Do you know the difference between a Corolla and a Camry? Can you explain how the Tundra is superior to the Tacoma? Do you have a mini shrine at your house dedicated to the 2JZ?ÂÂ
Toyota is one of the biggest automakers in the world, with it constantly contending against the likes of Volkswagen and GM for that top spot. It sells more of single models like the RAV-4 and Corolla in a single month than some automakers sell in total cars for a year. To call the company a giant would be an understatement. One of the many things that keep Toyota on the top of the heap is its obsessive cost control methods, something that has been ingrained in the culture for decades. The automaker also spends a considerable amount each year on research and development, plus emphasizes manufacturing excellence.ÂÂ
But, Toyota is about more than just shelling out a bunch of boring cars that are built well. It's created plenty of amazing performance machines, too, from the legendary Supra to the MR2 and the Lexus LFA. There's plenty of deep history in this brand. How much do you know about it all? Take the quiz now and find out!ÂÂ
What city is home to Toyota's global headquarters?
Tokyo
Celica Nation
Toyota City
Located in Aichi Prefecture, a little over 400,000 people live in this city, where 10 operational Toyota factories are located.
What was the first year Toyota released the Prius?
1997
Way back in 1997, the Prius launched, first in Japan and then in other markets. It wasn't a runaway hit at first, but today boasts the most hybrid car sales in the world.
What car did Toyota release back in 1971 as a rival to the Ford Mustang and other pony models?
Supra
MR2
Celica
The Toyota Celica arrived in the United States for the 1971 model year and stuck around all the way until 2005, having transitioned long before into a lightweight and tight-handling sporty car.
What Toyota model has been in existence the longest?
4Runner
Tacoma
Land Cruiser
Production of the Land Cruiser started back in 1951. Today, it's by far the most expensive Toyota for sale in North America, partly because it's only sold fully-loaded.
To better cater to a more upscale market in North America, Toyota launched the Lexus brand back in 1989. Thanks to cultural differences, it held off on using the Lexus name in the domestic Japanese market until 2005.
Scion debuted with three budget-friendly options, plus a marketing program that was aimed at younger buyers, helping to push sales in the US to over two million vehicles the next year.
What kind of vehicles did Toyota open its plant in San Antonio to build?
trucks
In 2006 it opened this plant, which was the 10th one the company had operating in the United States. It caused a big stir, because the move showed how much ground Toyota had gained in this market.
Funny enough, this car was supposed to be the Nissan Fairlady Z, but the other automaker rejected the design for not fitting a sporting image they desired. Today, the 2000GT is often described as one of the most graceful Japanese car bodies ever created.
If you wanted to drive a Toyota fuel-cell vehicle, what would be your only option right now?
FCV Camry
Mirai
Residents in certain parts of California can lease the Toyota Mirai, which currently is the only Toyota fuel-cell vehicle available in the United States.
What terrorist organization was Toyota wrongly accused of supporting?
Al Qaeda
ISIS
Under the Obama administration, an official investigation was launched because ISIS fighters were known to drive newer Toyota Hilux pickups, but the investigation concluded that ISIS and Toyota had zero ties.
Just two years after the brand was launched, Lexus was able to best both BMW and Mercedes-Benz, thanks in large part to its reputation for reliability.
Where is Toyota's North American headquarters located today?
San Jose, California
Irvine, California
Plano, Texas
In 2017, Toyota officially opened the doors to its humongous campus in Plano, relocating employees from sites in California and other parts of the nation.
In the 1970s Toyota was riding high on a reputation of making cars that didn't constantly break. To communicate the enthusiasm owners felt for their Toyotas, the company portrayed them as jumping into the air in various advertisements.
What was the big safety scare for Toyota vehicles back in 2009?
unintended acceleration
Although the official conclusion was that floor mats were getting stuck under pedals, some safety experts think drivers were panicking and getting the accelerator confused with the brake.