Toyota in US Market: A Brief History

Toyota in US Market: A Brief History

toyota

Topping the charts last year with the most vehicles sold worldwide, nothing seems to slow down Toyota's success. Like in other markets, Toyota has enjoyed a good amount of success in US market despite stiff competition.


Toyota is one of the most well-known and beloved car manufacturers in the world. Its reputation for reliability and affordability is only surpassed by its iconic brand status. In the US, Toyota has been a stalwart in the automotive industry for decades. Let's take a closer look at the history of Toyota in the US market to better understand how this Japanese automaker has become so successful.

toyota crown

Toyota entered the US market in 1957 with Toyota Crown, a compact alternative to the American cars of 1950s. Though it didn't reach the desired success, this didn't let Toyota to step away from the US market.


Toyota made its first entry into the US market in 1957, with the launch of the Toyopet Crown, a mid-size sedan. Although it was not initially successful, Toyota persisted and ultimately gained acceptance in the US market. One of the keys to their success was their emphasis on quality, which was evident in their vehicles’ reliability and performance.

toyota corolla

Corolla became successful in the US market thanks to its rather easy handling and fuel economy, which made it even more popular after the Oil Crisis of 1973

In the 1960s, Toyota introduced the Corolla, a compact car that quickly became a hit in the US. The Corolla had a reputation for being reliable, affordable, and fuel-efficient, which made it a perfect car for the times. Its popularity helped to firmly establish Toyota as a household name in the US market.

toyota camry

Camry became a huge success in the US market during late 80s and is still relevant to this day with the latest iterations still selling hundreds of thousands of units annually.

In the 1980s, Toyota began to expand its product range in the US market. During this time, they introduced the Camry and the 4Runner, which quickly became top-selling models in their respective segments. The Camry was designed to compete with mid-size American sedans, while the 4Runner was Toyota's entry into the SUV market.

toyota tundra

Though faded away in the US market unlike the renowned Hilux, Tundra was hand tailored for the US car market of late 90s and early 2000s with its huge profile and high ground clearance; which were popular features among suburban car buyers

In the 1990s, Toyota continued to focus on innovation and quality, as evidenced by the introduction of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid car. The Prius was a game-changer that proved to be popular with environmentally conscious consumers. Toyota also launched the Tundra, a full-size pickup truck that was designed specifically for the American market.

In the 2000s, Toyota expanded its presence in the US market with the opening of several manufacturing plants. These plants were strategically located in different regions of the country. They allowed Toyota to manufacture vehicles in the US, which reduced their production costs and made their cars more affordable for American consumers.


Toyota's success in the US market can be attributed to the company's focus on quality and innovation. Toyota has consistently produced reliable, affordable, and technologically advanced vehicles that appeal to American drivers. Over the years, they have introduced a range of models, from mid-size sedans to pickup trucks, to suit the diverse needs of US consumers. Their investments in manufacturing plants across the country have also helped them to establish a strong presence in the American market. As Toyota continues to innovate and expand its product range, it's clear that this Japanese automaker will continue to be a household name in the US for many years to come. And if you do own a Toyota, check out our genuine JDM replacement parts for your ride!