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2012 Scion xB: Compact And Versatile

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Available in San Diego at Toyota San Diego

Some models have trouble selling because their market is too limited. Either the vehicle is too rugged for the cool driver, or too cool for the rugged driver. The 2012 Scion xB does away all that by appealing to both worlds—or both drivers, to be specific—as a fashionable car for urban driving and a tough vehicle for off-road adventures. In a nutshell, the 2012 Scion xB is particularly noted for compact size yet roomy cabin, which makes it the ideal vehicle for driving the wife and kids out in the city. And since it got the benefit of several feature upgrades and outright improved performance from last year’s model, those who prefer a little outdoor adventure with Mother Nature won’t feel left out. If anything, they’ll realize eventually that they made the right choice with the 2012 Scion xB.

This year’s model is endowed with a powerful four-cylinder engine. It’s got 2.4 liters capacity and 158 horsepower, more than enough for a vehicle of its size. Handling of the 2012 Scion xB feels smooth and comfortable even at high speeds, which is more than anybody can say for other models available on the market.

The interior is generous with a spacious cabin and comfortable seats. The design is classic and the Pioneer audio system is superb. When you go for long drives, there is no reason to worry about discomfort or boredom while riding the 2012 Scion xB.

If you are on the market for a compact truck, the 2012 Scion xB is definitely the way to go. Top marks from industry critics make the 2012 Scion xB worth every dollar in your purchase.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid: Leading the Way

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Available in San Diego at Toyota San Diego

Toyota has been the known leader and pioneer of hybrid cars and it is not so surprising that they keep formulating better formulas every now and then to outdo their previous creations.  They now present consumers with the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid that will define perfection of hybrid marksmanship. Toyota was originally hesitant with adding a plug-in system for its renowned Prius hybrid for the fact that a lithium-battery-powered plug in can be costly.  But due to insistent public demand and criticisms, it became a challenge for Toyota to do the unthinkable – to give us an even better and more cost effective gasoline-electric technology by the name of Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid.

This latest plug-in technology though has to be understand by consumers as its viability somehow depends on the consumer’s geographic location, access to charging facilities, and drive cycle.  Basically, the fuel mileage that every consumer and critic is bragging about boils down to the fact that long trips in the 2012 Toyota Hybrid Prius Plug-In Hybrid will give you exceptional fuel economy while short trips with may be more frequent recharging can give you a stellar fuel economy.

There are no major visible distinctions between the all new plug-in hybrid and the original hybrid aside from some minor paints and door handles that has “plug-in hybrid” decals.  Interior wise, Toyota made some minor adjustments to make more room for the larger battery pack by slightly raising the cargo floor.  Other than those, the major improvement would only be the battery pack.

The original hybrid makes use of nickel-metal hydride battery and it has definitely proven its work throughout the many years of consumers loving the original Prius hybrid.  However, the plug-in hybrid makes use of a more potent lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged in only three hours.

The new lithium-ion battery can make you run more miles by itself alone, thus, giving consumers an excellent boost in real-life fuel economy.  When the lithium-ion battery pack dies, the vehicle runs on the traditional hybrid that works on gasoline as well.  This further eliminates the remaining anxiety of most consumers when it comes to range.

2012 Toyota 4Runner: Still as Tough as a Truck

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Available in San Diego at Toyota San Diego

After conquering and almost monopolizing its class in the automotive market for the last decade, the Toyota 4Runner comes back this 2012 retaining much of the toughness after being redesigned in 2010.  It proves to still be fantastic off-road vehicle and a perfect companion for travelling to remote, hidden, and unpaved locations with either the gang or your family. The toughness of this vehicle has remained its charm and appeal because it simply can deliver especially in tough situations.  For 2012, they have cleverly updated all the interior features with high technology but keeping them easy to use.

Overall, the 2012 Toyota 4Runner is for the true Toyota loyalist who wants to conquer roads with a budget.

With all trim models coming with a standard 4.0-liter V6 engine coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, the 2012 Toyota 4Runner has an impressive off-road prowess and a civilized on-road demeanor.  These qualities are most loved by automotive critics and editors as they have not given much good reviews for the on-road behavior of trucks like these.

After having road tested by test drivers, no one even questioned the absence of a V8 engine because the V6 already gives a lot of power that would be suitable for just about any condition.  Steering is easy and accurate making it easier to move around and maneuver even in tight spaces.

EPA rates the two-wheel drive models at 17/23 mpg city/highway and four-wheel drives at 17/22 mpg respectively.  These are quite impressive numbers for a truck-based SUV given that those are just average for midsize SUVs today.

Critics and consumers alike love the ruggedness look and feel of the interior along with its high functionality.  It does not go anywhere near low end with pretty comfortable and supportive seats along with spacious headroom and legroom.

Cargo capacity is above average of its class being able to hold up to 89.7 cubic feet.

2012 Toyota Sienna – Toyota’s Best Selling Minivan

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Available in San Diego at Toyota San Diego

If you like comfort and space in a van for everyone in the family, switch to the 2012 Toyota Sienna Minivan. It is compact, durable, and reliable like any other Toyota vehicle. Under a Toyota Sienna hood is a 2.7L 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve engine with Dual VVT-I, that performs 187 hp at 5800 rpm, or a 3.5L V6 DOHC 24-Valve engine with Dual VVT-I with 266 hp @ 6200 rpm, depending on your choice of sculpt. As every Toyota vehicle performs, it doesn’t need that much gas to run in speed. Its fuel efficiency reaches up to 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. And with this muscle, it can tow up to 3500 lbs of mass (standard on Sienna SE).

Its exterior feature gives you an impression that this van is really for family use. And to support its stylish sculpt, 17 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, a black front grille, and color-keyed rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop lamp and integrated concealed intermittent rear wiper, are installed on the Sienna.

Sienna has a Three-zone air conditioning with air filter, individual temperature settings for driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers, and separate rear control panel. For entertainment, Toyota installed a Voice-Activated Touch-Screen DVD Navigation System that includes 7-in. high-resolution touch-screen, Panorama Camera including integrated backup camera display with two views (regular and wide-angle) and on-screen backup guides, JBL® AM/FM 4-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, and ten speakers including a subwoofer.

The Touch-Screen is also compatible with the Sirius XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic™ (includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package and NavTraffic™), auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity, auto sound leveling, and hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology (optional on the Sienna XLE).

The 2012 Toyota Sienna Minivan is available in these colors – silver sky metallic, black, predawn gray mica, sandy beach metallic, salsa red pearl, cypress pearl, south pacific pearl and super white.

2012 Scion tC: A Well-Equipped But Affordable Coupe

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Available in San Diego at Toyota San Diego

Scion tC had undergone a complete redesign last year so there are only minimal changes for the 2012 edition with the addition of a standard 300-watt Pioneer sound system, Bluetooth audio streaming, and HR Radio technology.  This coupe benefited from Toyota’s known reputation for dependable motoring with excellent attention to quality, reliability, and durability. A limited edition called Release Series 7.0 will be released boasting of an exclusive High Voltage yellow black paint with a seat upholstery that matches the color, TRD body kit, black 18-inch alloy wheels, and a Smart Key passive entry/start system.

There are two trim levels available – the tC Base 2dr Coupe and tC Release Series 7.0 2dr Coupe.  Both carry a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that can produce 180 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 173 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm.  Both the manual and automatic transmissions are 6-speed.  The EPA city/highway is 23/31 MPG respectively.

The 2012 Scion tC is a 2-door, five-seater compact coupe with a hatchback truck.  Ground clearance is 6.3 inches with a cargo capacity up to 14.7 cubic feet with all seats in place.  Suspension consists of MacPherson strut front suspension, double wishbone rear suspension, four-wheel independent suspension, and front and rear stabilizer bar.

Standard features include a stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, telescoping steering wheel, and panoramic sunroof.  Dealer-installed options include navigation, upgraded stereo head units, and the seven color interior mood lighting that made tC famous amongst other coupes.

The great thing about this vehicle is its ample leg room in the back due to its relatively long wheelbase.  Exit and entry are made easy through the long doors and sliding seats.  Rear passengers also have the option of split folding the seats that recline up to 45 degrees.  Passenger seat can also be folded flat for more storage room.

Toyota had incorporated their Star Safety System featuring eight airbags with traction and stability control with the active front headrests.  It is also equipped with Scion Security System.

The 2012 Scion tC design gives the 80s vibe minus the metallic trim pieces that the first one had but retaining the sporty driving demeanor.

2012 Toyota Prius V: Hybrid Fuel Economy Meets Wagon Practicality

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The 2012 Toyota Prius V is one of the two extension models of the original Toyota Prius.  This came as a result of more consumers dreaming of Hybrid’s great fuel efficiency but is in dire need of a roomier car.  We all have different lifestyles and the 2012 Toyota Prius V is simply perfect for those who need quite an extensive cargo room along with passenger space but wants the benefits of a hybrid.  In today’s economy, who would not want a thrifty gas-electric powertrain? Critics are tagging the 2012 Toyota Prius V as the “holy grail combo”.  Once again, Toyota delivers exactly what the consumers have been longing for.  Even the adventurers would love this as there is no more need to eliminate most of their equipment to save room for friends who will be joining the trip.

Exterior sports a bit longer body looking more like a wagon with a capacity of five persons and cargo space similar if not better to that of small SUVs today.  Amazingly, it managed to remain the quietness in the cabin and smoothness even with a much more elongated body.  It definitely is a very practical choice especially if you are the person who has always been bummed out by outrageous fuel consumption over the past years.

While critics are somehow finding this great vehicle a bit hard to categorize, consumers are having no difficult time at all as they know in an instant that this belongs to their families.  It gives the just right balance of fuel economy with features of a station wagon.

Consumers do not mind at all the small difference in fuel efficiency when compared to the original hybrid because they know for a fact that they are getting more in terms of the whole package.  While it is true that we cannot have it all, we have the option of sacrificing a little something for a whole lot of other better things.

The 2012 Toyota Prius V gives the frugal families a chance of saving especially with the increasing fuel prices today.  Critics are saying that for the first time, the name Prius is screaming with both practicality and functionality.

2013 Toyota Land Cruiser: Fully Loaded with Off-Road Capabilities

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Available in San Diego at Toyota San Diego

Coming back from a year of rest, the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser blows consumers and automotive critics away with a fully-loaded standard package along with its legendary off-road capabilities.  It comes back more groomed than ever before to appeal to its target customers – the mainstream car shoppers. Land Cruiser has played a unique part in Toyota’s long list of legendary vehicles.  It had stayed in Toyota’s lineup for quite a long time despite the release of new vehicles that are somehow similar to this.  I guess Toyota’s Land Cruiser is still the king of off road being more than able to do almost everything at about any given place.

For 2013, Toyota adds a chunk of safety, high technology, and luxury features to add to its appeal to consumers while refreshing its exterior look as well.  Consumers will find themselves getting a vehicle with standard navigation system, headlamp cleaners, ventilated front seats that are perforated and leather trimmed, and a Bluetooth system.

Powertrain remains the same as of last edition so we can expect the critics’ reviews to most likely be the same with the powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine that is surprisingly refined on city streets

Land Cruisers have always been known to be dichotomous.  They can be the posh and luxurious vehicle to take you to dates and ribbon cutting ceremonies and they can go dirty on off roads as you wish on your adventure trails.  This could very well be the reason why consumers have great love and respect for this big guy.

It is not every day that you come across a vehicle with exceptional off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road refinement.  With an upcoming major interior boost, critics are already up on their feet waiting for its release.

For the consumers who still wants more than the already top notch standard features of the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser, there is still an upgrade package that just might turn your vehicle into a great entertainment system.

2012 Toyota Yaris: The Youthful Car

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Available in San Diego at Toyota San Diego

The 2012 Toyota Yaris is a hatchback but a very decent one that has been styled wonderfully that is available in base L, mid-grade LE, and the sportier SE trim levels with the option of either a three or a five-door “liftback” as Toyota names it. Toyota targets the youth market with the release of 2012 Yaris.  They have trimmed the vehicle down on the look but added top-of-the-line features including aluminum wheels, darkened headlamp surrounds, more aggressive front bumper with fog lights, and a rear fascia that Toyota refers to as “diffuser”.

Engine is a 106-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder with transmission choices at five-speed manual or four-speed auto.  Because of these changes, fuel economy was nudged up a bit with EPA estimates now to 29 mpg city/36 mpg highway for the manual and 30/38 respectively.

The greatest compliment that most people are giving out for the new 2012 Toyota Yaris is the wonderful improvement inside the cabin as compared to the last generation model.  The silver-trimmed meters and all the other instruments are properly positioned for better ease of management by the driver and reasonably good seating positioning that can provide theater-style views ahead.

The materials also are a definite upgrade from the previous with the 2012 model having large swaths of light-gray accent trim, which are all made up of soft touch material including the seat fabric.  These have been getting a lot of good feedbacks as they actually feel good to touch and look very comfortable.

The 2012 Toyota Yaris is definitely a wise choice for the youth today and seems to favor people around the height of 5’ tall as they can actually see better than any car within its class.  Another great appeal to the youth would be the fact that it moves like a race car but goes very smoothly on the road, responds very well, and performs economically.

2013 Scion FR-S – Satisfy Your Need for Speed

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Available in San Diego at Toyota San Diego

Sports cars are so expensive these days; especially the muscle cars. But, if you buy a 2013 Scion FR-S, it’s buying a sports car that can fit your budget. Proving its speed, the FR-S has a 2.0L, 4-cylinder, boxer engine with 200hp at 7000rpm. And on automatic, it has an MPG of 25 in the city, 34 on the highway, and 28 combined; saving you money while you gobble up your need for speed. And with the 6-speed transmission, it is guaranteed that you can ride like the wind.

Its exterior sculpt has this sports car look that is very appealing to the eye. The side mirrors fold as you turn off the engine, and goes up as you drive. It also has 17” alloy wheels that is sure to handle your speed on the driveway.

And for your safety, airbags on the side and on the front are installed; a first aid kit is available; the brakes are distributed equally by its EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution); and finally, VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) is installed, so you won’t swerve on high-speed driving.

Its exterior design is exquisite, elegant, and, yes, with a sports car look with a sharp feel. The pedals are sports type, so you can really feel how to drive a sports car. And if you’re in a hurry, with one press of a button, the doors shall unlock with the keyless entrance that is included in the car key.

And when you need music to set the mood, the Pioneer audio system can handle it. With 8 speakers, USB port, Bluetooth Technology, and an auxiliary jack to back it up, it is sure that every ride you’ll have is accompanied with sweet music.

Avail the 2013 Scion FR-S with available colours – raven, asphalt, ultramarine, firestorm, hot lava, argento, and whiteout.

2012 Toyota Camry: Luxurious Best-Seller

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Toyota Camry has been a luxurious best-seller since 1997 and has remained to be.  But for 2012, Camry’s chief engineer stayed true to his promise to deliver luxury and so much more especially in terms of fuel efficiency. Toyota succeeded in achieving all the target improvements without comprising on power and engine capacity.  The hybrid, on the other hand, loses 66 pounds with the incorporation of many new features on the powertrain to make it more efficient. Keeping up with their promise of luxury, you will not see any budget materials on the carefully designed interior that further differentiates being simply spacious and cozy.

Among the many models available namely L, LE, SE, SE V-6, XLE, XLE V-6, hybrid LE, and hybrid XLE, the SE and the hybrid seems to be the favorite among consumers and critics.  The SE comes with French-stitched upholstery, cleaner grille, much less chrome, and more effective seat bolsters while the hybrid boasts of a very efficient Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric  water pump, better high voltage battery control, more effective regenerative braking, and increased electric motor usage all screaming of luxury and power on the road.

The hybrid might have lost a few pounds but still found a way to benefit from it with the relocated battery and electronics package and have even increased trunk capacity to 13 cubic feet.

The remaining models are still focused on cushy comfort.  Consumers noticed a great improvement is the reduced wind and road noise even less than before in a ride that is overall smooth but not floaty to make heads spin.

Additionally, the 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid costs less than most single hybrid models despite the improvement in interior materials and higher mileage.

Consumers who have already bought the 2012 Toyota Camry have been raving about the great fuel efficiency.  EPA city/highway driving is estimated to be at 21/43 mpg and 25/39 mpg respectively.