Car buyers are always in the lookout for the car offering the best value for their money. Different firms have been guiding prospective car buyers on how to choose the vehicle the suits their needs best. From performance to fuel economy to safety, all bases should be covered in choosing a vehicle.

IntelliChoice, one of the leading sources of pertinent information to car buyers, recently announced their “Best Deals” list. The list contains what the online outfit thinks is the best vehicle in different classes. For the month of April, IntelliChoice announced their “Best Deals” and this has been done coinciding with the ongoing New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in the Big Apple.

This month’s list includes several models from Japan’s three biggest car manufacturers. These vehicles are seen as the measuring stick for future production vehicles unveiled and showcased at the New York Auto Show. James Bell, the publisher of IntelliChoice.com, has this to say with regards to the list and the vehicles showcased at the event: “Even more than recent auto shows, the New York show offered a look at some very compelling future competition to many of the mainstays on our monthly ‘Best Deals’ list.”

The Honda Civic hybrid is rated as the best deal for the Compact Car over $16,000 class by IntelliChoice.com. For the Compact Car under $16,000 class, the best deal is touted to be the Honda Civic DX with an automatic transmission.

Aside from these two models, another Honda produced vehicle was named as a best deal in its class – the Honda Civic Si. The said model is named as the best deal in the Base Sport Car class. The Honda Odyssey is once again named as the best deal for the Minivan class. The Honda Odyssey has been dominating that class in recent history but will face strong competition in the form of the Ford Flex recently unveiled at the New York International Auto Show.
A Nissan model is also named as one of the best deals for the month of April. The Nissan Frontier King Cab XE 2WD with a manual transmission is named as the best deal for the Compact Pickup Truck 2WD class. The King Cab is the first crew cab body style compact pickup truck in North America and since its inception in the U.S. auto market has been popular among car buyers. With its trademark dependability, the Nissan Frontier is not a surprise choice as the best deal for its class. Its high performance construction and components such as the Nissan spark plug wires are one of the reasons why the Frontier sits at the top of its class.

Toyota, the surging Japanese car manufacturer, also landed several of its models at the “Best Deals” list. The popular Toyota Prius is named as the best deal for the Midsize Car under $21,000 while the Prius Touring is named as the best deal for the Midsize Car over $21,000 class.

For the Large Car class, IntelliChoice picked the Toyota Avalon Touring as the best deal for consumers. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid with a third row seating and 2WD configuration is named as the best deal for the Midsize Crossover class. The Toyota Matrix Standard with manual transmission is also named as the best deal for the Small Wagon class.

For the Compact Pickup Truck 4WD class, IntelliChoice picked the Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 4WD as the best deal. The Toyota Tundra Regular Cab V6 2WD Short Bed is named as the best deal for the Full-Size Pickup Truck 2WD 1/2 Ton class.



By: Toyota USA Blog

Toyotausablog.com

The business of planning, locating, designing and building new factories is a multi-year project one that can take three even as many as five years to complete depending on local building code restrictions, weather delays, and other impediments. During that time, the winds of business can shift abruptly turning a once great idea on its head.

For Toyota, the opening of a new factory in Ontario this month is being done with mixed feelings. On the one hand, the factory represents an excellent chance for the Japanese automaker to aid the local economy and spread goodwill among Canadians along with building passenger vehicles that consumers really want like the popular Toyota RAV4 sport/utility model. On the other hand, business is down and demand isn’t what it was as recently as this past summer, meaning Toyota needs to step carefully when ramping up production.

Located in Woodstock, the plant represents a CDN$1.1 billion dollar investment by Toyota. It is the first all new plant to be built in Ontario over the past twenty years and the company has spent tens of millions of dollars training new workers. The Woodstock plant is the only location outside of Japan where the RAV4 is built.
“Having the best workers helps attract the best jobs, and that’s why we’re so pleased to work with Toyota. Our government will continue working with the auto industry to secure good jobs for Ontario families,” said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.

As of this writing, Toyota hasn’t said how many people will be employed at the plant, though the company does employ 4500 workers at its Cambridge plant where it builds several models including the Toyota Corolla and Matrix as well as the Lexus EX 350.

In 2007 Toyota passed General Motors to become the world’s largest automaker. Selling cars under the Toyota, Lexus and Scion nameplates, Toyota sells approximately nine million passenger vehicles worldwide. It is the second largest seller of vehicles in the United States, a market where year to date sales are down for all automakers. In Canada, the downturn is more recent, with Toyota sales near last year’s figures.



By: Toyota USA Blog

Toyotausablog.com

IntelliChoice.com announced last June 19 it’s “Best Deals of the Month” for cars, trucks and SUVs for June 2007. The list depicts that as the country is geared into the summer driving season, Toyota and Honda sedans vehicles, as well as American truck automakers, which are enduring winners, continue to hold their ranks steadily.

Publisher James Bell of IntelliChoice.com said that Toyota along with its Lexus brand continued to hold down nearly one-third of their overall list, with 11 total winners. He added that American truck makers appeared to be frustrated with the Toyota Tundra, at least from an overall cost-of-ownership panorama.

The Best Deals of the Month identifies new cars, trucks and SUVs with the best ownership cost value within 33 respective classes. The selection process was based o the current car pricing, market conditions, as well as the lowest national manufacturer consumer new car rebate. IntelliCChoice.com has also make use of up-to-date information gathered from various automotive resources to assess what it costs to buy, own and operate each new model-year trim line over a five-year basis.

For this Month’s “Best Deals”, the MINI Cooper bested in the subcompact car class. The Honda Civic Hybrid and Sedan, both equipped with quality Honda Civic exhaust, are the chosen cars for the compacts over 16000 and compacts under 16000, respectively. The Toyota Prius is the chosen midsize car over and under 21000.

Other “Best Deals” for the month of June include:

MINI Cooper Convertible (convertible),

Audi A4 Convertible (luxury convertible),

Lexus IS (near luxury), Lexus ES (luxury car),

Toyota Avalon (large car),

Honda Civic Si Coupe (base sports car),

Chevrolet Corvette (sport car),

Lexus GS (sport sedan/wagon over 38000),

Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan (sport sedan/wagon under 38000),

Ford Escape Hybrid (compact/utility crossover),

Toyota Highlander Hybrid (midsize crossover),

Lexus RX 400h (luxury crossover),

Toyota Matrix (small wagon),

Subaru Outback Wagon (midsize/large wagon),

GMC Yukon (SUV),

Hummer H3 (intermediate utility),

Lexus GX (luxury SUV),

Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 2WD (compact pick up truck 2WD),

Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab 4WD (compact pick up truck 4WD),

GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab 2WD (full-size pickup truck 2WD 1/2 ton),

Ford F250 Super Duty Super Cab 2WD (full-size pickup truck 2WD 3/4 ton),

Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 2WD (full-size pickup truck 2WD one ton),

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab 4WD (full-size pickup truck 4WD 1/2 ton),

GMC Sierra 2500 HD Crew Cab 4WD (full-size pickup truck 4WD 3/4 ton),

Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 4WD (full-size pickup truck 4WD one ton),

Honda Odyssey Passenger Van (minivan),

Chevrolet Express 1500 Passenger Van (full-size van), and the

Dodge Grand Caravan Cargo Van (cargo van).

IntelliChoice.com is a source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Its “Best Deals of the Month” identifies new cars, trucks and SUVs with the best ownership cost value in 33 respective classes. Current car pricing, market conditions and the lowest national manufacturer consumer new car rebate are the criteria upon the selection. Aside from that, IntelliChoice.com uses the latest information from a large number of automotive resources to assess what it costs to buy, own and operate each new model-year trim line over a five-year basis.



By: Toyota USA Blog

Toyotausablog.com

The coming year 2009 is expected to bring with itself many promising models which would feature better engines, higher fuel economy, and much more power then their ancestors. Auto majors are itching to showcase their technological and design achievements in their new cars and improved variants. Lets us take a look at some of the cars that are likely to be produced in significant numbers in 2009.

• Toyota corolla: Probably the most eagerly awaited models of 2009, the 10th generation Toyota corolla will be available for every pocket. The most popular car of all time would be available in two engine variants – 1.8 Litre DOHC 16 valve I4 with 138Hp and 2.4 Litre I4 with 158Hp respectively. This practical sedan will feature electronic stability control, traction control, ABS, BA, EBD and the usual airbags among others as safety equipment.

• Dodge Journey: Coming to the budding SUV crossover market is the Dodge Journey. With its first car based crossover, Dodge has entered in this segment with Journey- is an all new car, with a seating capacity of up to 7 people and having four cylinders with a v6 engine. Crossover cars have the convenience of a SUV truck along with the ride quality and fuel efficiency of a car; this makes a crossover car an excellent choice in today’s economy.

• Nissan Murano: Sold in more then 130 countries Nissan Murano is one of the best selling models of Nisan in recent times. With more curves, completely changed rear design, dual exhaust ports and a nice looking shiny grill, the New Nissan Murano is better styled than the previous version. Nissan Murano comes with a standard set of 18 inch wheels and has a better aerodynamic performance than the previous version for better mileage and less noise by wind friction.

• Jaguar XF: In an attempt to spice up its league of aging models, Jaguar’s S type line-up is being replaced by Jaguar XF. Being a midsized car and having rear wheel drive abilities make it a promising substitute to luxury imports like Mercedes E-class, Lexus GS and BMW 5 series. In a deliberate attempt by the company to increase sales and beat the completion, XF looks loaded; it excels in styling, interior design and added features. The Jaguar XF comes with a 4.2 litre V8 engine which churns 300 Hp with 310 pounds feet of torque. There is also another variant with a supercharged 4.2 litre engine that generates 420hp and 408 pounds feet of power; this takes it miles ahead of the competition.

• Toyota Matrix: Being referred to as hatchback version of Corolla, the Toyota matrix will have its second generation homecoming in the year 2009. Design wise, it looks much peppier then Toyota Corolla, and is sure to attract young but serious crowd. With four versions to choose from, and an all wheel drive option, this car also sports a 1.8 and a 2.4 Litre engine which produce 132 and 158 Hp.

So, if you are thinking to buy that dream car of yours, think again! In the coming year 2009 they might not remain as attractive an option.



By: Toyota USA Blog

Toyotausablog.com

Toyota, maker of the once famous Toyota Matrix parts, is bringing the “Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience,” to Livingston, Montana for the Northern Rockies Sustainability Fair. It is a nationwide tour that is designed to provide consumers with a firsthand opportunity to experience automotive hybrid technology.

In January 11, 2007, the tour debuted at the San Jose International Auto Show. It is now traveling to more than 150 events across the country during the next 18 months. Through a number of interactive educational exhibits and test drives, consumers will have an opportunity to test Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system and learn about hybrid technology.

Celeste Migliore, Toyota’s National Manager for Advanced Technology Vehicles, said that most people have heard of hybrid technology and probably have a shallow idea of how it works, but only a few have actually driven a hybrid and or taken an up-close look at its operation. According to Migliore, the tour allows consumers to learn more on the technology behind this system and the benefits derived from hybrid vehicles.

Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience functions like a mobile museum to the environment as well as to alternative fuels. The exhibit will be situated at Sacajawea Park from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 14.

Within the exhibit, there are four distinct interactive learning areas. One is the “Alternative Fuels: Fueling the Future”. It identifies the differences in the different types of alternative fuels and how they are produced. Next is the “Environment and Resources: Small Steps, Big Difference”, which shows attendees what they can do to make a difference to the environment. The third one is “The Prius Driving Experience”, which feigns the current Hybrid Synergy Drive technology allowing visitors to interact with system while on-screen instructions offer driving tips, and the last one is the “Hybrid Technology: Not All Hybrids are Created Equal” exhibit which gives visitors a better understanding of the different hybrid technology options on the market and how hybrids benefit the consumer and the environment as well.

Other than those, the exhibit provides attendees the chance to get behind the wheel of the Prius, Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid for them to experience Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system.

Not only interesting educational activities are offered by the hybrid experience. It is also designed to eliminate its own environmental impact. As a matter of fact, Toyota will plant more than 50,000 trees in honor of those visiting the experience in lieu of the National Arbor Day Foundation. These trees will help repay the “carbon footprint” of the trucks which are transporting the tour across the country and will continue to have a positive impact on the environment as years pass by.

Please visit http://www.toyota.com/highway for more information or the schedule of events. Experience hybrid!



By: Toyota USA Blog

Toyotausablog.com

When it comes to automakers and incentives, names such as Ford, Chrysler, General Motors, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and Volkswagen are frequently mentioned, car companies who typically need some help moving their many different models. Honda and Toyota are at the opposite side of the spectrum, offering few if any discounts or financing incentives to clear inventory. Until now.

In a break with past practice, Toyota is now offering financing incentives on eleven different models, vehicles which all sport the Toyota badge. Not included in the mix were the company’s Scion and Lexus models, at least for now. Also absent from the offer were a pair of hot sellers: the subcompact Yaris and the hybrid Prius.

The financing incentives being offered by Toyota is for loan terms ranging from 36 to 60 months with zero percent interest. The Toyota models qualifying for this offer are: Matrix, Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra. Put into place earlier this month, the financing deal runs through November 3rd.

“Not only do we have the inventory of today’s sought after fuel-efficient models, but we have the capacity through Toyota Financial Services to finance or lease them,” said Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter.

And, it is the financial arm of the automaker that is being tapped to provide the deal to Toyota customers. As other automakers struggle to hold onto market share and provide the funds necessary to hold loans or offer leases, Toyota Financial finds itself sitting on a heap of cash, ready to step in to make this unprecedented offer.

Toyota isn’t alone feeling the frigid breeze of a sales slump. Across the board average sales slumped by 26.6% in September 2008 over the same period a year earlier, with most manufacturers experiencing a double digit sales decline year to date. Just recently, GM ended its “employee pricing” initiative, but has replaced it with cash back and/or zero percent financing on a number of its own models too.

Chrysler recently raised prices for 2009 models, but discounts on most vehicles will cancel out those gains. Ford, Volkswagen, Suzuki, Mazda, Kia, and Nissan have each been offering incentives lately, offers which will only continue to grow as the year comes to a close.

So, although the Toyota move is certainly an unusual one, business certainly isn’t necessitating strong action on the part of the world’s top volume automaker.



By: Toyota USA Blog

Toyotausablog.com

Along with the heat of summer come high gas prices. Consumers will undoubtedly want to find ways to save a few dollars at the pump.

Drivers are often encouraged to improve their vehicle’s fuel economy by reducing air conditioning use, and checking important parts (like Mazda auto parts) — changing filters regularly, checking tire pressure, having fuel injectors cleaned and using a fuel additive to increase engine performance.

But are consumers actually using these fuel economy tips to help save money?

A recent Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research study on fuel economy has revealed that nearly six out of 10 consumers say they would be likely to change their filters at scheduled intervals and/or check their tire pressure regularly to achieve greater fuel economy or save money. Nearly seven out of 10 consumers (68 percent) also believe that by performing some or all of the recommended gas-saving maintenance to their car, they would save up to $200 annually.

The Toyota Motor Corp. is planning a $413 million upgrade to its Georgetown, Kentucky plant. The plan is intended to boost the production capacity and efficiency. The automaker also plans to add a model to the Camry, Avalon and Solara vehicles in said the plant.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority gave preliminary approval for $25 million in economic incentives for the work. Toyota has about 7,000 employees at the Georgetown factory, but spokesman Rick Hesterberg said the upgrades would not result in any new jobs. Hesterberg added that the money would be invested in the assembly and production areas. He declined to discuss the new vehicle being considered for the plant.

Catherine Madden, a senior automotive analyst for market-research firm Global Insight near Boston, said that she expects the new vehicle will be a midsized sport-touring wagon which is quite similar to the Matrix but larger. Madden added the plant would be a logical choice for the new model because the frame would be based on the Toyota Camry. She said about 80,000 of the vehicles would be made each year.

Speed racers, get ready to zoom now. Toyota is all set to gear up with the new speed beauties. Confirmed to be on the roads by 2009, the new auto machines are well equipped with advanced technology and coming-of-age design. Try out the features of the latest hot wheels.



Corolla:



Avalon:



Matrix:



Yaris:



FJ Cruiser:



Roll-sensing side curtain airbags

Active front-seat headrests

Electric stability control with a cut-off switch



This is not all. Toyota is also planning for a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe to be available in 2011. Till then, get busy and brush up with these new wheel-pieces!

The latest Toyota Cruiser is available in three new colors. Other interesting features include, Toyota is going to introduce the 5-door yaris model. The standard features of the 2009 Yaris model will include antilock brakes, front-seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags. The all new Matrix mini wagon is now available in Standard, S and XRS models. The S grade will offer optional all-wheel drive. The XRS comes with a 2.4 liter engine and 158 horsepower. The 2009 Toyota Avalon model is ready to hit the road with better and more advanced equipments. Some of its impressive features include electronic stability control, emergency braking assist and standard satellite radio pre-wiring for the stereo. It also contains active headrests fro the driver and front passenger. The 10th-gen Toyota Corolla is powered by a 132 horsepower 1.8 liter engine. The brand new model is available in Standard, LE, XLE and S grades. The old XRS model is going to shape up with a big 2.4 liter engine with 158 horsepower.

By: Toyota USA Blog

Toyotausablog.com