Consumer Reports said it and consumers apparently believe it as they continue to flock to their Long Island Camry hybrid dealer for Toyota models which were rated among the most efficient. Toyota can lay claim to six of the top 15 fuel-efficient models. Although Long Island Toyota RAV4 customers won’t find their model on the list since only cars were included, there are so many other Toyota models on the list that those loyal to the brand won’t be at a loss if their main criterion for the next purchase is great mileage. Coming in first with nearly unbelievable mileage numbers of 55 highway and 43 city was Toyota Prius IV, one the biggest Toyota successes in years. The Prius model is being expanded into an entire family of cars, including the plug-in hybrid set to debut later this year and a model with solar roof panels. Prius owners are a breed unto themselves and not only are loyal, but eagerly anticipate the greener models to come. Long Island Camry hybrid customers will be pleased to know their model rated sixth in overall fuel efficiency with 28 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. Other Toyota brand vehicles appearing in this prestigious list include: Scion xD in ninth place; Yaris base sedan in 13th place; Corolla LE in 14th place; and Corolla (base, manual) rounding out the list in 15th place. Test criteria for the Consumer Reports include measurements of fuel economy, which come from using a precision flow meter and are rounded to the nearest mile per gallon. Overall mileage for each vehicle is calculated from equal portions of city and expressway driving on a 150-mile trip. Consumer Reports issues these reports annually after conducting extensive tests. Okay, for you Long Island Toyota RAV4 owners, Consumer Reports also compiles a list of most fuel-efficient SUVs and Toyota Highlander hybrid rated fourth on that list with an overall mpg rating of 24. In fifth place, Toyota RAV4 (base, 4 cyl.) had a 23 overall rating. Toyota RAV4 Limited (V6) placed 11th with an overall mpg of 22. Does this mean the gas hog SUV is a thing of the past? With all the new hybrids and innovative fuel-saving ideas being produced by Toyota and planned for production in the near future, imagine where the Toyota models may rate in the next fuel-efficiency test. The plug-in Prius will certainly figure into the equation, and who knows how the solar-powered model might measure up. Despite the recall nightmare that Toyota is embroiled in, not only does customer loyalty seem to have been retained, but the fuel-efficiency of many models and the new hybrids waiting in the wings may just be the boost Toyota needs to stay on top and bring in new buyers. In today’s economy, when car buyers are looking for a bargain at the register as well as on the road, Toyota has stepped up to the plate and offered consumers what they asked for: clean, green and not-too-mean on the wallet.
2011 Chevrolet Cruze – Click above for high-res image gallery
Even with the impending launch of the Volt later in the Fall, the Chevrolet Cruze may be the biggest vehicle General Motors will launch in the U.S. this year. The reason is money. The Cruze should make some of it, while the Volt and its pricey development and battery packs likely won’t for a long time.
The Cruze looks pretty good to us, but we know that the new sedan will only be successful if it is properly launched and marketed. So how do you best show off a refined interior, 10 standard airbags and more hip- and shoulder-room than the top sellers in the class? Automotive News reports that The General will ask its 3,000 dealers to purchase a Toyota Corolla and a Honda Civic so Bowtie shoppers can compare and contrast the newest Chevrolet against the C-Segment stalwarts from Japan.
Since the Cruze is all-new in the U.S. market and both the Civic and Corolla are a bit long-in-the-tooth, we’re thinking the Chevy will win more than its fair share of buyers, but we’d like to see Chevy stores step up to the challenge of the Mazda3, as well. Perhaps the bigger challenge, though, will be to get customers who would traditionally buy a Honda or Toyota to shop at a Chevy store in the first place. GM plans to officially launch the Cruze in late September.
Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze: First Drive
Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]
Report: GM asks Chevy dealers to buy Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla for Cruze comparisons originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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If you want a job at Toyota’s still under construction Mississippi assembly plant, you’d better get in line. In fact, you’d best fill out an application post-haste, because the Japanese automaker reportedly received 9,600 applications in its first week. Anyone surprised? Americans want and need jobs, and they’re chomping at the bit for a chance to earn a steady income of $15 to $20 per hour.
According to Edmunds Auto Observer, applications came from 33 different states in the Union, with 8,000 of the applications originating from the state of Mississippi. David Copenhaver, vice president of administration at Toyota, reportedly told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger newspaper that the majority of the jobs will go to applicants who reside within 100 miles of the facility.
Nearly 10,000 applications in a week’s time is plenty impressive, but it’s not like they’re applying for a handful of jobs. Toyota is hiring approximately 1,350 hourly and 150 salary employees to build the Corolla, with the chance for an even larger workforce if the automaker decides to increase production down the road.
[Source: Edmunds Auto Observer]
Report: Toyota gets overwhelming response for new hires at Mississippi plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota
2005-2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix – Click above for high-res image gallery
Toyota has been in the hot seat this year for its high-volume safety recalls, has issued yet another action that covers its 2005-2008 model year Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks. Approximately 1.13 million vehicles are affected by a problem which could cause the 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine to stall. Three accidents have been reported thus far, though Toyota hasn’t confirmed that these incidents were indeed caused by this engine stalling issue.
To fix this problem, Toyota will replace the engine control modules on the recalled vehicles starting in mid-September. Owners will be notified by mail in the coming weeks and the service will be provided at no charge.
This is not the first time this year that the Corolla and Matrix have been the subject of safety issues. In early 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated almost 750,000 2009 and 2010 model year vehicles for a potential steering issue, and Toyota provided a free fix for customers. An official recall was not issued, though, as Toyota maintains that this problem is not a safety concern.
Follow the jump to read Toyota’s official press release.
*UPDATE: We mustn’t forget that the Pontiac Vibe is built on the same architecture as the Corolla/Matrix, and General Motors has just issued a press release (available after the jump) stating that certain 2005-2008 model year Vibes are being recalled for this same issue.
Gallery: 2005-2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix
[Sources: Toyota, AOL Autos, General Motors]
Continue reading Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE
Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Hatchback, Toyota
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is intensifying its investigation into stalling Toyota Corolla models. According to the Associated Press, the agency has opened what it calls an engineering analysis into 1.8 million Corolla and Matrix models sold between 2005 and 2007. So far, NHTSA has received around 163 complaints about stalling in those vehicles, and the government seems to believe the problem may be due to a faulty coating on the vehicle’s circuit boards. It’s also possible that a crack could develop in a particular glass coating in the vehicle.
NHTSA hasn’t gone so far as to issue a recall in this particular case as its research into the problem is ongoing. Previously, investigators were only looking into Corolla and Matrix models produced in 2006, though the recent expansion indicates that the issue may be more widespread than previously believed.
Last we heard, Toyota was considering a voluntary fix for the problem, though since then nothing has come up in terms of a proposed solution from the carmaker. Back in March, NHTSA said that the problem doesn’t pose any danger to drivers.
[Source: Associated Press]
U.S. intensifies investigation into Toyota Corolla stalling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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The Toyota Rav4 first came out in 1994 and is a combination of a car and a standard utility vehicle (SUV). First introduced in Japan and Europe of the same year, it made sales in North America sometime in 1996. The vehicle was a hit with individuals who wanted the perks of owning a SUV like bigger cargo room and higher visibility and; the practicalities of a small car like saving on fuel and easier driving. Rav4 is an acronym for Recreational Active Vehicle with a four wheel drive. With the vehicle comes the 1996 Toyota Rav4 Repair Manual.
It must be noted that the 1996 Toyota Rav4 belongs to the first generation of the Toyota Rav4 which would include all Rav4 manufactured between 1994 up to 2000 while those manufactured after 2000 up to those of the present belong to the second generation. Having been originally based on the Corolla platform, the Rav4 came in two doors and four doors variety. After 1999, the Rav4 market in America only had interest for the two door variety.
The 1996 Toyota Rav4 Repair Manual comes in two kinds: one for the two door model and another for the four door model. Then again, there really is not much difference between the 1996 Toyota Rav4 Repair Manual of the two door model and the 1996 Toyota Rav4 Repair Manual of the four door model, except of course that one of the manuals deals with two doors and the other with four doors. Then again, these are just minor differences and if the repairs to be made are more interior than exterior, using any of the 1996 Toyota Rav4 Repair Manual really makes no difference.
The 1996 Toyota Rav4 Repair Manual sells between ten and twenty dollars, depending on where it is bought and the shipment fees for transportation. Not only that, but there are different brands of the 1996 Toyota Rav4 Repair Manual and automotive repair manuals depending on which company, group of people or person is its author.
An average 1996 Toyota Rav4 Repair Manual is made up of different components which deal with different aspects of the vehicle. Take the introductory part of the manual which is made up of a lot of information one must first hand know about the vehicle such as the tools needed for maintenance, maintenance techniques and the repair facilities needed to make adequate repairs. The introduction part of the manual would also contain information like vehicle identification numbers, buying parts, and things to know about jacking and towing, jump starting the battery, information concerning safety and troubleshooting.
The 1996 Toyota Rav4 Repair Manual and haynes repair manuals would also have information on tune-up and routine maintenance. Not only that, but the manual would also contain engine and overhaul procedures. Within the manual would then be step by step procedures on doing the repairs yourself, which would save the owner money for not having to take the vehicle to the mechanic.
Lastly, these manuals would have detailed specifications and photographs of the repairs which are needed. Definitely a good investment for any owner of the 1996 Toyota Rav4.
I own a 2003 Toyota Corolla CE. My car insurance is moderately expensive, and I’ve been told that installing an alarm system would help lower my insurance. But I don’t want a cheap alarm that can be easily set off by someone’s sound system.
I am trying to have some front end damage repaired on my 03 Corolla. I have a $500 dollar deductible and the estimate is for a little over $900. I have a friend who has the knowledge and ability to repair the auto (12 years in the industry) and he is willing to do the repairs without me paying the deductible. What can I expect from the insurance company. Will they allow him to do it? Will they accept aftermarket parts? What type of final inspection will they require? Will I be able to accomplish this utililzing my friend. I have no doubt he can do a satisfactory job but will the insurance company work with me. I know the rules probably vary from company to company but any general advice on how to approach them or what to expect will be appreciated.
If the vehicle is financed, who will the check be made out to. I was told that before they pay all they wanted was pictures of the completed work.
Having food in your car is usually a bad idea, as leaving your lunch on the seat can make the whole interior stink, or, even worse, attract bears. One Colorado teen recently learned this lesson the hardest way possible, as a peanut butter sandwich left on his back seat attracted a black bear with the unusual skill of grand theft auto.
Police estimate that the bear was searching out a midnight snack and opened the door of this kid’s unlocked Toyota Corolla on his own and entered the vehicle. When the door somehow closed on its own, the bear went from Yogi looking for a pic-a-nick basket to something out of the Exorcist. At some point during the bear’s utter smackdown of the Corolla’s interior, the transmission made its way out of Park, sending the compact sedan and it’s assuredly un-licensed driven rolling down the driveway and into the woods. There’s no explanation of how the bear eventually exited the Corolla, but we do know he left behind a large steaming present on the driver seat.
Follow the jump to check out the carnage. The first clip is of a British news show that provides most of the details, including images of the bear inside the Corolla, and the second clip is a grand tour of the devastation from the Colorado teen himself.
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading Video: Bear steals car for peanut butter sandwich, trashes interior, poops on seat
Video: Bear steals car for peanut butter sandwich, trashes interior, poops on seat originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Toyota has been in the hot seat this year for its high-volume safety recalls, has issued yet another action that covers its 2005-2008 model year 
