Toyota
Quick Drive: 2010 Toyota 4Runner SR5
The 4Runner SR5 did a decent job in winning me over, over the course of the weekend that it was in my charge. The first night I took the SUV home, I was distinctly put-off by rubbery on-road dynamics, as well as by the very chunky exterior styling. Hard acceleration or braking in the Toyota always results in some pretty hardcore “squat and dive” behavior, meaning aggressive driving was always rewarded by a high level of drama—in a bad way.
Driven: 2010 Scion xB
When Scion was launched in 2003, its mission was to bring younger buyers who were looking for an edgy alternative to the economy and compact cars that were currently on the market. Although the success of this mission is debatable, there is one thing that is not, and that is the success of original xB. Upon its launch, the xB was lauded for its style and affordable entry price. For model year 2008, the second generation of the psychedelic little box was released. Unfortunately, the new model grew fatter in every dimension and lost the sharp boxiness of the original.
Driven (In The Freakin’ Snow And Ice!): 2010 Lotus Evora
Proof that the new mid-engine V-6 Lotus can do it all in good hands.
2010 Chicago Auto Show Wrap-Up
We just finished up our coverage of the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, and we saw a lot of new and concept cars, some fantastic, some milquetoast. Here, all in one place, is the list and links for our Chicago coverage.
Chicago 2010: 2011 Toyota Avalon Looks Like A Really Big Camry
Forgive us for yawning, but we must admit that from an auto show perspective, the 2011 Toyota Avalon is hardly exhilarating. Still, we’re glad that it was refreshed and that it sports a more aggressive appearance with better interior refinement.
Chicago 2010: Honda’s Odyssey Concept Previews Its Next-Generation Minivan
Only a few months after Toyota pulled the wraps off of its all-new Sienna minivan, Honda is following suit with an updated version of its strong-selling Odyssey. And while Honda is referring to the van on display at this year’s Chicago Auto Show as a concept, we’re sure that it’s just a few small tweaks away from being production ready.
First Look: 2011 Toyota Avalon Looks Nice, But It Won’t Raise Your Pulse
There really isn’t a strong business case to be made for the Toyota Avalon these days, especially with the current recall mess that the automaker is currently working through. Nevertheless, Toyota has officially taken the wraps off of the redesigned 2011 Avalon, and while it doesn’t prove to be a big departure from the model it replaces, it’s still a very welcomed refresh.
List: Ten Cars That Will Make Up Ground On Recalled Toyotas
Clearly, if you haven’t been living under an internet-, television, and radio wave-proof rock for the last few weeks, you know that all is not right with mighty Toyota. A perfect storm of defective parts and massive media attention have likely got more than a few American car buyers wondering where their next ride will come from. We’ve matched up a list of recalled Toyota products (excluding the floor mat issue-only cars, they’ll be fine) with a group of cars that we think can make big gains in this period of power vacuum.
Hyundai Prices 2011 Sonata From $19,195
The new, rakish Hyundai Sonata is only a few weeks away from its on-sale date, poised to take on the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, and other midsize favorites. And like many other cars in the Hyundai stable, the 2011 Sonata’s low price point is its most attractive selling feature — only $19,195 to start for the GLS model with a six-speed manual transmission.
Toyota Devises Plan To Fix Pedals, Save Skin.
Toyota commented today on the accelerator recall affection eight of its models. The automaker says it has come up with a plan to fix the potentially deadly problem by installing a steel reinforcement bar to reduce friction within the accelerator pedal assembly.
Next-Generation Honda Odyssey Concept Coming To Chicago Auto Show
While the world of minivans isn’t nearly as exciting(?) as it used to be, there’s still a large need for larger MPVs in our marketplace. Toyota’s all-new Sienna certainly brings a lot to the table, as do the Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan twins.
Due To Recall, Toyota Suspends Sale Of Eight Models, Plans To Halt Production, Too.
Toyota has announced that it is suspending sales of eight models involved in the recall for the sticking accelerator, a recall wholly separate from the floor mat-related recall of certain Toyota and Lexus models. Because of a possibility of the pedal becoming stuck while depressed, certain year models of the RAV4, Corolla, Matrix, Camry, Avalon, Highlander, Tundra, and Sequoia, will not be sold until the problem has been solved.
Winding Road Issue 54 Is Now Available!
As we reflect on the past year, it’s hard not to think about the best cars we tested over the last twelve months. We feature our Top 12 Cars of 2009 in Issue 54 of Winding Road, which is now available to read online, or you can buy and download a PDF.
List: Ten Great Rear Seats
As drivers, we very rarely get to sample the nice rear seats that automakers put into their latest and greatest cars. Whether it’s for the purpose of luxury or functionality, rear seats have come a long way from the standard benches of yore, and this list is a true testament to some cars being better suited for passengers, rather than those behind the steering wheel.
Gamer: Gran Turismo 5 Screenshots And Video Featuring Toyota FT-86
Despite its protean unofficial release date, Gran Turismo 5 is taking steps toward completion, as evidenced by yet another batch of screenshots and a video, these depicting the Toyota FT-86 concept.
First Look: 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid
Honda has pulled the sheet off of the production version of its CR-Z hybrid coupe, and we can’t help liking what we see.
Detroit 2010: Toyota FT-CH Hybrid Is Expanding The Prius Family
If you’re sitting behind the wheel of a base Camry sedan or Sequoia SUV, you may be hard pressed to believe that Toyota has a far-reaching vision for the future of transportation. It does. Really.
Detroit 2010: Hyundai Blue-Will Concept Takes The Stage
The Hyundai Blue-Will, while only a concept, looks to rival the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt when it hits the streets in production form. The details on this funky concept are pretty impressive — being able to net up to 55 miles per gallon in its combined EV and internal combustion forms.
Nissan Gives The Axe To Slow-Selling Quest Minivan
Even though automakers like Toyota are looking to breathe some life into the minivan segment, there isn’t that strong of a business case for the once-loved people movers that stole Americans’ hearts over the past few decades. Because of this, Nissan will be stopping production on the much-overlooked Quest minivan.
Hyundai Debuts Blue-Will Plug-In Hybrid Concept Ahead Of Detroit Auto Show Reveal
Under the bright lights of the Detroit Auto Show (which is only one week away), Hyundai will be unveiling its first ever plug-in hybrid, the Blue-Will. And while the show car is only a concept at this point, it showcases the future technologies that Hyundai could implement into its full lineup, such as roof-mounted solar cells, lithium polymer batteries, touch-screen controls, and drive-by-wire steering.
List: Truly Cool Minivans
Toyota is pleased with its new Sienna minivan, seeing it as a fresh alternative to the dumpy, uncool image usually associated with these oft-ridiculed people-haulers. Winding Road’s Seyth Miersma found out if it lived up to the hype, leaving us to paw through the WR family photo albums for past MPVs that transcend their unflattering stereotypes. Surely, the Sienna wasn’t the first vehicle of its kind to attempt to appeal to the more savvy soccer moms.
Categories
Most Popular
