Sakichi Toyoda, who invented the first Toyoda Model G Automatic Loom.
Loom Works was successful, and by the 1930s, Sakichi Toyoda sold the production and sales rights to the Platt Brothers, giving the proceeds to his son, Kiichiro Toyoda, who branched out into car manufacturing. The first step was to create a separate division within Toyota Industries for car production - this was the birth of the Automobile Division in 1933.
The company traded under the name Toyoda, and by 1934, the prototype Type A engine was ready with a prototype sedan, the A1. A lesser known fact is that, with little experience in the automotive industry, Kiichiro Toyoda's first vehicle produced was, in fact, a truck - the G1 - based on a Ford truck.
The first passenger car produced by Toyota Motors was the Model AA sedan in 1936, which was, just like the G1 truck, cheaper than both Ford and GMC vehicles at the time. 1937 marked the year that Toyoda officially changed its name to Toyota. It is said that this was because it was easier to write in Japanese and more aesthetically pleasing. The Model AB followed in 1938.
Toyota's success was supported by the Japanese government, which was keen to help the country's economy grow through industrialization, and ensured that GMC and Ford imports were halted to give Toyota a monopoly in the Japanese market.
During WWII, production halted, and in 1945 Toyota's Koromo Plant was bombed by allied forces. Shortly after, the government occupying forces banned vehicle production but allowed Toyota to produce civilian trucks in an attempt to help with the post-war reconstruction efforts. In the late 40s, policy changes and inflation led to severe consequences for Japan's automotive industry, resulting in Toyota being bailed out by the Bank of Japan.
The 1950s saw a much smaller Toyota company providing trucks to the military when the Korean War broke out, which helped to increase their sales and profile. A trip to the Ford Motor Company in the United States allowed Toyota to gain insight into its operations. On their return, The Toyota Production System (a set of manufacturing principles) and The Toyota Way (a set of management principles) were in effect.
In 1955, they released their first passenger car since the war - the Toyopet Crown - which was very successful and helped to cement Toyota's reputation as a reliable manufacturer. Export models became a priority as Toyota opened a new production plant in Brazil and set its sights on the US.
The late 50s to early 60s saw Toyota enter the US market with little success because the Toyopet Crown was built specifically for Japanese roads. Export was halted until 1960. However, the 1960s in Japan was a period of high economic growth (known as The Japanese Economic Miracle) which meant that Toyota had the funds to invest in new technologies and cater to a market with more significant expendable income. The Toyota Corolla was released, which was a massive hit and eventually became Toyota's best-selling model worldwide.
The first real breakthrough for Toyota in the US came with the US release of the Corona in 1965 - a model which was much more suited to American roads. This was followed by the export of the Corolla shortly after - another big success propelling Toyota to number 3 on the US import brand list.
The 1970s oil crisis meant that smaller, more fuel-efficient cars were in high demand, and Toyota was perfectly placed to provide this. The Japanese manufacturer released the Celica, Starlet, and Corolla E10 - all of which were very successful. However, US threats to put limitations on imports and Japan's decision to re-open the import market, put Toyota under relative pressure, and the company moved to invest in multiple Japanese automakers, such as Hino Motors and Daihatsu.
In 1982, the Toyota Motor Corporation was established as a holding company for all of Toyota's businesses worldwide. The same year, the Toyota Camry was released - a model that would become one of the most popular cars in the world. Toyota also introduced Lexus - their luxury brand - in 1989, which was a huge success.
The 1990s were difficult for Toyota as the Japanese Asset Price Bubble burst, followed by an economic recession. However, they weathered the storm and came out stronger than ever. They shifted focus from compact cars to more luxury models, and several SUVs and sports cars were released. The globally-recognized Toyota Hilux, Land Cruiser, and RAV4 were also introduced in the 90s. In 1997, Toyota released the Prius, a hybrid car, which was a sign of things to come from Toyota in terms of their focus on environmental sustainability. Toyota broadened its reach to Europe and set up shop in the United Kingdom, listing itself on the London and New York Stock Exchanges by 1999.
The new millennium saw Toyota become the world's largest automobile manufacturer, a position which it still holds today. They have continued to release popular models such as the Auris, Avensis, and Aygo, as well as focussing on sustainable technologies with the release of the hydrogen-powered FCEV and the hybrid Prius. The RAV4 EV - electric version of their popular SUV - was also introduced in 2012. In 2014, they released the Toyota Mirai - a hydrogen fuel cell car, which was labeled one of the most environmentally-friendly cars on the market at the time. In 2005, Toyota ranked 8th on the Forbes 2000 list,
In recent years, Toyota has also been active in Formula One racing and partnering with Tesla to develop self-driving cars. They have also invested in many successful companies, such as Uber. Toyota subsidiaries now include Lexus, Ranz, Daihatsu, Mazda, Isuzu, and Subaru.
Looking to the future, it seems that Toyota is destined for continued success as it remains at the forefront of automobile manufacturing. They show no signs of slowing down, and with their focus on sustainable technologies and innovation, they will likely continue to be a market leader for many years to come.
Toyota technology highlights
Toyota is a company that has come a long way since its humble beginnings. The Japanese multinational corporation has a firm focus on vehicle safety and sustainability, two areas in which they have made significant advancements over the years.
Some of Toyota's most notable safety technologies include:
- Pre-Collision System: This system uses sensors to detect objects in the car's path and automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent.
- Lane Departure Alert: This system uses sensors to detect when the car is veering out of its lane and gives the driver a visual and auditory warning.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: This system automatically adjusts the car's speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
- Intelligent Parking Assist: This system uses sensors to help the driver parallel park or back into a parking space.
Toyota's commitment to sustainability is evident in its development of hybrid and electric vehicles. The Toyota Prius, first introduced in 1997, was the world's first mass-produced hybrid car. Since then, Toyota has continued to lead the way in hybrid technology, releasing several models of the Prius, the hybrid Camry and Highlander, the RAV4 EV, and the hydrogen-powered FCEV and Mirai.
In 2020 the BYD Toyota EV Technology Co., Ltd. was established to develop next-generation battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This joint venture between Toyota and Chinese company BYD is another example of Toyota's dedication to sustainable transportation. More recently, Toyota pledged $5.6 billion to produce EV batteries. Toyota has also committed to investing over $70 billion into EV production by 2030, promising to launch 30 new EV models over this period.
Toyota's investment in advanced technology is also promising, with the company making public its intentions to increase its software engineer workforce significantly and committing $1 billion to robotics research and artificial intelligence.
Why buy a used Toyota
The simple answer is that buying a used Toyota will allow you to enjoy all the benefits of owning a Toyota vehicle without having to pay the full price for a brand-new one.
Toyotas are known for their reliability. A used Toyota is likely to still be in good condition and have many years of life left in it - you may even be able to find one that is only a few years old but has been discounted by the previous owner.
Another advantage of buying a used Toyota is that you will have a broader range of models to choose from. As Toyota continually releases new models, older models are often discontinued and can only be found on the used car market. While the used care price tag may be lower, you should still be prepared to pay for regular maintenance and repairs as needed, so a used vehicle is a great way to get your dream car and ensure that you stay on budget.
Buying a used Toyota will allow you to enjoy some of the best used cars on the market without breaking the bank. With their reputation for reliability, you can be sure that your used Toyota will serve you well in the long run. Most used Toyotas will come with all the bells and whistles you can expect in a new car, including camera-based digital rear-view mirrors that give you a clear view behind you and lane departure warnings that let you know when you're veering out of your lane. You can also take advantage of Toyota's advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking. Entertainment features on many used Toyota cars include rear-seat entertainment systems, Toyota Driver Easy Speak, which amplifies the driver's voice to the rear seats, and a touch-screen audio system.
Connectivity features available on some used Toyotas include Toyota Safety Connect, which uses GPS to call for help in an accident, and Remote Connect, which allows you to start your car remotely, unlock doors, and check the status of your vehicle using your smartphone. Wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability are also available on some models, allowing you and your passengers to stay connected even when on the go, and an Amazon Alexa integration will enable you to control your car's climate, navigation, and audio using voice commands.
Purchasing a used Toyota in Grand Rapids, MI
When it comes to finding a used Toyota in Grand Rapids, MI, that meets your needs and budget, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, deciding what size and type of Toyota you're interested in is important.
Are you looking for a small car to zip around town, or do you need a larger vehicle to accommodate a family or for hauling gear? Toyota produces a wide range of vehicles to suit different needs, so it's important to have a good idea of what you need before you start shopping.
Next, consider your budget and what you're willing to spend on a used Toyota. Prices can vary widely depending on the model, age, and condition of the vehicle, so it's essential to set a budget and stick to it.
Once you've found a few used Toyotas that fit your needs, it's time to start test driving. This is the best way to get a feel for the car and see how it handles on the road.
Before purchasing a used Toyota, ensure you get a full vehicle history, including information on any previous accidents or damage. Having the complete picture will help you make an informed decision and avoid any surprises down the road.
Most popular Toyota cars
It's difficult to pinpoint which Toyota car is the most popular as the brand produces such a wide range of vehicles. However, some Toyota models have clearly dominated the market over the years and become household names. The Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Toyota Avalon, and Toyota Prius have all been industry leaders, with each generation selling in high numbers.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is the world's best-selling car, with over 50 million units sold since its inception in 1966. The Corolla has been praised for its affordability, reliability, and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is the best-selling car in the United States and has been for over a decade. The Camry is known for its comfort, spacious interior, and impressive safety features. Seating up to five passengers, the Camry is a popular choice for families and commuters alike.
Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon is a full-size sedan that offers luxury features and a spacious interior. The Avalon has been praised for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and impressive build quality.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is the world's best-selling hybrid car and has helped to popularize hybrid technology. The Prius is recognized for excellent fuel economy and low emissions, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious buyers.
Most popular Toyota trucks and SUVs
From the first Toyota truck built in 1935 to the latest Toyota SUV rolling off the assembly line, Toyota has a long history of producing rugged and reliable vehicles. Some of the most popular Toyota trucks and SUVs include the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Tacoma, and Toyota Tundra.
Toyota 4Runner
First released in 1984, the Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV built for adventure. The 4Runner is known for its off-road capability, spacious interior, and tough build quality. A used Toyota 4Runner makes an excellent choice for buyers who enjoy spending time off the beaten path.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large SUV that's been in production since 1951. A used Toyota Land Cruiser will give you the space and capability to tackle any terrain or weather conditions. The Land Cruiser is known for its go-anywhere capability, luxurious interior, and bulletproof reliability.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that was first introduced in 1996. The Toyota RAV4 is known for its fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and spacious interior. A used Toyota RAV4 is best for buyers who need the extra space and capability of an SUV but don't want something too big or cumbersome.
Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is a large SUV that's built for families. A used Toyota Sequoia will give you plenty of space for passengers and cargo, plus the capability to tow up to 7,400 pounds. The Toyota Sequoia is known for its comfortable ride, cavernous interior, and impressive towing capacity.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck that's been in production since 1995. The Tacoma is known for its off-road capability, reliability, and spacious interior. A used Toyota Tacoma is an excellent choice for buyers who need a capable truck but don't want something too large or expensive.
Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck that was first introduced in 2000. A used Toyota Tundra will give you plenty of space for hauling cargo and towing trailers. The Tundra is known for its serious towing and hauling capability, spacious interior, and tough build quality.
