Toyota

  • 2013 Toyota Venza

    10/16/2012 6:24:26 PM - by Bill Bolander

    The 2013 Venza will be no different, offering consumers with SUV flexibility thanks to its fold-flat rear seats, a spacious cargo area, available AWD and up to 3,500-lbs. towing capacity.

    The 2013 Venza now offers a redesigned exterior, as well as several new standard features and updated option packages that include Toyota’s Entune multi-media system.

    The Venza’s exterior redesign will add a new upper and lower grille, fog lamps and rear taillights for the 2013 model year. 

    It will be available in three new exterior colors: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl, and Cosmic Gray Mica.

    The 2013 Venza offers three interior colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black. Each color is offered in fabric and leather depending on the trim.

    Each trim level adds new features for the 2013 Venza. The LE model will get new Display Audio systems, puddle lamps, a blind-spot side mirrors, and outer turn signals. In addition to Entune multi-media features, XLE models add on reverse-tilt outside mirrors, a memory power driver’s seat, and a navigation system. The top of the line Limited models now get the above mentioned features plus LED daytime running lights, premium 13-speaker JBL sound and an upgraded navigation system.

    Safety features on the 2013 Venza include Toyota’s STAR Safety System which features enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and the Smart Stop Technology.Other safety features include: a driver’s knee airbag, driver and front-passenger front-seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags, Front seat-belt pretensioners and more.

    One great safety feature is the active headrests found on the driver and passenger seats.  This feature equips the seat with a cable mechanism that will move the headrest upward and forward if the vehicle is struck from the rear, and thus limiting the movement of the occupant’s head.

    Posted in Toyota Venza

  • 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser

    10/16/2012 6:19:45 PM - by Bill Bolander
    Under the Hood and Performance
    For the 2013 model year, Toyota opted to keep the Land Cruisers’ 5.7-liter V-8 engine. This engine provides the massive Land Cruiser with better acceleration than most SUV’s in its class, giving drivers the ability to drive with authority. The 2013 Land Cruiser mixes power with an extremely high riding position that puts drivers’ within eye level to most work trucks, giving them a sense of command.
     
    The Land Cruiser’s suspension system is equipped with a hydraulically variable stabilizer bar which automatically adapts to on- and off-road terrain. It will also feature a selectable “Crawl” control that features five low-speed settings for driving through a variety of off-road terrains.
     
    The standard 2013 Land Cruiser can tow up to 8,200 pounds, which is equivalent to the Chevy Tahoe. It also comes standard with a trailer-sway control mode for the stability system.
     
    Interior
     
    The 2013 Land Cruiser features front- and second-row seats that are exceptionally comfortable over long hauls, offering plenty of room in every direction.  The third-row seats fold up to the side, allowing 43 cubic feet of cargo space. We would like to see this improved for next year, as the impressive size of this SUV leaves room to add more cargo space.
     
    Features
     
    The 2013 Land Cruiser comes equipped with a long list of standard features including: keyless entry and start, a power moon roof, high-intensity discharge headlights, skid plates, four-zone climate control, a navigation system, a 14-speaker JBL sound system, USB/IPod connectivity, HD Radio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, four exterior cameras for 360-degree Multi-terrain Monitoring, a rear entertainment system, heated and ventilated front seats, and dynamic cruise control.
     
    Conclusion
     
    The 2013 Land Cruiser offers drivers plenty to love between its off-roading and towing capabilities, its refined driving environment and its impressive list of features.

    Posted in Toyota Land Cruiser

  • 2013 Toyota 4Runner

    10/16/2012 6:15:02 PM - by Bill Bolander

    The 2013 4Runner will be available in 3 different trim levels: SR5, Limited, and Trail for off-road capability. All models are offered an optional third-row seat, allowing it to comfortably seat seven passengers.

    The 2013 4Runner will be powered by a 4.0-liter V6, capable of producing 270 hp and mated to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission. The SR5 model replaces the 2012 model’s lever setup for its transfer case from the 2012 model with a switch-type control. Every 2013 model will be made available in rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive and full-time multi-mode four-wheel drive configurations.

    For 2013 the Limited model also gets a few upgrades including an X-REAS suspension system which improves performance, vehicle control and comfort and control. The X-REAS system works by automatically adjusting restraining force when driving over bumpy surfaces and going around corners. The Limited also gets a full-time, four-wheel drive system equipped with a locking center differential and a three-mode, center console-mounted switch.

    The Trail trim of the 4Runner offers Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System as an option, thus allowing it for a smoother trip, as well as better suspension for driving in difficult terrain.

    The Trail grade of the 2013 4Runner comes standard equipped with Toyota’s Crawl Control which helps maintain the vehicles speed to keep it under control, thus minimizing load on its drivetrain and suspension components. The Trail model also has an available Multi-Terrain select function.

    For the 2013 model year the 4Runner’s SR5 and Limited trims now come with automatic running boards, while the Limited model will get a new Display Audio system that incorporates today’s most in-demand connectivity features such as USB/Ipod connectivity and including Toyota’s Entune system.

    While the 2013 4Runner will remain very similar to previous model, the few additions to the 2013 model offer a refreshed version of the already dominant SUV.

    Posted in Toyota 4Runner

  • 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser

    10/16/2012 6:13:06 PM - by Bill Bolander
    This year the FJ cruiser will see a new available color scheme for the Trail Teams Special Edition. Other changes include standard power outside mirrors with illuminated markers and a new Magma Red exterior color.
     
    But the highlight for the new year is the Trail Teams Special Edition Package, which incorporates a standard Off-Road Package and features a new color, Cement Grey, replacing Radiant Red. The exterior gets a sportier look with black bumpers, front grille, and door handles, while the interior gets matching Cement Grey accents on the door trim, steering wheel, and fabric seat inserts.
     
    Under the hood, the FJ comes equipped with a cyclone pre-air cleaner designed to trap sand and dirt. Those who opt for the Trail Teams package will have give their FJ Cruiser better chassis performance thanks to trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, a rear differential lock with Active Traction Control system, fuel tank, and transfer cases, skid plates, and rock rails, while the exterior gets 16-inch TRD wheels mated to 265/75ZR16 All-Terrain tires from BF Goodrich.

    The 2013 FJ Cruise also offers a Convenience Package which adds cruise control, daytime running lights, a rear window wiper, and a spare tire cover, plus a rear backup camera–really a necessity if you plan to drive the FJ around town, or parallel-park.
     
    Optional for the FJ Cruiser to increase towing capacity is a Class Four hitch receiver, making the vehicle capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs.
     
    If you are looking to combine trail ability with fresh styling, then go for the Trail Teams Special Edition Package. It includes most of the above named extras plus body color-matched interior highlights, off-road lights, an aluminum shift knob and aluminum scuff plates. Lastly for 2013, the Trail Teams Package is newly offered in Cement Gray.

    Posted in Toyota FJ Cruiser

  • Toyota Camry Tops Cars.com Most American Cars List

    7/11/2012 3:12:17 PM - by Bill Bolander
    Cars.com voted on the top 10 Most American of all vehicles and once again, the Toyota Camry has been picked as the most American of all cars. The choice was made due to the Camry having more U.S. sourced parts, U.S. production and higher U.S. sales.
    This marks the fourth-straight year that the Toyota Camry has topped the "American-made" survey. This year, the Ford F-150 came at a close second but in the end, Toyota, Honda and General Motors took eight of the 10 spots on the list.
    "When people think about buying an 'American' car, they might just think automatically of the Detroit Three," said Patrick Olsen, editor in chief at Cars.com. "In reality, this classification isn't as cut and dry as it used to be."
    So without further ado here are the 10 most American vehicles and where they're made as voted by Cars.com:
    1. Toyota Camry, Georgetown, Ky., and Lafayette, Ind.
    2. Ford F-150, Dearborn, Mich., and Claycomo, Mo.
    3. Honda Accord, Marysville, Ohio
    4. Toyota Sienna, Princeton, Ind.
    5. Honda Pilot, Lincoln, Ala.
    6. Chevrolet Traverse, Lansing, Mich.
    7. Toyota Tundra, San Antonio
    8. Jeep Liberty, Toledo, Ohio
    9. GMC Acadia, Lansing
    10. Buick Enclave, Lansing

    What do you think of this list? Let us know!

    Posted in Toyota Camry

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