The number one car company in Japan is Toyota and their cars are popular throughout the world.  The company produced its first car in 1936, but it wasn’t until 1937 that it formally became the Toyota Corporation.  Toyota also is the owner of Lexus and Scion.  They have shares of other car companies like Daihatsu, Isuzu and Yamaha.

The many models that Toyota has include the Camry, Corolla, Solara and Hybrid Prius.  This last car is now into its third generation of production.  The Solara is the sporty model two door vehicle that can also be purchased as a convertible.  Since the beginning of the company they have also expanded into SUV’s and trucks.  The Rav 4, Highlander and 4 Runner have been the mainstays of their SUV’s.  They are fuel efficient, with 16 to 22 mpg in the city and 21 to 28 mpg on the highway.  Two newer models that they offer are the FJ Cruiser and the Sequoia.  Three of Toyota’s vehicle are offered as Hybrids; the Prius, the Highlander and the Camry.

Smaller versions of sport utility vehicles exist in the Yaris, Matrix and the Venza.  The fuel economy that these vehicles possess make them an excellent family car.  There is plenty of room for kids and cargo.  They have five doors and the seats will fold down for hauling larger items.  They can get anywhere from 21 to 29 mpg in the city and up to 36mpg in the Yaris for the highway.

The Corolla and the Camry are the anchors of the fleet.  The mid size Corolla has a five speed manual transmission with a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine.  There are front, side and side curtain air bags for optimum safety and the vehicle seats five.  It has a sporty look for a sedan.  The Camry has a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine with four doors and seating for five.  It has a six speed manual transmission and has the same safety features.  Toyota can be slightly less in price for standard models.

While you can get models that are no frills there are options to make your Toyota luxurious.  Cloth seats with armrests are standard, but you can get heated leather seats.  The back seats in the Toyotas fold down into a 60/40 split so that you can carry cargo or skis in winter.  They have dual climate controls for everyone’s comfort that can be purchased as an extra.  Satellite radio, Navigation system, CD player and MP3 capabilities come standard with some of the vehicles.  You can add a USB port with iPod and Bluetooth.

Toyota is able to produce cars on demand because of the way the business is structured and that may be another reason that they are so successful.  They provide a quality product at an affordable price.  The wide range of vehicles from cars to pick-up trucks will no doubt keep Toyota in the forefront.