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Sales of the consummate gasoline/electric Toyota Prius hybrid reached a milestone mark of more than one million worldwide, Toyota announced today. Since the Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, then in Europe and North America in 2000, total cumulative sales through April 2008 hit 1,028,000 units, with—believe it or not—most units being sold in North America. Toyota says it believes that, compared to emissions of straight gasoline-powered vehicles, this many Prius hybrids on our earth’s roadways have done their eco-friendly part, resulting in a 4.5 million ton reduction in CO2 emissions—that nasty stuff environmentalists and other people who like to breathe believe to be a big cause of global warming. In their quest to build and sell even more fuel efficient vehicles, Toyota also offers other hybrids, such as the Camry and Highlander , and various Lexus models, like the GS 450h and LS 600h sedans and RX 400h luxury crossover SUV. They’re not alone in their efforts, though, as more and more manufacturers are aiming to do the same with their own brand of gasoline/electric hybrid technology, from compact cars to midsize sedans and SUV s.
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Toyota Motor Sales has announced updated pricing for a variety of Toyota branded vehicles to take place starting mid May. The revisions see incremental increases in all cases, though the price bumps only impact the models listed below. Base retail prices do not include destination charges. 2008 Toyota Avalon - $27,325 , increases by $250, or 0.8 percent. 2009 Toyota Camry - $18,920 , increases by $200 or 0.9 percent. 2009 Toyota Camry hybrid - $25,650 , increases by $300 or 1.1 percent. 2008 Toyota Camry Solara coupe - $20,180 , increases by $250 or 0.9 percent. 2008 Toyota Camry Solara convertible - $27,440 , increases by $250 or 0.9 percent. 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser - $23,045 , increases by $500, or 2.1 percent. 2008 Toyota Highlander - $27,500 , increases by $200, or 0.7 percent. 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid - $34,200 , increases by $500, or 1.3 percent. 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser - $64,100 , increases by $900, or 1.4 percent. 2008 Toyota Prius - $21,500 , increases by $400, or 1.8 percent. 2008 Toyota RAV4 - $21,500 , increases by $250, or 1.1 percent. 2008 Toyota Sienna - $24,440 , increases by $100, or 0.4 percent. 2008 Toyota Tundra - $22,390 , increases by $100, or 0.3 percent...
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With Earth Day, we were wondering just how popular hybrid cars have become, when we found that R. L. Polk & Co has done the research for us. According to their calculations, nationwide registrations for new hybrid vehicles rose to 350,289 in 2007, marking a 38 percent increase from 2006. The hybrid rock star Toyota Prius continued to lead the segment with 179,178 total new registrations, claiming a simple majority of hybrid market share at 51.2 percent. With the national gasoline prices averaging $3.50 a gallon, it is no surprise that this sales trend looks to continue. The Prius hybrid gasoline-electric mid-sized sedan posted best-ever March sales of 20,635, an increase of 16 percent from last March. (Conversely, Hummer has seen the greatest decrease in sales per dealership, according to Automotive News .) The Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape share leadership positions in the SUV hybrid segment, according to Polk. Learn more about green cars from our DriveSmart articles. Research the Toyota Prius in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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Nearly 40 years after the Corolla was introduced to American drivers, a redesigned, 10th-generation 2009 Corolla hits the road with numerous improvements and a Good overall crash-test rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ). In a recent test, IIHS rated the Corolla Good for structure, restraints, and most injury measurements on its crash dummies. Head/neck got an Acceptable rating, the lowest mark for this sedan. Performance was undoubtedly aided by side- and side-curtain air bags—welcomed features in any vehicle, especially a small car. The ’09 Corolla also includes anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist for emergencies, and neck-protective active front headrests. While it may have matured, the new Corolla remains true to the brand's role as a subcompact sedan, with dimensions similar to the model it replaces. But it offers an all-new body with a lean, muscular shape, and it delivers increased interior and luggage room, more power, more economical engines and an all-new chassis and suspension. Read our road test of the 2009 Toyota Corolla , in which we wrote: “For someone moving out of an older Corolla or almost...
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Two core business hemispheres of Suzuki --recreational vehicles and automobiles--finally meet with the Equator pickup truck. Adapted with nominal changes from the Nissan Frontier , the Equator expands the Suzuki offerings and dove-tails nicely with its ATV, marine engine, and motorcycle offerings. Unveiled at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show , the Equator made its first appearance as a trio of mildly modified, SEMA -ized trucks. Under the graphics and paint jobs, we see the respected Frontier, ready for action. The Equator will be offered in extended and crew cab configurations, with both rear- and four-wheel drive. The base engine is a 2.5-liter, 152-horsepower I-4, and the top offering is a much more potent 4.0-liter, 261-horsepower V-6. Both engines can be matched to a five-speed automatic transmission, although only the four-cylinder is available with a manual shifter. The bed employs the Nissan rail system, making it easy to add bed accessories, or cinch down a load. Crew cab models can be had with a roof rack. The Equator features a unique front-end appearance, though the rest of the truck, from features to hardware, carries over from the Frontier. For truck buyers, the Equator offers...
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The second-generation Toyota Matrix will arrive at dealerships this month, starting at $16,190, with the top model stickering for $21,850. First unveiled at the fall SEMA show , the new Matrix has a wider, lower stance than the original model, though it doesn’t stray far from the basic formula shared with the twin Pontiac Vibe. It is available in front- and all-wheel drive with two different engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is a thrifty 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, with the top offering being a 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine. The Matrix features three trim levels, Standard, S and XRS. The S and XRS models integrate a front underbody spoiler with a large mesh fog lamp bezel and rear underbody spoiler, while a rear deck spoiler is standard for all XRS models. The interior again combines sporty flair with versatility, targeting people on the go, as evidenced through the numerous storage nooks, universal mini-jack port for digital music players, and available fold-down seatback table for the front passenger's seat.ther standard equipment includes 16-inch wheels, seat-mounted side airbags...
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When the 10th-generation Toyota Corolla begins arriving in dealerships this month, prices will range from $15,250 to $19,950 for the XRS trim with an automatic transmission. The new Corolla has been redesigned from the ground up, and it boasts increased interior and cargo space, more power, and improved fuel economy. The Corolla will come in five grades: Standard, LE, XLE, the sporty S, and the performance-driven XRS. Visually, the S and XRS models will be distinguished by a body kit that includes a front spoiler, rocker moldings, upper and lower rear spoilers, and engine undercovers to improve aerodynamics. The Standard, LE and XLE are fitted with a 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, marking a nominal gain over the out-going 2008 model. The sporty XRS trim sees a notable improvement with Toyota’s widely used 2.4-liter engine bring 158 horsepower and a welcomed 162 pound-feet of torque. This larger four-cylinder is available with a choice of five-speed manual or automatic transmission. Equipment and prices by trim: Standard : $15,250 manual / $16,050 automatic AM/FM/XM/CD audio with four speakers, air conditioning, intermittent windshield wipers, two 12-volt power outlets...
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Following the success of the FJ Cruiser TRD, Toyota has released a limited-edition FJ Cruiser with a distinct, monochrome appearance and off-road gear upgrades. On sale now, the Trail Team has a white body and roof, offset with black front and rear bumper end caps, front grille surround, exterior mirrors, and door handles. And to make it clear that this is special model, there is a Trail Teams badge on the rear door. Ready for adventure, the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition includes trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, BF Goodrich Rugged Trail Tires with custom 16-inch TRD alloy wheels, Cyclone air cleaner, rear differential lock, TRD exhaust system, rock rails, all-weather floor mats, front bumper-mounted auxiliary lights, and front and rear skid plates. The exterior theme carries to cabin, which features white color-keyed door trim and instrument panel trim. It also includes a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, AM/FM/CD nine-speaker audio system with MP3 player, and 115-volt auxiliary power outlet. As much as the Trail Teams preps the FJ for off-roading, it also provides a jump-start for customizers. The white-on-white exterior will likely be covered in dirt on the...
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