Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Toyota recalls slew of models for possible airbag calibration defect]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/toyota-recalls-slew-of-models-for-possible-airbag-calibration-de/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/toyota-recalls-slew-of-models-for-possible-airbag-calibration-de/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/toyota-recalls-slew-of-models-for-possible-airbag-calibration-de/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



Toyota is recalling sixteen models from the 2009 to 2013 model years over a potential issue with passenger seat airbag calibration. In spite of the large number of different Toyotas covered by the recall, just 3,235 units are included. These were vehicles installed with accessories like leather seat covers and headrest DVD systems by Southeast Toyota Distributors, and during the modifications the passenger seat occupant sensor system might not have been calibration tested. If the sensors aren't set up properly, the passenger airbag might not work as it should.

Affected models include: Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius V, Rav4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra and Venza. Scroll down for the relevant model years for each.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the recall will begin this month. Southeast Toyota will inform owners, at which time they can take their Toyotas to dealers for testing and repair. The complete bulletin from the NHTSA with more information is below.

Continue reading Toyota recalls slew of models for possible airbag calibration defect

Toyota recalls slew of models for possible airbag calibration defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4RunnerAvalonCamryCamry HybridCorollaFJ CruiserHighlanderHighlander HybridNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationnhtsaPriusPrius VRAV4recallSequioaSiennaTacomatoyotaTundraVenzaMon, 28 Jan 2013 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20439997/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/28/toyota-recalls-slew-of-models-for-possible-airbag-calibration-de/20439997/article-detail.xml 20439997 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/toyotacamryrecall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/toyotacamryrecall.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Toyota Venza priced from $27,700*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-venza-priced-from-27-700/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-venza-priced-from-27-700/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-venza-priced-from-27-700/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Toyota Venza - dynamic front three-quarter view

Toyota has announced official pricing on the company's 2013 Venza. Buyers can look forward to laying down $27,700 for the refreshed crossover, excluding any destination fees. That marks an increase of $275 over last year for the base, front-wheel drive LE model equipped with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, the XLE trim will carry a price tag of $29,775, or $1,585 more than the the 2012 model. Limited guise has also seen a jump of $955 to $36,465. Toyota unveiled the revised Venza at this year's New York Auto Show, where the family hauler bowed with a redesigned front fascia marked with by a more restrained grille, new headlamp arrays and fog lamp bezels.

Similarly, the Venza now wears a few updates to the sideview mirrors and tail lamps. Indoors, buyers can expect to find the cabin largely untouched, though new steering wheel buttons are along for the ride. Consumers may also opt for the company's clever Entune phone app integration system.

The first 2013 Venza models should be trickling into dealers nationwide as you read this. Check out the full press release below for more details.

Continue reading 2013 Toyota Venza priced from $27,700*

2013 Toyota Venza priced from $27,700* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota venza2013 toyota venza pricing2013 venza pricingentunetoyotatoyota venzavenzavenza msrpvenza pricingTue, 29 May 2012 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20246661/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/29/2013-toyota-venza-priced-from-27-700/20246661/article-detail.xml 20246661 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2013-toyota-venza-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2013-toyota-venza-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Toyota Venza is updated and refreshed. Yay.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/2013-toyota-venza-is-updated-and-refreshed-yay/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/2013-toyota-venza-is-updated-and-refreshed-yay/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/2013-toyota-venza-is-updated-and-refreshed-yay/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Toyota Venza live at New York Auto Show reveal

While it doesn't even appear as a bad pixel on most enthusiasts' radar, the Toyota Venza serves legions of mainstream consumers perfectly well. To keep the unassuming family hauler from lagging behind its advancing competition, the automaker has introduced a refreshed and tweaked 2013 Toyota Venza at the New York Auto Show.

Look carefully on the exterior and you may notice the freshened fog lamps or redesigned grille on the front fascia. Out back, there are restyled taillamps. Three new colors join the pallete (Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl and Cosmic Gray Mica). Under the hood, the engines are carried over from last year (2.7-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6, depending on trim level, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission).

With the exception of the new interior color (black leather or black cloth upholstery) and new buttons on the steering wheel, the cabin appears virtually identical. However, there are more standard features on the LE trim (blind spot mirror, eight-way power-operated driver's seat, puddle lamps, tilt/telescope steering wheel, and more) and the range-topping Limited receives LED running lights and a premium navigation system with Entune connectivity. Most of the new features are offered across the model range, but at an additional cost. The updated 2013 Toyota Venza goes on sale in late May.

2013 Toyota Venza is updated and refreshed. Yay. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota venza2013 venzanew yorknew york 2012new york auto showtoyota venzavenzaThu, 05 Apr 2012 15:11:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20208532/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/05/2013-toyota-venza-is-updated-and-refreshed-yay/20208532/article-detail.xml 20208532 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-toyota-venza-ny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-toyota-venza-ny.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Toyota Venza refreshed, Entune optional]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/2013-toyota-venza-refreshed-entune-optional/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/2013-toyota-venza-refreshed-entune-optional/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/2013-toyota-venza-refreshed-entune-optional/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Toyota Venza - Front three-quarter dynamic view

Toyota has been teasing us with glimpses of the redesigned 2013 Venza over the last month, and now we get to see its modest makeover just before the vehicle's New York Auto Show debut.

The new, less fussy grille is the first thing you'll notice. Fewer horizontal bars above the bumper and a chrome accent goes some way toward below classing up the crossutilitywagon thing. The headlamps are new, and the fog lights have also been blacked out with chrome accent ring. Finishing off the new light fixtures are reworked door mirrors fitted with the obligatory built-in turn signals.

In back, the taillights have been slightly updated, but everything else seems to be much the same as the 2012 model. Venzas can now be ordered in Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl and Cosmic Gray Mica.

Interior changes also seem to be minimal except for updated steering wheel buttons and the option of adding Toyota's Entune package that integrates your smart phone with the vehicle's dashboard display. The interior is also available in black for 2013.

Engine choices stay the same, with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6 on offer.

Check the gallery for more photos and scroll below to the press release for more details.

Continue reading 2013 Toyota Venza refreshed, Entune optional

2013 Toyota Venza refreshed, Entune optional originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota venzabreakingnew yorknew york 2012new york auto showtoyotatoyota venzavenzaTue, 03 Apr 2012 14:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20207430/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/03/2013-toyota-venza-refreshed-entune-optional/20207430/article-detail.xml 20207430 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-toyota-venza-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-toyota-venza-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota teases 2013 Venza, set for debut in New York]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/toyota-teases-2013-venza-set-for-debut-in-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/toyota-teases-2013-venza-set-for-debut-in-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/toyota-teases-2013-venza-set-for-debut-in-new-york/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Toyota Venza teaser

With all the exciting news coming out of Geneva, you'll have to excuse us for snickering just a little bit when we saw this press release. Yes, the Venza is as deserving of a mid-cycle refresh as any other vehicle, though it appears from this teaser that whatever tinkering Toyota has done will prove itself superficial at best.

As is typical these days, this crossover-ized Camry is getting some revised front and rear lighting, and what we would guess will be minor modifications to the front fascia. We can see from the picture that the grille looks to be a bit smaller and those are surely LED's in the new headlights.

New 19-inch wheels and three new colors are probably going to matter less to buyers than the fact that "value has been enhanced" by making more features standard. This might help address our biggest complaint when we test drove the Venza back in 2009 - that's it's just too darn expensive for what you get.

Click past the jump to read the full press release, and stay tuned for our New York Auto Show coverage.

Continue reading Toyota teases 2013 Venza, set for debut in New York

Toyota teases 2013 Venza, set for debut in New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 toyota venzanew yorknew york 2012new york auto showteasertoyotavenzaWed, 07 Mar 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20188050/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/07/toyota-teases-2013-venza-set-for-debut-in-new-york/20188050/article-detail.xml 20188050 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2013toyotavenzateaser-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2013toyotavenzateaser-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota recalling Camry, Venza and Tacoma]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/toyota-recalling-camry-venza-and-tacoma/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/toyota-recalling-camry-venza-and-tacoma/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/toyota-recalling-camry-venza-and-tacoma/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 Toyota Camry

While Toyota recalls are no longer the earth-shattering news they were back in 2009, they're still news. And today's announcement certainly qualifies for the modifier "big," with nearly half a million Tacoma pickups being recalled under one campaign, and 116,000 Venza crossovers and 70,500 Camrys under another.

The 2009 Camry is the only model year covered by the recall, while 2009-2011 Venzas are affected. These vehicles may need a replacement stop lamp switch, which may have been installed incorrectly. Symptoms include warning lamps illuminating, a non-starting condition, and the inability to shift out of Park.

The Tacoma recall covers some 2005-2009 models that may need their steering wheel spiral cable assembly replaced. Symptoms include an air bag warning lamp that does not go off after the vehicle is started, which could result in the driver's air bag being deactivated.

In both cases, Toyota says it is "obtaining the necessary replacement parts" and owners will be notified by mail. Owners may also visit www.toyota.com/recall or call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

See below for the full release.

Continue reading Toyota recalling Camry, Venza and Tacoma

Toyota recalling Camry, Venza and Tacoma originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camryrecalltacomatoyotatoyota recallvenzaWed, 07 Mar 2012 15:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20188176/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/07/toyota-recalling-camry-venza-and-tacoma/20188176/article-detail.xml 20188176 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2009-toyota-camry-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2009-toyota-camry-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota expands Venza model line to three trims for 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/toyota-expands-venza-model-line-to-three-trims-for-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/toyota-expands-venza-model-line-to-three-trims-for-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/toyota-expands-venza-model-line-to-three-trims-for-2012/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Toyota Venza

Before, there was just one Toyota Venza. Oh sure, you could boost the equipment and outfitting by ordering option packages, but since its launch, the Venza has not carried a suffix. For 2012, Toyota is changing its strategy and now there are Venza LE, XLE and Limited trim levels for buyers to choose between.

The LE starts it off, and it gets cushier and better-equipped from there with the XLE and Limited, though even in the base model, you won't find a Venza without a six-disc changer, Bluetooth, and USB and auxiliary input. The top-dog Limited is a leather-lined, V6-powered box of rock thanks to a JBL Synthesis surround-sound audio system. Navigation, panorama roof, automatic high-beams are some other highlights. In between, the XLE covers the middle ground with a whole bunch of optional choices.

The changes add a new bit of shorthand to the Venza that makes it easy to pick out the sybarites from the skinflints. Toyota thinks the move brings the Venza in line with its other products and makes choosing more convenient for buyers. The full press release is after the jump.

Continue reading Toyota expands Venza model line to three trims for 2012

Toyota expands Venza model line to three trims for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota venzaToyota Venzatoyota venza letoyota venza limitedtoyota venza xleFri, 23 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20050210/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/23/toyota-expands-venza-model-line-to-three-trims-for-2012/20050210/article-detail.xml 20050210 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/toyota-venza-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/toyota-venza-628.jpg <![CDATA[NADAguides reveals six top auto picks based on low depreciation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/nadaguides-reveals-six-top-auto-picks-based-on-low-depreciation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/nadaguides-reveals-six-top-auto-picks-based-on-low-depreciation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/nadaguides-reveals-six-top-auto-picks-based-on-low-depreciation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

2011 Dodge Challenger R/T
NADA Guides Car Buyers Market Study - Click above for high-res image gallery

NADA Guides has released its Quarterly Car Buyers Market Report, and six models earned the organizations Top Recommended Buys designation. The 2011 Acura TL, Dodge Challenger R/T, GMC Terrain SLE-2, Hyundai Azera Limited, Toyota Tacoma Double Cab V6 Manual and Toyota Venza I4 AWD all made the cut. While low first-year depreciation rates factor into which vehicles win out in the report, NADA Guides also evaluates vehicles based on criteria like whether or not a model is competitively priced, is available with incentives or rebates, and dealer inventory volumes.

Surprisingly enough, the 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T carried the lowest first-year depreciation rate of all the vehicles on the list. With a rate of just 8 percent, the Mopar muscle car beat out the vehicle with the next-lowest rate - the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab V6 Manual - by two percentage points. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Azera limited packed the highest depreciation rate among the vehicles on the list at 21 percent, followed by the Acura TL at 19 percent. You can check out the full report after the break.

Continue reading NADAguides reveals six top auto picks based on low depreciation

NADAguides reveals six top auto picks based on low depreciation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraazeracar buyers market reportchallengerdodgegmchyundainada guidesnadaguidestacomaterraintltoyotavenzaMon, 27 Jun 2011 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19975906/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/27/nadaguides-reveals-six-top-auto-picks-based-on-low-depreciation/19975906/article-detail.xml 19975906 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/challenger-rt-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/challenger-rt-630.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota recalls 52,000 Prius hybrids for steering defect]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/01/toyota-recalls-52-000-prius-hybrids-for-steering-defect/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/01/toyota-recalls-52-000-prius-hybrids-for-steering-defect/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/01/toyota-recalls-52-000-prius-hybrids-for-steering-defect/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2001-2003 Toyota Prius

Toyota is recalling 106,000 Prius models built between 2001 and 2003. A total of 52,000 of those units were sold in the States.

Toyota says that if the steering wheel is strongly turned to the full lock position over and over again, the electric power steering pinion shaft nuts may become loose. Over time, that may result in the driver having to exert more force than typically necessary to turn left.

Owners can expect to be notified of the recall in early July, and the repair (in which dealers will replace the electric power steering pinion shaft nuts with new equipment) is expected to take around four hours.

In addition, the Japanese automaker is recalling a handful of Venza and Sienna all-wheel drive models for improperly heat-treated front drive shafts. The recall covers a total of 34 Venza models and 16 Sienna units produced in 2011, and owners can expect to be notified of the problem by June of this year. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Continue reading Toyota recalls 52,000 Prius hybrids for steering defect

Toyota recalls 52,000 Prius hybrids for steering defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2001 toyota prius2002 toyota prius2003 toyota priuspriusprius recallrecallsiennatoyotatoyota priustoyota prius recalltoyota recalltoyota safetyvenzaWed, 01 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19955196/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/01/toyota-recalls-52-000-prius-hybrids-for-steering-defect/19955196/article-detail.xml 19955196 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2001-to-2003-toyota-prius_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2001-to-2003-toyota-prius.jpg <![CDATA[Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/bang-for-your-bark-aaa-picks-best-canine-friendly-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/bang-for-your-bark-aaa-picks-best-canine-friendly-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/bang-for-your-bark-aaa-picks-best-canine-friendly-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Honda Element rear
Honda Element, one of AAA's best dog-friendly vehicles - Click above for high-res image gallery

Dog owners looking for a new set of wheels can take heart; the American Automobile Association has taken the time to pick a handful of vehicles best suited to moving your furry friend from one place to another. With around 45 million households across the country boasting at least one dog in the family, it should be no surprise that the ability to conveniently and safely move a pet plays a big role in which vehicle consumers choose to buy. A total of 11 SUVs, crossovers and wagons have made the AAA list, each divided into categories like luxury, active lifestyle and efficient and fun.

While we weren't surprised to see cars like the Subaru Forester and Honda Element make the cut, others, like the BMW 3 Series Touring and the ever fun-to-fling Mazda3 five-door were vehicles we wouldn't have necessarily thought of as doggie rides. Thrifty buys like the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube found particular favor on the AAA list, thanks in part to their ability to serve up plenty of space with their rear seats folded down. We still say a Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon would do just fine - at least for a low-profile dog like a dachshund or beagle. Hit the jump for the press release after checking out our complete gallery of canine-correct-carriers below.


Gallery: AAA Dog-Friendly Vehicles

2010 Honda Element2010 BMW 3 Series Wagon2010 Volvo XC602010 Subaru Forester2010 Hyundai Santa Fe

[Source: American Automobile Association]

Continue reading Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars

Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American Automobile AssociationAmericanAutomobileAssociationBMWBMW 3 Series WagonBmw3SeriesWagoncanine friendlyCanineFriendlyClubmanCubedog carrierdog friendlyDogCarrierDogFriendlyElementEscape HybridEscapeHybridFordFord Escape HybridFordEscapeHybridForesterHondaHonda ElementHondaElementHyundaiHyundai Santa FeHyundaiSantaFeKiaKia SoulKiaSoulMazda3MiniMini ClubmanMiniClubmanNissanNissan CubeNissanCubeSanta FeSantaFeSoulSubaruSubaru ForesterSubaruForesterToyotaToyota VenzaToyotaVenzaVenzaVolvoVolvo XC60VolvoXc60XC60Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19598697/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/18/bang-for-your-bark-aaa-picks-best-canine-friendly-cars/19598697/article-detail.xml 19598697 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/01-aaa-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/01-aaa-630.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/iihs-runs-rollover-tests-on-mid-sized-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/iihs-runs-rollover-tests-on-mid-sized-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/iihs-runs-rollover-tests-on-mid-sized-suvs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

IIHS rollover tests for midsized SUVs - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has completed a round of rollover testing on 12 mid-sized SUVs (though most are technically CUVs, but whatevs), and the results show that some carmakers are exceeding federal rollover standards. Six of the haulers scored a Good rating, led by the 2010 Jeep Liberty, one scored Acceptable, and the remaining five were Marginal. The Good rating means a tested car has a roof that is twice as strong as the current government safety standard.

Five of the top six - the Chevrolet Equinox, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander and Venza, and Kia Sorento - also scored Good marks for front-, side- and rear-occupant protection, and so earn the coveted classification of being an IIHS Top Safety Pick. If your CUV isn't listed, fear not, as the IIHS is testing them in groups.

Follow the jump for the full release, and you can have a look at the entire batch of tested vehicles in the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: IIHS Rollover tests for CUVs


[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs

IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 chevrolet equinox2010 ford edge2010 honda accord crosstour2010 honda pilot2010 jeep liberty2010 mazda CX-72010 mitsubish endeavor2010 nissan murano2010 toyota higlander2010 toyota venza2010ChevroletEquinox2010FordEdge2010HondaAccordCrosstour2010HondaPilot2010JeepLiberty2010MazdaCx-72010MitsubishEndeavor2010NissanMurano2010ToyotaHiglander2010ToyotaVenza2011 jeep grand cherokee2011 kia sorento2011JeepGrandCherokee2011KiaSorentochevrolet equinoxChevroletEquinoxhonda accord crosstourhonda pilotHondaAccordCrosstourHondaPilotiihsInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetykia sorentoKiaSorentoMazda CX-7MazdaCx-7mitsubishi endeavorMitsubishiEndeavornissan muranoNissanMuranorolloverrollover testRolloverTesttoyota highlandertoyota venzaToyotaHighlanderToyotaVenzaWed, 02 Jun 2010 10:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19499352/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/02/iihs-runs-rollover-tests-on-mid-sized-suvs/19499352/article-detail.xml 19499352 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/iihsrollovercuv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/iihsrollovercuv.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus imagines the Toyota Venza, circa 2020 and minus 400 lbs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/27/lotus-imagines-the-toyota-venza-circa-2020/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/27/lotus-imagines-the-toyota-venza-circa-2020/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/27/lotus-imagines-the-toyota-venza-circa-2020/#comments
2020 Toyota Venza as realized by Lotus - Click above for high-res image gallery

When General Motors got to work seriously changing the Chevrolet Volt from blocky concept to sleek production model, company engineers discovered that by improving the aerodynamics by 80 counts, the car netted a six mile per gallon improvement in its highway fuel economy rating (note: a "count" is a thousandth of a point of a Cd number, so reducing a Cd of 0.150 by 50 counts would give you a Cd of 0.100). On the flipside, taking out 400 pounds of stuff only improved the car's highway mpg by one mile a gallon, though that's largely because of the Newtonian "an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force" hubbub. The lesson for the Volt? Aerodynamics beats weight reduction as a way to increase efficiency.

Not everyone agrees that aerodynamics are key to better cars, however. On the performance side of things, let's not forget Enzo Ferrari's famous (and wrong) quote: "Aerodynamics are for people who can't build engines." When it comes to building more fuel efficient cars, weight reduction can play a big role. Lotus, in particular, is a big proponent of shaving pounds from its sportscars. The Elise Club Racer, to cite just one example, weighs less than 2,000 pounds.

Today, Lotus Engineering and the International Council on Clean Transportation released a study that found that weight reduction should not be forgotten and is, in fact, a cost-effective way to improve fuel efficiency. Specifically, the engineers calculate that you can have a "vehicle mass improvement" of 38 percent compared to a conventional mainstream vehicle (in this case, a Toyota Venza) and that it can be achieved with "only" a three percent increase in component costs. One important detail: this is "using engineering techniques and technologies viable for mainstream production programmes by 2020." Even though 2020 is a decade away, it's interesting to see how much fuel might this save. The DOE estimates that reducing a vehicle's mass by 33 percent means a 23 percent drop in fuel consumption. Not bad. Find more details after the jump.


Gallery: 2020 Toyota Venza – As realized by Lotus


[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus imagines the Toyota Venza, circa 2020 and minus 400 lbs

Lotus imagines the Toyota Venza, circa 2020 and minus 400 lbs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lightweightlightweight carlightweight carslightweight constructionLightweightCarLightweightCarsLightweightConstructionlotuslotus lightweightLotusLightweighttoyotatoyota venzaToyotaVenzavenzaTue, 27 Apr 2010 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19456348/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/27/lotus-imagines-the-toyota-venza-circa-2020/19456348/article-detail.xml 19456348 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/2020toyotavenza3-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/2020toyotavenza3-630.jpg <![CDATA[Records reportedly suggest Toyota delayed U.S. Venza recall by six weeks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/records-reportedly-suggest-toyota-delayed-u-s-venza-recall-by-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/records-reportedly-suggest-toyota-delayed-u-s-venza-recall-by-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/records-reportedly-suggest-toyota-delayed-u-s-venza-recall-by-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2009 Toyota Venza - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota just can't seem to get out from under its recall woes. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, the feds are once again taking a close look at the Japanese manufacturer, this time for failing to recall the Venza here in the U.S. promptly enough. The company first recalled the crossover in Canada back in December, but postponed the move here in the States because the problematic all-weather floor mats weren't available down south.

Thing is, Toyota recalled the Venza in the U.S. on January 27, anyway. That delay is enough to raise some eyebrows in Washington, especially since manufacturers are required to notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of a potential defect within five business days of discovering the glitch.

Toyota told the Los Angeles Times that the floor mat used in the U.S. is different from the one implemented in Canada, and that once the company realized that the Venza accelerator pedal could become trapped even with the American mat, it issued the recall. Whether that will be enough to satisfy the federal regulators looking into the delay remains to be seen.


Gallery: Road Trip: 2009 Toyota Venza


[Source: Los Angeles Times]

Records reportedly suggest Toyota delayed U.S. Venza recall by six weeks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floor matfloor matsfloor mats toyotaFloorMatFloorMatsFloorMatsToyotaRecallToyotatoyota recallToyota VenzaToyota Venza RecallToyotaRecallToyotaVenzaToyotaVenzaRecallVenzaFri, 16 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19442651/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/16/records-reportedly-suggest-toyota-delayed-u-s-venza-recall-by-s/19442651/article-detail.xml 19442651 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/venza-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/venza-630.jpg <![CDATA[More Toyota accidents allegedly caused by sudden acceleration occur in Wisconsin, Canada]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/more-toyota-accidents-allegedly-caused-by-sudden-acceleration-oc/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/more-toyota-accidents-allegedly-caused-by-sudden-acceleration-oc/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/more-toyota-accidents-allegedly-caused-by-sudden-acceleration-oc/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The past few days have seen a new rash of stories about Toyotas run amok. First, a 2009 Venza struck a house in Hamilton, Ontario. According to The Hamilton Spectator, the driver said he lost control of the vehicle after experiencing uncontrolled acceleration. While 2009-2010 Venzas were recalled for the infamous floor-mat issue, police have yet to determine whether the Hamilton incident was a result of faulty hardware or driver error. No one was injured.

The Seboygan Press is also reporting that a 2009 Camry accelerated and climbed a small embankment while the driver had her foot on the brake in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. The 76 year-old driver, Myrna Marseille, suffered a broken sternum from the impact. In Marseille's case, her Camry had already been serviced to correct the floor mat interference issue.

The reports join those of a San Diego man who had to call on the police to help him slow down his Prius after high-speed stint on the interstate and another Prius crash in New York. In the California case, both the NHTSA and Toyota found nothing wrong with the car (though the California Highway Patrol's view may differ). Likewise, the New York incident was found to be driver error.

[Sources: Sheboygan Press, The Hamilton Spectator]

More Toyota accidents allegedly caused by sudden acceleration occur in Wisconsin, Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Toyota Camry2009 Toyota Venza2009ToyotaCamry2009ToyotaVenzaCamryPriusToyotaToyota CamryToyota Priustoyota recalltoyota recall fixtoyota recall listToyota Recall Throttletoyota recallsToyota VenzaToyotaCamryToyotaPriusToyotaRecallToyotaRecallFixToyotaRecallListToyotaRecallsToyotaRecallThrottleToyotaVenzaunintended accelerationUnintendedAccelerationVenzaTue, 30 Mar 2010 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19420057/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/30/more-toyota-accidents-allegedly-caused-by-sudden-acceleration-oc/19420057/article-detail.xml 19420057 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/venza-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/venza-630.jpg <![CDATA[BREAKING: Toyota adds another 1.1M cars to floor mat recall]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/28/toyota-adds-another-1-1m-cars-to-floor-mat-recall/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/28/toyota-adds-another-1-1m-cars-to-floor-mat-recall/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/28/toyota-adds-another-1-1m-cars-to-floor-mat-recall/#commentsFiled under: , ,

1/27/10 Toyota pedal entrapment recall vehicles - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you need to announce another recall around the same time a controversial president is making his highly anticipated State of the Union address, you probably won't curse that particular luck. That is exactly what Toyota felt it needed to do, revealing yesterday evening that it's recalling a further 1.1 million cars to fix "pedal entrapment problems" caused by floor mats.

This action is tied to Toyota's largest recall ever last year of 4.26 million cars for the same issue, but is different than the recall of 2.3 million cars for a sticking accelerator announced last week. The new models in question are: Toyota reportedly has a number of fixes planned for all of the issues. Now it will just want the time to be able to focus on fixing them, without any more surprises. Hat tip to JT!


Gallery: Toyota Pedal Entrapment Recall - 1/27/10


[Source: The Detroit News]

BREAKING: Toyota adds another 1.1M cars to floor mat recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>corollafloor matfloor matsFloorMatFloorMatshighlandermatrixNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationNHTSApedal entrapmentPedalEntrapmentpontiacpontiac vibePontiacViberecallsafetytoyotatoyota corollatoyota floor mattoyota highlanderToyota Matrixtoyota recalltoyota venzaToyotaCorollaToyotaFloorMatToyotaHighlanderToyotaMatrixToyotaRecallToyotaVenzavenzavibeThu, 28 Jan 2010 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19335300/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/28/toyota-adds-another-1-1m-cars-to-floor-mat-recall/19335300/article-detail.xml 19335300 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/02toypedentrec-12710opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/02toypedentrec-12710opt.jpg <![CDATA[Road Trip: 2009 Toyota Venza a few refinements short of a great ride]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/road-trip-2009-toyota-venza-a-few-refinements-short-of-a-great/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/road-trip-2009-toyota-venza-a-few-refinements-short-of-a-great/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/road-trip-2009-toyota-venza-a-few-refinements-short-of-a-great/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Toyota Venza - Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this spring, our own Alex Nunez reviewed Toyota's latest crossover type thingy, the Venza, and came away rather impressed. I do a fair bit of traveling for my day job, which usually entails schlepping a sizable amount of video equipment around. Typically we pack up our A/V gear and FedEx it to a location since airlines charge so much for extra baggage and won't guarantee arrival times. For one of our recent trips, however, we decided to hit the road and venture from our Ann Arbor offices down to western South Carolina. As it happened, a Venza was available for duty and appeared to be well-suited to the task at hand.

We loaded up cameras, tripods, microphones and other miscellanea before heading due south on US-23 for Ohio and parts beyond. Our Venza was finished in a unique Sunset Bronze Mica color with the same ivory leather interior that we sampled previously. Under the hood was also the same 3.5-liter V6 engine that we've enjoyed in numerous Lexus and Toyota vehicles with torque going to all four wheels via Toyota's all-wheel-drive system.

As Nunez described, the Venza doesn't really fit in the typical crossover category because it's taller than a typical wagon yet shorter than vehicles like the Ford Edge or Chevrolet Equinox. It's more like a tall Camry wagon than anything else - which, at least in theory - is just ducky by us. Find out how the Venza fared on our road trip odyssey after the jump.


Gallery: Road Trip: 2009 Toyota Venza


Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Road Trip: 2009 Toyota Venza a few refinements short of a great ride

Road Trip: 2009 Toyota Venza a few refinements short of a great ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurefeaturedfeaturesroad testingroad triproad trip reviewroad tripsRoadTestingRoadTripRoadTripReviewRoadTripstoyotatoyota venzatoyota venza 2010Toyota Venza CrossoverToyota Venza V6ToyotaVenzaToyotaVenza2010ToyotaVenzaCrossoverToyotaVenzaV6venzaMon, 28 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19282314/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/28/road-trip-2009-toyota-venza-a-few-refinements-short-of-a-great/19282314/article-detail.xml 19282314 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/01_venzaroadtrip_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/01_venzaroadtrip_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Toyota and Billabong craft one funky Venza]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-venza-billabong-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-venza-billabong-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-venza-billabong-los-angeles-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Billabong Toyota Venza - Click above for high-res image gallery

No, this isn't a leftover post from SEMA, although to be perfectly fair, it is a leftover vehicle from SEMA. While reporting on the Hot Rod Toyota Tundra and Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer, we somehow missed this tricked-out Venza. Kitted out by the Australian surfwear mavens at Billabong, it's called the Ultimate Venza Concept. Umm, yeah. While the vast majority of Venza crossovers are probably never going to be used off-road, this Ultimate Venza apparently wants us to know that any extreme sports fan will be happy in one.

Toyota had Street Image do the build. They started with a 2009 Venza and added a body kit with Outback-worthy fender flares and alloy wheels. That crazy custom roof rack can accommodate surfboards, snow boards and wake boards, and can be lowered for easier loading. There's even a hidden cargo rack that allows skis and snow boards to be mounted at the back. There are front and rear hitch receivers, a Grinch Winch to "pull wake boarders into waves or snow boarders and skaters across flat land to a jump or rail," and a TRD big brake kit in there as well.

Besides being identified by the massive graphics along the flanks, Billabong also chipped in wet suit material for the seats and an homage of sorts on the headliner which features a collage of Billabong athletes in action. The vehicle also incorporates certain "living" features like a heated shower system to help you rinse off after surfing and a Verizon Wireless access point router to keep you abreast of current surf and snow conditions. Look for it at upcoming Billabong surf events, read more about it in the press release after the jump, and see it in our high-res gallery below.


Gallery: LA 2009: Billabong Toyota Venza


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA 2009: Toyota and Billabong craft one funky Venza

LA 2009: Toyota and Billabong craft one funky Venza originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Toyota2010 Toyota Venza2010Toyota2010ToyotaVenzaBillabongBillabong Toyota VenzaBillabong VenzaBillabongToyotaVenzaBillabongVenzala 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowSEMASEMA 2009SEMA2009toyota venzaToyotaVenzavenzaVerizon WirelessVerizonWirelessFri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264811/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/toyota-venza-billabong-los-angeles-2009/19264811/article-detail.xml 19264811 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/billabongvenza---0_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/billabongvenza---0.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Time Magazine</i> lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/i-time-magazine-i-lists-its-10-most-exciting-vehicles-of-201/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/i-time-magazine-i-lists-its-10-most-exciting-vehicles-of-201/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/i-time-magazine-i-lists-its-10-most-exciting-vehicles-of-201/#commentsFiled under:

Time Magazine's 10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010 - Click above to begin

Before we begin, let us say that when it comes to cars, Time Magazine can get it right. Like the time they hired Dan Neil to write The 50 Worst Cars of All Time. That was really good. However, now Time has the "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010," and boy is it really awful. In fact, it's so awful that we're dying to hear what Dan Neil thinks of it. Time's list isn't just regular bad, it's take all your credibility on a given subject and light it on fire bad. Akin to letting Glenn Beck run the civil rights desk. OK, but in car terms how bad? The Volkswagen Golf is one of Time's most exciting vehicles of 2010 - and that's not even the really terrible part. We're making you follow the jump for the really bad stuff.


Gallery: Time Magazine's 10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010

time-top-1-kiasouldemion_01time-top-2-gencoupe_1280_01time-top-3-01-2010-ford-taurus-sho-fdtime-top-4-ctssportwagon---01time-top-5-05-2011-jeep-chero-presstwo

Continue reading Time Magazine lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree?

Time Magazine lists its "10 Most Exciting Vehicles of 2010" - Do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cadillac CTS WagonCadillacCtsWagonDan NeilDanNeilFord Taurus SHOFordTaurusShoHyundai Genesis CoupeHyundaiGenesisCoupeJeep Grand CherokeeJeepGrandCherokeeKia SoulKiaSoulMercedes-Benz E-ClassMercedes-benzE-classNissan 370ZNissan370zSuzuki KizashiSuzukiKizashiTime MagazineTimeMagazineToyota VenzaToyotaVenzaVolkswagen GolfVolkswagenGolfMon, 07 Sep 2009 09:12:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19147027/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/07/i-time-magazine-i-lists-its-10-most-exciting-vehicles-of-201/19147027/article-detail.xml 19147027 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/2010-kia-soul_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/2010-kia-soul.jpg <![CDATA[Tall wagon/hatch segment drawing more new entries, but not many customers?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/tall-wagon-hatch-segment-drawing-more-new-entries-but-not-many/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/tall-wagon-hatch-segment-drawing-more-new-entries-but-not-many/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/tall-wagon-hatch-segment-drawing-more-new-entries-but-not-many/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Chrysler Pacifica lasted all of four years before it was unceremoniously dumped from the Pentastar's lineup. The Ford Freestyle endured a name change after three model years, then lasted two more as the Taurus X before being sent out to pasture. The Cadillac SRX lasted six years as a tall wagon before being completely redone as a more traditional front-drive -based crossover for 2010. Mercedes-Benz's R-Class, essentially a lux'd out minivan without sliding doors, has been gathering moss since it rolled into U.S. dealers for 2006.

Despite the less-than-stellar sales numbers of the aforementioned vehicles, there are a surprising number of tall wagons, genre-bending tippy hatches and style-over-utility people movers on the market, and more are on the way. The most recently announced entry into the tall wagon segment is the Honda Accord Crosstour, which is destined to hit the showroom floor this Fall. As far as we can tell from spy shots, it's taller than a standard Accord and has a hatch-like boot, giving it an aerowagon or "touring" style appearance. It certainly won't hurt the Crosstour's case that it's a Honda, and any association with the Accord name is likely a good thing, but customers have proven to be very picky when it comes to the angular tall wagon format.

What passes for success these days? We think Toyota's Venza is a particularly well-done example that manages to marshall an extra dose of style with still-reasonable utility. It's roomy and almost luxurious, yet Toyota has only sold 20,000 copies through June. The Japanese automaker was hoping for 50,000 sales per year, but Toyota national large car GM Bob Zeinstra tells Automotive News that the Venza is just now starting to pickup steam at the dealerships, and one has to factor in the perilous economy when considering total sales of any new vehicle.

For its part, BMW's X6 crossover, perhaps the poster-child for this automotive platypus segment, has actually been selling well for the German automaker, albeit in significantly smaller numbers than more mainstream models.

If Honda's Crosstour succeeds where the Freestyle, Pacifica and SRX failed, the segment may have some life in it. If it doesn't pass the sales test, we're wondering if automakers will finally give up hope on a segment long on new entries, but short on success stories.

[Source: Automotive News subs req'd | Images: M. Balisky]

Tall wagon/hatch segment drawing more new entries, but not many customers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler pacificaChryslerPacificaford freestyleFordFreestylehonda accord crosstourHondaAccordCrosstourtaurus-xtoyota venzaToyotaVenzaMon, 13 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19096009/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/13/tall-wagon-hatch-segment-drawing-more-new-entries-but-not-many/19096009/article-detail.xml 19096009 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/02-honda-crosstour-spy-vwvortex-580op_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/02-honda-crosstour-spy-vwvortex-580op_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Toyota Venza is one surprisingly slick wagonoid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/review-2009-toyota-venza/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/review-2009-toyota-venza/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/review-2009-toyota-venza/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Toyota Venza - Click above for high-res gallery

The wagons we all know, love and grew up with gradually fell out of favor as the minivan took hold in the '80s. Led by Chrysler's practical little boxes, the van became the king of Mt. People Mover, only to be usurped by the SUV, which took the wagon formula and added a heaping dose of machismo. The wagons have all but vanished, and today, both SUVs and minivans resemble Hollywood stars whose salad days are clearly behind them.

The so-called "crossover" is the new king, at least according to marketers who coined the maddeningly broad term, which now applies to everything from large, car-based pseudo-SUVs to what are - by all rights - traditional wagons, albeit with tall roofs and occasionally all-wheel drive. When Toyota elected to make the Highlander a substantially larger vehicle with three rows of seating, it left a void in its line-up for people seeking a utilitarian five-seater. The lack of a Camry wagon, which has been dead for ages, meant there was an opportunity for Toyota to fill-in the blank with something to compete against the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano and rest of the CUV set. And so we have the Venza.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Toyota Venza


All photos Copyright (C)2009 Alex Nunez / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Toyota Venza is one surprisingly slick wagonoid

Review: 2009 Toyota Venza is one surprisingly slick wagonoid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 toyota venza2009ToyotaVenzafeaturedin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragereviewreviewstoyotatoyota venzaToyotaVenzavenzaThu, 19 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1492315/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/03/19/review-2009-toyota-venza/1492315/article-detail.xml 1492315 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/001_venzareview_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/001_venzareview_opt.jpg -1 2