Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/i-consumer-reports-i-tests-fuel-efficiency-vs-speed-honda-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/i-consumer-reports-i-tests-fuel-efficiency-vs-speed-honda-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/i-consumer-reports-i-tests-fuel-efficiency-vs-speed-honda-i/#comments
2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. Common sense, right? Absolutely, but it's still helpful to see real-life data, as you'll see by checking out the results of a recent test performed by Consumer Reports. Not all cars perform the same at various speed limits, and as you might expect, America's most fuel efficient models are also the vehicles most affected by higher speeds.

A total of seven vehicles were tested by CR: a Acura TSX with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a new 2010 Honda Insight; a Lexus RX350; a Mercury Mountaineer with 4.6-liter V8; Toyota Camry and RAV4 with 2.5-liter four-bangers; and a Yaris with a 1.5-liter four.

As you're probably aware, today's hybrids are optimized for high fuel economy at city speeds and therefore lose much of their miserly ways on the highway. As it turns out, this was especially true of the new Insight hybrid, which lost over 15 miles per gallon moving the needle from 55 mph to 75 mph - the largest drop in the contest. Click here for the complete test results.


Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight


[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 honda insight2010HondaInsightacura tsxAcuraTsxfuel economyfuel mileagefuel mileage testFuelEconomyFuelMileageFuelMileageTesthonda insighthonda insight 2010honda insight hybridHondaInsightHondaInsight2010HondaInsightHybridlexus rx350LexusRx350mercury mountaineerMercuryMountaineertoyota camrytoyota rav4toyota yarisToyotaCamryToyotaRav4ToyotaYarisThu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Reports of Toyota RAV4 gearbox woes mount as owner anger grows]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/reports-of-toyota-rav4-gearbox-woes-mount-as-owner-anger-grows/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/reports-of-toyota-rav4-gearbox-woes-mount-as-owner-anger-grows/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/reports-of-toyota-rav4-gearbox-woes-mount-as-owner-anger-grows/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Imagine merging into speeding highway traffic when your transmission suddenly balks at the shift, leaving you struggling to choose between that 70,000-pound semi filling your rear view mirror or the shrinking median on the right side of the road. This scenario is just one of the complaints being lodged against Toyota's 2001-2003 RAV4 as owners complain about the Japanese automaker's reluctance to acknowledge a fault with the so-called cute-ute's electronically-controlled transmission.

According to the reports (more than 120 complaints have been lodged to the NHTSA so far), the engine control module (ECM) may fail and send mixed signals to the transmission. Once the tranny starts to misbehave (noticed through rough or missed shifts), the ECM needs to immediately be serviced to avoid major transmission damage. Long story short, owners are miffed that Toyota has internally confirmed the issue (a TSB was issued to dealers in March of 2006), but has failed to notify consumers who are facing costly repair bills to replace transmissions when all many needed was a simple electronic module.

A spokesman for the NHTSA says the agency doesn't like to open investigations unless the problem is identified as a clear safety issue, but they "are watching it very closely." Toyota, meanwhile, is studying the issue to determine whether to extend its warranty on the parts in question.

[Source: NYTimes.com]

Reports of Toyota RAV4 gearbox woes mount as owner anger grows originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cute-uteDefectECMRAV4recallrough shiftingRoughShiftingshifting problemsShiftingProblemsToyotaToyota RAV4ToyotaRav4trannytransmissionTSBFri, 28 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport strikes agreeable balance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/review-2009-toyota-rav4-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/review-2009-toyota-rav4-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/review-2009-toyota-rav4-sport/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

The small crossover segment, where the neo-sorta-trucks live, is one of the hottest battlegrounds for consumer dollars. Small skirmishes go on in the border regions; confused vehicles don't know whether to be mud-slingers with brash attitudes or optioned-up urban sophisticates. Toyota's RAV4 certainly brings sophistication, and though it can venture off road a bit, it's not a jumbled, mixed-up mess. The RAV's classification-straddling lets it serve the whims of a broad array of potential buyers.

Wanting to cover all the bases, the RAV4 can be had in a variety of configurations, from a basic front-driver with four-cylinder power up to a leather-lined, four-wheel-drive Limited with a silly-powerful V6. A Sport version seeds right in between the base and Limited, carrying a satisfying level of equipment. There's an allure to the big horsepower delivered by the six - especially when it costs as little on EPA ratings as the RAV's 3.5-liter - but these days, "adequate" is riding a wave of newfound popularity as Americans struggle to pinch more pennies. In keeping with that spirit, when it came time to test a RAV4, we decided to try life with a four-cylinder 4WD Sport.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport strikes agreeable balance

Review: 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport strikes agreeable balance originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragerav4rav4 in the autoblog garagerav4 in the garagerav4 reviewRav4InTheAutoblogGarageRav4InTheGarageRav4Reviewreviewreviewstoyota rav 4toyota rav-4toyota rav4ToyotaRav-4ToyotaRav4Thu, 14 May 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2008: Toyota RAV4 "Performance Sport" lacks performance and sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/sema-2008-toyota-rav4-performance-sport-lacks-performance-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/sema-2008-toyota-rav4-performance-sport-lacks-performance-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/sema-2008-toyota-rav4-performance-sport-lacks-performance-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Toyota RAV4 Performance Sport

Santa Ana-based MV Designz took Toyota's overtly practical RAV4 and kicked the majority of the 'ute's functionality out the hatch. With a custom wide body kit, front and rear fascias, LED headlamps, hood and panoramic glass roof, the RAV4 Performance Sport comes off as a prop reject from the stillborn Judge Dredd sequel, and the 22x9.5 (front) and 22x10 (rear) USW wheels and lowered suspension won't do it any dynamic favors. No word on engine mods outside of a new exhaust, but with the added aerodynamic drag and an interior stocked with Alpine goodies, we'd guess that the base V6 will have a hard time living up to Toyota's line about the RAV4 Performance Sport being "ready to set new speed records."

Gallery: Toyota RAV4 Performance Sport

SEMA 2008: Toyota RAV4 "Performance Sport" lacks performance and sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rav4semasema 2008Sema2008toyotatoyota rav4Toyota RAV4 performance sportToyotaRav4ToyotaRav4PerformanceSportWed, 05 Nov 2008 18:43:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 RAV4 gets refreshened, bigger base engine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/2009-rav4-gets-refreshened-bigger-base-engine/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/2009-rav4-gets-refreshened-bigger-base-engine/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/2009-rav4-gets-refreshened-bigger-base-engine/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Toyota RAV4

Toyota has revealed the 2009 RAV4, and while the changes to its smallest CUV are modest, they are worth noting. Foremost is a refreshening of the exterior with a new grille, front bumper and restyled rear. New wheels, mirrors and fender flares round out upgrades. A new Sport Appearance Package is also available on the top level 4WD V6 RAV4 that gets a unique rear door with no spare tire and a set of run-flat tires. The SAP also gets you color-keyed exterior molding, extra interior upgrades and a new rear spoiler.

Toyota has also found a way to both increase the size and power of the RAV4's base four-cylinder engine while also squeezing out a bit better fuel economy. At an estimated 22 city and 28 highway, the new front-wheel-drive base model scores one mile per gallon higher than the '08 edition. The enlarged 2.5-liter four cylinder engine produces 179 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, an improvement of 13 horses and 7 lb-ft over the previous 2.4-liter. We have to wonder though why Toyota placed a brand new automatic tranny in the '09 RAV4 with only four ratios from which to choose.

The optional 3.5-liter V6 soldiers on unchanged and offers EPA fuel mileage ratings of 19 city/27 highway for front-wheel drive models and 19 city/26 highway on models equipped with four-wheel drive. The six is mated to a standard, and again unaltered, five speed auto. Pricing for the base RAV4 remains the same at $21,500 while the rest of the range gets price increases and a 4WD RAV4 LTD V6 will start at $27,810.

Check out Toyota's full press release after the jump and images of the 2009 RAV4 in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota RAV4


[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2009 RAV4 gets refreshened, bigger base engine

2009 RAV4 gets refreshened, bigger base engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 toyota rav42009ToyotaRav4toyotatoyota rav4ToyotaRav4Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda ramping up CR-V production in Mexico]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/honda-ramping-up-cr-v-production-in-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/honda-ramping-up-cr-v-production-in-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/honda-ramping-up-cr-v-production-in-mexico/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The small utility vehicle market is booming right now, and there may be none better in the non-luxury space than the fuel-sipping Honda CR-V. Honda has to be thrilled with their little 'ute, mostly because customers are snatching up the vehicle with little or no incentives, and it's far and away the best-selling CUV in the US. The CR-V has been so successful that Honda has increased production in Mexico by 20,000 units annually to expand sales into Brazil and Argentina. Honda is hiring an additional 600 employees to its El Salto plant in Mexico to account for growing production. The move is part of Honda's plan to double North American production of the CR-V.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Honda ramping up CR-V production in Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArgentinaBrazilCrossoversEl Salto plant mexicoElSaltoPlantMexicoFord EscapeFordEscapeHonda CR-VHondaCr-vToyota Rav4ToyotaRav4Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Plotting and scheming over a Toyota RAV4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/14/video-plotting-and-scheming-over-a-toyota-rav4/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/14/video-plotting-and-scheming-over-a-toyota-rav4/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/14/video-plotting-and-scheming-over-a-toyota-rav4/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Remember that commercial for the last-gen Mercury Mariner in which a couple competes to see who gets the Merc for the day by getting up earlier and earlier each morning? It was clever, entertaining, and because it was a US spot -- safe. Via Classical Drives, we're introduced to a British TV spot for the Toyota RAV4 that's thematically similar but adds a wee bit more danger for the two protagonists. If this aired in the States, the legal disclaimers would obscure half the screen. Follow the jump to watch and judge for yourself.

UPDATE: Based on the comments, it seems this spot airs in multiple markets.

[Source: Classical Drives]

Continue reading VIDEO: Plotting and scheming over a Toyota RAV4

VIDEO: Plotting and scheming over a Toyota RAV4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Oct 2007 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Toyota RAV4ToyotaRav4UK RAV4UK TV spotUkRav4UkTvSpotUL tv commercialUlTvCommercialSun, 14 Oct 2007 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: China Automobile almost kicked out of Frankfurt show?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/12/rumormill-china-automobile-almost-kicked-out-of-frankfurt-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/12/rumormill-china-automobile-almost-kicked-out-of-frankfurt-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/12/rumormill-china-automobile-almost-kicked-out-of-frankfurt-show/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Shuanghuan CEO

Shuanghuan UFOAccording to UK-based media service Headline Auto, one of the hot rumors flying around the Auto Messe in Frankfurt earlier this morning was that China Automobile, the German importer for Chinese automaker Shuanghuan, was going to get booted out of the exhibit hall. The controversy stems from some bad blood brewing between Shuanghuan and the mainstream manufacturers whose designs it blatantly, unashamedly copies. On display in Frankfurt are the Shuanghuan UFO and CEO SUVs. UFO is a Toyota RAV4 clone, and CEO is a 95% copy of the BMW X5. (We say 95% because Shuanghuan apparently elected to copycat Mercedes-Benz for the CEO's front end design.)

In the end, China Automobile Deutschland got to stay at the show, but Shuanghuan still faces potential trouble ahead, as BMW is considering legal action against the company.

[Source: Headline Auto]

Continue reading Rumormill: China Automobile almost kicked out of Frankfurt show?

Rumormill: China Automobile almost kicked out of Frankfurt show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwceochina autochina automobilechina automobile ceochina automobile ufoChinaAutoChinaAutomobileChinaAutomobileCeoChinaAutomobileUfocopycat rav4copycat x5CopycatRav4CopycatX5rav4 cloneRav4Clonetoyota rav4ToyotaRav4ufox5x5 cloneX5CloneWed, 12 Sep 2007 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/04/lutz-lets-a-bit-of-edmunds-survey-slip-gm-takes-13-first-place/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/04/lutz-lets-a-bit-of-edmunds-survey-slip-gm-takes-13-first-place/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/04/lutz-lets-a-bit-of-edmunds-survey-slip-gm-takes-13-first-place/#commentsFiled under:



Sometimes news is just too good to keep to yourself. Just ask GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. With his company supposedly claiming 13 spots on Edmund's Consumers' Most Wanted list, Lutz just had to brag a bit on the corporate blog before the winners were made public.

And he should brag. Most other car of the year awards are chosen by us automotive writers who usually prefer horsepower over hip room. As the name implies, Edmund's CMW awards are chosen by the car-buying public. And despite not voting with their wallets, the car-buying public who visits Edmund's really like their GMs.

The GMC Acadia got Most Significant vehicle of the year, beating out Honda's Fit, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Ford Edge and the Toyota Tundra.

Click through to see Edmund's press release as well as the other category winners.

[Source: Edmunds, GM FastLane Blog]

Continue reading Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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These lo-rez shots of the new, 2007 Honda CR-V came floating across the web last night and, although their origin is a mystery, it doesn't take much imagination to see these images splattered across a brochure at your local dealership.

This newest CR-V shares a platform with its up-market sibling the Acura RDX and many of the styling cues are reminiscent of their mutual lineage. Although we've already shown you an uncamouflaged spy shot and our commenters have passed judgment on the CR-V's newly developed dental problems, a few other design cues are of note. The floor-to-ceiling taillights are an obvious carryover from previous generations, with a little Volvo wagon thrown in for good measure. The steeply descending rear-side window may be an attempt at smooth styling, but the resulting pillar will require serious body contortions to check the blind spot. The chrome surrounds, although a nice touch, seem to add a level of flash that just doesn't seem to fit a mild-mannered cute 'ute.

The interior, in true Honda fashion, is an homage to functionality and bears a similarity to the new Civic's dash and instruments, sans the top mounted speedo. Thankfully, and in no small part to customer complaints, the transmission selector has been moved from its odd dashboard mounting to a more traditional home below the air and radio controls.

We'll hold off on making further judgments until the 'official' shots are released and if Honda decides to drop off a CR-V in the Autoblog Garage, we'd gladly take it for a spin.

Continue reading Shady Shots: 2007 Honda CR-V

Shady Shots: 2007 Honda CR-V originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Aug 2006 07:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acura rdxAcuraRdxcr-vhondatoyota rav4ToyotaRav4Mon, 21 Aug 2006 07:08:00 EST