🏠 Menu > Colour
Toyota Car Touch Up Paint Timeline: Since 1935

🎨 Popular Colours…
Origins of a Japanese Powerhouse
From its roots in textile machinery, Toyota evolved into one of the most influential automakers in history. Founded by Kiichiro Toyoda in 1937, the brand’s first passenger car—the Model AA—marked the beginning of a legacy built on reliability, innovation, and mass-market accessibility. Toyota’s revolutionary Production System reshaped global manufacturing, emphasising precision, efficiency, and respect for people. Today, Toyota stands as a symbol of durability, sustainability, and technological leadership.
Safety, Sustainability & Innovation
Toyota’s reputation for safety is more than engineering—it’s a philosophy. From early crash protection systems to modern innovations like Toyota Safety Sense, Pre-Collision Systems, and Lane Tracing Assist, the brand has consistently led in life-saving technologies. Toyota also pioneered hybrid mobility with the Prius in 1997, and now pushes boundaries in battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell platforms. Safety and sustainability aren’t optional—they’re embedded in every Toyota vehicle.
Japanese Design Philosophy
Toyota’s design language blends functional clarity with bold innovation. Whether it’s the aerodynamic silhouette of the Camry or the futuristic curves of the Mirai, each model reflects ergonomic precision and cultural nuance. Interiors prioritise intuitive layout, tactile materials, and driver-centric control. Toyota’s aesthetic evolution adapts to global markets, balancing tradition with modernity—from minimalist Japanese elegance to expressive urban styling.
The Evolution of Toyota Colours
Toyota’s colour palette has grown from utilitarian whites and greys to expressive tones like Emotional Red, Lunar Rock, and Celestite Grey. Hybrid and electric models often feature signature accents like Aqua Blue or Ice Edge, reinforcing their futuristic identity. Regional exclusives—such as Sparkling Black Pearl in Japan or Blueprint Blue in North America—highlight Toyota’s sensitivity to cultural and environmental context. As new models emerge, so too do fresh colour trends—each one curated to complement Toyota’s evolving design language.
Read more…
Explore the Timeline
Dive into the timeline below to discover how Toyota evolved from a domestic innovator into a global leader in safety, sustainability, and design.
1930s
- 1936: Model AA– Toyota’s first passenger car
- 1937: Model AB – Phaeton variant of AA
- 1938: Model AC – Updated sedan design
- 1939: Model AE – Compact sedan prototype
1940s
- 1941: Model BA– Military-use sedan
- 1943: Model SB – Light truck variant
- 1947: Toyopet Model SA – Post-war compact car
- 1949: Toyopet Model SD – Early sedan with improved suspension
1950s
- 1951: Land Cruiser BJ – Birth of Toyota’s off-road legacy
- 1953: Toyopet Super RH – Mid-size sedan
- 1955: Crown – Japan’s first mass-produced luxury sedan
- 1955: Toyopet Masterline – Commercial pickup and van
- 1957: Corona – Mid-size sedan, global reach begins
- 1958: Toyopet Crown – First Toyota exported to the US
- 1959: Publica – Entry-level compact car
1960s
- 1961: Tiara– Export version of Corona
- 1964: Crown Eight – Toyota’s first V8 luxury sedan
- 1966: Corolla – Global bestseller, now in 12th generation
- 1967: Century – Flagship chauffeur sedan (Japan only)
- 1967: Sprinter – Sportier Corolla variant
- 1968: HiLux – Compact pickup truck
- 1969: Mark II – Mid-size luxury sedan
1970s
- 1970: Carina – Compact sedan, precursor to Camry
- 1971: Celica – Liftback coupe with sporty appeal
- 1972: LiteAce – Compact van and truck
- 1973: TownAce – Mid-size van
- 1974: Cressida – Luxury sedan for export markets
- 1975: Tercel – Front-wheel-drive subcompact
- 1976: Starlet – Subcompact hatchback
- 1977: Chaser – Sportier Mark II variant
- 1978: Supra (Celica XX) – Performance coupe
- 1979: Land Cruiser 60 Series – Full-size off-road
Forging the Toyota Legacy: Innovation Rooted in Resiliency
Toyota’s early decades laid the foundation for a global empire—combining post-war resilience, engineering precision, and a relentless drive to serve every market segment. From the rugged BJ to the elegant Century, Toyota’s DNA was forged in innovation and adaptability.
Expansion, Innovation & Hybrid Breakthroughs
The 1980s marked Toyota’s global breakout—engineering excellence met motorsport ambition, and the brand’s lineup diversified across sedans, coupes, vans, and SUVs. By the 1990s, Toyota had become synonymous with reliability, while its luxury and performance divisions matured. The 2000s ushered in hybrid dominance, with the Prius leading a movement that would redefine automotive sustainability.
Engineering Icons & Everyday Legends
Toyota’s range during these decades was vast—spanning everything from the bulletproof Corolla to the mid-engine MR2, the family-friendly Previa to the executive Avalon. Whether it was a rugged HiLux Surf or a futuristic Estima Hybrid, Toyota proved it could build for every market, every climate, and every driver.
1980s
- 1980: Corolla E70 – Boxy redesign, global bestseller
- 1981: Soarer – Luxury coupe, precursor to Lexus SC
- 1982: Camry – Mid-size sedan, front-wheel drive
- 1983: MR2 – Mid-engine sports car, lightweight and agile
- 1984: 4Runner / HiLux Surf – SUV variant of HiLux pickup
- 1985: Cressida – Rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan
- 1986: Supra Mk3 – Turbocharged inline-six performance coupe
- 1987: Century V12 – Ultra-luxury sedan (Japan only)
- 1988: Tercel – Subcompact hatchback and sedan
- 1989: Previa – Egg-shaped minivan with mid-engine layout
1990s
- 1990: Estima – Japanese version of Previa
- 1991: Aristo – Luxury sedan, precursor to Lexus GS
- 1992: Paseo – Compact sport coupe
- 1993: Caldina – Wagon variant of Carina
- 1994: RAV4 – First compact crossover SUV
- 1995: Avalon – Full-size sedan for North America
- 1996: Granvia – Luxury van based on HiAce
- 1997: Prius – First mass-produced hybrid car
- 1998: Altezza – Sport sedan, precursor to Lexus IS
- 1999: Vitz / Yaris – Subcompact hatchback
2000s
- 2000: bB – Boxy urban hatchback, Scion xB in US
- 2001: Highlander / Kluger – 3-row family SUV
- 2002: Wish – Compact MPV
- 2003: Mark X – Rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan
- 2004: Avanza – Entry-level MPV for Southeast Asia
- 2005: Fortuner – SUV based on HiLux platform
- 2006: Camry Hybrid – First hybrid variant of Camry
- 2007: Auris – Hatchback successor to Corolla in Europe
- 2008: Land Cruiser 200 Series – Flagship off-roader
- 2009: IQ – Ultra-compact city car
Toyota’s 1980s–2000s era was defined by versatility and vision. From the MR2’s razor-sharp handling to the Prius’s silent revolution, Toyota proved it could lead in performance, practicality, and planetary responsibility—all at once.
Electrification, Performance & Global Versatility
The 2010s marked Toyota’s dominance in hybrid technology and the rise of its performance arm, Gazoo Racing. By the 2020s, the brand expanded into battery-electric platforms, hydrogen fuel cells, and ultra-luxury SUVs. Toyota’s lineup now spans everything from kei cars to hydrogen-powered limousines—each engineered for reliability, innovation, and global adaptability.
GR Power Meets bZ Futurism
Toyota’s GR division injected motorsport DNA into street-legal machines, while the bZ (Beyond Zero) lineup redefined electric mobility. From the rally-bred GR Yaris to the futuristic bZ4X, Toyota has proven it can thrill purists and satisfy eco-conscious drivers alike.
Explore the Timeline
Dive into the timeline below to explore Toyota’s modern evolution—from hybrid refinement to electric ambition.
2010s
- 2010: Prius XW30 – Third-gen hybrid, global bestseller
- 2011: Etios – Budget sedan and hatch for India, Latin America
- 2012: 86 / GT86 – Rear-wheel-drive sports coupe (co-developed with Subaru)
- 2013: Corolla E170 – Redesigned global compact sedan
- 2014: Mirai JPD10 – First hydrogen fuel-cell sedan
- 2015: Sienta – Compact MPV with sliding doors
- 2016: C-HR – Bold compact crossover
- 2017: Camry XV70 – Eighth-gen with hybrid and TNGA platform
- 2018: Rush – Entry-level SUV for Southeast Asia
- 2019: GR Supra – Flagship sports coupe (co-developed with BMW)
2020s
- 2020: Yaris XP210 – Global redesign, hybrid standard in many markets
- 2020: GR Yaris – Rally-bred AWD hot hatch
- 2021: Corolla Cross – C-segment SUV, hybrid available
- 2021: Aqua XP210 – Second-gen hybrid hatchback
- 2022: bZ4X – First global battery electric SUV
- 2022: Aygo X – A-segment crossover for Europe
- 2023: Grand Highlander – Extended 3-row SUV
- 2023: Hilux Champ – Budget single-cab variant
- 2023: GR Corolla – High-performance AWD hatch
- 2023: Voxy / Noah – Mid-size MPVs for Japan
- 2023: bZ3 – Battery electric sedan (China)
- 2024: Century SUV – Ultra-luxury flagship
- 2024: Crown Crossover – Sedan-SUV hybrid variant
- 2024: Alphard / Vellfire – Luxury MPVs, redesigned
- 2024: Innova Hycross – Hybrid MPV for ride-share
- 2025: LandCruiser 250 – Mid-size off-roader revival
- 2025: Hilux Hydrogen Prototype – Fleet-focused FCEV
- 2025: GR HiLux – Off-road tuned ute
- 2025: GR86 ZN8 – Updated sports coupe
- 2025: bZ3X / bZ5X – Upcoming electric crossovers
- 2025: ProAce / ProAce City – European vans
- 2025: JPN Taxi – Purpose-built hybrid taxi
- 2025: Prius XW60 – Fifth-gen hybrid with sleek redesign
Toyota’s modern era blends performance, sustainability, and luxury. From the GR Corolla’s track-ready aggression to the Century SUV’s chauffeur-grade refinement, Toyota continues to evolve—without compromising its core values of reliability, innovation, and user-first design.
Read more…