Toyota Camry Review

Overview

Toyota Camry - 2007 Review: “It’s a Toyota.” This simple phrase has made life easy and profitable for Toyota salespeople, made domestic car manufacturers green with envy, and has bred such confidence in Camry and Tacoma owners that they border on arrogant. Historically, Toyotabuyers have often been justified in this smug sense of superiority – if you were smart, you would’ve bought a Toyota, too.

It’s your own damn fault that you’re missing work again to sit at the (insert non-Toyota brand name here) dealership waiting for your car to get fixed. Burned by a Chevy? Buy a Toyota. Ford dealer treating you poorly? Buy a Toyota. Need a wagon? SUV? Compact? Buy a Matrix, or a Highlander, or a Yaris, all by Toyota. Need a full-size truck? Wait for the redesigned Tundra, the unofficial Second Coming, via Texas and courtesy of Toyota.

That’s how things have been in the automotive arena for quite some time, though Toyota’s most recognizable nameplate, the Camry, may cause some buyers to pause – maybe just for a millisecond – before adding themselves to the ranks of the saved. Specifically, quality concerns with our $31,000 XLE V6 test car, as well as similar and consistent issues we’ve noted with other recent Toyota products, should cause the eternal green sales light to flicker. At the same time, domestics are continually improving quality, most evident in redesigned cars and trucks from the “Detroit Three” that have arrived in recent years. Could it be that the quality playing field is leveling out? Perhaps, but “It’s a Toyota” still means that, in all likelihood, the thing will probably run forever with routine maintenance and it might even be worth something after all three of your high school kids have beaten it into the ground. However, look at the details of that shiny 2007 Camry on the lot, the one priced north of $30,000, and you might discover that those simple words don’t go as deep as you’d like.

Buyers interested in the most fuel-efficient 2007 Toyota Camry will want to opt for one with the smaller engine. The aluminum 2.4-liter four-cylinder features dual overhead cams, 16-valves, and a horsepower rating of 158 at 6,000 rpm backed up by 161 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. In most states, this engine gets an ultra-low emissions vehicle rating, but in so-called green states (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, California) it gets a partial-zero emissions rating that drops horsepower to 155 and torque to 158 lb.-ft. When mated to a five-speed manual transmission, the front-wheel-drive Camry boasts 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway; a five-speed automatic cuts the highway rating to 33 mpg. Achieving an estimated 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway is an available 3.5-liter, aluminum V6 joined to a six-speed automatic. This six-cylinder engine features 24 valves, dual overhead cams, 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, and 248 lb.-ft. of torque churning at 4,700 rpm. Regardless of powertrain, all 2007 Toyota Camry models feature antilock disc brakes aided by electronic brake-force distribution; rack-and-pinion steering, and a suspension system comprised of MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link setup in the rear.

There are several Camrys to choose from:

• The basic $18,850 (including $580 destination charge) Toyota Camry CE comes with the four-cylinder engine and the manual transmission; 16-inch steel wheels rolling on 215/60 tires; power windows, door locks, and mirrors; a CD/MP3 player; a tilt and telescoping steering wheel; air conditioning; a tire pressure monitor; steering wheel-mounted cruise and radio controls; and a driver’s knee airbag, as well as front-side and side-curtain airbags. An automatic transmission and stability control are optional.
  

• The mainstream Toyota Camry LE, priced from $20,030 (four-cylinder) to $23,620 (six-cylinder), adds a power driver’s seat and keyless entry to the list of standard features, while the options list gets 16-inch alloy wheels, a JBL sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, and a power sunroof.

• Next up is the upscale Toyota Camry XLE, available with the four-cylinder engine ($25,005) or the V6 ($28,100). The former operates with a five-speed automatic transmission and offers its buyer 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, fog lights, the JBL sound system, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a power passenger’s seat, woodgrain trim, a rear sunshade, and a trip computer. The XLE V6 differs with its six-speed automatic transmission, leather upholstery, and power sunroof. More creature comfort comes in the form of available heated front seats, leather seats for the four-cylinder model, a navigation system, and a Smart Key push button ignition system.

• The sporty Toyota Camry SE, ranging from $21,370 with the smaller engine and manual transmission to $24,895 with the V6 and the automatic, is geared more toward the buyer who likes to drive. As such, it includes a sport-tuned suspension with a larger front stabilizer bar, 17-inch alloy wheels, a unique grille, alloy interior trim, and a lower body kit. Options largely mirror those of the LE and XLE models.

Our test sample was a 2007 Toyota Camry XLE V6 version packed with a healthy serving of options such as heated front seats, the navigation system, JBL audio, Smart Key push button starting, stability control, and a floor/trunk mat set. With the $580 destination charge factored in, the total tally came to $31,039. Evaluations on the following pages are based on several days and hundreds of miles driven throughout southern California.











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Toyota Releases Pricing on New 4Runner SUV as well as on 2010MY Cars Including the Prius and Venza

Just one day after the presentation of the all-new 2010 4Runner, Toyota released pricing on its truck-based SUV model as well as on four more 2010 model year vehicles including the Land Cruiser, Venza, Prius and Tacoma pickup truck.

MSRPs for the new 4Runner (including an $800 destination fee) range from $28,300 for the two-wheel drive SR5 grade with a 157HP 2.7-liter four pot to $40,600 for the Limited grade 4x4 with a 270HP 4.0-liter V6. Toyota said that the V6 4Runners will begin arriving at dealerships in late October or early November, while the 4-cylinder SR-5 will go on sale in early

As for the rest of the range, the 2010MY Venza crossover-thingamajig, which will begin arriving at dealerships in early November, carries a base MSRP (including a $750 destination charge) that ranges from $27,025 for the four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive model to $29,550 for the all-wheel-drive V6. That comes to an increase of $300, or an average of 1.1 percent over the 2009MY cars.

For 2010, the Venza adds a USB port for iPod connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology as standard equipment on all audio systems.




Expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in late October, the 2010 Land Cruiser will start from $66,770 (including destination fees), an increase of $1,215, or 1.9 percent over the 2009MY. Changes for the 2010MY include an upgraded audio system that adds a standard USB port for iPod connectivity, Bluetooth wireless technology, grey factory privacy glass tint to the rear hatch and rain-sensing windshield wipers.




While the 2010MY doesn't bring any upgrades for the Tacoma pickup truck, Toyota has announced a price adjustment increase of $175, or an average of 0.8 percent effective on November 2, 2009. MSRP's (including destination charges) range from $16,145 for the Regular Cab four-cylinder 4x2 with a five-speed manual transmission to $28,050 for the Double Cab long bed 4x4 V6 with a five-speed automatic.




Finally, Toyota has increased the base MSRP on the 2010 Prius II, III, IV and IV models that will begin arriving in late October by $400, or an average of 1.6 percent. Prices, again including destination fees, range from $23,150 for the Prius I model to $28,420 for the range-topping Prius V.

Toyota said that pricing for the Prius I model, which will be made available in limited numbers to fleet buyers, will remain unchanged at $21,750.

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Toyota Auris Hybrid Concept

On seeing the new Toyota Auris Hybrid, we counted the doors and noted the hatchback, then thought, doesn't Toyota already sell a Prius? A glance at the specifications furthered our confusion, as the power trains between 2010 Prius and new Auris Hybrid are identical, a 1.8-liter engine coupled to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.

In its press materials, Toyota takes the stance that the Auris Hybrid, or HSD as they call it, is the next logical step in the company's move to offer hybrid versions of all its models.

Toyota Auris cabin
This shifter in the hybrid Auris is similar to that in the Prius.
(Credit: CNET)

If you're wondering what an Auris is, well, it's not sold in the U.S. Our nearest model is the Toyota Matrix. But Toyota sells the Auris just about everywhere else in the world, in both gasoline and diesel versions. It's a four-door hatchback based on the Corolla platform.

In hybrid form, the Auris gets the same power train settings as the 2010 Prius: Eco, Power, and EV. It reaches 60 mph in about 10 seconds, and it should get slightly less gas mileage than the Prius because of its inferior aerodynamic characteristics. Also similar to the Prius, it can be had with a solar roof that powers a cabin ventilation fan. Toyota also intends to make dashboard solar panels available that can be used to charge cell phones and other electronic devices. Now that's a step in the right direction.

For European environmental regulations, the most important thing about the hybrid Auris is that it emits less than 100 grams of CO2 per kilometer.













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4Runner is a Tough-Looking SUV That Can Handle the Kids, Too

Overview
The 2008 Toyota 4Runner is a seriously cool truck. It’s a testosterone-loaded, V-8, 4×4 super truck that just happens to work pretty darn well as a kid-hauler. Just because something can tow 7,300 pounds doesn’t mean it can handle my boys, but this SUV wrangles both with authority. And as an added bonus, it makes Mom look tough.

Living with the 4Runner is kind of a power trip. Stepping on the gas produces a muted growl and powerful launch; it’s not super quiet, but it’s not obnoxiously loud either. The V-8 engine handles hills without a hitch and hauls more than I would ever care to load into an SUV. Turns and curves are handled well, though with a smidge of a roly-poly feeling that reminds you this is a tall SUV. While there’s some bounce to the ride, it’s not uncomfortable. The cargo area is huge and has a cool double-decker shelf system for even more utility.

I’ve always wanted to hang with the cool kids, and in the 4Runner, I can. For more than 20 years, this truck has been beloved and, well, popular. The 2008 4Runner will be no different in inspiring a devoted following, and Toyota has added some fab features that are all about now. The thing about being cool, though, is that it comes at a price. The 4Runner doesn’t make concessions to anybody: Either you love it, or you get out of its way.

Interior
On the inside, the 4Runner doesn’t lose its trucky appeal. While the little luxuries are there, the cabin still feels rugged. The controls are a bit esoteric; it took a bit more brain power to understand the air conditioning controls than I usually like to devote to something like that. Once I figured things out, I enjoyed the dual-zone climate control. There’s a vent in the rear of the center console to keep the kiddies cool and a filtration system to keep the outside world, well, outside. The Limited 4Runner comes with an upgraded audio system with a CD changer and satellite radio. Because this is a cool truck, of course the stereo rocks! And part of that coolness is the color touch-screen that comes with the navigation system and folds out to load CDs.

Getting in and out of the 4Runner is easy enough, and the seats are plenty comfy. The driver’s seat is eight-way power adjustable and has a memory function to make driver changes a breeze. A leather-wrapped steering wheel tilts and telescopes, and also houses controls for the audio system and Bluetooth connection. There’s a spacious center console that houses an auxiliary input jack, a 12-volt outlet and a flip-down shelf for easy use of an iPod or phone. Unfortunately, the cupholder situation is something of a disaster. There aren’t any; what the 4Runner does have is jugholders, or maybe they’re bucket holders. I don’t know what sort of beverage container that space is designed for, but it isn’t anything I own. Coffee cups, soda cans and water bottles slid around in the cupholders during the best-case scenario, and they leapt out of the cupholders and onto my lap at sharp turns. Not cool.

While the 4Runner can work as a family car, it clearly wasn’t designed with little kids as its main cargo. The backseat’s two cupholders are in the armrest, so if you have a child in that position there’s nowhere to put the kids’ juice. Also, in a spectacular example of tempting mischief, the entertainment system (a lovely option that includes jacks for a game system) has a slot for DVDs that’s accessible from the backseat. That means that you can’t really load it while driving, as you can with entertainment systems that load the DVD into the dash. Also, it means that little fingers can stick anything they like into the slot, so watch those crayons and frozen waffles. Teens, however, can rule the backseat without even speaking to the (lame) adults up front and should enjoy the roominess of their domain.

Exterior
The 4Runner looks absolutely truck-tastic. It sits up high on big 18-inch wheels, asking, “What are YOU lookin’ at?” An intake scoop on the hood adds to its athletic appeal, and a rugged roof rack system offers to carry anything you can think of. The 4Runner’s ground clearance of just over 9 inches means that while you can run over a small tree, there’s a bit of a climb into the cabin. Lucky for us, the running boards make that climb an easy one, even for little legs. The doors are substantial but not too heavy, and my little guys had no problem managing their ins and outs.

The liftgate is on the heavy side, and there isn’t a power option. That’s ’cause this isn’t a wimpy kind of car. The 4Runner is a tough truck for tough people. If you mind wrestling with a liftgate, then this is not the SUV for you. The 4Runner’s large mirrors help with visibility on the sides and in the rear.

Safety
The safety of the 4Runner is a bit of a split decision. On one hand, there are plenty of safety features designed to protect you and your precious cargo. On the other, there’s a bit of a rollover risk, as there is with any tall SUV. Electronic stability and traction control systems help with that problem, and computerized antilock brakes are also standard. There are airbags all around in case of a collision, but Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings for rear-end collisions suggest that taller drivers aren’t well-protected. Lucky for me, I’m not that tall. And nobody hit me. Phew!

The nav system comes with a rearview camera, which is absolutely fabulous, especially in a vehicle this big. What I particularly enjoyed, however, were the two mirrors in the cargo area that give a view of the area immediately behind the car. That means that, even without the nav system, you can see where you’re going while in Reverse. In the backseat, the two Latch connectors are somewhat buried and hard to reach. It’s not impossible to install a child-safety seat, but it’s not something you’re going to want to do on a regular basis. The seat belts can also be tricky for little hands. While my older son had no problems with it, he needed to help his little brother get the seat belt “clicked” about half of the time.

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Land Cruiser Prado

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado made its appearance on the Indian roads in 2005. The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) offers unmatched comfort. The all-terrain automobile is an absolute powerhouse that can go to any extreme. Land Cruiser Prado truly rules the road and is a real head-turner. A never-felt-before degree of enthrallment is guaranteed by the SUV. It reduces all the efforts usually taken to control a vehicle on gushing streams and rushing traffic. Land Cruiser Prado, in fact, acquires full control over the situation, once it is sets on trail.

Engine
Under the hood of Toyota Land Cruiser lies a powerful DOHC VVT-i, 24-valve engine that churns out a mind-blowing power of 235 PS @ 5200rpm and torque of 362Nm @ 3800rpm. Prado's all time Four Wheel Drive (4WD) offers power packed performance on all road conditions.

Design And Comfort
The stunning looks of Toyota Land Cruiser Prado set the pulse racing! Its frontage, with dynamic headlamps and muscular front grille, contributes to its captivating appearance. In the rear is the tail lamps cluster, which further accentuates the exteriors. The cabin of the SUV is tactfully designed to offer an unmatched level of comfort to the passengers. The cushioned seats of Land Cruiser Prado, equipped with good under-thigh support, are extremely relaxing. Its dual-zone air conditioner ensures that the occupants enjoy a cool ride in the car, allowing them to maintain their preferred cabin temperature. The SUV promises a comfortable ride to as many as eight occupants.

Interiors
The breath-taking interiors of Toyota Land Cruiser Prado are crafted with finest materials, for exceptional comfort. The steering wheel has been given a beautiful finishing touch, with audio controls mounted on it. With the latest model of audio system - 6 CD-changer with ASL (Auto Sound Leveliser), Land Cruiser Prado assures a pleasant and fun ride. Small storage areas are cleverly positioned within the cabin of the SUV.

Ride And Handling
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is equipped with a unique Torsen LSD (Limited Slip Differential) which distributes appropriate power between the front and rear wheel, according to the driving conditions. This provides excellent riding stability, control and traction, especially at increasing speeds. The five-speed automatic transmission offers smooth shifting, for excellent performance and good fuel efficiency. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado seems to be massive, but is lightweight. It offers a smooth navigation through roads and is surprisingly silent.

Safety
Advanced safety features make Toyota Land Cruiser Prado safe and comfortable even in the extreme conditions. Front and rear crumple zones of the cabin absorb impact energy in the event of collisions. Apart from this, the SUV is equipped with dual front SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS). Optimum distribution of braking force is provided by Electronic Brake Force Distribution.

Variants, Price And Color
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX Automatic is available in five colors - Black, Beige Metallic, Dark Red Mica, Silver Metallic and White. The impressive SUV is worth Rs 37.5 lakh (approx).















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Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Review

The world famous king of SUV’s has now landed on the Indian soil. The great big Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a power packed petrol 4.0 V6 engine four wheel drive. Running on petrol the SUV features a 5 speed automatic transmission. The Land Cruiser has the look and the sophistication to get heads turning in the city streets as well as the gruesome power to take on any terrain all over India. This mean machine offers you style, comfort, versatility, durability, drive and a whole lot more.

Toyota unleashed the Land Cruiser Prado in India after much speculation and market research. After some time they finally came to the conclusion that the car is something that the status conscious aristocrats of India sought after. The car developed a cult status soon after its release in India with the wealthy industrialists and the celebrities taking on the car. Thus there has been a significant increase in the SUV segment in India with sales growth soaring over 250% of what it sued to be.

The fact that Toyota has put its trust in making the Prado a petrol fuelled car. This is because the petrol powered monster can put quite a strain on your wallet because it gets thirsty quite often. With petrol prices increasing at such a fast pace one wonders if a diesel option would have been more favored by the public. The Land cruiser debuted in 1951 and since then has come a long way. Breaking away slightly from the traditionally boxy look of the Land cruiser the new one is more in line with modern aesthetics. It maintains the high stance and wide body and the huge wheels. The Land Cruiser Prado has an imposing personality and can easily overshadow other SUV’s of the like. It even measures relatively larger than most of its competitors.

The huge size of the exterior means more space in the interior. Once you step in then only will you realize how well the interior of this SUV has been designed. The inside screams out class and sets you up in a comfortable and luxurious environment. As is the case with most seven seat SUV’s the last deck of seats is mounted too close to the floor for seating any adult. It also features separate seats even in the back rather than a bench and each of them can be folded to provide for storage space. With a host of other safety features the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a very engaging SUV which nobody would like to get out of.













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Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Covers 12 miles / 20km in All-Electric Mode, Emits Less than 60g/km CO2

As we're getting closer to the Frankfurt motor show, automakers are letting out new details on their vehicle introductions. This time it's Toyota that has released information on new its Prius plug-in hybrid that will be leased to selected fleet customers around the world from early 2010 so the company can evaluate the vehicle in a real-world environment as it prepares for a potential market launch.

Building on the core technology of Hybrid Synergy Drivein which both the electric motor and petrol engine can drive the wheels, the plug-in version replaces the standard Prius' nickel-metal hydride battery pack with a compact high-output lithium-ion battery that can be fully recharged from a 230V power supply in 1.5 hours. The new battery, which is more compact and has a higher volumetric energy than the one it replaces allows the Prius to achieve speeds of up to a maximum 62mph (100km/h) in full-electric mode (EV).

Toyota says that on a full charge, the plug-in model it can cover around 12.5miles or 20km) in EV mode, which is six miles more than the 'conventional' Prius hybrid. Over longer distances, the car switches to conventional petrol-electric full hybrid operation. The extended range in electric mode helps reduce CO2 emission to less than 60g/km, making the plug-in model one of the cleanest cars on the road. According to the Japanese automaker, more than 500 Prius Plug-in cars will be released around the world early next year for lease programme, with more than 150 of those destined for the European market.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid


Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid


Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid


Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid


Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

New Toyota Crown Majesta launched in Japan

The fifth-generation Crown Majesta—the Toyota >brand’s top sedan—features a high-quality interior with enhanced comfort and safety features, all designed to offer the highest levels of satisfaction to both drivers and passengers.
Specific improvements include a longer wheelbase and exterior styling that exudes presence and energy.

The 4.6-liter V8 gasoline engine provides ample power and is combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth, powerful cruising and response. In addition, three world-first1 technologies—the Front-side Pre-crash Safety System, Pre-crash Seatbacks and a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) rear-seat center airbag enhance safety and improve overall vehicle performance.

Toyota Crown Majesta


Toyota Crown Majesta


Toyota Crown Majesta


Toyota Crown Majesta


Toyota Crown Majesta


Toyota Crown Majesta



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Toyko 2009 Preview: Toyota FT-86 Concept brings back the Hachi-Roku

Toyota's President Akio Toyoda has said the automaker is in desperate need of an excitement injection, and here's the first dose: the Toyota FT-86 Concept.

Inspired by the Corolla-based AE86 sports coupe of the '80s, the FT-86 concept was designed by the automaker's ED2 styling studio in France and bears a remarkable resemblance to the FT-HS concept shown at the Detroit Auto Show several years back.

Since it's a "concept," Toyota hasn't divulged much about the FT-86 yet, but we do know it's powered by a Subaru-derived 2.0-liter boxer four sending power to the rear wheels. Toyota focused on keeping the weight down to improve handling and, according to one source, the platform is unique to the concept. The engine sits lower in the engine bay to aid aerodynamics while keeping the center of gravity in check, and the overall dimensions of Toyota's new 2+2 are 163.78 inches long and 69.29 inches wide, with a wheelbase of 101.18 inches.

After the FT-86 bows in concept form at the Tokyo Motor Show next month, the production model will be shown sometime next year with sales beginning sometime in late 2011 carrying a sticker price somewhere north of $20,000.













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