2009 Toyota Tundra versus 2009 GMC Sierra 1500

May 4th, 2009
2009 Toyota Tundra

2009 Toyota Tundra

2009 GMC Sierra 1500

2009 GMC Sierra 1500

We put two hot sellers in the pick up truck category – the 2009 Toyota Tundra and the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 head to head. Here’s what we found.

Utility

Both the 2009 Toyota Tundra and 2009 GMC Sierra come with three cab styles featuring three different bed lengths – making a wide array of configurations. With over 10000 lbs towing ability, the Tundra is the perfect choice for heavy haulers, besting the Sierra 1500 by 1500lbs.

Power & Performance

Though Toyota and GMC both offer powerful V6 and V8 engine that make use of E85 ethanol blended fuel, GM excels in fuel efficiency by implementing Active Fuel Management Technology. The Sierra calls the shots with a 15/21/17 mpg EPA rating, besting Tundra’s 13/17/15 mpg.

Ride & Handling

While the 2009 Tundra is one of the fastest trucks on the road, the 2009 Sierra’s multiple suspensions deliver easier handling and a smoother ride.

Style & Comfort

Tundra offers an extremely stylish interior with comfy seats and ample room for passengers as well as cargo. Nevertheless, GMC Sierra is comparably equipped with an attractive dashboard, comfortable seats and an ergonomic interior to make your ride more enjoyable.

If your focus is on exterior and interior styling and standard luxury features, the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 is your pick. But if you are looking for a complete package of power, towing capability, riding comfort, handling and safety, the 2009 Toyota Tundra is the best buy.

Image: autos.aol.com

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The 2010 Toyota Highlander Gets Faster with a Four-Cylinder

April 29th, 2009

2010 Toyota Highlander

For 2010, the already competent Toyota Highlander gets a makeover Toyota Highlander under the hood with a 187Hp four-cylinder engine replacing the massive 2.7L 270Hp V6.

The all new powertrain, tuned up with a six-speed automatic transmission is expected to improve fuel efficiency by nearly 5mpg from its current 18mpg city/24mpg highway. Thanks to its aerodynamically tuned unibody structure and comparatively light weight as a hauler, the 2010 Toyota Highlander will accelerate faster, despite the smaller engine.

Big families with greater hauling needs are sure to find the 2010 Toyota Highlander appealing – it features more room, easy handling, increased cargo capacity and an array of high-end technological features.

Image Courtesy: Consumerguideauto

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2010 Toyota Sienna Family Van – Worth Waiting For

April 15th, 2009

2006 Toyota Sienna

The 2010 Toyota Sienna is the latest addition to Toyota’s wagon line.

The 2010 Toyota Sienna comes loaded with new gizmos including Wi-Fi internet in car. The exterior of the 2010 Toyota Sienna looks far more stylish with a swept-back front and extended wheelbase. Inside, expect to find extra room with flexible seven or eight passenger configurations.

The 2010 Toyota Sienna features power sliding doors, a power tailgate and power folding third row seats. Fine leather upholstery, a back-up video camera, side sunshades, a DVD entertainment system and a JBL surround sound audio system with Bluetooth and an additional USB port round out a nice selection of creature comforts.

The Toyota family van will continue to rely on its efficient 3.5L 266Hp V6 – retaining its previous EPA rating of 17mpg city/23mpg highway with FWD.

Image courtesy: Goodlife.com

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2009 Toyota Tacoma versus 2009 Chevrolet Silverado

April 9th, 2009

2009 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 Regular Cab

Toyota and Chevrolet trucks have been a mainstay in the heavy-duty vehicle market for several decades. Here is a comparative study between the two popular models from the auto giants – the 2009 Toyota Tacoma and the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Fuel Efficiency

With gas price hikes looming, the fuel-efficient 2009 Toyota Tacoma is a wise choice for a mid-size pickup – the bigger and heavier 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 won’t save your budget.

Powertrain

Toyota Tacoma is little sluggish with its noisy V6. Chevrolet’s new 6.2L V8 makes Silverado the winner in this section, hands down.

Creature Comfort

The Toyota compact pickup is now more refined in terms of style and efficiency and is roomier than past models. Nevertheless, the powerful Chevy Silverado 1500 is an ideal alternative for bigger families. A quiet ride, excellent finishing and an all inclusive safety system make Silverado 1500 an equally attractive, if not superior, choice.

Latest Additions

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma gets an improved audio system and stability/traction control as standard features, as well as an array of safety features including front and side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 adds Bluetooth, XM traffic reporting, a rear view camera and 6-speed automatic transmission control.

Price

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma is considerably cheaper with a price range starting at $15,170 – a basic 2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 costs $18,389. We recommend 2009 Toyota Tacoma, it’s a competent choice and a more economical ride.

Image Courtesy: Yahoo Autos

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Safety Connect – Connecting Toyota with Its Customers

April 2nd, 2009
Toyota Safety Connect System

Toyota Safety Connect System

Toyota has announced its new on-board telematics program called Safety Connect. Similar to GM’s OnStar, Safety Connect will team up with Lexus Enform, a user guidance application. The system comprises four major security features:

Automatic Collision Notification (ACN)

The ACN automatically calls the Toyota response center via ECT (Embedded Cellular Technology) and GPS if a head-on collision occurs. The Safety Connect response center gets the ID and location of the vehicle, and the response agent can directly communicate with the driver. If the driver is not able to respond, the agent assumes an emergency and notifies the Public Safety Answering Point nearest to the vehicle – providing necessary support.

Emergency Assistance Button (SOS)

24-hour emergency support is only a press away with the SOS button. If the ACN fails, any passenger can use this button to notify Toyota’s specialized telematics call center.

Stolen Vehicle Location (SVL)

Using cellular signals and GPS, Safety Connect can track down the location of a stolen vehicle. The Safety Connect subscriber only needs to report the call center regarding the theft of his/her vehicle after reporting a complaint with the police.

Roadside Assistance

The Toyota Safety Connect response center is ready to provide assistance 24×7. From towing problems to jump-start issues, you can ask for technical help by pressing the SOS button.
The new technology will be available in selective Toyota models by 2010. With Safety Connect, Toyota strengthens the bond with its customers while ensuring enhanced reliability.

Image: Toyota.com

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2010 Toyota Tundra Trucks – Platinum Edition

March 27th, 2009

The 2010 Toyota Tundra Platinum Package is sure to impress pickup truck buyers looking for additional comfort and luxury. The Platinum Package is offered on Tundra CrewMax Limited models.

On the outside, the Tundra Platinum Edition features a billet-style grille with chrome bumpers, distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, daytime running lights and door sill protectors with a Platinum logo and badge. Colors vary from black to slate, silver and salsa red.

Inside the cab, the Platinum Package brings together a host of topnotch luxury features, including a power memory driver’s seat, puddle lamps, power tilt, sliding moon-roof and a telescoping steering wheel. Perforated-leather covered seats with headrests and sophisticated wood trimmed knobs and switch plates give the cab an opulent feel.

The Platinum Package costs an additional $5,100 with respect to Tundra’s base price.

Have a look at 2010 Tundra Platinum Edition:

Front View

Front View
Dashboard

Dashboard
Navigation System

Navigation System
Front Seat

Front Seat
Rear Seat

Rear Seat
Folding Rear Seat

Folding Rear Seat

Image : Trucktrend.com

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Evolution of Toyota Trucks – 1964 to Present

March 20th, 2009
Toyota Trucks : Then

Toyota Trucks : Then

Toyota Trucks: Now

Toyota Trucks: Now

Of modest beginnings, Toyota has come a long way since the days of small cabs and compact cargo beds. Let’s take a look back at Toyota truck history.

1964

Toyota Motors introduced Stout in the American markets in 1964. It took four years to transform Stout into Hi-Lux, with a 4-cylinder 1.9L engine known as 3R – it was an instant success.

Until 1979, Toyota left the Hi-Lux relatively unchanged, replacing the old engine with a 3rd generation 2.0L 18-RC. Named “Pick-up Truck of the Year” by Pickup, Van & 4WD, the Hi-Lux eventually lost its title, known only as compact truck.

1979

With a sporty look, 5-speed manual transmission and 4WD, the SR5 was a substantial improvement in truck design. Starting here, Toyota truck production was divided into 4×2 and 4×4 streams.

1981

A 2.4L gasoline superseded the 22R engine making Toyota trucks more reliable and durable. In the same year, Toyota introduced a 2.2L diesel engine as well.

1984

The 5th generation truck was born. Toyota unveiled Xtracab, featuring additional storage space, an advanced locking system and a turbo charged engine. The trucks got minor facelifts along with a 4-speed electronic transmission control and IFS (Independent Front Suspension).

1989

By 1989, 6th generation trucks were on a roll with an all-new V6 and huge towing capacity. Small improvements and modifications continued until 1994. During this period, Toyota pickups obtained various luxury features, including AC, CD-players and sport seating.

1995

The Tacoma ushered in the 7th generation of Toyota truck manufacturing. The new Tacoma, designed and produced in America, was redesigned as both a 2WD and 4WD. Both versions had an optional 190Hp 3.4L V6 engine able to produce 220lb–ft of torque. New safety features included side airbags, adjustable seatbelt anchors, enhanced side view mirror and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes.
Toyota Trucks in 1995
Toyota Trucks

Tacoma sees a radical change in styling, with facade-covering-grilles, a raised chassis, multi-reflector headlights and an extensive interior upgrade. The newly launched Tacoma Double Cab offered more room for cargo and passengers, with comfort of an SUV. Gradually Toyota introduced sports trucks with Xtracab in the form of S-Runner and SideStep powered by a 4 or 6 cylinder engine.
2005

Tacoma enters a new model year with 18 different trims, ranging from a 4×2 regular cab with a small pickup bed, to a 4×4 double cab featuring an extended bed. The brand new X-Runner with 6-speed manual transmission, a 4L V6 and 18-inch wheels supersedes S-Runner.
Present

With minor tweaks in 2006 and 2007, today’s Toyota trucks are a carry over from 2008. With enhanced luxury and safety features Toyota continues to be the most reliable and popular choice for pickup trucks owners around the world.
Image: Wikimedia

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Toyota Hino 700 Series – First Look

March 13th, 2009

Toyota Hino
Toyota Hino

Hino, a South African based Toyota company, has launched a formidable line-up of trucks – the 700 Series. At present, the 700 Series is the biggest and most powerful line ever produced by Toyota. These heavy-duty vehicles boast a E13C-TN power plant, generating 450HP and a maximum of 2157 ft-lb of torque. The most significant attribute of this engine is the revolutionary common rail fuel injection system, reducing fuel consumption by approximately 10 percent.

Blending toughness with cutting-edge technology, the Hino 700 Series is among the most impressive truck lines we’ve seen.

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2010 Toyota Tundra at a Glance – 4×4 First Look

March 6th, 2009

toyota_tundra

The 2010 Toyota Tundra was unveiled in the 2009 San Diego Auto Show, hitting showrooms this April. The Tundra will feature a 4.6 liter V8 engine producing 310 hp at 5,600 rpm and 327 lbs,-ft of torque at 3,400 rpm. Fuel consumption should be in the range of 25 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city. The Tundra’s new engine will provide the best combination of fuel economy and power.

The Tundra comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, sporting a four-wheel demand system controlled by an electronic two-speed transfer case. Tundra will be available in two packages: the Tundra Platinum Package and the Tundra Work Truck. The upgraded safety, mechanical, and convenience features enhance either model.

The Platinum Package will come with 5.7 liter V8 and Flex Fuel power trains. The package will also include 20 inch alloy wheels, a billet-style grill with chrome bumpers, daytime running lamps, as well as platinum badging.

Other features include leather-ventilated seats, power mirrors, power tilt and slide moon roof, a wood trimmed shift knob, a navigation system, and more. The Platinum Package is available in four colors: Black, Salsa Red, Slate and Silver.

The Tundra Work Truck Package is designer for commercial truck buyers. The truck is aimed at industries like ranching, farming, construction etc. It will be available in both 4×2 and 4×4 Regular and four door Double cab models. You can get it in standard or long bed configuration. This truck will come with 5.7 liter V6 or V8 engine producing 381 hp, with a maximum towing capability of 10,800 pounds.

The Work Truck package replaces chrome fixtures with black, has manual mirrors, and the interior features rubber floors and washable vinly bench seats. Other features include a full suite of warning lamps, cruise control and remote keyless entry.

All Tundra models will get a fresh new look with redesigned front grill as well as the tail lamp design. The standard features for all models will include height-adjustable headlamps, knee airbags for driver and front passengers, and adjustable storage space.

The 2010 Toyota Tundra is accessorized with a six speaker stereo, Bluetooth, satellite radio receiver, USB inputs, JBL navigation system and a backup camera monitor. Both Tundra models will be available this April.

Image courtesy: thetorquereport.com

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2009 Toyota Venza vs 2009 Ford Edge – SUV Crossovers Under 30K

February 26th, 2009

With 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

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

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 <–>

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