Infiniti M, Lexus HS 250h, Toyota 4Runner Ace IIHS Crash Tests
From the latest round of crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, three models that are all-new this year have been given excellent ratings for frontal and/or side-impact safety.
The all-new 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid achieved the best 'good' scores in all of the measurement categories of its frontal offset crash, weighing in with a 'good' evaluation overall.
The IIHS notes that the HS 250h is "derived from the Toyota Prius," so it's not surprising that while the HS doesn't get ratings that identical to those of Toyota's iconic hybrid, they're close. Although the HS 250h wasn't rated for side impact yet, the 2010 Prius has been rated 'good.'
The new 2011 Infiniti M37 and M56 models earned top 'good' scores in all aspects of the IIHS frontal offset test. In the side impact test the M sedans achieved 'good' overall but were rated a step down, to 'acceptable,' with respect to "structure/safety cage."
The 2010 Toyota 4Runner also earns a 'good' overall frontal offset score, with top ratings in all segments of the test except head/neck injury, where it was rated acceptable. The Toyota 4Runner is also new for 2010 and has a completely new structure, so its 'good' side-impact rating for 2009 does not necessarily carry over to '10.
In addition to simple occupant protection, all three of these models have some advanced features that might help avoid an accident completely. For instance, the 2010 Lexus HS 250h offers a wide-angle front-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and even a Lane Keep Assist system that studies lane markings and helps steer you back into your lane. Then there's a very effective blind-spot warning system on the 2011 Infiniti M; and the 2010 4Runner offers a host of off-road electronics aimed at preserving traction and stability, plus a new Multi-Terrain Select system and fish-eye rearview camera.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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Toyota Offers Zero-Percent And Free Maintenance To Some Buyers
Toyota (NYSE: TM) rolled out an all-new incentive program aimed at jump-starting sales that have slumped due to bruised consumer confidence from the ongoing accelerator-related recalls, the related hearings in Washington D.C., and several other issues and recalls.
The automaker calls the new program "the company's most far-reaching sales program in its history." Customers long loyal to the Toyota brand will be hard-pressed to recall any other time when such offerings were applicable to Toyotas on anything other than model-end clearance programs.
The so-called March Sales Event runs through April 5 and includes financing and leasing deals, plus customer loyalty offers.
Here's what the program includes:
- Zero-percent financing for up to 60 months. This applies for "qualifying buyers" of the 2010 Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Tundra, and Yaris.
- Low (reduced) lease rates. Also offered through Toyota's captive finance arm, Toyota Financial Services, the company is offering special deals on the 2010 Toyota Venza, Tundra, RAV4, Prius, Matrix, Highlander, Corolla, Camry, and Avalon.
- Complimentary two-year "premium maintenance" program. With proof that someone in the buyer's household already owns or leases a Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicle, Toyota will include all scheduled maintenance,
Toyota has a challenge ahead: to boost its public perception and increase sales in a way that doesn't further affect resale value. Last month we reported that the Toyota recall was already affecting leasing residuals and predicted resale values for most Toyota models, with Automotive Leasing Guide and Kelley Blue Book among the companies adjusting values downward.
Toyota Motor Sales has estimated that its recall issues—including the negative tone of the recent hearings in Washington, D.C.— have cost about 18,000 sales just in February.
[Toyota]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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2010 Toyota Tacoma 4WD Trucks Recalled For Driveshaft Issue
As the media din surrounding Toyota's recall of millions of vehicles for accelerator-related issues is fading slightly, and the recall of the iconic Prius remains in the headlines, another Toyota recall looms. According to PickupTrucks.com, Toyota is initiating a voluntary recall of some 2010 Toyota Tacoma pickup models for an issue with cracking front propeller shafts.
This one doesn't affect nearly as many vehicles, however—only about 8,000. "Most are in the supply chain or at the dealership," said Toyota safety spokesman Brian Lyons to TheCarConnection.com, but the automaker will soon have an update as to how many are already in use by customers.
Lyons explained that NHTSA offices remained closed today due to weather in Washington, yet documentation still went out to dealership, causing a slight bit of confusion today as word first spread from dealerships to some news sources prior to the official recall announcement.
In affected vehicles, the Dana-supplied drive shaft could detach from the vehicle, potentially causing loss of control.
The only models covered are four-wheel-drive versions of the 2010 Tacoma, built between mid-December 2009 and early February 2010.
In our Bottom Line review of the 2010 Tacoma, TheCarConnection.com likes this mid-size truck in many respects, including its fuel-efficient base four-cylinder engine; simple, straightforward interior; reputation for toughness; and strong resale value. The relatively few criticisms include its bouncy ride, rather uncomfortable seats, and pricey V-6 models.
Up-to-date information on the Tacoma recall, along with the other Toyota recalls, is available on Toyota's recall page, or through the Toyota Customer Experience Center, at 800-331-4331.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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2010 Chicago Auto Show: 2011 Toyota Avalon
Toyota's recall troubles have stopped just about everything at the company, but new vehicles continue to roll out as planned--vehicles like the 2011 Toyota Avalon, which the Japanese carmaker showed off today at the 2010 Chicago auto show.
In a press conference that was less revealing and more plain reveal, Toyota sales VP Bob Carter re-addressed all the points the company's hit in the past week concerning claims of unintended acceleration in its cars. Repairs to cars with sticking gas pedals are being addressed rapidly, he said, with some 220,000 having already been repaired. And Toyota plans to re-program brakes on 2010 Prius and Lexus HS 250h cars to counter concerns about the cars' braking feel.
Those tense appeals aside, Carter also showed off the company's latest full-size sedan. With the latest Avalon, Toyota isn't straying from its formula far at all. But the new Avalon does look a bit sharper than the outgoing car, and its familiar V-6 drivetrain won't be a mystery to any buyers who've considered it over a Camry--or the Chevrolet Malibu, Buick LaCrosse or the Hyundai Azera.
We expect the new Avalon to earn a little more respect for styling than the 2010 model--which we rated at 7.8 out of 10. Expect a full test drive soon--but until then, you can get more details on the new sedan including pricing, photos and more news at our 2011 Toyota Avalon page.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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Toyota Corolla Being Reviewed For Potential Steering Issue
In recent weeks Toyota has managed two major acceleration-related recalls covering much of its lineup; this week it announced a braking-related recall on its iconic Prius tech flagship; and now, looking ahead, Toyota might be facing a steering issue as well on one of its best-selling vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed to Automotive News that it is reviewing a large number of steering complaints concerning the electric power steering system used in 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corolla sedans.
Going back to April 2008, NHTSA has logged a total of 83 complaints so far related to the steering, according to AN, with 76 of these reporting that the vehicle would unexpectedly pull to the side at higher speeds.
In all, the complaints cite a total of six accidents and ten injuries due to the phenomenon, which is described as a strong pulling to the side, like being buffeted by crosswinds, requiring two hands on the wheel to maintain a straight path.
Beginning with the 2009 model year, Toyota replaced the previous hydraulic power steering unit in the Corolla with an electric one. Newer electric power steering systems typically include logic to correct for environmental variables like the crown of the road as well as crosswinds, although we're not sure if the system in the Corolla does.
The Corolla from those model years is already covered by both of Toyota's two major accelerator-related recalls—for pedal entrapment (floor mats) and for an issue with a sticky pedal mechanism.
The review stage might presage a formal investigation, which then might eventually prompt a safety recall.
The 2009 and 2010 Toyota Matrix hatchback is closely related to the Corolla and thus might also be affected, as might the Pontiac Vibe. Both remain covered by the other two accelerator-related recalls.
According to Ward's, the supplier JTEKT Corp. produces electric power steering units for the Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, and Venza, along with the Lexus RX 350 and Pontiac Vibe. Previously, Toyota sources have confirmed to TheCarConnection.com that its EPS units follow a similar design across applications.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser Bottom Line
To help get you the best set of information possible when shopping for your next vehicle, TheCarConnection.com has surveyed a range of respected sources and their opinions on the 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser, then incorporated the editors' own impressions driving this sport-utility vehicle both on- and off-road.
Likes
Retro exterior
Simple yet stylish interior
Uncompromised off-road ability
Handles reasonably well on the road
Dislikes
Lacks passing power
Noisy highway cruiser
Difficult backseat access
Limited visibility, especially for parking
Needs premium fuel
Serious off-roaders who also want to be stylish and fashion-conscious don't have many choices. But the 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser offers unique, rugged, retro-chic style and excellent off-roading ability—all in a more cohesive, practical package than most other affordable SUVs.
There are few if any vehicles that combine retro and contemporary styling as well as the 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Looking a bit like a vintage 1960s-era FJ40, crossed with modern cues from the 4Runner and Land Cruiser, with a MINI Cooper-like edge, the FJ Cruiser has a lot going on, design-wise. Yet it all works, with an overall appearance that isn't at all derivative and doesn't feel like it's trying too hard to be retro. Small rear half doors aid access to the back. Inside, Toyota keeps it simple, with a basic, almost drab instrument panel, featuring traditional round gauges and a chunky layout.
Carried over from previous years is a 4.0-liter aluminum-block V-6 with variable valve timing. The engine makes 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, and is offered with either a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. The four-wheel-drive system on the 2010 FJ Cruiser uses a mix of traditional mechanical and more modern electronic means of gaining and maintaining traction; a system called A-TRAC helps reduce wheel spin and redistribute torque, and it's helpful on the road. But off-road is where the 2010 FJ Cruiser really shines; it's built with some of the same components as Toyota's proven 4Runner, though with a shortened wheelbase and more ground clearance. Additionally, skid plates protect the underbody, and components are tucked into frame rails. Suspension tuning aims to get good wheel articulation without making too many on-road sacrifices, and the FJ can ford up to 27.5 inches of water; approach and departure angles for the FJ are among the best of any stock vehicle.
On-road performance isn't a complete afterthought in the 2010 FJ Cruiser. Its on-road ride is reasonably impressive on highways and relatively straight paths, but its hefty 4,300-pound curb weight, along with the high-profile tires and suspension tuning, get in the way of any quick changes in direction. Also, while the V-6 is extremely torquey from a standing start and strong at low speeds for confident off-road crawling, it doesn't respond as well in highway passing.
Think of the 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser as a vehicle for two plus gear and you'll be all right—the backseat is a little too cramped for adults, and access is a challenge despite the small rear-hinged access doors. Most will find the driving position and front seating comfort to their liking, Those looking for a lot of storage compartments for smaller items and electronics might be a little disappointed. Also, at highway speeds, a combination of tire noise and a slightly boomy engine note conspire to wear you down.
Respectable but not excellent is how we'd rate the FJ Cruiser for safety. It achieves four-star ratings in the federal (NHTSA) frontal test and five stars in its side test, while the insurance-affiliated IIHS find the FJ "good" in frontal offset and side tests—though its rating in the seat-based IIHS rear-impact test is "poor." Side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, active headrests, and electronic stability control are all included, along with roll-sensing side curtain airbags that can detect a potential rollover and signal the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system to help reduce a lateral skid—and even deploy the side bags for a rollover.
All 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser models are equipped quite well and come with all the basics for off-roading, but packages and options help boost the off-road credentials. The Toyota Racing Development (TRD) package features Bilstein off-road shocks designed to reduce brake dive and squat, as well as enhance straight-line stability, also including TRD-specific 16-inch rims with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires; an all-black exterior paint scheme; and TRD performance exhaust and rock rails. The pricey $6,695 Trail Teams Special Edition package brings loads of convenience equipment and some off-road aids, such as a multi-informational display, compass, inclinometer, and temperature gauge. Other major options are grouped into an all-terrain package and several upgrade packages—with intuitive parking assist and a backup camera now on the list.
The Bottom Line: Though the 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a bit of a one-trick pony—clearly emphasizing off-road ability to the detriment of on-road comfort—its unmistakable style and agreeable on-road performance make it worth considering even for weekend recreation types.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser, also consider:
- Hummer H3
- Jeep Wrangler
- Nissan Xterra
Reason Why:
The 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser appeals to those who need a solid, rugged vehicle for regular off-roading—with a heavy dose of style. The Jeep Wrangler also has a strong appeal based on its traditional, iconic design, while styling is a big part of the appeal for both the Hummer H3 and Nissan Xterra. All three of these vehicles have remarkable off-road prowess, although they each have different weaknesses. The Xterra's interior is much roomier and more versatile than the FJ's, which has an especially cramped backseat. Yet the Toyota FJ Cruiser feels like a more expensive vehicle inside and out, which may give it an advantage over the Xterra. The Wrangler now has a full array of safety features, along with much better handling than the old version, but its interior is slightly inferior, and it still allows more wind noise than the others due to its boxy shape. The H3 doesn't ride and handle as well as the rest of the group, and its styling is typically love-it-or-hate-it. For those who plan to haul or tow, but not off-road quite as much, the Xterra is arguably the best choice, as its V-6 feels especially perky on the road, with better highway stability.
Buying Tip
If you can't find everything you want, Toyota has a long list of accessories and so-called port-installed options for the 2010 FJ Cruiser. Ask the dealership for a list.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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2010 Toyota Sequoia Bottom Line
TheCarConnection.com has driven the 2010 Toyota Sequoia and included the editors' own driving impressions here along with an assessment of how this large SUV stacks up against top rivals. And to help you make the most informed decision, we've included excerpts from some of the Web's top review sources in an adjacent Full Review.
Likes
Roomy interior
Smooth V-8 engines
Excellent towing capacity
Dislikes
Super-sized exterior
Difficult to park
Poor fuel economy
The 2010 Toyota Sequoia is a full-size sport-utility vehicle, based on the mammoth Toyota Tundra pickup. In direct competition with other big utes like the the Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, and Nissan Armada, the Sequoia is built for hauling a full load of people and addressing heavy trailer-towing needs.
With its huge, imposing chrome grille and tall hood and flanks, plus its flared fenders, chunky door handles, chromed mirrors, and super-sized cues all around, the 2010 Toyota Sequoia is almost cartoonish in appearance from the outside. Inside, matte-metallic plastic trim flows down from the gauge area and covers part of the center console, which some might find a bit odd. Overall, the dash is very functional, with a very wide, multicompartment center console and chunky design incorporating simple, large controls and displays.
A 4.7-liter V-8 and five-speed automatic are standard on this behemoth, only managing 13/16 mpg when outfitted with four-wheel drive. An optional 381-horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8, with its more efficient six-speed automatic, gets 14/19 mpg with two-wheel drive and 13/18 mpg with four-wheel drive. The fuel economy numbers are actually a bit better than those of some rivals, but they'll quickly deter some shoppers. For those who don't mind these figures and need a big ute for towing, the Sequoia drives with the best of them; either powertrain is quite smooth and responsive, though the clear favorite is the larger V-8. You'll never forget you're behind the wheel of a three-ton truck, though—you won't enjoy the Sequoia in any way on a tight, curvy road, and there's plenty of excess body motion and nosedive during braking. The turning radius is a sedanlike 39 feet, which helps it maneuver quite well at low speed.
As full-size SUVs fade from popularity for soccer moms, what matters to most buyers is the Sequoia's true truck abilities. It comes with standard rear-wheel drive; four-wheel drive and a towing-friendly adjustable suspension are optional. The 4WD models have a knob-operated electronic two-speed transfer case containing a Torsen limited-slip differential that transmits power to front and rear axles and can be locked with the push of a button. Tow ratings range up to 9,100 pounds for rear-wheel-drive models and 8,800 pounds with four-wheel drive.
Seating space is more than adequate in the 2010 Toyota Sequoia; it feels like it's been designed for large Americans, and the available room in the first and second rows is tremendous. The third-row seating has reasonable space for smaller adults who are willing to contort a bit for entry and exit. With the power-folding option, expanding the already generous rear cargo area is a breeze. Most of the interior design and controls carry over from the Tundra, which isn't necessarily a good thing, as the Tundra has been criticized for being too plasticky. Upholstery isn't a standout either in a class where interior appointments often parallel those of luxury vehicles, but there are copious cup holders and many small bins.
The 2010 Toyota Sequoia gets a five-star rating for driver-side front-impact protection, along with four stars for the front passenger from NHTSA, and it comes with all the expected safety equipment, including electronic stability control, side, and side curtain airbags. The Sequoia's height and sheer size, paired with tough outward visibility, make it cumbersome to maneuver, so you might be at a disadvantage versus a smaller, nimbler vehicle in avoiding an accident in the first place.
All the luxurious features and options you expect from a large SUV are available in the 2010 Sequoia, including available middle-row captain's chairs, premium audio, DVD rear entertainment, and a reclining/power folding 60/40 split third-row bench. For 2010, the standard-feature list has been bolstered to include Bluetooth, satellite radio, a USB port, and aux-in port. There are few options on the Sequoia, but the lineup is split into base, Limited, and Platinum models, with the Platinum adding skid plates, a power hatch, heated mirrors, a rear-seat DVD system, a premium JBL sound system, a nav system with XM NavTraffic, perforated heated and ventilated captain's chairs, and real wood trim.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Toyota Sequoia is hardly in sync with the times, but it does offer competitive towing and hauling abilities—along with plenty of interior comforts—for those who need a real truck.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Toyota Sequoia, also consider:
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Ford Expedition
- Nissan Armada
Reason Why:
The Chevrolet Tahoe and its near-twin, the GMC Yukon, are picks for fuel-efficiency and handling. There's even a Hybrid version of the Tahoe and Yukon, with fuel-economy ratings of up to 21 mpg city, 22 highway. The Ford Expedition was redesigned a few years back with a more luxurious interior, and it has perhaps the best ride of these large utes, along with a smooth powertrain, though its engines lag in strength. The Nissan Armada comes with one wheelbase and one engine, but its big V-8 makes the brassiest sound at speed, and its styling is still like no other. However, the Armada rates near the back of the pack for interior appointments; they feel a bit dated at this point.
Buying Tip
Rebates and incentives should still be easy to come by; even though automakers scaled back production on these large SUVs over the past couple of years, there's still a surplus—especially on the biggest, heaviest ones like the 2010 Toyota Sequoia.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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U.S. Transportation Chief: Don’t Drive Recalled Toyotas
In a House Appropriations panel hearing this morning LaHood stated that his own advice to owners of the 2.3 million Toyota vehicles recalled due to potentially sticky accelerator pedals would be to not drive them at all.
Up until now, Toyota—and the official recall advisory—has only recommended that owners of affected vehicles should pay attention to the way in which the accelerator pedal operates.
"While we are aware of no deaths or injuries due to this condition, consumers should take the following steps prior to receiving the recall remedy," the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states in a consumer advisory released Monday. "Owners of these vehicles should pay attention to the operation of their accelerator pedals. If their accelerator pedal is harder to depress than normal or slower to return, it may be a precursor to a stuck pedal."
If the accelerator becomes sluggish to return or feels different, owners should park the vehicle and call the dealer immediately (shifting to neutral and coming to a safe stop prior to shutting off the engine).
Now, based on LaHood's statement, it might seem that the best thing to do is park the vehicle altogether.
But Toyota still maintains otherwise. Just before we posted this piece, Toyota released a counterstatement saying that "the situation is rare and generally does not occur suddenly." The company asserted, "In the rare instances where it does it occur, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes."
"If you are not experiencing any issues with your pedal, we are confident that your vehicle is safe to drive," declared Toyota.
UPDATE: Later in the day, LaHood has retracted his earlier comment, releasing the following official statement: "I want to encourage owners of any recalled Toyota models to contact their local dealer and get their vehicles fixed as soon as possible. NHTSA will continue to hold Toyota's feet to the fire to make sure that they are doing everything they have promised to make their vehicles safe. We will continue to investigate all possible causes of these safety issues."
Several sources have reported over the past several days that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reinvestigating the possibility that electromagnetic interference might cause such an issue. Toyota phased in electronic throttle systems (called ETCS-i in most cases), on most of its U.S. vehicles between 2002 and 2005
More details are also emerging about the days leading up to the recall. U.S. Department of Transportation officials reportedly flew to Japan to encourage the company to speed up its effort to recall and fix the issue. LaHood said that the administration is considering civil penalties against Toyota, and he is planning to call Toyota president Akio Toyota to assure that the company in Japan is doing everything it can to solve the issues in the U.S. A House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing will be held on the recalls February 10.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Toyota told its U.S. dealers that it will be sending payments of $7,500 to $75,000 to each dealership to help cover extended service hours as well as other customer services surrounding the recall.
Toyota Recalls Another 1.1 Million Vehicles, Brings Tally To 5.4 Million
The number of vehicles Toyota has to recall over the faulty floor mat and stuck accelerator debacle continues to mount, with news breaking overnight that an additional 1.1 million vehicles in the U.S. need to be recalled in order to have their floor mats fixed.
This is in addition to the 4.3 million vehicles already recalled since last fall, bringing the total tally of vehicles now to approximately 5.4 million and making it one of the largest U.S. transport safety actions in history.
The latest list of recalled vehicles include 2008-10 Highlanders and 2009-2010 Corollas, Venzas, and Matrixes. Additionally, the recall also covers 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibes manufactured by Toyota for GM.
Only a couple of days ago Toyota was forced to stop stales of eight models (RAV4, Corolla, Matrix, Avalon, Camry, Highlander, Tundra, and Sequoia) and temporarily suspend production of 2.3 million vehicles for stuck accelerator pedals--a separate issue to the floor mat problem though both may result in vehicles unintentionally accelerating.
To solve the problem Toyota is modifying or replacing accelerator pedals and floor mats as well as changing the surface around the pedals to help prevent them from getting stuck.
To add insult to injury, GM is taking advantage of the situation by offering incentives of $1,000 and low financing rates to existing Toyota customers.
[Automotive News, sub req'd]
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2010 Detroit Auto Show: Scion iQ To Debut As A Hybrid Hatch
The Toyota iQ is a popular minicar in many parts of the world, and we've known for a while that Toyota was planning to market it as a Scion in the U.S. The timeline for the iQ's launch, however, has been the subject of rumor and speculation: at first it was thought to be 2011, then it was bumped up to 2010, and now we don't know when it's going to drop. However, we may get some firm answers to those questions next week at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.
According to InsideLine, Toyota will reveal the Scion iQ next Monday, January11, at NAIAS. Interestingly, it's expected to debut in the U.S. as a hybrid five-door hatchback, with a sedan variant to follow. (That makes the iQ the new Toyota hybrid we've been expecting.) Fuel economy will run around 60 mpg, and with pricing in the $15,000 range, the Scion iQ could be a spunky little brother to the more mature, $20,000-ish Toyota Prius. Down the line, expect to see three-door hatch and convertible models, both featuring traditional combustion engines. The first iQs may hit U.S. showrooms by late 2011.
The Scion iQ has generated lots of interest -- not only from consumers, but also from within the auto industry. Case in point: Aston Martin chose the iQ as the basis for its upcoming Cygnet minicar, and they're doing so with only cosmetic upgrades; Toyota's powertrain is expected to remain intact. And Toyota itself is likely to use the iQ as its first fully electric vehicle, which is slightly surprising, considering the popularity of other small cars in its lineup, like the Yaris.
As we see it, there are at least three major questions ahead for the iQ:
♦ How many Americans are really interested in minicars?
♦ With so many tiny models set to flood showrooms in the next few years, will the iQ be able to grab a respectable slice of market share?
♦ Can the iQ save the faltering Scion?
Those questions won't be answered at the iQ's unveiling on Monday, but others will. Stay tuned.
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