New Car Reviews : toyota

Sneak Peek: 2009 Toyota Corolla and Matrix

Jeffrey Ross — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 12:11:00 GMT

The annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas is primarily known for showcasing aftermarket accessories and displaying tricked-out show cars.

Lately, manufacturers have recognized the unique opportunity this auto show allows and many have begun debuting new concept and production cars.

Toyota, one of the leaders of manufacturer accessorizing, used this years SEMA show to debut two of its more popular cars Toyota debuted the 2009 Corolla and Matrix. Both cars will go on sale February 2008 and feature a much more angular and aggressive design than the cars they replace.

Like its predecessor, the 2009 Toyota Matrix will continue to share a platform with the Corolla. Unlike the previous generations, however, both cars will now share similar sheet metal especially up front. The Matrix keeps the same overall shape that made it popular when it was introduced in 2003. The 2009 Toyota Corolla looks like a shrunken Camry, which should be a move in the right direction considering the recent success of the latest Camry redesign.

The Matrix lineup grows to three distinct trim levels: standard, S and XRS. The Matrix S and XRS feature stylish body kits and interior upgrades that add to the aggressive look and stance of the 2009 Matrix. All-wheel drive is an option on the Matrix S, while the XRS trim level is upgraded with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a rear deck spoiler and the 18-inch, ten-spoke wheels. The Corolla lineup expands as well and now offers five trim levels: standard, LE, XLE, S and XRS. Unfortunately, the Corolla S will not get all-wheel drive like the Matrix S.

Inside is where the two cars really distinguish themselves from each other with the most notable differences being the gauge cluster and the center stack. The gauge cluster on the Matrix features three individual chrome-trimmed pods while the Corolla uses a more basic and less flashy two-gauge cluster.

Breaking from the recent trend that almost every redesigned car has seen lately, both the Corolla and the Matrix retain similar dimensions to the outgoing models. The Matrix continues to offer a more utilitarian interior with its major competition being some of the smaller crossover SUVs on the market. The plastic-lined cargo area and folding front passenger seat gives the Matrix a versatile interior.

The standard engine is an all-new version of Toyota’s 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with Dual VVT-i capable of 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission will be standard with a four-speed automatic available. On the Matrix, preliminary fuel economy ratings are 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with the automatic transmission (a 1 mpg increase for each is expected with the manual transmission) while the Corolla is a tad better with estimated ratings of 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with both transmissions.

The upgraded engine is the 158-horsepower 2.4-liter, DOHC four-cylinder engine with VVT-i and comes with a choice of two five-speed transmissions: either in manual or automatic. The Corolla with the 2.4-liter option gets 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while the Matrix with the same engine gets a slightly lower 21 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

Starting prices should be available closer to launch, but are expected to be similar to the current Corolla and Matrix starting MSRP of $14,405 and $15,510, respectively.

Problems Continue For the Toyota Tundra

Jeffrey Ross — Thu, 31 May 2007 20:09:00 GMT

By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com

When the all-new 2007 Toyota Tundra debuted, many in the industry saw the truck being a major threat to domestic pickups. Despite negative press about receiving only four stars in a frontal crash test, it appeared to be a minor and inconvenient setback for one of Toyota’s most important new car launches this decade.

Even the latest Ford F-150 commercials that attack the Tundra’s inferior crash test rating have done little to slow down the Tundra’s onslaught against American pickup trucks. In fact, only the Tundra and the Dodge Ram posted sales increases compared to last year. The latest news could ruin whatever forward momentum the Tundra had in the market.

The most powerful half-ton V8 on the market, the Tundra’s 381-horsepower, 5.7-liter DOHC i-Force V8, has experienced devastating and costly camshaft failures. The devastation and costs are not only in reference to the replacement of the engine (repairs estimated at $5,000 per truck), but Toyota’s image will most certainly take a big hit, as well, continuing an uphill battle to penetrate the American full-size pickup truck market.

The camshaft problem was first noticed in February and changes to the production procedures were changed. While no recall has been announced, the camshaft failures could turn out to be a major problem for Toyota. So far, Toyota is prepared to replace the complete engine assembly on any Tundra that experiences a broken camshaft, and only 20 of the estimated 30,000 engines have actually experienced broken camshafts, but Toyota is still studying how many of the engines may have been affected.

The camshaft is supplied to Toyota from an outside vendor and the problem is recognized as a “…a metallurgical defect in the casting.” One positive aspect for Toyota is that in order to keep inventories low, engines are built using just-in-time parts supplies which means that there are no “batches” of engines and, good for Toyota, any bad parts should be limited to a small number of engines.

Regardless, all the negative press toward the Tundra lately will undoubtedly be Toyota’s first major test with customer service as many Toyotas are thought to be the most reliable and dependable vehicles on the market to some. Replacing the entire engine and not just the camshaft at least shows that Toyota continues to look ahead (regarding customer service) while dealing with major problems efficiently as they come along.

While expected sales goals will most likely not be beat, the Tundra’s 2007 sales numbers are relatively strong. Toyota sold 14,200 Tundras in April, up 60 percent from last year, amassing 40,662 units through the first third of the year. Toyota had its hopes on selling 200,000 Tundras in 2007 but at the current sales rate, last year’s tally of 124,508 sales seems more reasonable.

2007 Toyota Tundra: the Third Time is the Charm

Jeffrey Ross — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 14:03:00 GMT

By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com

In its effort for total market domination, Toyota is going head-to-head with domestic automakers in two of the largest American-bred automotive markets: NASCAR and pickup trucks.

While the Toyota Camry has been a staple in the best selling car list for decades, its debut in the Daytona 500 was anything but stellar. Not everybody can get it right on the first try and there is always a steep learning curve when taking on the big dogs of an industry. Good thing for Toyota that they know all about learning curves.

The full-size truck market has been a three-player race since the invention of the pickup truck. When Toyota’s attempt at upsizing it pickup trucks fell flat in 1993, it was apparent that it would take more than a big name to be successful. The second generation Tundra marks Toyota’s third attempt at competing in the full-size truck market and if the size, horsepower and towing ratings are any indication of how this truck will compete, the third time is definitely the charm.

In 1993, Toyota first stepped into the ring with the Dodge Ram, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra and Ford F150 with the undersized, underpowered and under-styled T100. Hardly considered a threat to other full-size trucks, the T100 was more similar in size to a midsize truck, such as the Dodge Dakota, but had the power and engine choices similar to many smaller trucks, including the Toyota Tacoma. In 1998, as the Tacoma grew in size the T100 became obsolete and ceased production.

After a two year hiatus, Toyota returned with a more competitive full-size offering. Despite lacking in size, power and towing abilities, the all-new 2000 Toyota Tundra was better equipped to call itself a full-size truck. The Tundra was a vast improvement over the T100 offering three cab sizes, two bed lengths and most importantly, a V8 engine. In 2004, Toyota made its first attempt to involve itself with NASCAR. The Tundra was successful in competing in the Craftsman Truck Series and after just two years, Toyota received its first manufacturer’s championship. With redesigns coming from Ford, General Motors and Dodge pickup trucks, Toyota needed to come up with a hard-hitting, ground-breaking truck.

For 2007, the Tundra is completely new from the ground up sporting unconventional styling but highly competitive capabilities. Literally bigger in every possible way, the all-new Tundra has dimensions that make it similar or bigger than most of its competitors. Three powerful engines and an available six-speed automatic transmission will all help create a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. Toyota’s optional 5.7-liter V8 offers best-in-class power with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Whether it’s hauling cargo or passengers, the Tundra is ready to tackle any load. The biggest available model, the Tundra Crew Max, offers spacious rear seating accommodations allowing for six additional inches of legroom compared to Ford and Chevrolet and barely nudges out the Dodge Ram Mega Cab. Hauling is no problem for the all-new Tundra with an astounding 10,800-pound towing capacity dwarfing the Dodge Ram by 3,500 pounds and slightly outdoing Chevrolet and Ford (10,500 and 9,500 pounds, respectively).

With the small car, hybrid and crossover SUV markets all under control, Toyota’s success in the full-size truck market seems inevitable. The starting MSRP ranges from $22,290 for a regular cab, two-wheel drive Tundra up to $32,725 for a four-wheel drive Tundra Crew Max. If the Tundra is any indication of Toyota’s rapid learning curve, expect to see a Camry in NASCAR’s victory lane by July.

2008 Scion lineup introduced at Chicago

Jeffrey Ross — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 17:47:00 GMT

By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com

When Toyota created Scion in 2003, the entry-level marque targeted youthful customers and created a personalized buying environment . Scion’s main draw was its highly customizable cars that are uniquely styled and blend adequate performance with stellar fuel economy.

Scion will use the 2007 Chicago Auto Show to showcase its 2008 model year vehicles – the completely redesigned and unmistakable xB, the all-new xD (which replaces the xA) and a slightly updated tC. All Scion models continue being produced in one trim level, giving all customers the opportunity to make their cars as unique as the drivers themselves. For improved safety, all 2008 Scion models now come standard with dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted front side airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags in addition to tire pressure monitoring systems.

The 2008 Scion xD will replace the ugly duckling of Scion’s lineup, the xA. The new Scion is improved both inside and out on many levels. The standard 16-inch wheels are pushed far out to the corners to give the xD a wide, aggressive stance. The horizontal headlights offer a peering look and flow back into the flared wheel arches giving a more athletic look. Performance numbers should be increased with the more powerful 1.8-liter four cylinder - increasing horsepower to 128. With over an inch added to the width and three inches added to the wheelbase compared to the outgoing xA, the xD should be a better handling car in addition to being more comfortable.

The 60/40 split rear seats can slide fore and aft up to six inches for improved legroom as well as being able to recline both improving passenger comfort and cargo capacities. Behind the rear seats, a large storage tray lies hidden beneath the rear cargo area. For the driver, an all-new and much less-radical instrument panel not only allows the gauges to be directly in the driver’s line of sight but also increased ergonomics and storage space. The speedometer and tachometer are cleverly combined into a single unit with the warning lights and indicators flanked on each side. Dual glove boxes optimize empty space that was present on the xA for added storage area.

Much like the xD, the all-new 2008 Scion xB is completely different from its predecessor. Looking less like a toaster, the new xB is longer and wider which should help improve the ride and comfort for passengers. The rounded edges and massive C-pillars help to create a clean and modern look to the xB’s distinct shape as well as allowing for an additional eight cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. An increase of 12 inches in length (four inches to the wheelbase) and almost three inches in width will give a sportier more confident feeling to drivers in addition to the more powerful 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter four cylinder now shared with the tC.

The updated looks are complimented by an all-new interior. Similar to the previous xB, the instrument cluster remains centrally located on the dash and houses the circular gauges and a combination meter. The combination meter allows the driver to toggle through useful data such as the outside temperature, instantaneous and average MPG, distance to empty and the average speed. The wider body and multitude of standard airbags should help improve passenger safety in the xB, which received a poor rating for the 2006 model year in side impact collisions by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Scion’s sportiest car, the tC, will receive minor updates for 2008. A new front fascia, revised projector-beam headlights and clear-lensed taillights will keep the 2008 Scion tC looking fresh and up to date. The new tC also receives a new 160-watt Pioneer stereo with Apple iPod connectivity that will be shared across Scion’s lineup. The rear seat offers increased safety and comfort to passengers with three-point seatbelts for all rear occupants who will appreciate the ability to recline up to 45 degrees. The 60/40 split seat folds flat to allow of almost nine feet worth of cargo length.

For added convenience, all Scions will come with complimentary factory-recommended maintenance services at the first 5,000 mile and 10,000 mile intervals, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership and a standard five year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty.