Toyota Dominates Consumer Reports’ Top 10 Picks
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The USA Today reported that Toyota is the first brand to earn half of the top 10 spots in nearly a decade in Consumer Reports’ 2012 Top Picks. The redesigned Camry Hybrid and Highlander edged out the competition to become Top Picks in the Family Sedan and Family SUV categories, respectively. For the 11th time and ninth consecutive year, the Toyota Prius earned the top spot in the Green Car category. Both records have not been claimed by any other model in the history of the Top Picks. RAV4 (Small SUV) and Sienna (Family Hauler) are best in their categories.
“Every year, the competition grows tighter,” according to Consumer Reports Automotive Editor Rik Paul. “In recent years, as many as nine different brands have taken the top spots. Combined with the i mproved Camry, Toyota’s ability to maintain a competitive lead among hybrids and SUVs is a big factor in its strong presence on this year's list.”
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The February 27th, 2012 issue of Fortune Magazine did a special on Toyota and the grandson of the founder of Toyota, Akio Toyoda.
The University of Michigan's Jeffrey Liker, a leading Toyota scholar, told me, "Akio has reenergized the company. He's promised to be the closest president ever to the gemba [where the real work is happening]."
Does it make sense for the head of a company as large as Toyota to spend so much time evaluating its products and micromanaging small details? Well, it worked for Steve Jobs, and Akio believes it is an essential component of his leadership.
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Spend a Few Bucks to Save a Bundle
Cars today are designed to be as problem-free as possible. Maintenance items, like oil changes, now have dashboard indicators that signal when it’s time to change the oil. Though it may seem like your car can basically take care of itself, it is important to be proactive with certain maintenance items like your air filter.
The air filter keeps dirt and debris out of the engine. So, when the filter gets clogged, your engine has to work extra hard to pull in air and run efficiently. If you feel like your car is a little sluggish and cannot remember the last time your filter was checked, call your dealer today. This easy and inexpensive preventative measure will get you a peppier car and a few more miles to the gallon.
Sometimes spending a few bucks can save you a bundle, so be an advocate for your car, and you’ll surely reap the benefits.
CarInsuranceQuotes.net recently wrote a blog about the safest Hybrid cars on the Planet.
Looking for the perfect balance of intelligent design, eco-friendliness, and safety features? There are plenty of new vehicles that boast fuel economy and profitable driving experiences.
The Camry Hybrid, Prius and Lexus RX450h were three of the 5 safest vehicles.
Safety or gas Mileage? What is more important to you when you are looking to buy a new car? Let us know what you think by clicking here and telling us your opinion!
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The 2012 Toyota Prius, 2012 Toyota Prius V and 2012 Scion iQ all made the Kiplinger Most Fuel-Efficient Car Value list.
Green is still a red-hot buzzword in the auto industry and not every winner is a paragon of green technology, but each vehicle we spotlight is the least thirsty in its class based on annual fuel cost.
Toyota Motor Corporation Vehicles Dominate J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study
Eight Lexus, Toyota, and Scion models captured segment awards in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, a performance equal to all other vehicle brands combined and more than twice as many as the runner-up nameplate.
The study also found:
-Lexus is the number one nameplate, improving by 23 fewer problems/100;
-Toyota is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate and tied for third place overall, improving by 18 fewer problems/100;
-Scion achieves its highest ever position at fifth place, jumping up 17 positions and improving by 55 fewer problems/100.
“We are extremely pleased that not only did we win awards in eight of the 14 model segments, but that in two segments we finished one-two and made the podium in 12 segments overall”, said Jim Lentz, president and COO of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
The Windows on the Car Go Up and Down
If you take time to recall the days of manually cranking your car windows up and down, power windows can truly be considered one of the greatest innovations to the modern car. But, as with all modern technology, once in a great while, it lets us down – literally. If you’ve ever had an issue with your windows getting stuck either down or up, you know how frustrating it can be, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating. But, before you play with the switch to no avail or tug on the window, take the time to call your dealer.
Your dealer can swiftly diagnose the problem, and, in most cases, fix it quickly. Forcing a window or switch can damage or even destroy other components, making for a more extensive and costly repair. If you’re currently experiencing window problems with your vehicle, keep in mind that many states require working windows in order to assist law enforcement safety during traffic stops, so your car may not pass inspection without them. Instead of relying on duct tape or sheer grit, make an appointment with your dealer for a quick and easy fix, so that the windows on your car go up and down.
2012 Sienna and Yaris Earn 4-Star NCAP Ratings.
The 2012 Sienna has again achieved a 4 Star rating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), making the Sienna the highest rated van in the tougher and more rigorous crash test program introduced in 2011. The 2012 Sienna has also been awarded a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
In addition to the 2012 Sienna, the 2012 Yaris 5 door has achieved a 4 Star NCAP rating. The 2012 Yaris has also been awarded a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) provides more useful information for consumers about safety feature performance and crash avoidance technologies ..
To visit the NHTSA’s NCAP website, click on http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/2011-Newer+Vehicles
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Need-To-Know Tire Tips
Did you know that every single component of your vehicle is designed by engineers to provide you with the latest technology, the greatest comfort and the best safety features – including your tires? Many of us overlook our tires as an intentional design element of our car, but there are a number of factors that go into selecting the absolute best tires for your vehicle.
For starters, width and speed rating are just a few of the things that engineers look at when selecting the proper tires for your vehicle. And, in order to maintain the safety and efficiency of your car, you should always have 4 tires that match – just like they day you drove it off the lot. Should you get a flat or need to replace a tire, your dealer will be able to provide you with a tire that is designed to match your car. Or, if it’s time to replace a few, check with your dealer about specials on purchasing a complete set of 4 tires.
Repair places will be able to provide you with a workable tire should you need a quick replacement, but only your dealer can outfit your vehicle with the specific make and model of tire that was designed for your car.
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