We still have more than half of 2009 to go and already the list of 2010 North American Car & Truck of the Year nominees have been picked. That’s because the list is essentially a list of every new model for 2010.

Nominated for car of the year are: the Audi S4, BMW Z4, BMW 335d, BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Fusion, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Mustang, For Mustang GT500, Ford Taurus, Ford Taurus SHO, Honda Insight, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Kia Forte, Kia Soul, Lexus HS250h, Lotus Evora, Mazda3, MazdaSpeed3, Mercedes E-Class, Nissan Cube, Nissan 370Z, Porsche Panamera, Subaru Legacy, Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Golf TDI.

The 2010 North American Truck of the Year list is only slightly shorter and includes: the Acura ZDX, BMw X5 xDrive 35d, Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect, GMC Terrain, Honda Crosstour, Land Rover LR4, Lincoln MKT, Subaru Outback, Toyota 4Runner and Volvo XC60.

Many off these vehicles have yet to be officially released and some (like the Honda Crosstour) haven’t even been officially named yet.

Jurors will now begin the lengthy process of making a short list, with the final winners chosen at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Last year’s winners were the Hyundai Genesis and the Ford F-150.

[Source: Edmunds]

Anyone who was not comatose in 2009 remembers the Toyota unintended acceleration scandal, which saw millions of Toyota and Lexus products recalled due to what was eventually deemed to be a mismatch between floormats and the accelerator that could cause the pedal to stick.

Now, Toyota is recalling a further 2.17 million cars and trucks to remedy the issue – at least this time they’ve been vindicated by none other than NASA.

The recalled vehicles, along with the number of units, are listed after the jump, as is Toyota’s official release.

[Source: Toyota]

2009 Toyota 4Runner (603,000)
2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid (397,000)
2006-2010 Toyota RAV4 (761,000 )
2008-2011 Lexus LX 570 (17,000)
2006-2007 Lexus GS 300 and 350 all-wheel-drive models (20,000)
2004-2007 Lexus RX 330, 350 and 400h (372,000)

Driver’s Side Floor Carpet Plastic Pad Modification on Lexus GS
Driver’s Side Floor Carpet Cover Replacement on Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander
Models Added to the Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal Recall

TORRANCE, Calif., [February 24], 2011 — Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 20,000 2006 and early 2007 Model Year GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles to modify the shape of the plastic pad embedded in the driver’s side floor carpet. In the event that the floor carpet around the accelerator pedal is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, there is a possibility that the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet may interfere with the operation of the accelerator pedal. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.

Owners of the involved GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles will receive a notification by first class mail beginning in early March 2011.

Toyota will also voluntarily recall approximately 372,000 2004 through 2006 and early 2007 RX 330, RX 350, and RX 400h vehicles, and approximately 397,000 2004 through 2006 Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles to replace the driver’s side floor carpet cover and its two retention clips. If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.

Owners of the involved RX and Highlander vehicles will receive an interim notification by first class mail beginning in the near future, explaining how to inspect for this condition or that they may contact their local dealer to perform the inspection.
Owners will receive a second notification once the replacement covers are available.

Separately, Toyota has amended its recall from November 2009, adding three models to address the potential for unsecured or incompatible floor mat entrapment of the accelerator pedal. The models added include:

• Approximately 603,000 2003 through 2009 4Runner
• Approximately 17,000 2008 through 2011 Lexus LX 570; and
• Approximately 761,000 2006 through 2010 RAV4

Owners of the involved 4Runner, LX 570, and RAV4 vehicles will receive an interim notification by first class mail beginning in the near future, informing them of the condition. Owners will receive a second notification once the recall preparations are complete.

Toyota and Lexus dealers will implement the newly announced and amended recall remedies at no charge to the vehicle owners.

Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall or www.lexus.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.

The Toyota 4Runner has been available for 28 years and changes in 2013 model will be minimal .

As one of the few remaining fully capable SUVs in its segment, it combines rugged body-on frame construction with suspension technology that allows it to ride comfortably, similar to a standard passenger vehicle.

For 2013, it’ll be available in three trim levels: SR5, Limited, and Trail for off-road capability. Third-row seating will be optional for all models, allowing it to comfortably seat seven.

Powered by a 4.0-liter V6, all 4Runner models will have 270 hp and will be available in rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive and full-time multi-mode four-wheel drive configurations. That engine is mated to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission, while the SR5 model will get a switch-type control for its transfer case, replacing the 2012 model’s lever setup.

Upgrades in the Limited model include X-REAS suspension system, further improving performance, comfort and control. The X-REAS system automatically adjusts damping force when driving over bumpy surfaces and cornering. The Limited also comes equipped with full-time, four-wheel drive system with a locking center differential and a three-mode, center console-mounted switch.

As for the Trail grade, the automaker will offer Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) as an option. According to Toyota, “KDSS significantly improves terrain-following ability by dynamically disconnecting stabilizer bars to allow for more axle travel, and better suspension articulation in slow, difficult terrain.”

Standard on the Trail grade is Toyota’s Crawl Control which helps maintain an appropriate speed to keep the vehicle under control, minimizing load on its drivetrain and suspension components. Multi-Terrain select is also available on the Trail model.

New to the 2013 model year SR5 and Limited are automatic running boards, while the Limited model sees a new Display Audio system that incorporates today’s most in-demand connectivity features, including Toyota’s Entune system.

GALLERY: 2013 Toyota 4Runner

It’s not uncommon for car buyers to consider a purchase based on how valuable the vehicle will be in the future. Here’s a list of the top 10 cars that will retain the most of their original purchase value after five years, according to Kelly Blue Book.

Toyota’s youth oriented Scion brand makes their only appearance here on the resale list with the tC. With 180 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque, the tC is a peppy compact with a sporty look. Also, thanks to it’s huge list of customization options, there’s always the opportunity to personalize the tC in whatever way you want. This is only one of two cars that make the list so be prepared to see a lot of SUVs and trucks ahead. The Scion tC finds its value still at 60.0 percent after 36 months and 46.5 percent after 60 months.

Before it is revealed at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, Calif., Toyota has released two teaser images of the 2014 Toyota 4Runner. 

The 4Runner is one of the few SUVs still on sale today that uses body-on-frame construction, and for 2014 it will continue to do so. For power, the 4Runner is currently driven by a 270-hp 4.0-liter V6, that may stay intact if Toyota keeps prescribing to the new body style, same old engine formula it has put to use on the new 2014 Tundra and Highlander.

The headlights on the 4Runner look to be lifted from the new RAV4, as does some of the front fascia.

Trim levels will stay the same in 2014, offering the base SR5, top-end limited, and off-road focused Trail Grade. All are offered with full-time multi-mode four-wheel drive, while the Trail Grade trim gets Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which can disconnect the 4Runner’s stabilizer bars and allow for more suspension travel and better articulation.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Toyota 4Runner Specs

The new 4Runner will be shown off at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival, described as California’s premiere country music festival, where Toyota has also setup a small off-road course for public use.

Discuss this story at toyotanation.com

Toyota released an infographic today that displays stats and facts on the 4Runner, and it also gives some new info on the upcoming 2014 4Runner in the form of a blacked out picture of the new SUV. 

The new 2014 4Runner will be unveiled at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival that takes place in Indio, Calif. this coming weekend.

The 4Runner will continue to be one of the few SUVs on sale that uses body-on-frame construction, and may keep its current 270-hp 4.0-liter V6 intact if the brand
 continues prescribing to the new body style, same old engine formula it has put to use on the new 2014 Tundra and Highlander.

SEE ALSO: Toyota 4Runner Teased

Three trim levels will be available, which carry over from the current model. All are offered with full-time multi-mode four-wheel drive, while the Trail Grade trim gets Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which can disconnect the 4Runner’s stabilizer bars and allow for more suspension travel and better articulation.

Discuss this story at toyotanation.com

Toyota has officially unveiled its 2014 4Runner featuring rugged exterior styling to match its authentic off-road heritage.

Currently in its fifth-generation, the Japanese automaker has updated its 4Runner SUV with a rugged new exterior design that’s big and bold while further refining the interior with added comfort and convenience. The 2014 4Runner will be available in three models: SR5, Limited, and Trail for those who want maximum off-road capacity. Optional third-row seating is available for the SR5 and Limited models and buyers will have a choice of rear wheel 4×2, part-time 4×4, or a full-time multi-mode 4×4 with a locking center differential.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Toyota 4Runner Teased Again in Infographic

For the 2014 model year, Toyota gave its 4Runner a refreshed front end with a muscular front grille, edgier-smoked headlights while the SR5 and Trail models have a color-matched grille insert and a front bumper surrounded by fog lights set in sharply cut inlays. The Trail grade will also have color-matched bumpers and over fenders and is distinguished by its hood scoop and silver-painted front and rear bumper accents.

As for the interior, both the SR5 and Trail grade add Soft Touch door trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob for a premium feel. The instrument panel has benefited with a highly visible Optitron unit while the Eco-Driving feedback system gives the driver real-time fuel consumption data. The SR5 also adds a standard eight-way power driver’s seat for 2014.

The 4Runner is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 with 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque and gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for 4×2 models. 4×4 models sacrifice 1 mpg on the highway. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

GALLERY: 2014 Toyota 4Runner

Discuss this story at ToyotaNation.com

The crossover market may be booming right now, but Toyota has no plans to discontinue production on any of its truck-based SUVs.

According to the Japanese automaker, there is sufficient demand to keep selling its four body-on-frame SUV models: 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser. Comparatively speaking however, Toyota’s truck-based SUV sales are weak when stacked up against its crossover models. Last year, the automaker sold 78,457 total units of its four SUVs, meanwhile the Highlander crossover sold 121,055 units.

Despite the shift in consumers from SUVs to crossovers, Toyota wants to continue being a major player in the SUV market.

“They are in different enough markets that they don’t get in the way of each other,” said Bill Fay, Toyota Division general manager. “We’ve streamlined the process with dealers in how they are distributed. Every month, they give us some volume, and it’s not a big drain on time, resources or money.”

[Source: Automotive News]

Discuss this story at ToyotaNation.com

With 2014 models landing on dealership lots Toyota just announced pricing for two of its utility vehicles, the redesigned 4Runner and its versatile Tacoma compact pickup truck.

The fifth-generation 4Runner is a capable midsize sport utility vehicle. Like SUVs of years past it features an old-school body-on-frame architecture for maximum ruggedness and off-road capability. Drivers can choose between either rear- or four-wheel drive.

Base price for an entry-level 4×2 SR5 model is $32,820, while the 4×4 stickers for $34,695. Both figures represent a 4 percent increase ($1,330) compared to their respective outgoing versions.

The range-topping 4Runner Limited kicks off at $41,365 in two-wheel-drive format, while the off road-ready four-wheeler starts at $43,400. These models are 6 percent pricier ($2,370) than today’s offerings.

Splitting the difference between SR5 and Limited versions is the Trail model. Unlike its siblings prices have actually gone down by $1,430, or 4 percent. A 4×4 model starts at $35,725 while a premium version goes for $38,645.

All models are powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that delivers 270 horsepower. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission offered.

The 2014 Toyota Tacoma is priced to sell. A 4×2 regular-cab model starts at $17,875. That gets you a four-cylinder engine and a five-speed-manual transmission.

However, if you go whole hog and pick up a 4×4 V6 Double Cab long-bed version with an automatic plan on spending $28,285. Across-the-board price increases for the Tacoma average 100 bucks.

All figures listed above EXCLUDE destination and delivery fees, which are $860.

Discuss this story at ToyotaNation.com

With the growing crossover segment, the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) market is slowly dying. Still, it’s got life in it yet and no cute-ute can replace the pure utility of a go anywhere, do anything body-on-frame Sport Utility Vehicle.

If you’re in the market for one and the Cadillac Escalade is a bit out of your budget, AutoGuide has compiled a list of the top 10 cheapest SUVs available today. True, they’re not all strict SUVs. Nonetheless, these are all seriously capable machines.

Ahead of the 2013 SEMA Show, Toyota has unveiled its Dream Build Challenge Vehicles.

For this year’s Dream Build Challenge, Toyota teamed up with top athletes to tap into their imagination. Voting is now open for fans to choose their favorite build ahead of the official unveiling of the vehicles on November 5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Scion Tuner Challenge tCs Unveiled Ahead of SEMA

Fans will get to vote for a variety of entries, including NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman’s CamRally, BMX rider Drew Bezanson’s Crusher Corolla, Supercross stars Justin Brayton and Josh Grant’s Let’s Go Moto Tundra and Freestyle skier Simon Dumont’s Ultimate Dream Ski 4Runner. Voting on the vehicles will end on 11:59 PM PT on November 4, with the winning design will be announced at 10:00 AM PT on November 5 from the SEMA Show floor.

Check back next week when AutoGuide reports live from the announcement.

GALLERY: Toyota Dream Build Challenge CamRally

GALLERY: Toyota Dream Build Challenge Crusher Corolla

GALLERY: Toyota Dream Build Challenge Let’s Go Moto Tundra

GALLERY: Toyota Dream Build Challenge Ultimate Dream Ski 4Runner

Discuss this story at our Toyota Forum.

The 2013 SEMA Show hasn’t officially opened its doors yet, but we’ve managed to grab some photos of the Toyota Dream Build Challenge project vehicles including the wild CamRally race car.

For this year’s Dream Build Challenge, the Japanese automaker enlisted the help of NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman, BMW rider Drew Bezanson, Supercross stars Justin Brayton and Josh Grant and lastly Freestyle skier Simon Dumont.

2013 SEMA Show Coverage

Kligerman was responsible for dreaming up the Toyota CamRally while Bezanson put his spin on a Crusher Corolla that had plenty of bass pumping through its trunk on the show floor. Brayton and Grant’s Let’s Go Moto Tundra is larger than life and literally has everything you’d need for a weekend out in the desert or the snowy hills. Lastly, there’s the Ultimate Dream Ski 4Runner by Dumont – which is the mildest of all four builds, but is probably the most sensible and functional.

Check back tomorrow when Toyota announces the official winner of the Dream Build Challenge at 10:00 AM PT.

GALLERY: Toyota CamRally Show Photos

GALLERY: Toyota Crusher Corolla Show Photos

GALLERY: Toyota Let’s Go Moto Tundra Show Photos

GALLERY: Toyota Ultimate Dream Ski 4Runner Show Photos

Discuss this story at our Toyota Forum.

Fuel economy might top the list of things car shoppers are looking for when choosing a new vehicle, but resale value is still a valid concern for many buyers. Knowing what your car is worth three to five years down the road is important, since vehicles depreciated quicker than any other asset we can spend our hard-earned cash on.

So if resale value is one of your top priorities when deciding what vehicle to purchase, this Top 10 list will be of interest to you. Based on Kelley Blue Book‘s nominees for Best Resale Award among the 2014 lineup, you can get a good idea of what your future investment could be worth in the future.

Kicking off the list is the Dodge Challenger, netting itself 60.8 percent of its original value after three years. Those looking to keep their American sports car for five years can look forward to getting back 50.5 percent of its original price. The 2014 Dodge Challenger starts from $27,290 including destination and comes standard with a Pentastar V6 engine with 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. Power hungry shoppers can opt for the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that features 375 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque.

Is the Dodge Dart GT a true competitor in today’s marketplace? This week, AutoGuide set out to determine how the Dart GT stacks up against the competition.

That video proved to be a popular one this week, while viewers also took interest in our Toyota 4Runner review. And of course, our first look at the 2015 Ford Mustang continues to draw eyeballs?

Watch the videos below and subscribe to the AutoGuide YouTube channel here.

2013 Dodge Dart GT Review

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2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited Review

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2015 Mustang Fully Revealed

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The post Most Watched Videos of the Week: December 15 – 22, 2013 appeared first on AutoGuide.com News.

As 2013 comes to an end, AutoGuide readers continue to shop for their ideal car for 2014 whether it be a sports car or an SUV.

This week, AutoGuide‘s most watched videos include our 2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited review, the 2013 Dodge Dart GT review and the unveiling of the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang.

Watch the videos below and subscribe to the AutoGuide YouTube channel here.

2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited Review

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2013 Dodge Dart GT Review

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2015 Mustang Fully Revealed

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The post Most Watched Videos of the Week: December 22-29, 2013 appeared first on AutoGuide.com News.

Toyota is teasing a new family of vehicles that appear to be off-road oriented, called the TRD Pro Series.

The Japanese automaker says the TRD Pro Series will be officially revealed on February 6 and has teased a few images featuring a 4Runner SUV and a Tundra pickup. On the automaker’s Facebook page, it says the TRD Pro Series will be the “start of something awesome” and encourages customers to “conquer the great outdoors.”

Based on the images, it looks like TRD will be outfitting several of Toyota’s pickups and SUVs with matte black accessories and off-road suspension, wheels and more. Check back on February 6 when Toyota makes the official announcement on the TRD Pro Series.

GALLERY: TRD Pro Teasers

Discuss this story at our Toyota forum.

The post Toyota TRD Pro Series Teased Before Chicago Debut appeared first on AutoGuide.com News.

Toyota is discounting the 2014 4Runner to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

The 30th anniversary discounts range from $500 for all 4Runner SR5 and Trail models while the SR5 and Trail Premium models will be discounted $750. The top-of-the-line Limited model sees a $1,000 discount. The Toyota 4Runner 4×2 SR5 model starts at $33,680 including destination (before the discount).

SEE ALSO: 2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited Review

The discount applies to both two- and four-wheel-drive models and are effective immediately.

GALLERY: 2014 Toyota 4Runner

Discuss this story at our Toyota forum

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The pricing of the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and 4Runner TRD Pro were announced today, with the Tacoma emerging as the most affordable off-road ready Toyota pickup truck you can get.

The starting price of $36,410 (including destination) is for a Access Cab Tacoma with a V6 and six-speed manual transmission. Double Cab models cost $37,320 including destination, while adding a five-speed automatic will cost you $980.

The Tacoma TRD Pro comes with 16-inch black beadlock-style TRD alloy wheels with BFGoodrich LT265/70R16 A/T tires. The Taco also comes with TRD-tuned springs that feature a 1.75-inch lift for the front, and a decreased spring rate. Helping to improve the performance credentials of the Tacoma, it also comes with a TRD Exhaust.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Toyota TRD Pro Series Review

The 4Runner TRD Pro comes in at $41,995 including destination and sports 17-inch matte black TRD alloy wheels with Nitto Terra Grappler P265/70R17 A/T tires. The suspension is also revised with TRD-tuned front springs, which increases the front height by 1-inch. The 4Runner also features quarter-inch thick aluminum front skid plate with “TRD” stamped in large font.

Expect the Tacoma TRD Pro to go on sale in early August, while the 4Runner hits dealerships in September. No pricing has been announced yet for the Tundra, which is expected to go on sale in the fall.

The post 2015 Toyota TRD Pro Pricing Announced, Starts at $36,410 appeared first on AutoGuide.com News.

Toyota has improved its ranking in the annual J.D. Power seat quality study, and ranks first among automakers for the most cars with seats on the list.

The Japanese automaker has six of the 21 vehicles recognized for superior seating in this year’s J.D. Power seat quality study, two more than last year. The Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia were all on the list along with the company’s Lexus RX and Scion iQ, which was recognized for excellent seating in the compact car segment.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Toyota Tundra Review – Video

The study, which evaluates seating for automakers and their suppliers, ranks the three vehicles with the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles in each segment. J.D. Power gathered its data by asking new vehicle owners to rate the quality of their vehicle seats and seat belts during the first 90 days of ownership and received responses from over 86,000 purchases and lessees of new 2014 model year cars and light trucks.

Other vehicles earning praise in the study include the Range Rover Evoque, Porsche Cayenne, Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty, Ford C-Max and Porsche Panamera. In fact, the C-Max had the lowest number of problems out of any car in the study with an average of 1.6 problems per 100 vehicles. Ranking highest in the midsize/large SUV segment was the Honda Pilot while the midsize/large car segment went to the Buick Regal.

Hyundai’s Seat Division was ranked highest in the compact car segment with the South Korean-made Elantra. The U.S. variant finished second with its seats made by Lear. Overall, the 2014 industry average for seat-related problems is 9.1 problems per 100 vehicles, an improvement of 0.4 from last year.

In addition, the study revealed that shoppers want three-row seating in their SUVs, but prefer it without sacrificing quality and cargo space.

“There is demand on third-row seats and automakers are trying to meet that demand,” said Mike VanNieuwkuyk, executive director of global automotive at J.D. Power. “The challenge is to provide a functional third-row seat that meets customer needs and expectations without compromising quality, comfort and space. It’s easier to do that in a larger vehicle, but automakers and seat suppliers need to find a way to also meet consumer expectations in the growth area, which is smaller SUVs and MPVs.”

GALLERY: 2014 Toyota Tundra

Discuss this story at our Toyota forum

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