Tina Logue - My Blog

Toyota Certified Used Hybrid Program

Tina Logue — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:37:03 GMT

Your Toyota dealer around Conshohocken knows that one of the things that keeps customers coming back again and again is the reliability and the quality of our Toyota hybrid vehicles. Up to this point, however, if you wanted a quality Toyota hybrid that was backed by Toyota you had to buy a new one.

Well, things are about to change. Recently, Toyota announced that it will begin a Certified Pre-Owned program. Toyota has had a certification program previously, known as the “Toyota Certified Used Vehicles” program. This new program, called the “Toyota Certified Used Hybrid” program builds on the success of the former program. It also adds a 14-point inspection on top of the already extensive inspection involved in the certified used program.

Certified used vehicles provide you with the opportunity to get into a used car without some of the stress and anxiety that usually accompanies used car buying. By buying a Certified Used car, you know the vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer and that it meets certain criteria. In addition, the program provides the buyer with additional warranty time, giving you peace of mind.

Toyota Hybrid Safety

Tina Logue — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:05:52 GMT

As hybrid cars increase in popularity, more and more people are asking about Toyota Hybrids around Glenside. As the market leader in hybrid vehicles, Toyota has done its best to answer questions from consumers. One of the things that comes up again and again is the question of safety.

Consumers want to know that hybrid vehicles are safe. They’re worried, in many cases, about the possible dangers of the high-voltage system in the vehicles. They are worried about what can happen in the event of an accident, such as the battery exploding, leaking or causing a hazard of electrocution.

The good news is that Toyota hybrid vehicles are extremely safe, and aren’t any more or less dangerous than other vehicles. There are plenty of precautions built into the Toyota hybrid. For example, the batteries are sealed inside of a metal case that protects them. They’re also insulated from the vehicle body, and located near the rear axle where they are relatively well protected from a collision.

There are also safety procedures that rescue workers are encouraged to follow. For example, workers are advised to disable a car’s 12-volt system by cutting the battery cables. This procedure is routinely followed in conventional vehicles to keep air bags from deploying inappropriately after an accident has already occurred.

Toyota Hybrids Utilize Other Green Technologies

Tina Logue — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:31:49 GMT

Toyota has long demonstrated its commitment to the environment. When you see a Toyota Hybrid around Glenside, you know it is there in part because Toyota, as a company, is dedicated to fuel economy and to having less of an impact on the environment.

One of the newest ways that Toyota is helping to reduce your impact on your world is through the use of ecological plastics that are based on plants, rather than on petroleum. It is expected that, within a few years, more than two thirds of the interior components inside a Toyota Prius will be made of plants that are cultivated for plastic use.

This "green" plastic can be used to make a number of components. It can be used in sun visors, seat cushions, door trim and pillar covers. While there are some components of the vehicle that still need to be made from oil-based plastic, this represents progress.

The plants used to make these plastics aren't edible. This means, in part, that Toyota is demonstrating responsibility by utilizing renewable resources that aren't needed as food in less fortunate parts of the world.

Toyota Plug-in Hybrid to Appear by 2010

Tina Logue — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:13:22 GMT

Without a doubt, Fuel efficient Toyota hybrids have been some of the best selling Toyota cars near Doylestown. The flagship Prius, along with all of the rest of the hybrid cars in the Toyota lineup, have helped Toyota earn a reputation of being fuel efficient and concerned with the world around them.

Beginning in 2010, Toyota will see a new hybrid vehicle on the market that will compete in an increasingly popular class. Toyota announced recently that it will release a plug-in hybrid.

The plug-in Toyota hybrid will rely on lithium-ion battery technology. This allows the vehicle to travel short distances on just the battery power, which can then be charged from a common household outlet.

This announcement comes months after Chevrolet announced plans to release the Chevrolet Volt, its plug-in hybrid, in 2010. Toyota's new plug in hybrid will be larger than the Prius.

Toyota also announced other environmentally-friendly advances, such as a hybrid car for the luxury Lexus division, as well as diesel engines for the Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV.

Green Eggs, Ham and Toyota Hybrids

Tina Logue — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:18:51 GMT

For folks that are truly concerned about the impact their actions have on the world around them, just driving a Toyota hybrid vehicle from their Conshohocken area Toyota dealer isn't enough. They want to do all they can in order to help save the planet. This even goes right down to the choices they make for breakfast.

Here are some ways you can make your breakfast more "green," (with apologies to Dr. Seuss):

Avoid fast food for breakfast. Factory farming and packing waste are side effects, in addition to the unhealthy side effects you may find in fast food breakfast foods.
Eat local foods. If you can, get local meat products that are free of preservatives and don't have to travel as far. By doing so, you reduce your environmental footprint substantially.
Consider eating organic foods. Organic foods are grown or raised with less impact on the environment.
Reduce the meats you eat. Plant farming is much better for the environment than animal farming.
Recycle. Make sure the milk jug goes in the recycling bin instead of the trash can, and that your egg carton does the same.

Toyota Hybrid and other Green News at the NAIA Show

Tina Logue — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:47:42 GMT

Next week marks the beginning of the North American International Auto Show, and fans of Toyota hybrids and other ecologically friendly cars should be excited to see what automakers have for them.

In addition to the release of the 2010 Prius at the NAIA show in Detroit, there are several other vehicles to see and events to participate in.

For example, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is sponsoring a green ride event. In this event, there will be around a dozen vehicles made available for automotive journalists to drive during the press preview. On public show days, consumers will be able to ride in the cars as well. The indoor track takes up 70,000 feet inside the Cobo Center in Detroit.

In addition, the winner for the 2009 Green Car Vision award will ge announced at the NAIA show. Finalists include the Fisker Karma, the Chevrolet Volt, Honda’s FCX Clarity, the MINI E and the Mitsubishi iMiEV. It is also thought that Toyota will debut its secret battery EV concept car, as well.

If you're going to be in the Detroit area for the festivities, be sure to check out all of the exciting Toyota Hybrid news. If not, the 2010 Prius will be available at your Conshohocken area Toyota dealer this spring.

New Toyota Hybrid Debuts in Detroit

Tina Logue — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:38:54 GMT

Today is an exciting day for the fans of the flagship Toyota hybrid, the Prius. In Detroit, the 2010 Prius has made its first appearance and, by all estimates, this third generation of Toyota’s successful hybrid has even more to offer than previous versions.

To start with, the 2010 Prius gets even better mileage than the previous models. It gets a combined fuel rating of 50 miles per gallon, almost ten percent higher than the previous version. A more powerful engine produces higher torque, which means that the vehicle produces fewer rpm on the highway. Increasing the highway efficiency is always a challenge in the hybrid world, and this new Toyota hybrid is making great strides toward that end.

There are three different modes for driving the 2010 Prius. You can drive it in Power mode, Eco mode, and EV-Drive mode. The Eco mode gives you battery-only operation at low speeds for a short distance. The Eco mode gives you the best possible mileage, and the power mode gives you a sportier feel to your driving.
The new Prius is more aerodynamic, as well. There’s a new rear spoiler, and the overall design has been tweaked to create less drag.

The 2010 Prius should arrive at your Toyota dealer near Glenside this spring.

Toyota Has High Hopes for Hybrid Sales

Tina Logue — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:31:57 GMT

The world might be in the throes of an economic crisis, but that isn't going to stop Toyota from selling as many Toyota hybrid vehicles as they can. Toyota recently announced that they hope to sell 400,000 Prius vehicles by 2010, maintaining the Toyota Hybrid's dominance of the ecologically friendly, fuel conscious marketplace.

The new Prius, to debut for the 2009 Detroit auto show, will go on sale in both Japan and in the United States in the spring of 2009. Toyota hopes to sell 180,000 Prius units in the United States in the first year alone, which is a lofty goal that will match the Prius' best year ever.

The Toyota hybrid Prius has sold more than 1 million units worldwide since its debut more than a decade ago. The new Prius is expected to get an average of 50 miles per gallon, which will help keep its rating as the most fuel efficient car in mass production. This is 4 miles per gallon better than the current version of the Prius.

If you’re interested in the new Prius or any of Toyota’s other fuel-efficient hybrid cars, come to your Doylestown area Toyota dealer today and see what Toyota has to offer you.

Toyota to Design Solar-Powered Vehicles

Tina Logue — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:06:32 GMT

Toyota has always been on the cutting edge of producing environmentally-friendly and fuel efficient vehicles. It looks like the Toyota Hybrid will someday be surpassed in its efficiency with a Toyota vehicle that is fueled by the sun.

According to a Japanese newspaper late last week, Toyota is now in the process of designing an electric car that will draw a portion of its power via solar cells. The vehicle will be able to be recharged from electricity generated from home solar panels, as well. The hope is that, eventually, Toyota will be able to develop a vehicle that runs entirely on solar power.

Toyota, we know uses solar power at its production plant in Tsutsumi in Japan. In addition, Panasonic, which makes batteries for Toyota hybrids, is buying Sanyo, which is a leader in solar technology. This puts Toyota in a truly unique position to really utilize the latest in solar power technology.

While it will be several years before a solar-powered car is released, this news does bring hope to people concerned with the environment. It may be that, one day, cars will run entirely on the fuel provided to them by the rays of the sun.

Toyota Hybrids Helping the Environment and the Economy

Tina Logue — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:56:26 GMT

While none of the car manufacturers have been immune to the economic woes as of late, Toyota is looking to its ecologically friendly cars, like the Toyota Hybrids, to ease their economic woes. Toyota recently opened a new factory to manufacture the batteries used in Toyota's hybrids a month ahead of schedule.

This is just one example of the way that Toyota is working hard to get the next generation of hybrid cars and electric cars developed and onto the market.

One of the responses Toyota has had to the financial crisis is to set up a special team aimed specifically at cutting the cost of the production of small cars. Small cars like the Yaris, while they generate smaller profits for the company, are ripe for cost cutting measures.

In contrast, Toyota suspended its production of vehicles at its large vehicle plant in Texas for a short time during the month of August, in response to falling markets.

Whatever lies ahead for Toyota, one thing is clear: small, fuel efficient vehicles that are good for the environment will continue to make the top of Toyota’s list of priorities.

Happy New Year from Toyota!

Tina Logue — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:45:50 GMT

As you get ready to party down tonight, think about how the year has gone. It might be a depressing thought that may have you reaching for the bottle sooner than later, but it is important to take a look back and see how the world looks. The story of the year was the economy and as we round the corner into 2009, we're looking at problems in the automotive industry.

There are many reasons to be excited about the coming year, however, and Toyota hybrid technology is one of those reasons. With a focus on going green and staying small, Toyota is the perfect company for 2009. Its focus is on producing vehicles that make a difference, with smooth features and great products, this is a company on the rise for certain.

So as you reflect on the year and look ahead to 2009, Happy New Year. The economy may look scary now and car companies may be looking grim. If you're a dealer or a salesperson or a mechanic, you may be living in fear of your job. But with companies like Toyota working hard in the field to change things, you may find that 2009 is one of the best years yet.

Learn About Your New Investment - Part Five

Tina Logue — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:39:47 GMT

In our final installment of learnin about our new investments, we can reflect back on what we've learned. For one thing, it's not so bad. Sure, we aren't invested in something cool like Toyota hybrid technology or a hamburger machine, but we are invested in the future of the American automobile industry and that's not so bad, is it?

We've learned that many of the issues regarding the auto industry are related to poor regulatory issues. With state franchise laws preventing dealers from moving brands on to a watery grave and other issues crowding up the lots with unsold cars, the Detroit Three aren't in that bad of shape when you try to put a positive spin on it like we have.

But enough is enough. The truth is that the brands in Detroit are flailing around like fishes out of water and they are failing with sinking prices and factory closures. No matter how hard we or mags like Business Weekly might try to spin this situation, it isn't good. The auto industry needs the help, badly, and it needs to recover.

Learn About Your New Investment - Part Four

Tina Logue — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:31:54 GMT

As we've demonstrated, learning about investments can be fun. I've even stopped driving my Toyota hybrid to support a GM product. Okay, so I haven't gone that far, but I can admit to being somewhat enthused about the prospect of owning a part of General Motors along with millions of other Americans. It's for that reason that we're continuing our series on our new investment. Yay for us!

An interesting component to how the auto industry is facing so many problems lies with the dealerships. Interestingly it isn't the actions of the dealers or the slow sales causing a log jam for the most part, but rather state franchise laws that won't allow obsolete brands or unsuccessful genres to shut down without a looooong process.

Indeed, many dealers have had trouble killing off some of the weaker brands like Saturn because of state franchise laws getting in the way. Sure, someone could knock out Saturn but it can't be done without huge costs being slapped on the individual dealers. The result? Dealerships hold on to brands that aren't moving for fear of being dinged by the huge costs. Despite losing money on these brands, the dealers hold on to them because it's better than paying the cost.$0

Learn About Your New Investment - Part Three

Tina Logue — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:25:46 GMT

We have often heard about how Toyota hybrid technology or other foreign technology are among the world leaders in terms of going green. But don't sell the Big Three out just yet. There are plenty of reasons to have faith in the business operations in terms of green technology for the Detroit Three - Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. While they may not be leading the pack, studies show that there are more than a few reasons to assert that the companies might be more "green" than originally assumed.

There's no question that the Detroit companies were slower to present technology that was environmentally friendly to the public. They continued to market vehicles based on size and power, while other car companies focused on speed and efficiency. When the Big Three were towing logs across a field in an enormous truck, hybrid cars were showing people how to save money. In the end, it's no surprise that the dinosaur logic lost out.

But that doesn't mean that the Three didn't have hybrid technology or other green stuff to work with. By being two generations behind the likes of Toyota, however, GM and Co. have a lot of catching up to do in terms of marketing and facilitating the green technology. With the future going in that direction, there's no reason to think the Three won't begin to go green very, very soon.

Learn About Your New Investment - Part Two

Tina Logue — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:20:29 GMT

As of late, we've become aware of our investment with the automotive companies of America. While the bailout is going to assist in saving jobs and granting many people their security as workers, it is us as taxpayers left with the companies - namely General Motors and Chrysler, with Ford not needing bailout assistance at the moment. In this respect, we thought learning more about the car industry would be helpful as we all try to manage our investment.

The first thing to note is that Detroit is not a lost cause. At least that's what Business Weekly tells us. According to the publication, Detroit is still in charge of about 45% of the automotive sales in the United States. That means that people are certainly still "buying Detroit" over Toyota hybrids and it means that there is a reason to have faith in the industry....maybe.

More than 8 billion cars are being bought by Americans out of the Detroit Three, which should be enough to restore faith in the region, right? Wrong. If Detroit is doing so well and selling so many cars, why is the bailout necessary? Naturally, Business Weekly doesn't answer that question and, instead, leaves us wondering if our investment is really all that great to begin with. We'll try to break it down further in our next installment.

Learn About Your New Investment - Part One

Tina Logue — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:06:16 GMT

It is interesting to note that the New Year could grant taxpayers in America a certain amount of power over the car industry. Namely, consumers and taxpayers in the United States will actually own General Motors. This will occur because the market value of the GM and Chrysler is actually less than the amount that the United States government is lending them for a bailout.

In this fashion, General Motors and Chrysler, if the latter survives as its own entity into 2009, become the property of the taxpayer. With this in mind, we thought it would be a great time to tell our loyal readers a few things about the automotive industry. After all, it is certainly a good idea to learn a little more about a new investment, isn't it?

There was certainly a lot of criticism sent the way of the automakers in America, with the Big Three getting a lot of heat for not keeping up with the rest of the car companies in the world and lagging behind in technology and advances. Heck, I was one of the hardest critiques of the industry. But with my money going into the company, I thought a second look at the companies would be a good idea. Sure, GM might not be creating any Toyota hybrid-style vehicles any time soon and it may not win over much of the "green" market, but it's probably worth a second look...for now.

Toyota to List on eBay Motors

Tina Logue — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 23:57:03 GMT

Toyota has announced a brand new collaboration with eBay Motors that will allow all Toyota Certified Used Vehicle dealerships the option to showcase certified used vehicle inventory on eBay in the "Certified Pre-Owned Showroom."

This move will give Toyota a greater presence on the internet and will help make more consumers aware of other options to purchase used and pre-owned certified Toyota hybrids or other Toyota vehicles. It marks an exciting entry in the history of the car company and is a part of a movement aimed at changing the way people shop for pre-owned certified vehicles.

The process is effective today and allows shoppers the chance to search classified listings on www.motors.ebay.com and to view the Toyota Certified Used Vehicle inventory from Toyota dealerships located within their area. This type of connection is important as it allows shoppers to get firsthand information about vehicles on the lot without actually going to the lot.

How this move will impact other car companies and whether or not others will follow suit remains to be, of course, but Toyota's venture into eBay Motors is a positive step in the right direction for the car company.

Toyota Suspends Work on U.S. Plant

Tina Logue — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 03:58:04 GMT

Work suspensions at plants have been a part of the daily news since this whole economic crisis began and it is beginning to look like no company is immune to the problem. Toyota Motor Corp. recently announced a series of work suspensions and is suspending the production of a new plant in Mississippi after the economic prospects continued to look dark.

The plant in Mississippi was scheduled to begin production on Prius Toyota hybrids in late 2010 and would mark Toyota's eighth production plant in the United States of America. With the delay, there is no telling when the plant will open and when residents of the Tupelo region of Mississippi will be able to go work at the plant.

Toyota is currently number two in automotive sales in North America, with General Motors holding the top spot. With auto sales slumping to their lowest levels in 25 years and many industry heads looking to the government for help, the problems with Toyota and the production of the Mississippi plant only serves to further underline the severity of this issue.

Something needs to be done, and soon, in order to save the jobs of the people. If only the government of the United States cared as much about the average working family as they did the comfort of account execs in banks and financial companies, the automotive industry might be able to turn things around in time before a potential million jobs are lost.

Wise Up and Drive Right

Tina Logue — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 19:27:44 GMT

With fears over recessions and all sorts of other economic worries infusing our culture with a slew of anger, confusion, mistrust, and apprehension, it's time to figure out how we can get to the bottom of this situation and what needs to be done in order to save a plummeting industry from impending doom.

Let's face facts, first of all. Some car companies have the ability to do okay. Others are like anchors and their tumbling trip to the bottom is wounding the abilities of other car companies to compete. When the industry suffers, the whole industry suffers and everything goes along with it in one giant, ugly race to the bottom of the pile.

So what can be done? For starters, people are going to have to learn to be more selective with automobile purchases and how they drive their cars. The automotive industry can be saved if it listens to the consumers and if it begins to lower prices and introduce cars that more people would drive in tough times. Foreign automakers are introducing cars, like affordable Toyota hybrid cars and snazzy Nissan sports coupes, and people are buying them. The Big Three in Detroit need to learn why and they need to do what they can to peel off some of that success.

But it can't be done overnight and it won't be easy. Car companies are going to have to wise up and we, as drivers, are going to have to learn to drive right!

Detroit Three Short on Talent

Tina Logue — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:39:01 GMT

You may be thinking that I'm rather bold for taking the leap with such a controversial headline. To suggest that Detroit's magical three automakers, the core of American industry - Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors - lack the talent and innovation to compete in the world of automaking is probably akin to heresy. But I'm going there. And I'm going there without hesitation or fear of reprisal.

The most innovative automakers in the world bailed on the Detroit Three a long time ago, taking their tools and their superior technology and creativity to greener pastures, often literally. Environmentally-friendly automobiles began to creep out of foreign markets, hybrids were introduced, and other vehicles began to fill the streets. Even in America, people were making a shift to smaller vehicles. This shift could be seen as early as the late 1980s.

Yet General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler persisted in selling us cars that only a grandfather would drive. Cars the size of boats, trucks much larger than anyone ever needed, and an entire culture of automotive excess was unleashed on the people without hesitation. The dollar was the only bottom line and, as the result of being outdated and out of touch, the Detroit Three faltered while Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai (among others) flourished. Today, a Toyota hybrid is much more significant than a Ford Taurus and more are making the switch than ever before.

In our next few entries, we'll explore why the likes of Toyota and Honda are doing well and why the Detroit Three desperately need government money to bail them out.

Unsold Cars Piling Up

Tina Logue — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:43:11 GMT

If you've been to a car lot recently, you've probably noticed that there are a lot more vehicles lying around than normal. That's because the used cars and unsold vehicles are piling up due to a lack of customers. With sales reaching all-time low levels for the modern era, many are simply trying to find the bottom of this whole affair.

From pricey luxury sedans and SUVs to hybrid vehicles and environmentally-friendly small cars, unsold vehicles are piling up on the car lots. They are even stacking up at ports and shipping yards, creating a tricky situation for the auto industry which is in its worst shape in 25 years.

The port in Long Beach looks like a storage yard, with cars and trucks stored on a construction site that will one day be converted to a shipment yard. Estimates are that an additional 23 acres of space are being used because of the pile-up of unsold vehicles. Few are expecting the situation to get any better.

It seems that nobody is immume to this situation. Whether cars come from Toyota automotive or General Motors, customers simply aren't buying. While there is a slight preference to vehicles like a Toyota hybrid, there aren't enough customers to seriously impact the industry and turn things around.

Indianapolis Car Dealer Miffed After Mayor "Goes Foreign"

Tina Logue — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 00:16:17 GMT

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has purchased hybrid cars to round out the city's fleet of vehicles. In a move that would be considered reasonable by most people, Ballard purchased 85 new Toyota hybrid Camry models. Ballard is hoping that the Toyota fuel economy from the hybrid vehicle will save his city money in the long run by contrast to the lower bid on the contract, which came from a local Chevrolet dealership.

Many are suggesting that Ballard's move was irresponsible and that he should have purchased local vehicles from a local dealer. But in these economic times, everyone needs to save money in some capacity and Ballard is doing what is best for his city in his view. "This vehicle that the city is replacing averages 14 to 15 miles per gallon, versus close to 30 miles per gallon," said spokesman Scott Clugston, who represents the Toyota dealership from which Ballard purchased the Camry hybrids. "So from a fiscal standpoint, they're saving 50 percent in fuel costs."

Officials from the Chevrolet dealership have made counter-claims, however, and have suggested that purchasing the Chevrolet vehicles would have been ultimately cheaper. Representatives for the mayor have noted that the decision was based on more than just cost, adding that environmental concerns were an issue and the possibility for a timely delivery of the vehicles also weighed on the final decision.

2009 Toyota Venza Is On Its Way

Tina Logue — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:43:31 GMT

Now in production, Toyota's crossover sedan, the 2009 Toyota Venza, is cong to be one of the best cars on lot at your Toyota dealer near Royersford. The Venza is being built at Toyota's plan in Georgetown, Kentucky. This is the same plant where Toyota builds it Camry, Camry Hybrid, and its Toyota Solara Convertible.

What exactly is a crossover sedan, you may wonder? Well, A crossover sedan is similar to a crossover SUV, but it more resembles a car than it does a traditional sport utility vehicle. The 2009 Toyota Venza certainly fits this description.

The 2009 Venza seats five passengers. As is typical with a crossover sedan, the seats sit up higher than they do with a typical sedan. The good news is that it's easier to get your feet inside as the rocker height is low.

It is expected that the 2009 Toyota Venza will have plenty of room for cargo. It should have space that sits between the Camry and the Highlander. In addition, it has a a 60/40 split rear seat that can be used to provide more space by folding it from the back side.

The 2009 Toyota Venza features a 2.7 liter four cylinder engine. You can instead choose to have your Toyota Venza with a 3.5 liter V6.

Some of the Standard features on the 2009 Toyota Venza include a CD changer, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, remote keyless entry, a rear wiper, cruise control and air conditioning.

A Look at Toyota's 2009 Matrix

Tina Logue — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:37:04 GMT

The 2009 Toyota Matrix, a variation on Toyota's popular Corolla line, is one of the coolest cars you'll find anywhere near your Royersford area Toyota dealer The new 2009 Toyota Matrix represents a new generation of the car. It features a number of new and exciting options, as well as plenty of design changes that make it worth taking a look.

The first thing you'll notice about the 2009 Toyota Matrix is that it's a hatchback. The 2009 Toyota Matrix is available in a number of different builds and trim levels. You can have front wheel drive, all wheel drive, four or five speed transmission, and a big 2.4 liter engine or a smaller 1.8 liter engine. And those are only the options under the hood.

Inside is where the 2009 Toyota Matrix shines. There are plenty ofinterior styling and packaging options to consider adding such as the optional navigation system. You’ll have plenty of safety options, too, from traction control to front side airbags to an antiskid system.

Forget, for a moment, all of the options on your 2009 Toyota Matrix. Regardless of which one you get, you can guarantee a fun drive with excellent performance.

Check out the 2009 Toyota Matrix today and give it a spin.

Fans Looking Forward to Big Toyota Hybrid Release

Tina Logue — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:26:12 GMT

Fans of Toyota Hybrid cars are totally excited.

In January of 2009, the third generation of Toyota's flagship hybrid, the Prius, will debut at the Detroit motor show.

This new generation of the top selling Hybrid may be based on the Hybrid X concept, which was shown at the 2007 Geneva motor show.

Experts and enthusiasts expect the new Prius to actually be cleaner and better for the environment than the current Prius. However, it is also expected that the new Prius will give up some of its fuel economy and environmental friendliness in favor of more sporty performance.

This change comes, in part, as other auto makers enter the hybrid field, or as they step up their efforts to put out new and improved next-generation hybrid vehicles. The Prius has faced very few rivals over the years since it was first released in 2001, but the new Chevrolet Volt from General Motors and the new, second-generation Honda Insight are going to try to give the Toyota Prius a run for its money.

Fans of the Prius are anxiously awaiting the release of the next generation of their favorite vehicle. It is believed that the new sportier Prius may help to reshape the image that other people have of the Prius into a more performance-based hybrid.