Category Archives: Toyota

Toyota recalling over 1 million vehicles

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Toyota

The maintenance issues continue for Toyota, which announced today that it will recall 1.53 million vehicles worldwide. Although the company claims to be employing new safety checks and focusing on restoring the brand's reputation for reliability, the automaker has continued to issue massive recalls this year for multiple vehicles.

The latest recall includes 740,000 used cars in the U.S., and doesn't affect any of the brand's new vehicles. The models in question include Avalons made between 2005 and 2006, Toyota Highlanders and Lexus RX330s from 2004 to 2006 and Lexus GS 300s, IS 250s and IS 350s from 2006.

Toyota says that the brake fluid used during maintenance can cause a small crack in the vehicle's master cylinder, leading to a "gradual decline" in stopping power. The issue will cause the brake warning light to come on. The automaker called the recall "voluntary," but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has pressured automakers to issue recalls for even minor problems in recent months.

The recall also includes nearly 600,000 vehicles overseas, mainly in Europe and Japan. Those vehicles have an additional problem with the electrical wiring related to the fuel pumps, which could potentially cause an engine stall.

Toyota has recalled over 10 million vehicles in the past year. 

Google outfits self-driving Prius

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Posted in General Auto News, Toyota

Google has revealed that it is testing technology that would allow vehicles to drive themselves using advanced artificial intelligence that mimics the decisions drivers make on a daily basis.

The company is currently testing the new technology around California, using modified Toyota Priuses and one Audi TT. High-powered cameras, similar to those that Google uses for its "Street View" service, are mounted on top of the vehicle in order to detect the situation around the driver. That information is then fed to the vehicle, so that the car can stop, steer and navigate all on its own. According to the company, the technology already makes better decisions than human drivers.

Google says the technology is still years away, but hopes that one day the system will be reliable enough to save lives and cut down on the 1.2 million killed every year on the roads.

"We believe our technology has the potential to cut that number, perhaps by as much as half," project lead engineer Sebastian Thrun wrote on the official Google Blog.

The current vehicles use GPS technology to map a route in advance, but can adapt to situations based on sensors detecting the vehicles and obstacles around it. In limited testing, the team uses a driver who has full control of the vehicle and can take over at any time in case of an emergency. Thus far, the group has only had one accident – when they were rear-ended at a stoplight.

Drivers interested in a Prius or any other vehicle may want to search on the used car market in order to get a better deal.

Redesigned Scion tC hopes to attract new drivers

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Posted in Toyota

Toyota's youth-oriented Scion brand has been successful in many ways, most notably in creating a number of enthusiasts who are loyal to the brand. Now, with a redesigned version of the brand's coupe, the tC.

The 2011 Scion tC goes on sale October 1st, and Toyota hopes that the vehicle will strike a balance between appealing to the Scion loyalists who have helped the brand get to this point as well as reach a new audience who will help it continue to grow.

Like the tC's brandmate, the boxy xB, the Scion features a styling gamble that may turn many people off right away – an all-glass roof. The other improvements are tough to argue with – improved horsepower and fuel economy over the previous model in addition to a roomier backseat. Although the tC still appears like a two-door coupe, it offers enough room to allow it to compete with more traditional compact sedans.

Scion owners tend to customize their vehicles in various ways, something that Toyota encourages. That could be problematic for buyers on the used car market, who could get a car that has additional accessories or parts that the driver doesn't need or want. Still, drivers interested in the brand might be able to find a few cheaper tCs on the used car market once the new model debuts.

Nissan, Hyundai battling for No. 2 Asian automaker spot

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Posted in Honda - DO NOT USE, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota

Nissan’s strong sales combined with Toyota‘s stumbles have allowed the company to make significant progress in terms of surpassing second-place Asian automaker Honda in terms of North American sales, but a huge surge by upstart South Korean brand Hyundai may usurp them both.

According to USA Today, Toyota’s recall issues have led consumers to look elsewhere. While Toyota is still the top brand, many drivers have turned to Nissan rather than Honda when shopping for a new or used car.

Many analysts pegged Nissan to eventually unseat Honda as the number 2 automaker – and that still may happen by year’s end. But others are predicting that the affordable prices of Hyundai, coupled with its cheaper Kia brand, are leading consumers away from Japan’s Big Three in this tough economy – so much so that Hyundai will end up in second place by the time all is said and done.

“Really, Nissan’s biggest threat isn’t Honda,” Ed Kim, chief industry analyst for AutoPacific told the news source. “The one they need to be concerned about is Hyundai.”

Drivers looking for a vehicle should remember to factor used cars into their decision. Although Hyundai’s cars are usually cheaper when bought new, consumers who shop around a bit can likely find a great deal on a used Nissan, Honda or Toyota.

Toyota to recall Corolla, Matrix

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Posted in Toyota

Used Toyotas were once known as bastions of reliability, but recent recalls have caused the automaker to pull back millions of its signature vehicles.

The latest news on the Toyota recall front, according to the Los Angeles Times, is a one million used car recall on 2005-2008 Toyota Matrices and Corollas. The automaker received several complaints of a stalling engine that it determined could be due to a problem with an engine control unit, an electronic part.

The announcement also includes the discontinued Pontiac Vibe, which was a joint venture between Toyota and General Motors.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration said it received 163 complaints about the issue. Toyota said it was aware of three accidents with one minor injury.

Although the company has recalled over 10 million vehicles in the past few months, the brand is still one of the most popular in the world. Drivers interested in used Toyotas shouldn’t let recalls scare them off, as careful research will allow them to find plenty of models that aren’t involved in the recalls.

Four hatchbacks that won’t break the bank

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Posted in Ford, Honda - DO NOT USE, Nissan, Toyota

Drivers shopping for a vehicle have many options to consider in deciding on a used car. But with such a wide variety of cars for sale, it’s difficult to choose just one.

One way to narrow down a buyer’s options is to select a particular class or style that’s suitable. Many drivers, for example, won’t be caught dead in anything other than a pickup truck. Others prefer the sleek stylings of two-seaters, or the off-roading capabilities of SUVs.

Hatchbacks are popular with many consumers because of their great fuel economy, low price and surprising amount of cargo and passenger space. For city dwellers, especially in Europe, these cars provide the additional benefit of being easy to maneuver and park.

Top Speed recently profiled four of the most popular hatchbacks, pitting them against each other in order to determine which truly rules the road. The four competitors were the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit.

While the Toyota Yaris was the news sources’ least favorite, the reviewer did admit the car was a great deal, considering it was $2,605 cheaper than the next cheapest hatchback. Drivers could use those savings to upgrade the Yaris with something like the Power Package, which retails for $1,705. The vehicle also has plenty of safety features and was as powerful as any of the other vehicles featured. Although the reviewer didn’t like the driving dynamics, such an experience is often subjective and potential buyers should probably test the car for themselves before making a decision.

Next up was the Nissan Versa. While coming in third place overall, was close to or even surpassed the other vehicles in many areas. The blog writes that Nissan must have used “some sort of engineering voodoo” in order to make the car so roomy. Four people will comfortably fit inside with plenty of leg room and head space, yet the car is no bigger than its competitors. The Versa was also praised for providing a quiet and easy ride. It lost points for power and an overall lack of style.

The Ford Fiesta, in second place overall, was considered the best looking car of the bunch, with one reviewer claiming it looked “like a work of art.” Unfortunately, the sleek design sacrifices some roominess and cargo space on the inside. The Fiesta provided the best ride quality and maneuvering and was the second fastest in the 0 to 60 test. The car can also be equipped with an optional dual-clutch Powershift transmission that significantly upgrades the driving experience – for a price.

While all of the other vehicles had flaws, the Honda Fit took top marks for really having none. The Fit is the classic jack-of-all-trades, good at everything but excelling in nothing. The news source found that it was suitably stylish, powerful, maneuverable and roomy, making it the top choice for a hatchback.

Hatchbacks are already easier on the wallet than many vehicles. Yet by shopping the used car market, drivers can get an even better deal on a great car.

Ford tops Kelley Blue Book’s most-considered list

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Posted in Chevrolet, Ford, General Auto News, Honda - DO NOT USE, Hyundai, Toyota

In a consumer survey to find what brands buyers are looking at when considering cars for sale, Ford has come out on top.

According to Kelley Blue Book, best known for providing values for used cars, Ford topped the list with 29 percent of buyers considering the automaker when purchasing a vehicle. Ford’s turnaround, bolstered by a redesign of its lineup, has clearly resonated with consumers, as it supplanted Toyota in the previous quarter and increased its lead in this one. Much of its strength comes in the SUV/Crossover segment, where nearly half of all buyers consider the brand, at 46 percent.

Toyota held on to the second spot by a slim margin, with its 22 percent share just edging out Chevy’s 21 percent. The automaker has lost its top position due to quality concerns stemming from the company’s unintended acceleration debacle.

Rounding out the top five was Honda, at 20 percent, and Hyundai, a surprise in the fifth spot with 13 percent.

Those in the market for a used car should do a bit of research in order to narrow down their own list of brands. They might even want to consider using Kelley Blue Book values to get a good price for their current car.

Toyota’s unintended acceleration problems help driver escape prison

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Posted in General Auto News, Toyota

Toyota has come under fire for its unintended acceleration problems, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates may have contributed to more than 80 fatalities on the road. The new findings about the issues have helped exonerate one man who was sentenced to jail for vehicular manslaughter.

MotorTrend reports that Koua Fong Lee was behind the wheel of a 1996 Toyota Camry when it struck an Oldmosbile Ciera from behind, killing the three occupants inside. Lee repeatedly testified during his trial that although he stepped on the brakes, the vehicle would not slow or stop. Lee was eventually convicted and sentenced to an eight year prison term

In light of the problems with Toyota vehicles, District Judge Joanne Smith recently ruled that Lee should be allowed to go free. The district attorney has announced she will not challenge the ruling, and at least one member of the victims’ family said they were happy that Lee was being released. The family has also filed a suit against Toyota.

Those in the market for a used car shouldn’t necessarily shy away from used Toyotas. With a little research, drivers can find which models are unaffected and possibly get a great deal, since the value of Toyota cars has dipped because of quality concerns.

AP: Scion xD is overlooked

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Posted in General Auto News, Toyota

When buyers are looking at a used Toyota, they often go for a Corolla or Camry. Yet many drivers forget about Toyota‘s youth-oriented Scion brand, which features a few vehicles that drivers might want to give a second look.

Scion is usually identified with the boxy-looking xB, one of the first modern cars on the road that embraced a squared-off look. But drivers who aren’t fans of that aesthetic and are in the market for a used car might want to consider the xD.

According to the Associated Press, buyers have continually overlooked the car, and it’s not clear why. The small five-door hatchback boasts more horsepower than its competitors in the segment and Consumer Reports recommended the car as eminently reliable. Still, despite acclaim that would make it a hit under other brands, the xD is Toyota’s slowest selling non-luxury car.

The news source reports that the car is great for city driving, gets 30 mpg, and has a number of seat configurations that its major rivals do not.

Drivers who are buying a used car might want to consider trying out a Scion xD and seeing how it compares to other cars in its class, like the Honda Fit or Nissan Versa.

Toyota pulling used Avalons off the road

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Toyota

Toyota has announced that it will recall 373,000 used Toyota Avalons off the road, citing a problem with the steering system.

The Japanese automaker says that a component in Avalons sold from 2000-2004 can crack when the vehicle is turned hard to the right. This piece can then become lodged and cause the wheel to lock up, increasing the risk of a crash, according to the Los Angeles Times. The problem has resulted in six incidents that have caused three crashes in the U.S., none of which injured drivers or passengers.

The company will also recall its 2003-2007 Lexus LX 470 SUVs for a steering problem unrelated to that of the Avalons. These recalls bring the total number of vehicles recalled by the company in the last year to 9 million. After the major debacle with unintended acceleration, some automotive analysts believe the Japanese automaker is playing it safe.

“If one of their vehicles so much as hiccups or coughs, they now do a big recall,” Rebecca Lindland of IHS Automotive told the news source, “and it is very expensive.”

Those who own used Toyota Avalons will be able to take the car to the dealer to get a fix, which the company estimates will take about two hours.