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Showing posts with label Toyota Cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toyota Cars. Show all posts

2011 Toyota Camry Upcoming

2011 Toyota Camry Upcoming

The 2011 Toyota Camry is a rerun of the 2010 Camry and carries over the mild facelift and more powerful four-cylinder engine included in its “mid-cycle” freshening. All 2011 Camrys incorporate throttle-pedal modifications designed to prevent unintended acceleration, the problem that forced Toyota to recall millions of cars, pickups, and SUVs during early 2010. Included in the recall were 2007-2010 model-year Camrys and residual values -- one of Camry’s historic strengths -- tumbled as a result. Toyota badly mishandled the response to reports of unintended acceleration in its cars. But we believe the automaker is taking the appropriate steps to protect its reputation for reliability and that the 2011 Camry belongs on any midsize-sedan shopping list. 

he 2011 Toyota Camry will carry over appearance changes given the 2010 Camry, the first for this design generation since it debuted for model-year 2007. As before, Camry comes in a single four-door sedan body style that begins with a base CE model and climbs through the volume-selling LE trim, sporty SE grade, and top-of-the-line XLE model. Slotted between the LE and XLE is the 2011 Camry Hybrid. Style changes associated with the 2010 mid-cycle freshening were mild. All models got gently revised grilles and all but the Hybrid gained larger headlamps and revised taillamps. New wheel designs were part of the updates. Camry’s styling doesn’t look dated but it might look dowdy next to aggressive new sheet metal worn by the redesigned 2011 

Hyundai Sonata and the fresher face of the 2010 Ford Fusion. To distinguish the Camry SE model from other Camrys Toyota gives it’s a black instead of silver grill, fog lamps, and subtle aero body addenda. Dimensionally, the 2011 Camry is square in the middle of the midsize-sedan field, but it makes wonderfully efficient use of cabin space. Camry is Toyota’s best-selling car and for calendar 2009 – before the unintended acceleration controversy – it was America’s top-selling car, too. Its basic structure is engineered to serve Lexus, Toyota’s premium division, where it’s the foundation for that brand’s most popular car, the ES 350. That helps account for Camry’s uncommon ability to isolate occupants from unwanted noise and unpleasant road surfaces.

The 2011 Toyota Camry will boast a standard-equipment list that covers the comfort and safety essentials, with a nice dollop of convenience-tech, too. Air conditioning is standard, as is a steering wheel that tilts, telescopes, and has audio buttons. Cruise control, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, and power windows, locks, and mirrors also are included even on the base CE model. All but the SE have split-folding rear seatbacks. Every 2011 Camry comes with head-protecting curtain side airbags. Leather upholstery, power sunroof, navigation system, and remote engine start are among the options, though not all are available on every model. Optional or standard on every model is an audio system that includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, integrated satellite radio, and USB linking for iPods and other MP3 devices. The 2011 Camry Hybrid has Fraichir cloth upholstery, a combination of silk protein and synthetic fiber that Toyota says is gentle to the skin. Camry SE models come with 17-inch alloy wheels. All other Camry models have 16-inch wheels, with XLE models sporting alloys and CE 
and LE having steel wheels with plastic wheel covers

The 2011 Toyota Camry’s base price range is $20,345-$29,995, which represents an increase of about 1 percent over 2010-model-year prices. The 2011 Camry’s base prices start slightly below comparable models in the lineups of such key rivals as the 2011 Honda Accord and 2011 Chevrolet Malibu and marginally over those of similar 2011 Ford Fusion models. However, all these cars are subject to frequent factory incentives and benefit from tough dealer competition, plus options can cause actually transaction prices to vary significantly.Base price for the 2011 Toyota Camry CE model (Toyota sometimes refers to this as the “base” or “Standard” Camry) is $20,345 with manual transmission and $21,395 with automatic. (All base prices in this review include the manufacturer’s mandatory destination fee. For 2011 Toyota cars, that fee is $750. The fee may vary for Toyotas purchased in Southeastern and Gulf states.)Base price for the 2011 Toyota Camry LE with the four-cylinder engine is $21,800 with manual transmission, $22,850 with automatic. The 2011 Camry LE with the V-6 engine starts at $25,515 and comes only with automatic transmission. Among standard features the Camry LE model adds to the CE is remote keyless entry and a power driver’s seat. And all Camry V-6 models have chromed-tipped dual-exhaust outlets.The 2011 Camry SE base price is $23,415 for four-cylinder models equipped with manual transmission and $24,115 with automatic. 

The 2011 Camry SE V-6 starts at $26,790 and comes only with automatic transmission. Among standard features the Camry SE adds to the LE model are the 17-inch alloy wheels, unique exterior trim and seat fabric, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, aluminum door sills and pedals, and – for additional structural rigidity – a fixed-back rear seat with a center pass-through instead of a folding seatback.The 2011 Camry XLE base price is $26,875 with the four-cylinder engine and $29,995 with the V-6; all XLE models come with the automatic transmission. As the top-of-the-line Camrys, XLE models include in their base price heated mirrors, a power moonroof, fog lamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, power driver and passenger seat, and Homelink integrated garage-door transmitters. Also standard on XLE models is a leather-wrapped steering wheel that incorporates auxiliary audio, Bluetooth, and climate controls. The 2011 Camry XLE four-cylinder models have the Fraichir cloth seating fabric while XLE V-6 models have leather upholstery; both get imitation-wood cabin trim.The 

2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid’s base price is $27,150. It’s equipped similarly to the Camry LE modelAmong notable options, available on the Camry SE, XLE, and Hybrid models is a voice-activated DVD navigation system that displays on its dashboard screen a rearview backup camera. Bluetooth cell phone and music-streaming connectivity and the USB iPod port are included with the navigation system and also with the optional audio-system upgrades available on the LE, SE, XLE, and Hybrid models.Among other extra-cost features, the power moon roof is optional on LE and SE models. Leather upholstery is optional on automatic-transmission SE models, on four-cylinder XLEs, and on the Hybrid. Options exclusive to the XLE include remote keyless entry with pushbutton start and, on leather-upholstered versions, heated front seats.
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2010 Toyota Avalon

2010 Toyota Avalon

The 2010 Toyota Avalon sees no major changes. This large car is a front-wheel-drive, five-passenger sedan offered in XL, XLS, and top-line Limited trims. It has a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Exclusive to Limited are keyless entry/engine start and heated and ventilated front seats. All models have rear seatbacks with adjustable recline. A navigation system is available for XLS and Limited.

The 2010 Toyota Avalon ranks 1 out of 7 Affordable Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 57 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Avalon, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Toyota Avalon is part of the massive Toyota recall. For more information on the Toyota recall, including how it affects our rankings, please see our Toyota Recall page.

The Toyota Avalon offers a combination of low long-term cost of ownership and a reasonable purchase price.  The car comes into 2010 unchanged.  It's far from the most exciting car in the class, but it boasts a smooth ride, an interior that wouldn't be out of place in a luxury car, and bulletproof reliability.
Shoppers looking for a full-size sedan face more choices this year, with a new Ford Taurus earning a lot of positive press.  But the best value of the group may still be the Toyota Avalon.  Inside its spacious cabin, the Avalon can feel like a luxury car. Its upscale interior and quiet, well-cushioned ride wouldn't be out of place in the Lexus lineup. 

Its driving dynamics, however, would.  Rivals like the Chrysler 300 offer powerful V8s.  The new Taurus is available with a powerful twin-turbo V6 that replicates the power of a V8 with better fuel efficiency.  The Avalon, however, comes only with a simple V6.  It's reliable, and gives the Toyota enough power to pass at highway speed, but it doesn't give the same confident acceleration as some of its competitors.
The Avalon's up-front purchase price is also higher than some similar cars, but large car prices have been rising quickly in recent years, and its price tag no longer stands out much.  The Avalon offers a lot for the money -- and is more reliable and fuel-efficient than many competitors, allowing buyers to recoup some of that cost.  

If it's the Avalon's near-luxury interior that you're interested in, we'd suggest that you also test drive to Hyundai Genesis.  That car similarly offers an interior that wouldn't be out of place in a Lexus, and a price under $40,000.  But, with rear wheel drive and an available V8, it outperforms the Avalon.  It may also be worth your while to test drive some of the larger cars from the upscale midsize car class.  Both the Acura TL and Audi A4, for instance, are nearly full-size sedans that offer more luxury and better driving dynamics for a price not far from what you'd pay for an Avalon. But the Avalon sits atop our large car list -- there may not be a better fit for your needs.
The Avalon carries into 2010 unchanged from the 2009 model year - so if you find both 2009 and 2010 models on your local dealer's lot, consider negotiating on the 2009 car.  It's no different from the 2010, but you might be able to get a better deal on it.
The Avalon comes in three trim levels -- XL, XLS and Limited. Several formerly optional pieces of safety tech are now standard on all Avalons - including active front headrest, brake assist, traction control and stability control. 

Shoppers might want to note that the Avalon is included in a pair of massive and highly-publicized recalls.  The first is due to a floormat design that can trap the vehicle's accelerator pedal, causing unintended acceleration.  Toyota safety personnel have informed us that customers can currently purchase a 2010 Avalon with floormats.  The car will be delivered with the driver's side floormat attached to the track of the driver's seat with zip ties.  Customers are asked not to remove the ties.  Toyota will contact buyers with a recall notice when a permanent fix is available.
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2010 Toyota Highlander

2010 Toyota Highlander

The 2010 Toyota Highlander is largely unchanged. This midsize crossover SUV seats up to seven with a folding 3rd-row seat and 2nd-row bucket seats. The 2nd-row offers three-passenger capacity via a detachable padded center section that folds and stows in a 1st-row console when not in use. Most Highlanders reprise a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Base, Sport, Limited, and gas/electric Hybrid trim levels return. Base versions come with a 187-hp 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine. Optional on the Base and standard on Sport and Limited is a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. The 4-cylinder engine teams with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The V6 pairs with a 5-speed automatic.

The AWD-only Hybrid comes in Base and Limited trims and use a 3.3-liter V6 teamed with an electric motor for a combined 270 hp. Like Toyota's other hybrids, it runs on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Hybrid's EV mode allows the driver to put Highlander in electric-only drive mode for a limited distance. A driver-selectable Econ mode that regulates throttle inputs for optimum fuel economy is available. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb for the Hybrid and 5000 lb for conventional V6 models.


Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows, front side airbags, and a driver knee airbag. Standard on all non-hybrid AWD models is hill descent control. Options include a sunroof, DVD entertainment, three-zone climate control, and a navigation system. A rearview camera is newly available on the Base V6. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 Toyota Highlander.


Our Best Buy choices are the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, and Mazda CX-9. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, GMC Terrain, and Toyota Highlander.


New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, and Toyota 4Runner. 
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2010 Toyota Land Cruiser

2010 Toyota Land Cruiser

You'll know the 2010 Land Cruiser from a distance, with its characteristic and classic styling immediately recognizable. It's not surprising or inspiring like some of its rivals, but as the established benchmark for the class, it doesn't need to be.

Function still takes precedence over form in the 2010 Land Cruiser-not that it's in anyway ugly. It's a look that's "unmistakably 'Land Cruiser,'" says Motor Trend, and though Car and Driver notes that Toyota eschews "heroic Nissan Murano-like experiments with the styling here," it's a refreshing change from its bulging-fendered competitors. Kelley Blue Book sums up the styling ethos of the Land Cruiser, declaring "when you're confident of your ability, you don't have to pretend."

Interior styling is a bit more forward-looking, though not always in a good way. The technology-heavy presentation occasionally seems at odds with the rough-and-ready nature of the vehicle itself. Edmunds calls the cabin "fresh" and notes its "enhanced features," compared to the previous model. Kelley Blue Book, on the other hand, complains that the main control surfaces "are awash with switches, gauges and displays; it will take owners some time to figure out what they all do."
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2010 Toyota Matrix

2010 Toyota Matrix

The Corolla-based 2010 Toyota Matrix hatchback reminds us that the folks at Toyota can still make a darned good small car when they put their minds to it. We've been underwhelmed by the latest Corolla, to put it mildly, but its Matrix cousin is a thoroughly competent effort. It's certainly no hot rod, but we're pretty sure most compact hatchback or wagon buyers care more about practicality than performance. And for them, the 2010 Matrix is one of the most compelling choices in this segment.
In many ways, the Matrix is like Corolla version 2.0. Its sheet metal is far more stylish, its 3 extra inches of height boost passenger space, and its convenient hatchback/wagon design means you can haul a lot of stuff. This cargo-carrying capacity is one of the Matrix's biggest draws -- with 61.5 cubic feet of space, this modestly sized Toyota can haul nearly as much as some compact SUVs. Yet its fuel economy with the base 1.8-liter engine is still quite good at 28 mpg combined. The Matrix costs a grand or two more than the Corolla, but its verve and versatility make it well worth the extra coin.

Unfortunately, the economical 1.8-liter engine is only available on the base model. If you want the additional feature content of the S or XRS model, a larger 2.4-liter engine is mandatory. The 2.4 engine adds some punch, but fuel economy drops to 24 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is optional on the S model, dropping fuel economy to 22 mpg. Notably, both the S AWD and XRS models feature a more advanced independent double-wishbone rear suspension in place of the standard torsion-beam setup, moderately improving the Matrix's handling behavior.

The 2010 Toyota Matrix is a compact hatchback available in three trim levels: base, S and XRS. All-wheel drive is optional on the midrange S. The base car features 16-inch steel wheels, power mirrors, air-conditioning, a CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a fold-flat front passenger seat. Cruise control, keyless entry and power windows and locks are optional on this version of the Matrix but standard on the S, which also adds a rear window wiper, underbody spoilers, an upgraded stereo and a 115-volt utility outlet. The all-wheel-drive version of the S loses the spoilers, but it gains foglights and an independent rear suspension. The top-of-the-line Matrix XRS tacks on 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, sport-tuned suspension and steering, upgraded seat fabric and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
On the base front-wheel-drive Toyota Matrix, you'll find a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic is optional. Matrix S and XRS models upgrade to a 2.4-liter engine that makes 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, as well as an optional five-speed automatic alongside the standard five-speed manual. The AWD S comes only with the four-speed automatic
The 2010 Toyota Matrix comes standard with stability control and antilock disc brakes, with the S and XRS boasting larger discs all around. Also standard are front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In government crash testing, the Matrix scored a perfect five stars for frontal and front-seat side impacts, dropping to four stars for rear-seat side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Matrix its highest rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side impact crash testing.

The base Matrix accelerates sluggishly off the line with its 1.8-liter engine, but its admirable fuel economy will redeem it in the eyes of many shoppers. The 2.4-liter engine in the S and XRS is the opposite -- power is ample, but fuel economy is just OK. The ride is smooth and well-insulated. The 2010 Toyota Matrix may not be the sportiest economy hatchback, but its refinement is laudable.

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2010 Toyota Prius

2010 Toyota Prius

The 2010 Toyota Prius is redesigned with freshened styling, more power, higher EPA fuel-economy figures, and a host of newly standard and optional features. This gas/electric hybrid is a five-passenger, 4-door hatchback that teams a 4-cylinder engine with a battery-powered electric motor and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Toyota's hybrid system allows Prius to run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. No plug-in charging is required. Five models are available, called I, II, III, IV, and V. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. The V model has LED headlights, fog lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels vs the 15s on other models. Newly available features include an adjustable-height driver seat, heated front seats, telescopic steering column, and, later in the year, Toyota's Safety Connect assistance system. Also newly offered are some high-end features usually found only on vehicles sold by Toyota's Lexus division, including adaptive cruise control, Lane Keep Assist with lane-departure warning, and Intelligent Parking Assist that provides hands-free parallel parking. Other new options include a solar roof panel that can power a ventilating fan when the car is parked, and electric air conditioning that can be turned on for up to three minutes to cool down the interior before getting in.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chrysler Sebring, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord Crosstour, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Prius. Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan also gain gas/electric hybrid models for 2010. 
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2010 Toyota RAV4

2010 Toyota RAV4

The 2010 Toyota RAV4 is largely unchanged. This compact SUV comes in Base, Sport, and Limited trims. Each is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a locking center differential. RAV4 seats five, but an optional 3rd-row bench on Base and Limited increases capacity to seven. A 179-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is available along with a 269-hp 3.5-liter V6. A 4-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 4-cylinder, and the V6 has a 5-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 1500 lb with the 4-cylinder, 3500 lb with the V6. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Hill ascent/descent control is standard on V6 RAV4s and included on 4-cylinder models equipped with the 3rd-row seat. All have a side-hinged cargo door. Sport models have a sport suspension. Leather upholstery and a navigation system are optional on the Sport and Limited.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Mitsubishi Outlander.

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2010 Toyota Sienna

2010 Toyota Sienna

If you're searching for a high-quality minivan, you don't have to go any further than the 2010 Toyota Sienna. It's reliable, easy to drive and simply a solid choice when it comes to family haulers. Although the Sienna is unchanged from last year, it remains one of the best minivans you can buy. Budget-minded shoppers will like the low-priced Sienna CE that has room for up to eight passengers. Those who can spend considerably more will appreciate how the Sienna Limited comes off like nothing less than a Lexus minivan.

All Sienna trim levels come with Toyota's familiar 3.5-liter V6, an all-star engine renowned for its smooth power and high fuel efficiency. Another feather in the Sienna's cap is the fact that it's currently the only minivan to be offered with all-wheel drive, so if you live where ice and snow are common, the Sienna has a decided advantage over its rivals.
There are a few downsides, though. The 2010 Toyota Sienna lacks some of the high-end entertainment features that are available on the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan twins. And the Sienna is neither as slick nor as responsive to drive as the Honda Odyssey. Of course, no minivan is going to be purchased for its corner-carving ability, but it is worth noting that piloting a Sienna is about as bland as it gets.

One might also be concerned about the Sienna's pricing -- Kia's Sedona delivers much of the same utility as the Sienna but for less money. But the aforementioned strengths as well as Toyota's high resale value and strong reputation for reliability will likely be enough for many shoppers to choose this minivan. Overall, the Sienna is an excellent van, with many compelling features and options. We wouldn't buy another minivan without trying the Sienna first.
The 2010 Toyota Sienna minivan comes in four trim levels -- CE, LE, XLE and Limited. The CE and LE come in seven- and eight-passenger configurations; the upper trims are seven-passenger only. All but the CE offer a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive; the CE is front-wheel drive only.
The Sienna's cabin is handsomely fitted with high-quality fabric on lower trim levels and leather and faux wood on the higher-end models. The various controls are simple to use, storage space is plentiful and the seats are plush. Seven-passenger Siennas allow the second-row captain's chairs to be pushed together to create a bench seat. The eight-passenger version uses a 40/20/40-split second-row bench whose center section slides 13 inches closer to the front seats for easier access to the little one seated there. The Sienna provides a cavernous 149 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. In Limited trim, the Sienna's interior looks and feels as if it came straight out of a luxury car.

Although the 2010 Toyota Sienna's automatic transmission is calibrated more for fuel economy than performance, there's no denying the refined potency of the van's V6. When you step into it, acceleration is spirited, yet the engine delivers its power in a smooth and unobtrusive manner. Ride quality is plush, but the Sienna offers minimal steering feedback and considerable body roll during cornering. Braking distances are class-competitive, but the brake pedal has an overly soft feel.
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2010 Toyota Venza

2010 Toyota Venza

The 2010 Toyota Venza sees no major changes following its debut for the 2009 model year. This 4-door, five-passenger wagon slots between the Camry sedan and Highlander crossover SUV in size and price. It shares some of its basic design with both those vehicles. Venza continues in a single trim level, with a choice of two engines and front- or all-wheel drive. The base engine is a 182-hp 2.7-liter 4-cylinder. Also offered is a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6. Each engine teams with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Four-cylinder models can tow up to 2500 lb, and the V6 up to 3500 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Four-cylinder models have standard 19-inch wheels, while V6 versions have standard 20-inch wheels. A navigation system, keyless access and engine start, leather upholstery, and heated front seats are among the options. A panoramic glass roof with power front section and DVD entertainment are on the options list, but both features can't be paired together. This report is bassed on evaluations of the 2009 Toyota Venza.

Our Best Buy choices are the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, and Mazda CX-9. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, GMC Terrain, and Toyota Highlander. 

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, and Toyota 4Runner
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