When the first Toyota car hit the U.S. shores, the Toyopet Crown, GM was the king and Ford and Chrysler were very strong. But in 1957 nobody was taking seriously the Crown. In fewer than ten years the Japanese Automaker refined the Toyopet into the Corona, a far more luxurious and modern car than the import VW Beetle. Toyota was gaining fast on other import makes, and aggressively improving its products.
The Corolla debuted in 1968 and became marque's best selling model. With its inexpensive and reliable small cars and pickups, Toyota has crushed VW Beetle's dominance by the time 1979 enden. The 1980s were banner years for Toyota. Camry has debuted in in 1983, there are more Camrys than any other car in U.S.
With its luxury brand Lexus, made Toyota German luxury car brands rethink about their cars. Toyota created technological innovations like Hybrid Synergy Drive and more. Now it's on the way to become world's biggest automaker.
Gallery: Toyota Chronology
