The world's largest automaker, Toyota has come a long way in its nearly 80-year history. The company launched its first passenger car, the Model AA , in 1936, copying the body design of Chrysler's landmark Airflow and the engine of a 1933 Chevrolet. Toyota then suf fered several challenges, including a financial crisis in 1950. However, when consumers wanted smaller, more fuel -efficient automobiles during the 1973 oil cri sis, the company responded. The Toyota Corona and Toyota Corolla offered basic features and acted as the company's new entry-level cars. Toyota also launched the Cressida, with the fuel efficiency consumers desired but space and amenities like air conditioning and AM-FM radio.