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Toyota Overview:
The last year has been a tough one for Toyota, the largest of the Japanese automakers. But things are looking up for 2012 with a few exciting new developments, including a redesign of the best-selling Camry midsize sedan and the introduction of a new variant of the Prius: the Prius v wagon.
Also getting a makeover was the diminutive subcompact Yaris. The Yaris is now only available as a hatchback and features standard air conditioning and auxiliary/USB jacks. Its exterior styling is also more aggressive, a big improvement over the bland look of the previous model.
The compact Corolla adds a few more standard features after its redesign last year, while its wagon cousin, the Matrix, continues to offer extra cargo room and is unchanged.
While the Camry continues to top the sales charts, Toyota decided its most popular model was getting a little long in the tooth and gave it a complete redesign for 2012. In addition to brand new exterior styling highlighted by more prominent bumpers and sharply angled taillights, the Camry also gets a radically sharpened interior, improved gas mileage, and ten standard airbags. Tagging along on this redesign was the Camry Hybrid, which now features 41 combined mpg which is a quantum leap over last year’s 33 combined mpg.
Need more space? The full-size Avalon returns offering a comfortable ride and plenty of passenger space both up front and in the rear.
Toyota’s chops when it comes to selling hybrid/green cars are unquestioned and for this year the Prius welcomes a new addition to the family in the form of the larger Prius v wagon. The Prius v is identical mechanically to the standard Prius but adds on cargo and passenger room which makes it more ideal for families that need to carry more things along with them. Keep in mind that this added size/weight does make a dent in gas mileage (the Prius v gets 42 combined mpg which lags behind the Prius’ 50 combined mpg) it still far outpaces other cars that offer similar utility. Also watch out for the Prius plug-in which is slated for release later in 2012.
Speaking of families, the Sienna minivan which was redesigned last year seats up to eight passengers and is filled with family friendly amenities.
Toyota’s lineup is also well populated with various crossovers and SUVs. The smallest is the flexible RAV4 which lets you choose between four-cylinder and V-6 power and is also the only compact crossover/SUV on the market with an optional third-row. Toyota’s uniquely styled wagon/crossover, the Venza, combines practicality with a sleek futuristic appearance.
The midsize Highlander and the eco-friendly Highlander Hybrid seat up to seven-passengers and keep the exterior/interior upgrades they got last year. The Highlander Hybrid comes with standard all-wheel drive and excellent fuel economy for a car of its size (28 combined mpg).
Toyota also offers a trio of very capable off-road SUVs. The 4Runner seats up to seven passengers (the third-row is optional) and a pair of available four-wheel drive systems that make the 4Runner at home even in rugged terrain. There is also the FJ Cruiser which stands out with its white roof, hidden rear doors, and excellent ground clearance. Step up to the full-size Land Cruiser and its standard V-8, which combines ruggedness with a luxurious interior that will keep you comfortable no matter what is going on outside. Rounding things out is the full-size Sequoia, the largest SUV Toyota makes, which adds trailer-sway control as standard equipment.
A pair of durable pickup trucks complete Toyota’s lineup in the form of the midsize Tacoma and the full-size Tundra. The Tacoma is very versatile; a variety of cab and bed configurations along with several different available packages mean that whether you’re looking for a truck that’s more capable off-road or better suited for work applications, the Tacoma has you covered.
The Tundra full-size pickup features big styling and a ton of cargo space and towing capacity which helps it to stack up well against the competition.
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