Available with 2-or-4 wheel drive and a 4-or-6 cylinder engine, the Highlander Hybrid is customizable to your specific needs, whether your daily jungle includes trips to soccer practice or heading out to go camping. The vehicle seats seven comfortably, even with bulky car seats, and parents will enjoy the rear conversation mirror that lets them see what is happening in the back seat. Kids, meanwhile, will enjoy the optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch display.

Another important factor for a family vehicle is adequate storage, which is a detail not overlooked in the 2012 Highlander Hybrid. The second and third row seats both fold flat, which allows for almost 100 cubic feet of added cargo space. The center console also has a seat that pulls out and locks into position in-between the captain seats in the second row, adding another seating option during those hectic carpooling days.

Although Toyota focused on the needs of a busy family when they built the Highlander Hybrid, they didn’t forget about the environment. The instrument panel indicates the current drive mode and economy use. The patented Hybrid Synergy Drive automatically chooses the most energy efficient power source when possible. Drivers can also select the “EV Mode” to use the electric motor when driving at low speeds for short distances. The “ECON Mode” reduces fuel consumption during normal driving conditions.

Safety is also a priority, with an advanced air bag system for the driver and front passenger, active headrests in the front that move up and forward to reduce whiplash during an accident, and side curtain airbags that activate automatically. The Highlander Hybrid also has a variety of safety features that enhance stability and traction as well as brake technology that distributes the brake force when the car is stopped suddenly.

Available in 10 different exterior/interior color combinations and a wide variety of other navigation and entertainment options, the 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the best of all worlds – an environmentally friendly vehicle that is family friendly as well.

If you’re interested in learning more about hybrid vehicles, please don’t hesitate to contact Classic Toyota – a Cleveland Toyota Dealer online (CLICK HERE), Call us at (440)205-6300, or stop by 8510 Tyler Blvd. Mentor, OH 44060 when you have some time!

Where the all-new Scion tC sports coupe got five stars from the The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Prius’ five stars were a little tarnished, with four stars in front crash ratings and five in side crashes. Nevertheless, it earned five overall.

But the fact that Scion can foot it with the Toyota hybrid is another reason you should look closely at the sports coupe, especially if you are keen on economy and performance. All Scion models match or surpass federal government safety standards and those set by the NHTSA.

The 2012 Scion tC is more powerful and more fuel efficient, something you, as Prius people will want to have another look at, especially its 31mpg highway that it delivers with 180 hp.

For safety the tC is second to none with eight airbags – known as SRS or supplemental restraint systems, including driver and front passenger, knee airbags for both, side mounted specimens and side curtain airbags.

All this asks you, either as a Prius person or planning to be one, what’s wrong with giving Scion a second look?

If you’re interested in learning more about Scion vehicles, please don’t hesitate to contact Classic Toyota Scion – a Cleveland Toyota Dealer online (CLICK HERE), Call us at (440)205-6300, or stop by 8510 Tyler Blvd. Mentor, OH 44060 when you have some time!

If you have no attachments to a brand you will have to spend some time to determine which hybrid car best suites your needs. The new Toyota Camry Hybrid offers plenty of power, an excellent interior, loads of features, and enough room for five adults. Plus you also have the fuel economy that you’re probably looking for.

I’m sure you would like to save money on gas. So why not trade in your gas guzzler for a more fuel efficient car. If you can’t decide on what hybrid car to buy, the Consumer Guide’s auto editors is a good place to look for reviews. They drive through record heat, blinding snow, keeping track of every drop of fuel used along the way.

The Camry Hybrid offers an On-Board Computer, DVD Player, Bluetooth Hands Free Telephone Access, and many more of the high new technology such as an optional Satellite Radio.

If you’re interested in learning more about hybrid vehicles, please don’t hesitate to contact Classic Toyota – a Cleveland Toyota Dealer online (CLICK HERE), Call us at (440)205-6300, or stop by 8510 Tyler Blvd. Mentor, OH 44060 when you have some time!

There is actually a pretty interesting video where Toyota engineers took a Toyota Tundra and ripped it apart to see just how it works. Tundra deconstructed can be viewed after the break.

Concurrent with the Tundra deconstructed video are these cattle ranchers from west Texas talking about how the Tundra responded to the rigors of their tough daily grind.

Toyota Tundra is only a ½ ton pickup truck but the cattle ranchers in the Tundra deconstructed video didn’t do the Tundra any favors. The ranchers still hauled cattle and did everything as they would have with a much larger truck.

The Tundra deconstructed video shows what the insides of a Toyota Tundra looks like after 100,000 miles. Toyota’s durable engines and impressive components only further illuminate the quality that the Toyota brand has long been known for.

Say what you will about promotional videos; the Tundra deconstructed video does not pull any punches. The Toyota Tundra is beaten down, made small, and comes out on the other side looking all the better for it.

No one ever said anything bad about a quality brand that makes quality product that can stand up to the rigors of time. So it is for the Toyota Tundra and the Tundra deconstructed video. See for yourself.

When taken on the whole the overall success of the model and Camry’s quality has been a thing of real regard. In 2010 U.S. News voted the Camry “Best Midsize Car for the Money Award” for the second year consecutively.

For its own part the new 2012 Camry safety features have all manner of attractions to catapult this car into the new millennium and beyond.

The 2012 Camry safety features include 10 airbags, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. Another great Camry safety feature is a tire pressure monitoring system so that drivers are alerted when their driving around on wheels which need attention. The new 2012 Camry also has electronic brake-force distribution and a brake assist feature.

But Camry safety doesn’t stop there. Some of the optional Camry safety features include such revelations as a blind-spot monitoring system and a backup camera for those who are trying to squeeze into tight parking spots.

Toyota also has their “Toyota Safety Connect” system available on newer models. This Toyota Safety Connect system is linked up to a call center where operators can alert police, fire, or an ambulance when accidents happen.

Newer model Camry’s have features available like GPS so stolen vehicles can be recovered and an automatic collision notification function to go along with Toyota Safety Connect so that operators are automatically notified.

Toyota Camry safety features appear to be ramped up even more than the name has traditionally offered. This is great news for the individual looking for a new car as whether you’re purchasing a Camry or any other car you want to be sure that safety is as much on the car makers mind as it is on yours.

The all new 2012 Camry Hybrid sports a 200 horsepower hybrid drive train, superior handling and agility, and excellent gas mileage.  It’s no slouch.  Toyota took the typical misconception that there isn’t much performance to be had from a hybrid power train and gave us the Toyota Camry hybrid.  With plenty of power, handling and acceleration, it comes packaged in an unassuming, family-style sedan body.  

But, Toyota kept the best parts of its top selling sedan and simply made one of the best Japanese cars better.  Improving the drive train, suspension, and making modest changes to the Camry’s quintessential aesthetic design, the 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid kept its purpose and mission clear and unaltered.  With families in mind, the new hybrid is packed with safety features, including stability control, anti-lock braking, front, side, and new knee airbags, along with optional blind spot alerts.  


Toyota also managed to break the 40 miles per gallon barrier with its new hybrid drive train and add more performance at the same time.  Combining performance and fuel efficiency to such an extent impacted Consumer Reports rating of the Toyota Camry hybrid.  Reaching top marks from Consumer Reports over such German carmakers as Volkswagen and American’s Ford Motor Company demonstrate Toyota’s achievements in the 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid.

Improvements made for Toyota’s new hybrid are also keen to remember why the Camry is one of the most popular sedans in America.  Instead of making huge, unnecessary changes to the Camry’s interior for 2012, Toyota refined an already elegant, understated design.  Increasing leg room and elbow room slightly, ridding the car of cheaper plastic trim and instead using softer dash materials and decreasing road noise are among a few of the improvements to be found on the 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid.  

Reliability has been synonymous with Toyota for years.  And, predictably, the Toyota Camry hybrid is no exception.  Renown for affordability, ease of maintenance and incredible reliability, Toyota is a respected, budget-friendly carmaker.  This also influenced Consumer Reports rating.  Taking into account the expected lifetime, maintenance costs and overall value helped to propel this new car to the status of being named Top Sedan.  

If you’re looking for a family sedan that will provide years of reliable service, excellent fuel efficiency, ample power, tight handling, a roomy and comfortable interior, and an armament of safety design features, the 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid is a clear choice.  

The base L model 2012 Camry is priced at $21,995 and comes standard with the following:

• A/C
• Cruise Control
• All power accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors)
• 6-speed Automatic Transmission
• 6 speaker stereo system with Ipod connectivity
• BLU Logic hands free phone system
• 10 airbags (that’s more than any of the competitors)

All that, and it’s just the base model 2012 Camry. A step up from the L is the LE with a price tag just $505 above the L model.  The LE will get everything the L has plus a 6.1 inch touch screen with Bluetooth music streaming and steering wheel mounted controls, automatic headlamps, and remote keyless entry. None of the competitors offer a touch screen at this price level. 

Up from the LE model is the SE and finally the XLE. These models can be had with the optional 268 HP V6 and many other goodies such as a 7 inch touch screen navigation system and 18 inch wheels just to start. Gas mileage for the 178 HP four cylinder 2012 Camry is 25 city / 35 highway and for the V6 it is 21 city / 30 highway. Whether you go with the four or six cylinder, gas mileage will be better in the 2012 Camry than in any similarly equipped competitor. 

The hybrid version of the 2012 Camry is where this car really shines. Available only in the SE and XLE trim levels, the hybrid is fully equipped from the word go. With fuel mileage 43 city / 39 highway with 41 combined MPG, the 2012 Camry Hybrid is a definite fuel saver. The Ford Fusion comes close with a 39 combined MPG, but with a much higher price tag than the Camry. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid doesn’t even come close at 37 MPG combined and neither the Altima or the Accord are even offered as hybrids.

The 2012 Camry shows exactly why it has been the best selling car in America for so long. With it’s options and price points, Camry is the best value to be had no matter which trim level you choose.

Click Here to Learn More about Camry! You can build your car and request a quote.

3rd Generation Prius – The 2012 Toyota Prius has a 51/48-MPG rating designed to save you money. It comes in four builds: Prius Two starts at $23,520, Three at $24,520, Four at $27.320 and Five at $28,790.

Options available in the more expensive 2012 Toyota Prius builds are pre-collision, lane-keep and parking systems, plus Safety Connect, which includes emergency and roadside assistance, automatic collision notification and a stolen vehicle locator. A voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with integrated back-up camera, AM/FM four-disc CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, eight speakers, XM Radio with XM NavTraffic, USB port with iPod connectivity, and hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth are an available option; this upgrade will certainly make your daily commute more entertaining.

Bottom line: The 3rd Generation 2012 Toyota Prius continues to be one of the best values for its price among hybrids, no matter the build.

Prius v – The 2012 Toyota Prius v features a 44/40-MPG rating and more room for families – 1 inch in width, 6 inches in length and 3 inches in height to be exact. It also offers 80 percent more than most small SUVs. It comes in three builds, with Prius v Two starting at $26,400, Three at $27,165 and Five at $29,990.

Many of the impressive 2012 Toyota Prius v features come standard with all three builds, and there are standouts offered as options only with the Five. They include a panoramic-view moonroof with power sliding sunshades and Safety Connect. The premium navigation and entertainment system available on the Five also impresses. It features Entune, a collection of popular mobile apps and data services; a 7-inch touch screen with split-screen capability and integrated back-up camera display; AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA capability; eight speakers with amplifier; SiriusXM Satellite Radio with XM Select Package; HD Radio with iTunes tagging; USB port with iPod connectivity and control; hands-free phone capability; advanced voice recognition; and music streaming via Bluetooth.

Bottom line: Families will love the roomier 2012 Toyota Prius v.

Prius Plug-In Hybrid – With the first-ever Prius Plug-In Hybrid, you will be able to drive up to 15 miles at up to 62 MPH on electric only in addition to 49 MPG. The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will come in Prius Plug-In, starting at $32,000, and Prius Plug-In Advanced, starting at $39,525.

Many of the features found standard on Toyota’s new plug-in hybrids are those of the 2012 Toyota Prius, with 15-inch alloy wheels and chrome trim on the grille, bumper and door handles exclusive to the plug-in models. The advanced model will feature standard many of the optional features found on the more expensive builds of the Prius and Prius v.

Delivery of 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid models begins in the spring in certain states, with a national rollout planned for 2013.

Bottom line: The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In is not yet available for review, but all buzz indicates you won’t be disappointed. Also, Toyota expects both models to qualify for the $2,500 tax credit, further increasing the affordability of this hybrid.

Also on the horizon is the 2012 Toyota Prius C, making its North American debut during Jan. 10 at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Toyota Sienna: The Perfect Family Vehicle

Minivans are especially popular for families.  They provide plenty of room and storage, whether you’re taking your son’s soccer team to their first practice or transporting your daughter to her big ballet recital.  Minivan safety ratings can vary, and if you’re looking for a reliable vehicle that will keep your family safe, you should look no further than the 2012 Toyota Sienna.

New Safety Regulations

Toyota has always emphasized safety and the Sienna is no exception.  Beginning last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rolled out a new 5-Star Safety Ratings program.  These new ratings were created to add more tests, making their ratings more stringent than before.  And the new overall rating translates to peace of mind when it comes to minivan safety ratings.


Sienna’s 5-Star Overall Safety Rating

Minivan safety ratings are of particular importance to consumers because of the family aspect.  Children can be especially vulnerable in collisions, so it is vital that a minivan offers as much safety and protection as possible.  These minivan safety ratings are vital in a variety of collisions.

After a battery of tests, the NHTSA awarded the Toyota Sienna with a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating.  This rating combines test results when the Sienna subjected to frontal impacts, side impacts, and rollover tests.  Although these were designed for all vehicles, the tests helped ensure that the Sienna’s minivan safety ratings were topnotch.

To ensure even better accuracy, new “female” crash dummies were utilized, representing not only females, but also teenage children.  This is an important factor when testing any vehicle, but particularly ones that are intended to carry children or teenagers.  Additionally, new technologies are being utilized in the NHTSA tests: electronic stability control, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.  Therefore, when it comes to minivan safety ratings, the awarding of a 5-Star Rating to the Toyota Sienna represents a new standard of safety.

Safety Features

The 2012 Toyota Sienna comes equipped with a variety of standard features that help keep its minivan safety ratings intact:

• Anti-Lock Brakes — Under extreme braking, pressure is modulated to allow the tire to continue rotating, which increases the ability to turn while braking.

• Four Types of Airbags — In addition to
  the standard frontal airbags for the driver and passenger, the Toyota
  Sienna comes equipped with side, overhead, and knee airbags.

• Stability Control — To help prevent a driver from losing control of his or her vehicle, stability control reduces engine power and, in some cases, will apply select brakes when it senses that the handling limits of the vehicle have been exceeded.

• Anti-Whiplash Head Restraints — These are designed to cradle a person’s head and decrease the likelihood of whiplash in case of a rear collision.

• Seatbelt Pretension — In the event of any type of collision, seatbelts are automatically tightened to keep each passenger in the best position possible to prevent injury during a crash.

When it comes to overall safety and especially minivan safety ratings, few vehicles can stand up to the Toyota Sienna.  With its incredible safety features and 5-Star Safety Ratings, you can feel secure in knowing that your family is protected in the case of a collision.

Air Bags

Airbags are extremely effective safety devices that save thousands of lives every year. The new 2012 Toyota Camry has a total of 10 airbags, which is above-average for the class. Equipped with driver, front passenger and front and rear side air bags, it provides superior overall protection. New to the 2012 model are knee airbags, which would help cushion and protect the driver and front passenger if an accident were to occur.

Although other cars charge extra for the option of side-torso airbags, the 2012 Camry’s airbags come standard. Parents with small children who are concerned about needing to turn off rear airbags when their children are in the car will be happy to learn that the rear airbags are totally redesigned to be compatible with all child seats. This eliminates the need to deactivate the airbags through child locks, as required in the past.

Structure

The engineering of a vehicle’s safety is directly related to performance in a collision. The 2012 Toyota Camry features a reinforced body structure made of high-strength steel. Reinforced side beams, reinforced door innards and a strengthened roof are all designed to prevent the cabin from sustaining damage in a collision. In order for the Camry to receive its five star score in the NHTSA’s safety testing, the Camry earned five stars in the NHTSA’s side-crash test and four stars each in the rollover and frontal impact protection.

Brakes

Largely in response to last year’s accelerator problems, the 2012 Camry now comes standard equipped with Smart Stop technology. The Smart Stop system reduces engine power when you press both the brake and the accelerator at the same time. However, the system only engages when the accelerator has been pressed first, and then the brake is pressed firmly at a speed greater than 5 miles per hour. Because of this, the system will also allow the Camry to start on a hill without rolling backwards. The Smart Stop braking system was not factored into the Toyota Camry safety rating, but still provides the consumer with added peace of mind.

Other Safety Features

The Blind Spot Monitor, which is similar to other advanced blind-spot warning systems, uses a millimeter-wave radar to single out objects, and warns you by flashing a light in the corresponding side view mirror. With Toyota’s Safety Connect system, the driver can connect with a live operator at a call center in case of an emergency. The Safety Connect system also uses an automatic collision notification and GPS vehicle locator in case your vehicle has been stolen. Again, while these safety features were not factored into the Toyota Camry safety rating, drivers will appreciate the added safety that they provide.

We all know there is much more to road safety than just buying a high-rated car. However, purchasing a 2012 Toyota Camry will give you the security that comes with knowing you have the best possible protection in the event of an accident.