Sales Brochure for Toyota Toyopet Crown, Station Wagon, and Land Cruiser, 1959

Toyota entered the American market with the Toyopet, first imported in 1958. Though a success in Japan, the Toyopet struggled in the United States. The little car was too small, too slow, and -- for its size -- too expensive for U.S. buyers. Toyota withdrew in 1960 but returned five years later with the Corona -- a car tailored to American tastes.