Wheels Colorado » Toyota

Toyota 4 Runner – Runs on All Fours

CarData — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:14:55 +0000

By Casey Williams MyCarData

2010 Toyota 4 Runner - Boulder,CO

Boulder, CO – The recent downturn in the economy and high fuel prices over the past couple or years have separated authentic SUVs from the pretenders and interlopers. Originally based on Toyota’s popular compact pickups, the 4Runner has always been the choice for off-road capability and on-highway comfort and style. With even some big name competitors leaving the roadways to car-based crossovers, the new 2010 4Runner stays true to its truck-based roots.

Completely new styling takes the best of the Tundra pickup, Land Cruiser, and previous-generation 4Runner, but turns it out in a wholly modern wrapper. The front is dominated by a scaled-down, but meaner-looking, version of the Tundra’s blunt nose. Accentuated wheel arches communicate the SUV’s toughness and off-road capability while chrome doorhandles and up to 20” alloy wheels paint with panache. 4Runner looks tough enough to tackle the Rubicon, but suave enough for an evening on the town.

Once inside, you may give a care about neither the Rubicon nor town. Passengers ride in a cabin that can best be described as industrial swank. The center control stack and gear selector are girded by silver finish and feel of towering strength. Fortunately, the dash also contains easy-to-use controls for the optional dual zone automatic climate control, navigation, and available 15-speaker JBL audio systems. Mirror-mounted rearview camera monitors are standard on Limited and Trail grades, optional on SR5. A Smart Key with keyless entry and push button starting is standard on the Limited.

Much attention was paid to seating. Three rows can be upholstered in leather (standard in water-resistant cloth). Front and second-row thrones recline – rears up to 16 degrees. Access to the third row is made easier by splitting the second row into a 40/20/40 with a one-touch walk-in switch. Protection is provided by eight standard airbags, including dual front, front side, front knee, and side curtains. In case one of these airbags deploys, Automatic Collision Notification automatically calls a response center to dispatch emergency services.

Powertrains come in two types: Frugal and Ferocious. Eco-minded drivers will choose the base DOHC 16-valve 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine that generates 157 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. Attached to a four-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy is rated 18/23-MPG city/highway.

Those with something to prove, or a trailer to tow, will step up to the available 4.0-litre V6 that produces a hearty 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s 34 more ponies than the previous-generation and 10 more than the optional V8 that has been discontinued. Fuel economy for the V6 improved a couple of MPGs and is now rated 17/23-MPG for the 4×2 and 17/22-MPG for the 4×4.

Most owners will not choose the 4Runner for its luxuriously leather seats or frugal gas mileage. They could choose a Lexus RX350 for those and be completely content. Unless you’re the Swiss Army Knife type who wants ridiculous capability whether you need it or not, you’re likely to shop for a 4Runner because of what it can do for you.
4Runners can pull up to 5,000 lbs., ride on a full truck frame, and eat crossovers as granola. There’s more to help your adventures. The SUVs can be equipped with Toyota’s CRAWL Control, an adjustable system that contains the vehicle’s speed on rough terrain by one of five settings. It is also available with a Multi Terrain Select system that varies the amount of wheel slip permitted, depending on conditions. Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill start assist lasso downhill runs and hold the vehicle steady when lifting from brake to throttle going uphill. Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution keep the vehicle steady on highways and byways.

Said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of Toyota Division, “In 1984 the first 4Runner helped cultivate and foster the up-and-coming SUV market. When the new 4Runner launches later this fall it will continue to be a perfect fit for young, and young-at-heart, outdoor and off-road enthusiasts.”

There are more new features on the 2010 4Runner than three articles could contain. To find the right model for you, at an appropriate price point, you’ll need to visit a Toyota retailer or go online. If history is any indication, the all-new model will give chase to some very competent off-road machines, and more than a few luxury cars. With base prices starting at $29,175, competitors include the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Xterra, Hummer H3, and Chevy Tahoe.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Surfaces

CarData — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:35:47 +0000

Source – Toyota MyCarData

The 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) Concept vehicle will make its world debut next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Demonstration Program Begins in U.S. Late 2009.

2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid PHV

Based on the third-generation Prius, the PHV Concept expands Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, utilizing first generation lithium-ion battery technology and enabling electric operation at higher speeds and longer distances than conventional hybrids. When fully charged, the vehicle is targeted to achieve an electric-only range of approximately 12 miles and will be capable of achieving highway speeds in electric-only mode. For longer distances, the PHV concept reverts to “hybrid mode” and operates like a regular Prius. This ability to utilize all-electric power for short trips or hybrid power for longer drives alleviates the issue of limited cruising range encountered with pure electric vehicles.

Beginning in late 2009, Toyota will begin global delivery of 500 Prius PHV vehicles. Of this initial fleet, 150 will be placed with select U.S. lease-fleet customers for market and engineering analysis. This program will allow Toyota to gather real world driving feedback and understand customer expectations for plug-in technology. In addition, the program will allow evaluation of the first generation lithium-ion battery’s durability, reliability and performance.

“The greatest hurdle in bringing to market a reliable lithium battery is mass production. We must have a production process that guarantees each battery will be identical in performance and quality,” said Irv Miller, TMS group vice president, environmental and public affairs.

The vehicle’s first-generation lithium-ion battery will be built on a dedicated PEVE (Panasonic EV Energy Company, LTD) assembly line. PEVE is a joint-venture in which Toyota owns 60 percent equity. The first generation lithium-ion batteries were developed in-house by Toyota Research and Development, and a dedicated battery development team is already working on the next battery “beyond lithium.”

The 150 demonstration vehicles will be placed in strategic clusters around the U.S., allowing development of charging infrastructure and communications support for program participants. Each placement scenario will have a variety of ‘use cases’ or driving conditions (ie: commute length, usage type, access to charging) to gain maximum input to vehicle performance and customer needs.

“Although we like to be first to market with these technologies, it’s more important that we are best to market,” said Miller. “This demonstration program will ensure that the vehicles we bring to market will not just meet customer expectations, but exceed them.”

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid – Green, Green It’s Green I Say……

CarData — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:03:00 +0000

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Sandi Pedersen, www.car-data.com

Let’s see’, I bring my groceries home in reusable grocery bags, I recycle all paper and plastic,I clean with only organic detergents, I purchase natural grown fruits and vegetables and last weekI drove the Highlander Hybrid. Yes, I am doing my part to save the planet and go green.

Little of substance has changed between the 2008 and the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. My testvehicle had the 3.3L V6 engine and electric motor which provided good smooth acceleration andallowed it to achieve highway speeds easily. When you turn the key it seems like nothing happens.Rest assured, the vehicle is operational. The gas engine doesn’t start until it is needed. The gasengine also shuts off at stoplights but starts up again and gets moving when accelerating. Underthe right conditions (coolant temperatures and full battery charge) you can press the EV, electricvehicle mode, button and drive the Hybrid up to two miles at less than 25 miles per hour onelectric power alone. This is a great feature in stop and go traffic.

The Highlander is a so called cross-over SUV, meaning it’s built more like a car than a truck.As a result the Highlander offers a quiet cabin and a luxurious ride having been based on thearchitectural design of the Toyota Camry midsize sedan. Overall, I found the Toyota Highlander agreat way to move people. The second row seats can slide forward and back and getting into thefirst two rows is easy and the removable middle seat can also be replaced by a center console. Awalkthrough with fold and slide forward second-row seats add ease when accessing the optional thirdrow, which can actually accommodate both children and adults.

Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid comes standard with some of my favorite features. Smart Entry Systemwhich includes keyless entry and push button starting, a 3.5-inch multifunction display screen thatincludes a rear back up camera, a clock, tire-pressure display, air conditioning readout, outsidetemperature gauge and trip computer information. An automatic rear air conditioning system withrear vents for the second and third row seating was an added option on my test vehicle but one I’ddefinitely include.

The 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers more room and more power without giving up fuel economy. With 25 highway miles per gallon and 27 city miles per gallon the Hybrid offers excellent fueleconomy, particularly in the stop-and-go traffic or major metros. Emissions are also extremely low.If you add in the excellent reliability of a Toyota and resale value you can see why the HighlanderHybrid is a wise choice for active families and those who just want to ‘go green’

I have come to the realization that when I get into a vehicle for the first time, I immediatelylook at the cup holder options. Call me shallow or just an avid coffee drinker, who is seldomwithout a cup, but I found in talking to other people, women in particular, that this is a veryimportant aspect of how we feel about the vehicle.

On a scale of 1-10

Cup holders ‘ 10 With 10, plus a bottle holder in each door, there are plenty of storage spacesfor small items.

Toyota Avalon

CarData — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:49:00 +0000

Sandi Pedersen, www.car-data.com

Before I even opened the door to this luxury automobile I felt the lonely pang of missing my dad. You see, he would love this car, however his last name is ‘Ford’ so he always buys the otherluxury sedan, if you catch my drift. Even so, it reminded me of him and it brought back many fondmemories.

First impressions, I really loved those cooled seats! I think that this would be an option Iwould always go for. It is a strange feeling to have an air conditioned backside, but it is a goodfeeling. Sticking to leather has not been a favorite of mine. Even though the Avalon screams’Lifestyle of the rich and famous’, the car is surprisingly affordable. My test car came in at justa little over $36,000, and that’s with about $7,000 of options added. This is a lot of bang foryour buck.

Aside from the obvious, Toyota did not aim this car at the Generation X folks. It has all thecomforts appreciated by the older generation and the mafia. Truck space is incredible and my firstthought was humm’ how many, I mean, how much could that hold? It had ample trunk space with a coollittle cubby to put milk and orange juice so it does not slide around. The grocery hooks were alittle awkward and it was hard to secure bags, but they were held in place.

Included were all the safety features we’ve come to expect in Toyota and this car made me feelsafe on the highway. It was not only big and sturdy it even came with driver knee air bags, which Ithink is a great idea. You can never have enough airbags, is my philosophy.

My test car also had a powered moon roof with sliding sunshade. I like this feature but havenever quite figured out how to equalize the pressure and howling sound when it is open. I tend toalso open all the windows, which seems to help but that makes for a rather breezy ride which wouldbe great in weather other than 96 degrees and 99% humidity.

Toyota’s ‘top of the line’ Avalon is smooth, sleek and a pleasure to drive.

I have come to the realization that when I get into a vehicle for the first time, I immediatelylook at the cup holder options. Call me shallow or just an avid coffee drinker who is seldomwithout a cup, but I found in talking to other people, women in particular, that this is a veryimportant aspect of how we feel about the vehicle.

On a scale of 1-10

Cup holders ‘ 9

The cup holders are one thing but this car seriously had a compartment for everything. ShockingI know, but some I could not fill, scary to think about, but lots and lots of space, which in a fewmore days I’m sure would have been full.

Toyota Venza

CarData — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:18:00 +0000

Kelly Foss, www.car-data.com

In writing about some of the new vehicles being introduced today, they are often described moreby what they ‘aren’t’ rather by than what they ‘are’. Take the new Toyota Venza for example. It’snot a sedan, it’s not a wagon, it’s not a minivan, it’s not an SUV, it’s a’? The people at Toyotabravely describe it as a crossover vehicle that is 70% sedan and 30% SUV. Regardless of what it’scalled, I found the vehicle to be pretty compelling.

The Venza is a combination of the Camry midsize sedan and the Highlander CUV in the Toyotalineup. Think of it as a taller sedan with upscale features and a utility cargo area with a hatch.Yah, that’s it.

The Venza comes in 4 iterations. These are the 4 cylinder front and all wheel drive, and the V6front and all wheel drive models. The V6 is the very popular 3.5 liter unit found in many Toyotavehicles but the 2.7 is a totally new and efficient engine. It produces 182 horsepower and isconnected to a 6 speed automatic transmission. This large 4 has more than enough horsepower to movethe 3,700 pound Venza down the road handily but can also get you about 30 miles per gallon in areal-world freeway cruise. The front wheel drive drives very well and the on-demand all wheel drivecould be useful if you live in areas with bad winter weather and/or mountains. You can also get atow package which offers a 3,500 pound tow capacity.

This car is a roomy 5 passenger machine with 34 cubic feet of storage behind the seats and over108 cubic feet in max cargo mode! The interior is very comfortable with elevated seating and lotsof head room. It’s a breeze to get in and out of. The interior trim is upscale yet not luxurious.The instrument panel is very attractive and the gear shifter is on the dash board leaving theconsole area between the front seats unobstructed. You can get a panorama sunroof system, in-dashnavigation with an upgraded audio, rear seat DVD entertainment and you can even change the fontsize on the in-dash information screen which also is the display for the backup camera. This is aquiet vehicle but with an open cargo area in the back, don’t expect a library-silent ride. Also,where is the cooled/ventilated seat option that’s offered on the Avalon? The half of the countrythat lives in a warm climate wants this option as much as the other half that live a cold climatewants heated seat option.

The Venza is endowed with all of Toyotas considerable safety systems. These include all theregular air bags plus knee bags for the driver, stability control, traction control, hill startassist etc.

The Venza should do well. It gives the sedan crowd the driving experience they are used to witha large dose of utility, good fuel economy and a starting price of about $26,000.

Toyota Prius

CarData — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:03:00 +0000

Casey Williams, www.car-data.com

I had to chuckle when I opened up the CNN website this week to see former Vice President AlGore’s son, Al Gore III, on the first page. Apparently, and you’re going to love this, he waspulled over driving a Toyota Prius 100 mph. That in itself was too much. But, when he one-touchedhis window down, the officer smelled hash roiling inside. I know his dad is all about being green,but I don’t think this is what he had in mind. There were also some unexplained prescription drugsthat will undoubtedly require ‘splaining.

I’ll admit to you here, but not to any authorities, that I’ve driven a Prius 100 mph. Downhill.With a tailwind. In the Appalachian foothills of Tennessee. All I can say is that the junior Gorewas going whole hash through fairly steep roads in Southern California to achieve triple-digits.That I can explain. I have nothing to say about the stash. Never saw it. Not saying anything.

Perhaps The Weedster paid for his steaming crop with the greenbacks he saved driving a Prius.The little hybrid that could and did gets 60/51 mpg city/highway. Unlike the drugs, we can explainthe lopsided fuel economy ratings. The Prius is a parallel hybrid, meaning it can run on batteries,a 1.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine, or both. At less than chase speeds, like creepingthrough morning traffic, it can run on battery alone. When flying like a crop duster, or whileaccelerating hard, the batteries and electric motor act like an electronic supercharger. Batteriesare recharged from the gas engine and through generators in the braking system. You do not plug ina Prius. A continuously variable transmission with pulleys and belts sends power to the frontwheels. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control keep thesmoke blowing in the right direction.

Drivers and passengers ride inside a high-tech space capsule that somehow comes off as friendlyas a Volkswagen Beetle. Touch screen controls for the in-dash navigation, six-disc CD changerattached to JBL speakers, XM Satellite Radio, automatic climate control, energy tracker, and tripcomputer function like a Lexus LS 600h’s, which is to say amazingly simply for so many circuits. Abackup camera keeps you out of the real weeds while Bluetooth connectivity syncs cell phones withthe car for hands free calling. All gauges, including a digital speedometer, are placed in thecenter of the dash at the base of the windshield. Passengers sit high and enjoy almost mid-sizespace while a rear hatch and fold down seats allow bicycles to enter with ease, and when combinedwith a large center console for front seats and storage bins in the doors, would hold an outrageousnumber of spiked brownies.

Everything about the car is easy. Like high-end luxury cars, the Prius is equipped with keylessentry, starting, and locking. Put the key fob in your pocket and the car automatically recognizesyou. In a short time, you forget you ever used keys. The steering wheel has buttons for the audio,climate control, and cruise functions. Two other buttons on the dash start the car and put it inpark. On the road, the Prius easily stirs the pot to 80 mph. Getting extra power from the batteriesis serene and feels like a gentle wind pressed against the back of the car. Noise is virtuallynon-existent.

Every Prius owner I’ve ever known loves his or her car. Like an iPOD, once you get over theinitial technology shock, you find the Prius amazingly simple for all of its technologicalsophistication. It is the car of the future, here today ‘ and available to get you from A to B orfrom home to court. Please leave the wacky tobaccy at home if you decide to test the limits ofvelocity. Burn electrons, but pass on the grass. Considering all of the utility, gadgets, andfuel-saving technology in the Prius, an as tested price of $28,344 seems a bargain. No other caroffers so much for so little. Just ask The Weedster.

2008 Toyota Corolla

CarData — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:47:00 +0000

By Kelly Foss, www.car-data.com

The Toyota Corolla has the distinction of being the highest total sales vehicle in the world’shistory. That’s right; over 30 million Corollas’ have been bought over the years. Last year about390,000 were sold in the U.S. alone with world sales almost reaching a million. For 2008, Toyotahas provides us with a totally new model.

The new Corolla takes on the family persona of other Toyota sedans. It looks like a smallerversion of a Camry from the front…no accident. The lines are classic and stylish. Corollaowners will be proud to show off their new compact sedan. Toyota has deftly styled the new Corollaand comfortably positioned it between the smaller Yaris and the larger Camry.

The new Corolla is slightly larger than the former model. The interior space reshaped a bit togive the vehicle a broader feel. The dashboard is simple, easy to decipher and contains all thenecessary controls. A navigation system is now offered on the Corolla along with an upgraded audiosystem. NVH has been improved delivering an interior that is more completely isolated from the dinof the outside world. Leather seats are also available as well as a manual tilt/telescope steeringcolumn. The trunk is roomy and the fold down rear seat backs serve to significantly expand theinterior usability of the vehicle.

The road dynamics for the corolla have also improved. Previous models were sometimes a touchchoppy, but the new model balances a soft compliant ride with good handling. The new Corolla againis offered with a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine but this 1.8 is totally new and has 132 hp and 128foot pounds of torque. It is offered with either a 4 speed automatic or a 5 speed manualtransmission. According to the new 2008 EPA rating system, the new Corolla get 27 city, 35 highwayand 30 combined for both transmissions.

This is about the same as last year’s model. On the XRS sport models, the larger 2.4 liter 4cylinder is borrowed from the Camry and the Scion TC and mated with either a 5 speed manual or a 5speed automatic transmission.

There is a 20% fuel economy penalty with the larger engine but it adds an extra dimension ofpower and smoothness to the vehicle.

Toyota has also included a full suite of safety gear on the Corolla.

Systems include ABS antilock brakes, EBD brake force distribution, BA brake assist which boostbrake pressure in a panic stop, stability control and tractions control. Add to that front, sideand side curtain airbags and you get a compact sedan with superior safety capabilities.

In all, I really like the new Corolla. The largest groups of buyers of this vehicle are youngcouples and senior couples. Both want the same things in a car. Safety, economy, reliability,comfort and good value. Corolla delivers on all those things.

2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid – One of my “favorite” things!

CarData — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 05:27:00 +0000

By Sandi Pedersen www.car-data.com

My son and I have very different views on cars. Could have something to do with the 23 year agedifference! He said he would never buy a hybrid for fear of “what happens when the battery givesout?” I on the other hand, am thoroughly convinced that the next vehicle I buy will be a hybrid asI am not particularly worried about the batteries.

Although the Camry has had very subtle changes this calendar year, I still really enjoy thisdependable, well built, extremely comfortable car and have nothing but good to say about it. When Ilast drove a 2007 Camry Hybrid it attracted lots of attention as it was a relatively “new”phenomenon. I am so pleased to see how far we’ve come in this nation to not only accept but demandand embrace more eco-friendly, fuel saving cars. With EPA Fuel Economy Estimates coming in at 33miles per gallon city and 34 miles per gallon highway I was pleased that my test vehicle averaged37.4 miles per gallon. Halleluiah!!!!! I also liked watching the cool display on the speedometertelling me how much gas I was actually saving when the vehicle was running mostly on battery power.

Cargo space was about the only fault I could find but I will gladly give up cargo space forbattery space. I took the Camry on a long weekend getaway and quickly filled up the trunk with onesuitcase, a beach bag and some snacks. This car would be good for a small grocery run but I don’trecommend having anyone taking up back seat space if you are stocking up on groceries for a monthor two. You will definitely need the back seat room which is extremely adequate, for grocery bagsand even adults.

Another great thing I want to point out is that this car is an AT-PZEV vehicle. This is acertification given to just a handful of vehicles and stands for Advanced Technology Partial ZeroEmissions Vehicle. What all that means is that this car gives off 70 percent less smog-formingemissions than the average car. This also means that there are almost no fuel leaks or fuel vaporsescaping from the fuel system. In my opinion, this is where we can really do some good for futuregenerations by helping to clean up the air that they breathe.

I’m sure by now it’s clear that I really like this car however, I urge anyone looking to buy anew vehicle to keep these advancements in mind and become a solution to some major earth problemsrather than a contributor.