Despite continuing recall woes, Toyota has managed to see significant sales growth for the month of March. With the help of generous incentives, and a price war that has brought car buyers to dealerships hoping to take advantage of rarely seen deals, Toyota has sold 41% more vehicles last month than it did in March of 2009. That’s also a substantial gain from February, which saw sales fall by 9% when news coverage of safety concerns surrounding Toyota models (both recalled and not recalled) was at its peak. One hot particularly hot seller in March was the RAV4, of which 22,000 were sold. That’s 15,500 more sold than in the month prior. Building upon the encouraging news, Toyota president, Akio Toyoda and company are now heavily focused on repairing the brand’s reputation and regaining the trust of consumers worldwide, as evidenced by a press conference and media tour of safety facilities earlier this week at Toyota’s Japanese headquarters. They’re going to have do whatever they can to keep cars selling, especially considering the company’s mounting legal bills and public relations expenses.
Archive for the ‘Toyota SUV’ Category
Scion xBs for SEMA
Friday, November 20th, 2009Recall that when Scion launched in 2002, it was aimed at young people who wanted to pimp their rides, preferably with accessories straight from Toyota dealerships. That mission statement hasn’t changed and is why the company continues to have a strong showing at tuner-heavy aftermarket events like SEMA in Las Vegas, where these heavily modified versions of the Scion xB are debuting this year.
Please click here: Scion xBs for SEMA for more pictures and specs on these cool Toyotas.
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2010 Toyota 4Runner
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com
Toyota is introducing a redesigned 4Runner which does not exactly fit into the new trend of going “green” by removing the option of having a V-8 engine. However to compensate for this loss, the 4.0-liter V-6’s output swells beyond that of the old V-8—270 hp, compared to 260.
The platform is not new, however just about everything else about the 2010 4Runner is. The new sheetmetal is a welcome change—the outgoing 4Runner’s look dated to 2003—and continues Toyota’s recent streak of daring designs. The big, inward-slanted headlights lend a furrowed look to the 4Runner’s mug, while the slab sides and beefy, squared fender flares give it a tough, masculine look. An upright greenhouse and a broad, flat hood promise to satisfy those who want their trucks to feel big from behind the wheel, and the slimmer, forward-canted C-pillar pays homage to the Land Cruiser.
Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com
The furnishings inside have been completely overhauled as well, with richer materials and a modernized design finally abolishing the dated cockpit of the previous model. A third row of seats remains an option, and the second row gains the ability to recline.
With the smaller engine, pricing will begin below the 2009 model. The two-wheel-drive, four-cylinder model will begin at $28,300 including destination, and the Limited will sticker at $40,600.
2010 Toyota Tundra 4.6 V-8
Thursday, July 30th, 2009
Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com
Successfully striking a balance between power and efficiency, Toyota is offering a new mid-grade V-8 for the 2010 Tundra. This 4.6-liter V-8 produces a healthy 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque. With increased efficiency under the hood, coupled with the installation of a six-speed automatic transmission, the mid-grade Tundra boasts impressive fuel economy – an estimated 15 city mpg and 20 highway mpg. Starting with a base price of $25,158, this smooth-driving dual-purpose truck with surprising Lexus-like quietness is a value that is hard to beat.
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Toyota Tundra TRD Supercharged
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009
Image Source: Car and Driver
Taking a complete 180 degree turn from its hybrid focus, Toyota is making a supercharged version of its Tundra. This supercharged behemoth will be capable of producing 504-hp and 550 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and a ¼ mile time of only 13.5 seconds. With a fuel economy of 14/18 mpg before modifications and a testing price of $42,502, this truck is built specifically for those guys who just can’t seem to show enough masculinity.
2009 Toyota Venza vs 2009 Ford Edge – SUV Crossovers Under 30K
Thursday, February 26th, 2009With ever-soaring gas prices behind us (fingers crossed), the stigma has been slow to lift from the SUV market. Perhaps that’s a good thing, as the days of 11mpg are likely numbered. Yet certain “crossover” models are a perfectly viable and practical alternative to a family sedan. When we qualify a family SUV crossover, we specifically look at price, fuel economy, seating, and drag coefficient (just making sure you’re awake). Let’s examine two popular SUV crossovers on the market today.
2009 Toyota Venza | Image courtesy of Car and Driver
The 2009 Toyota Venza 4X4 V6 tops out at $29,250, putting it within a reasonable price range for most families. The Venza also claims a respectable 18/25mpg and seats five. Comparatively, we’ve looked at the Ford Edge – a crossover SUV ranging from $26,635 to $36,605. The Edge is slightly less fuel efficient, claiming 17/24mpg, also seating five.
2009 Ford Edge | Image courtesy of Car and Driver
To get some perspective on how these two vehicles perform, we though it would be fun to look at three things: an auto-critic’s review, the best user-review we could find, and the worst user-review we could find. As you could imagine, the truth probably lies somewhere in between:
What the Auto Critics are Saying:
“The source of this all-for-one vehicle is Toyota’s versatile Camry architecture, fortified with some Highlander hardware and spiced up with fresh sheet metal. In broad terms, the Venza falls into the ill-defined crossover category, but it leans more toward being like a car than an SUV.” –Car and Driver 2009 Toyota Venza review
“Although the vehicle is overweight, the styling is terrific, the packaging is excellent, and it delivers decent gas mileage…The Edge drives pretty well, with good steering, brakes, and handling, although it isn’t quite as carlike as Ford would have you believe…” –Car and Driver 2009 Ford Edge review
What Happy Car Owners are Saying:
“The car is comfortable yet sporty and fun to drive. Great for a family and very practical -everything is in the right place. The V-6 engine is agile and the power is always available.” –Roy on Yahoo.com, commenting on the 2009 Toyota Venza
“…just picked up our Edge over the weekend and couldn’t be happier with our choice…
all of the features offered are worth every penny – power lift gate, vista sunroof, heated seats…definitely would recommend this car!” –Jack on Yahoo.com, commenting on the 2009 Ford Edge
What Unhappy Car Owners are Saying:
“In short, we were expecting better fuel mileage (from the Toyota), but especially a more refined ride and less noise.” –Alex and Roberta on Yahoo.com, commenting on the 2009 Toyota Venza
“Cheap interior for the money. Very unstable on snow covered roads. Lacks power. Hard to control when towing trailer. On and on…” –Warren on Yahoo.com, commenting on the 2009 Ford Edge <–>
