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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota recalling nearly 40k Highlanders fitted with... optional stainless exhaust tip?!]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/toyota-recalling-nearly-40k-highlanders-fitted-with-optional-sta/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/toyota-recalling-nearly-40k-highlanders-fitted-with-optional-sta/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/toyota-recalling-nearly-40k-highlanders-fitted-with-optional-sta/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/" rel="tag">SUV</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/recalls-tsbs/" rel="tag">Recalls</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/safety/" rel="tag">Safety</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/toyota-recalling-nearly-40k-highlanders-fitted-with-optional-sta/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/2008-toyota-highlander-hybrid-rear-3-4-580.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are announcing an equipment safety recall on the Japanese automaker's 2008 Highlanders and Highlander Hybrid models. <br /><br />On the 2008 model year crossover, the optional stainless steel exhaust tip retention clamp apparently has a manufacturing defect that can cause it to develop microscopic cracks, and in the worst case, fall off. We're not entirely clear on why this warrants a full-blown safety recall (perhaps to avoid the possibility of road debris), but in any case, NHTSA reports that ten incidents have been filed and the recall is moving forward. Overall, only 39,100 clamps are suspected to be flawed, but Toyota is notifying all 121,000 Highlander owners in case they bought the add-on exhaust finisher at their local dealer's parts counter. <br /><br />You can read the full press release after the jump, and contact your dealer for an inspection and fix if necessary.<br /><br />[Source: Toyota]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/toyota-recalling-nearly-40k-highlanders-fitted-with-optional-sta/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Toyota recalling nearly 40k Highlanders fitted with... optional stainless exhaust tip?!</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/toyota-recalling-nearly-40k-highlanders-fitted-with-optional-sta/">Toyota recalling nearly 40k Highlanders fitted with... optional stainless exhaust tip?!</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:27:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/toyota-recalling-nearly-40k-highlanders-fitted-with-optional-sta/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1530427/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/toyota-recalling-nearly-40k-highlanders-fitted-with-optional-sta/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>highlander hv</category><category>HighlanderHv</category><category>higlander</category><category>nhtsa</category><category>recalls</category><category>safety</category><category>suv</category><category>toyota</category><category>toyota highlander</category><category>toyota highlander hv</category><category>ToyotaHighlander</category><category>ToyotaHighlanderHv</category><category>tsb</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathon Ramsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:27:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[VIDEO: Chevrolet Traverse spots cause much ado about Howie]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/much-ado-about-howie-chevrolet-traverse-spots-cause-some-conste/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/much-ado-about-howie-chevrolet-traverse-spots-cause-some-conste/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/much-ado-about-howie-chevrolet-traverse-spots-cause-some-conste/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/" rel="tag">GM</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/celebrities/" rel="tag">Celebrities</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/much-ado-about-howie-chevrolet-traverse-spots-cause-some-conste/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/howie_long_580.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click on the image above to watch video of Howie Long irking non-GM fans</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />Howie Long has set blogger keyboards ablaze with invective. The former footballer's starring role in Campbell-Ewald's latest spots for General Motors has some in a froth. We think the spots are funny - calling out the Ford F-150's "Man-Step," picking on a heated steering wheel, and pointing out that Chevrolet's new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/13/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-chevrolet-traverse-lt/">Traverse crossover</a> holds a demonstration load that the Honda Pilot can't accommodate. BrandFreak's Kenneth Hein took particular exception with the Pilot spot, spouting off with a post about how his Pilot has tons of storage space. Yes, it does, Ken, but the Traverse has more (there's something about an extra 14 inches in length that leads to that sort of thing). The best part is when one of the actors shows up in BrandFreak's comments, telling it like it is. We expect this kind of fervor from Scion xB owners; but is it really necessary to call Howie Long an arrogant ass? Decide for yourself, spots posted after the jump.<br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.brandfreak.com/2009/01/howie-long-becomes-an-arrogant-ass-in-new-chevy-campaign.html">BrandFreak</a>]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/much-ado-about-howie-chevrolet-traverse-spots-cause-some-conste/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>VIDEO: Chevrolet Traverse spots cause much ado about Howie</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/much-ado-about-howie-chevrolet-traverse-spots-cause-some-conste/">VIDEO: Chevrolet Traverse spots cause much ado about Howie</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:27:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.brandfreak.com/2009/01/howie-long-becomes-an-arrogant-ass-in-new-chevy-campaign.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/much-ado-about-howie-chevrolet-traverse-spots-cause-some-conste/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1427688/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/much-ado-about-howie-chevrolet-traverse-spots-cause-some-conste/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Ford F-150</category><category>FordF-150</category><category>Honda Pilot</category><category>HondaPilot</category><category>howie long chevrolet</category><category>howie long chevy</category><category>howie long commercials</category><category>howie long gm</category><category>HowieLongChevrolet</category><category>HowieLongChevy</category><category>HowieLongCommercials</category><category>HowieLongGm</category><category>Toyota Highlander</category><category>ToyotaHighlander</category><category>Traverse</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan Roth]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:27:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota announces all-new four-cylinder engine for '09 Highlander]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/toyota-announces-all-new-four-cylinder-engine-for-09-highlander/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/toyota-announces-all-new-four-cylinder-engine-for-09-highlander/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/toyota-announces-all-new-four-cylinder-engine-for-09-highlander/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/green/" rel="tag">Green</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/494300/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/location2_ft_three_qtr_opt.jpg" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><strong><em><small>Click above for high-res pics of the 2008 Toyota Highlander from <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-highlander-sport/">our review</a></small></em></strong><br /></div>
<br />When the 2009 Toyota Highlander hits dealerships in mid-to-late January, it will finally have an optional four-cylinder engine. The 2.7-liter four comes courtesy of the Venza and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination has been developed primarily for fuel efficiency and the EPA has given it a rating of 20/27 city and highway, with combined real-world mileage expected to hit about 22 miles per gallon. For comparison, the 3.5L V6, which will still be available, is rated at 18/24, and the hybrid model retains its 3.3L V6 and <a href="http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008car1tablef.jsp?id=26289">EPA ratings</a> of 27 city and 25 highway.<br /><br />Obviously, with 187 horsepower at a high 5,800 RPM and 186 lb-ft of torque, the engine is going to work hard for every mile per hour it gains. Recognizing this, Toyota has given it a preliminary 9.7-second 0-60 mph rating. That's not too bad considering its highway mileage rating actually bests that of the hybrid model. Maximum tow rating stands at 3,500 pounds, but it'll surely be breathing hard with a full load. No matter, as we expect the new base engine to account for a substantial chunk of Highlander sales.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/">Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/location2_ft_three_qtr_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/location2_rear_three_qtr_1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/loading_dock_above_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/blue_doors_dutch_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/ft_three_qtr_blue_wide_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Toyota]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/toyota-announces-all-new-four-cylinder-engine-for-09-highlander/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Toyota announces all-new four-cylinder engine for '09 Highlander</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/toyota-announces-all-new-four-cylinder-engine-for-09-highlander/">Toyota announces all-new four-cylinder engine for '09 Highlander</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:21:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/toyota-announces-all-new-four-cylinder-engine-for-09-highlander/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1362290/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/04/toyota-announces-all-new-four-cylinder-engine-for-09-highlander/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2.7 liter</category><category>2.7l engine</category><category>2.7lengine</category><category>2.7Liter</category><category>2009 toyota highlander</category><category>2009ToyotaHighlander</category><category>highlander four cylinder</category><category>HighlanderFourCylinder</category><category>toyota</category><category>toyota highlander</category><category>toyota highlander 2.7</category><category>ToyotaHighlander</category><category>ToyotaHighlander2.7</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:21:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota announces new 2.7L four-cylinder for Highlander]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/toyota-announces-new-2-7l-four-cylinder-for-highlander/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/toyota-announces-new-2-7l-four-cylinder-for-highlander/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/toyota-announces-new-2-7l-four-cylinder-for-highlander/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/494300/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/highlander-08-sport.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Toyota Highlander</em><br /><br />When the all-new Highlander launched last year, it came equipped with your choice of a 3.5L V6 or a 3.3L hybrid powerplant. Toyota is expanding the Highlander's powertrain lineup for 2009 by adding a more fuel efficient 2.7L four-cylinder engine. The new engine produces 187 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 186 lb-ft at 4,100 RPM, making it the most powerful four cylinder engine in Toyota's lineup. Assisting the new 2.7L engine is a six-speed automatic transmission that Toyota says together will provide smooth acceleration and V6-like performance. EPA figures will be announced closer to the engine/transmission's January 2009 launch date, and they should be a few mpg better than the 3.5L engine's 18/24 figures.<br /><br />The addition of a four-pot to the Highlander lineup will give customers a less expensive and more fuel efficient option in this model lineup, which should prove mighty popular. What remains to be seen is whether a 187-hp engine can properly motivate a 4,000-lb vehicle. We're guessing that since many Highlander buyers aren't likely all that interested in driving dynamics, the most important stat for Toyota's CUV will be its EPA number. Hit the jump to for Toyota's press release if you're looking for nitty gritty details.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/">Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/location2_ft_three_qtr_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/location2_rear_three_qtr_1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/loading_dock_above_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/blue_doors_dutch_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/ft_three_qtr_blue_wide_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Toyota]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/toyota-announces-new-2-7l-four-cylinder-for-highlander/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Toyota announces new 2.7L four-cylinder for Highlander</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/toyota-announces-new-2-7l-four-cylinder-for-highlander/">Toyota announces new 2.7L four-cylinder for Highlander</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/toyota-announces-new-2-7l-four-cylinder-for-highlander/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1284790/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/toyota-announces-new-2-7l-four-cylinder-for-highlander/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2.7L engine</category><category>2.7lEngine</category><category>four cylinder</category><category>FourCylinder</category><category>Toyota Highlander</category><category>ToyotaHighlander</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota to start building Highlander in U.S. six months early]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/toyota-to-start-building-highlander-in-u-s-six-months-early/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/toyota-to-start-building-highlander-in-u-s-six-months-early/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/toyota-to-start-building-highlander-in-u-s-six-months-early/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/494300/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/location2_ft_three_qtr_opt.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><em>Click above for high-res pics of the 2008 Toyota Highlander from <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-highlander-sport/">our review</a></em><br /><br />Up to this point, all Highlanders destined for the U.S. have been built in Japan. Toyota had planned to start building a new, redesigned Highlander in late 2009 at its plant in Tupelo, Mississippi, a factory that is still under construction, but the rapidly slumping SUV market <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/13/toyota-delays-u-s-crossover-plant/">prompted</a> it to <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/prius-production-heading-to-mississippi-tundra-to-texas/">postpone</a> the vehicle's redesign to 2010. Things change quickly in this business, however, and because its plant in Princeton, Indiana that builds the full-size Tundra is now sitting idle, Toyota has decided to use that capacity to start building the Highlander in the fall of 2009. The Tupelo plant, meanwhile, will instead start building the Prius here in the U.S. when its construction is completed in 2010. All this flip flopping of production can be done because of the flexible manufacturing that was built into each of Toyota's plants, and the positive end result is that its workers can keep working rather than sitting at home without a paycheck.<br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080812/ANA02/109974781/1129">Automotive News</a> - sub. req'd]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/toyota-to-start-building-highlander-in-u-s-six-months-early/">Toyota to start building Highlander in U.S. six months early</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080812/ANA02/109974781/1129>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/toyota-to-start-building-highlander-in-u-s-six-months-early/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1281583/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/toyota-to-start-building-highlander-in-u-s-six-months-early/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>princeton indiana</category><category>PrincetonIndiana</category><category>toyota</category><category>toyota highlander</category><category>ToyotaHighlander</category><category>tupelo mississippi</category><category>TupeloMississippi</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota planning second hybrid model, along with rebadged Lexus variant]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/toyota-planning-second-hybrid-model-along-with-rebadged-lexus-v/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/toyota-planning-second-hybrid-model-along-with-rebadged-lexus-v/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/toyota-planning-second-hybrid-model-along-with-rebadged-lexus-v/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/green/" rel="tag">Green</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/toyota_hybridx_450op.jpg"  alt="" /><br /><br />
<p>To feed the insatiable demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, and follow the striking success of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/01/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-toyota-prius-touring/">Toyota Prius</a>, the Japanese automaker will introduce a second hybrid-only vehicle in 2009. The all-new model will have a 2- to 2.5-liter engine, suggesting it will be larger than their current popular four-door hybrid (the Prius uses a 1.5-liter gasoline powerplant). The new model will be sold side-by-side with the Prius, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/01/toyota-camry-hybrid-wins-2007-green-car-of-the-year/">Camry Hybrid</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2005/03/29/2006-toyota-highlander-hybrid/">Highlander Hybrid</a>. Toyota will also sell a rebadged version under the upscale Lexus brand, where it will join the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/04/lexus-exceeds-ls600h-sales-target-by-three-hundred-percent/">LS Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2005/03/25/new-york-auto-show-2007-lexus-gs-450h/">GS Hybrid</a>, and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2005/03/01/lexus-rx-400h-ready-at-a-price/">RX Hybrid</a>. Toyota's master plan is to sell 1 million hybrid vehicles annually throughout the world, and considering the market, there's little doubt that the automaker can pull it off. Toyota's next hybrid debut is scheduled for Detroit in January, and we'll be there to cover it.</p>
<p>[Source: <a href="http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C07%5C21%5Cstory_21-7-2008_pg6_7">Daily Times</a>]</p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/toyota-planning-second-hybrid-model-along-with-rebadged-lexus-v/">Toyota planning second hybrid model, along with rebadged Lexus variant</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:28:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C07%5C21%5Cstory_21-7-2008_pg6_7>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/toyota-planning-second-hybrid-model-along-with-rebadged-lexus-v/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1263131/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/toyota-planning-second-hybrid-model-along-with-rebadged-lexus-v/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>fuel efficiency</category><category>fuel efficient</category><category>fuel efficient car</category><category>fuel efficient cars</category><category>FuelEfficiency</category><category>FuelEfficient</category><category>FuelEfficientCar</category><category>FuelEfficientCars</category><category>Lexus Hybrid</category><category>Lexus manufacturing</category><category>LexusHybrid</category><category>LexusManufacturing</category><category>Toyota</category><category>toyota highlander</category><category>toyota prius</category><category>toyota prius hybrid</category><category>toyota prius touring</category><category>toyotahighlander</category><category>toyotahighlanderhybrid</category><category>ToyotaPrius</category><category>ToyotaPriusHybrid</category><category>ToyotaPriusTouring</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Harley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:28:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Prius production heading to Mississippi, Tundra to Texas]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/prius-production-heading-to-mississippi-tundra-to-texas/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/prius-production-heading-to-mississippi-tundra-to-texas/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/prius-production-heading-to-mississippi-tundra-to-texas/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/" rel="tag">SUV</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hirings-firings/" rel="tag">Hirings/Firings/Layoffs</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a></p><a href="http://blog.toyota.com/2008/07/prius-productio.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/prius_assembly.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Toyota's got some changes and rearranges underway with its North American facilities to better serve the demands of the market. The biggest news is that Prius production will be coming Stateside, which will help unkink the supply pipeline, if not also lower costs. A new facility in Blue Springs, Mississippi is being readied for the battery-pack-mobile, though the location was initially meant to turn out Highlanders. With consumer desires shifting with the rise of fuel prices, cranking out more Priuses is a higher priority, and beginning in fall 2009, the Highlander will shuffle off to Princeton, Indiana. With the Highlander elbowing its way into the Princeton plant, the vehicle currently produced there, the Tundra, will see its production move under a single roof in San Antonio, Texas. <br /><br />The big-truck moves are of little consequence when the plants are scheduled to be idled beginning August 8th due to lack of demand. Huntsville, Alabama will also hold up on cranking out V8 engines. While Toyota is putting some plants in neutral, it pledges to provide employment to affected team members during the shutdown. All of this shuffling is an attempt by Toyota to avoid sustaining humongous hits as the market for new cars takes a dump, as well as ensuring that the products it remains building match up with consumer desires. Always a good thing to make the things people want. <br /><br />[Source: Toyota/<a href="http://blog.toyota.com/2008/07/prius-productio.html">Open Road</a>] <br /><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/prius-production-heading-to-mississippi-tundra-to-texas/">Prius production heading to Mississippi, Tundra to Texas</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:01:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://blog.toyota.com/2008/07/prius-productio.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/prius-production-heading-to-mississippi-tundra-to-texas/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1251344/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/prius-production-heading-to-mississippi-tundra-to-texas/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>breaking</category><category>toyota</category><category>toyota highlander</category><category>toyota mississippi</category><category>toyota plant</category><category>toyota plants</category><category>toyota prius</category><category>toyota production</category><category>toyota tundra</category><category>ToyotaHighlander</category><category>ToyotaMississippi</category><category>ToyotaPlant</category><category>ToyotaPlants</category><category>ToyotaPrius</category><category>ToyotaProduction</category><category>ToyotaTundra</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan Roth]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[VIDEO: Chevy Traverse takes on Toyota Highlander inside and out]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/video-chevy-traverse-takes-on-toyota-highlander-inside-and-out/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/video-chevy-traverse-takes-on-toyota-highlander-inside-and-out/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/video-chevy-traverse-takes-on-toyota-highlander-inside-and-out/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chevrolet/" rel="tag">Chevrolet</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-chevrolet-traverse/889107/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/traverse-first-drive-1280-11_opt.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Click above for a gallery of high-res pics.<br /></em></p>
<p>When the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/first-drive-2009-chevrolet-traverse-w-video/">2009 Chevy Traverse</a> goes on sale in September, it will be the fourth, eight-passenger Lambda-based crossover to come from GM. The bow-tie CUV will carry the lowest starting MSRP of the quartet, and it will also carry the most power, with 288 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, along with the highest towing capacity of 5,200 lbs. <br /></p>
<p>Hit the jump to view several comparison videos that pit the Traverse against one of its main competitors, the Toyota Highlander. The first video is a walk-around of the Traverse to point out unique styling points, and from there it's all competition. We judge everything from the interior volume to the driving experience, and then take the two CUVs into uncharted territory -- the track. Enjoy!</p>
<p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-chevrolet-traverse/low/">First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-chevrolet-traverse/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/traverse-first-drive-1280-05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-chevrolet-traverse/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/traverse-first-drive-1280-06_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-chevrolet-traverse/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/traverse-first-drive-1280-07_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-chevrolet-traverse/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/traverse-first-drive-1280-22_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2009-chevrolet-traverse/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/traverse-first-drive-1280-15_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/video-chevy-traverse-takes-on-toyota-highlander-inside-and-out/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>VIDEO: Chevy Traverse takes on Toyota Highlander inside and out</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/video-chevy-traverse-takes-on-toyota-highlander-inside-and-out/">VIDEO: Chevy Traverse takes on Toyota Highlander inside and out</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:31:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/video-chevy-traverse-takes-on-toyota-highlander-inside-and-out/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1243561/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/video-chevy-traverse-takes-on-toyota-highlander-inside-and-out/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Chevy Traverse</category><category>ChevyTraverse</category><category>crossover</category><category>three row seating</category><category>ThreeRowSeating</category><category>Toyota Highlander</category><category>ToyotaHighlander</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:31:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota halts 2008 Highlander sales as part of recall]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/toyota-halts-2008-highlander-sales-as-part-of-recall/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/toyota-halts-2008-highlander-sales-as-part-of-recall/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/toyota-halts-2008-highlander-sales-as-part-of-recall/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/recalls-tsbs/" rel="tag">Recalls</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/safety/" rel="tag">Safety</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a></p><a href="http://www.thebostonchannel.com/money/16140835/detail.html?rss=bos&amp;psp=money"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/highlander_recall.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Slightly more than 90,000 Toyota Highlanders are being recalled for a seatbelt problem in the third row. The recalled crossovers are all 2008 models built between May of 2007 and March of this year. The stock belts could prevent secure mounting of a rear-facing child seat in the third row, and dealers will install a redesigned part on affected Highlanders. The problem with the third row belts hasn't spawned any complaints or injuries, and owners will be notified starting in June. Still, Toyota has put the brakes on Highlander sales until current stock is retrofitted and assembly lines are resupplied with the new part. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/">Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/location2_ft_three_qtr_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/location2_rear_three_qtr_1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/loading_dock_above_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/blue_doors_dutch_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/ft_three_qtr_blue_wide_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: AP via <a href="http://www.thebostonchannel.com/money/16140835/detail.html?rss=bos&amp;psp=money">WCVB</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/toyota-halts-2008-highlander-sales-as-part-of-recall/">Toyota halts 2008 Highlander sales as part of recall</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sat, 03 May 2008 10:33:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.thebostonchannel.com/money/16140835/detail.html?rss=bos&amp;psp=money>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/toyota-halts-2008-highlander-sales-as-part-of-recall/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1185544/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/toyota-halts-2008-highlander-sales-as-part-of-recall/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>highlander recall</category><category>highlander seatbelt</category><category>HighlanderRecall</category><category>HighlanderSeatbelt</category><category>seatbelt recall</category><category>SeatbeltRecall</category><category>toyota highlander</category><category>toyota highlander hy...</category><category>toyota highlander recall</category><category>toyota highlanders</category><category>toyota recall</category><category>toyota seatbelt</category><category>toyota seatbelt recall</category><category>ToyotaHighlander</category><category>ToyotaHighlanderHy...</category><category>ToyotaHighlanderRecall</category><category>ToyotaHighlanders</category><category>ToyotaRecall</category><category>ToyotaSeatbelt</category><category>ToyotaSeatbeltRecall</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan Roth]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 03 May 2008 10:33:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[2008 Road Trip Vehicles of the Year as chosen by Thule]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/22/2008-road-trip-vehicles-of-the-year-as-chosen-by-thule/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/22/2008-road-trip-vehicles-of-the-year-as-chosen-by-thule/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/22/2008-road-trip-vehicles-of-the-year-as-chosen-by-thule/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/" rel="tag">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/wagons/" rel="tag">Wagon</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/subaru/" rel="tag">Subaru</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/driving/" rel="tag">First Drive</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/highlander-hybrid-2008/332627/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="top" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/highlander_hybrid.jpg" /></a><br /><br />There are few words in the English language which can conjure up as much meaning, and likely so many memories, as these: road trip. We've all been on them before; some are the highlights of your life and some... well, not so much. But having the right vehicle can make all the difference in the world. <a href="http://www.thule.com">Thule</a>, maker of "transportation accessories", has added its name to the ever-growing list of companies that have invented an "__ of the year" award. For this particular honor, Thule has broken the automotive landscape in half, dividing its choices for the best vehicle to take a road trip in at the $30 grand mark. Without further ado, the winners are:<br />
<ul>
    <li>Best road trip vehicle under $30,000: Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited</li>
    <li>Best road trip vehicle over $30,000: Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited</li>
</ul>
If you really want to read all of the reasons that Thule offers for choosing these vehicles, there's a whole press release pasted after the break. We're not going to argue with their choices, as both the Outback and the Highlander are fine vehicles, which would be suitable for a group of four people and their assorted belongings. Sure beats the old funny-smelling air-cooled VW van that had trouble keeping up with the slow-moving traffic that some of us can remember from our childhood. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-subaru-legacy-and-outback-1/low/">2008 Subaru Legacy and Outback</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-subaru-legacy-and-outback-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/01/08_outbk3.0r_llbean_front_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-subaru-legacy-and-outback-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/01/08_outbk3.0r_llbean_frontside_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-subaru-legacy-and-outback-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/01/08_outbk3.0r_llbean_frontside3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-subaru-legacy-and-outback-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/01/08_outbk3.0r_llbean_front2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-subaru-legacy-and-outback-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/01/08_outbk3.0r_llbean_frontside2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/highlander-hybrid-2008/low/">Highlander Hybrid 2008</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/highlander-hybrid-2008/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/img_326852_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/highlander-hybrid-2008/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/img_326751_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/highlander-hybrid-2008/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/img_326650_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/highlander-hybrid-2008/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/img_326449_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/highlander-hybrid-2008/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/img_326348_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Thule]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/22/2008-road-trip-vehicles-of-the-year-as-chosen-by-thule/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>2008 Road Trip Vehicles of the Year as chosen by Thule</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/22/2008-road-trip-vehicles-of-the-year-as-chosen-by-thule/">2008 Road Trip Vehicles of the Year as chosen by Thule</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 10:32:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/22/2008-road-trip-vehicles-of-the-year-as-chosen-by-thule/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1145663/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/22/2008-road-trip-vehicles-of-the-year-as-chosen-by-thule/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>highlander</category><category>highlander hybrid</category><category>HighlanderHybrid</category><category>road trip</category><category>road tripping</category><category>road trips</category><category>road-trip</category><category>RoadTrip</category><category>RoadTripping</category><category>RoadTrips</category><category>subaru outback</category><category>subaru-outback</category><category>SubaruOutback</category><category>thule</category><category>toyota</category><category>toyota highlander</category><category>toyota highlander hy...</category><category>toyota highlander hybrid</category><category>toyota highlanders</category><category>toyota-highlander</category><category>toyota-highlander-hybrid</category><category>ToyotaHighlander</category><category>ToyotaHighlanderHy...</category><category>ToyotaHighlanderHybrid</category><category>ToyotaHighlanders</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 22 Mar 2008 10:32:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Consumer Reports rates Toyota Highlander No. 1, won't recommend it]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/07/consumer-reports-rates-toyota-highlander-no-1-wont-recommend/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/07/consumer-reports-rates-toyota-highlander-no-1-wont-recommend/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/07/consumer-reports-rates-toyota-highlander-no-1-wont-recommend/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/" rel="tag">SUV</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/494300/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/location2_ft_three_qtr_opt.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><em>click above image for more pics of the 2008 Toyota Highlander from <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-highlander-sport/">our review</a></em><br /> <br /> <span style="float: left; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 7px;"> <script> var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/ConsumerReports_rates_Toyota_Highlander_1_won_t_recommend'; </script> <script src="http://digg.com/api/diggthis.js"></script></span><em>Consumer Reports</em> seems to have a few more fans ever since the folks there proved that they have no bias for Toyota by knocking the Japanese automaker down a few pegs. One of the measures taken after three Toyota vehicles, including a Lexus, were bumped from <em>CR</em>'s recommended list was that no future Toyotas would get the benefit of the doubt and be labeled as "Recommended" based on the automaker's past performance. The first Toyota vehicle to be hit by this mandate is the new 2008 Toyota Highlander, which, despite becoming the highest rated mid-size SUV (it's really a CUV, but whatever) with three rows of seating, did not receive an automatic "Recommended" designation from the magazine. The Highlander received the highest score of 81 in <em>CR</em>'s most recent test, while competitors that were tested alongside the Highlander like the Subaru Tribeca and Ford Taurus X scored 70 and 75, respectively, yet managed to earn the "Recommended" label. Like the Highlander, the Buick Enclave scored relatively well (75) but did not get recommended, with <em>CR</em> citing insufficient reliability data to make the call. <br /> <br /> Though Toyota does not find itself in <em>CR</em>'s good graces at the moment, the magazine has made it clear that if Toyota's reliability rating returns to "excellent", it will resume automatically recommending its models again. We're just curious, but do any <em>CR</em> readers out there know what other brands or automakers (not individual models) are also automatically recommended based on their past performance?<br /> <br />Click <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/past-road-test/three-row-suvs-1-08/overview/suvs-ov.htm">here</a> to read a non-subscriber's version of <em>CR</em>'s article, and click <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-highlander-sport/">here</a> to read our own review of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport.<br /> <br /> [Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/">Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/location2_ft_three_qtr_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/location2_rear_three_qtr_1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/loading_dock_above_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/blue_doors_dutch_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/ft_three_qtr_blue_wide_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/07/consumer-reports-rates-toyota-highlander-no-1-wont-recommend/">Consumer Reports rates Toyota Highlander No. 1, won't recommend it</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:57:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071205/ANA05/71205017/1078>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/07/consumer-reports-rates-toyota-highlander-no-1-wont-recommend/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1057339/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/07/consumer-reports-rates-toyota-highlander-no-1-wont-recommend/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>consumer reports</category><category>ConsumerReports</category><category>highlander</category><category>recommended</category><category>reliability</category><category>toyota</category><category>toyota highlander</category><category>ToyotaHighlander</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Neff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:57:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-highlander-sport/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-highlander-sport/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-highlander-sport/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/garage/" rel="tag">In the Autoblog Garage</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/" rel="tag">SUV</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/494323/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/ft_three_qtr_blue_wall_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a></div>
<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-style: italic;"><small>2008 Toyota Highlander - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></span></strong><br /></div>
<br />The Highlander's undergone a nearly Kafka-esque transformation from its start as essentially a Camry wagon with all-wheel-drive and extra ride height. For 2008, Toyota's middle-child 'ute has been bulked up into more of a maxi-cruiser than previously. At first glance it appears what's emerged from the chrysalis is a grotesquely overinflated Forester, but the new Highlander is more butterfly than cockroach.<br /><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/">Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/location2_ft_three_qtr_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/location2_rear_three_qtr_1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/loading_dock_above_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/blue_doors_dutch_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-toyota-highlander-sport/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/ft_three_qtr_blue_wide_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><em><strong><small>All photos (C)2007 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.</small></strong></em><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-highlander-sport/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-highlander-sport/">Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:03:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-highlander-sport/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1038387/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-toyota-highlander-sport/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>crossover</category><category>cuv</category><category>featured</category><category>highlander</category><category>highlander sport</category><category>HighlanderSport</category><category>in the autoblog garage</category><category>InTheAutoblogGarage</category><category>sport</category><category>suv</category><category>third row</category><category>ThirdRow</category><category>toyota</category><category>toyota highlander</category><category>ToyotaHighlander</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan Roth]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:03:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Official: Toyota to build Highlanders in Mississippi]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/official-toyota-to-build-highlanders-in-mississippi/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/official-toyota-to-build-highlanders-in-mississippi/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/official-toyota-to-build-highlanders-in-mississippi/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/" rel="tag">SUV</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/barbour_450.jpg" /><br /><br />As expected, Toyota officially announced its plans to build the Highlander in northeast Mississippi. The company will invest $1.8 billion in the project and initially employ 2,000 workers. Toyota officials, along with Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (speaking in photo), made the announcement this morning at a press conference in Tupelo, Miss.<br /><br />"We in Mississippi and especially north Mississippi are excited to have been chosen by Toyota as its partner," Barbour said at the conference. "Toyota is the world's premiere auto manufacturer and our state will be the best partner the company has."<br /><br />Plans are for the plant to be up and running by 2009, producing as many as 150,000 gasoline-powered 2010 model Highlanders a year. Hybrid Highlander production will remain in Japan. With an incentive package somewhat smaller than the state offered Nissan in 2003, Toyota will acquire the entire 1,500 acre site that straddles three counties. <span class="art_p_body"><br /><br />[Sources: The Clarion-Ledger, The Commercial Appeal, Sean P. Thompson]<br /><br /></span><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/official-toyota-to-build-highlanders-in-mississippi/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Official: Toyota to build Highlanders in Mississippi</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/official-toyota-to-build-highlanders-in-mississippi/">Official: Toyota to build Highlanders in Mississippi</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 14:03:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070227/NEWS/70227006>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/official-toyota-to-build-highlanders-in-mississippi/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/841660/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/official-toyota-to-build-highlanders-in-mississippi/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>blue springs</category><category>blue springs tupelo</category><category>BlueSprings</category><category>BlueSpringsTupelo</category><category>mississippi toyota</category><category>MississippiToyota</category><category>new toyota plant</category><category>NewToyotaPlant</category><category>nissan mississippi</category><category>nissan toyota</category><category>NissanMississippi</category><category>NissanToyota</category><category>toyota</category><category>toyota highlander</category><category>toyota highlander mississippi</category><category>toyota mississippi</category><category>toyota plant</category><category>toyota u.s.</category><category>toyota us</category><category>ToyotaHighlander</category><category>ToyotaHighlanderMississippi</category><category>ToyotaMississippi</category><category>ToyotaPlant</category><category>ToyotaU.s.</category><category>ToyotaUs</category><category>tupelo</category><category>tupelo highlander</category><category>tupelo toyota</category><category>TupeloHighlander</category><category>TupeloToyota</category><category>well springs</category><category>wellsprings</category><category>wellsprings toyota</category><category>WellspringsToyota</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Tutor]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 27 Feb 2007 14:03:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>