Toyota Camry

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Hyundai Sonata: A Weekly Driver 2012 Top 10

The Hyundai Sonata, a midsize family sedan, has steadily advanced in its highly competitive segment and is no longer a fringe alternative to the mainstream represented by the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. With its redesign in 2011, the Sonata had its most successful year (225,961 units sold). It was the first time a Hyundai model sold more than 200,000 units in a year, and the stellar year vaulted the Sonata into 11th on the season-end, best-selling list where Honda, Ford, Nissan and Toyota all had sedan entries. The 2012 Hyundai Sonata, therefore, largely remains the same as last year (why tinker with success?) with only a few updates. The new Sonata has a telematics service (Blue Link), a higher-resolution

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2013 Lexus ES 350: New bold image for upscale sedan

Now in its sixth generation, the redesigned 2013 Lexus ES breaks away from its 20-plus-year tradition of being a nice upscale Toyota Camry. The new front-wheel-drive ES has a nearly two-inch longer 111-inch wheelbase shared with the all-new top-line Toyota Avalon and is an inch longer overall. It has the signature Lexus spindle grille and looks more like the higher-line Lexus GS than the Camry. Its bolder appearance features such items as larger headlights and LED daytime running lights. Taillights look as if from the GS and sit above nifty dual chrome-finished exhaust tips. The low front end can result in curb damage, but helps allow smoother air flow under the car for better aerodynamics. The ES 350’s engine and

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Chevy Malibu review, 2013: New midsize sedan has continental flair

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu seems to walk a line between being a mainstream American sedan and a higher-class European four-door. Chevy calls the Malibu its “first global midsize sedan.” Indeed, Chevy says in promotional material the new Malibu will be at home (in various forms) from New York to Sydney and Shanghai to Sao Paulo. Or to “nearly 100 markets on 6 continents.” The front-drive Malibu is no head-turner but is handsome enough to matter how it is sold. It has an integrated rear spoiler and low .29 drag coefficient to cheat wind resistance and noise. Chevy says it is the most aerodynamic Malibu ever. Indeed, the interior is very quiet. However, the low front end, which helps aerodynamics, can

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Ford F-150 will again lead U.S. vehicle sales 2012

With the end of the year near, the automotive industry will soon again tally its numbers and the best-selling car list will reveal how much has changed and how much the habits of the public have changed in the past 12 months. Just as it has been for many years, the Ford F-Series will again be the best-selling vehicle in the United States in 2012. The Chevrolet Silverado and Ram Pickup will again likely be in the top 10 and the Toyota Camry should retain its perch as the country’s best-selling car. But will green cars be represented in the top-20 for 2012? And will the Hyundai Sonata continue its strong sales year in December to not only boost Hyundai’s

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2013 best sedans: Ford Fiesta to Audi A8

Sedans are arguably the most competitive car segment, and the uniqueness of the Edmunds.com list for 2013 is that Toyota, which manufacturers the Camry and Corolla, both perennially among the top-10 selling cars in the United States, is not on the  recommended list in any sedan price category. None of the members of the Toyota Prius family of hybrid cars are on recommended sedan list, either, although Toyota products are listed in other recommended categories. Here’s the top-three in eight price categories for Edmunds.com, the online automotive information resource guide headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Under $15K Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent Under $18K Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus Under $25K Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Ultima Under

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Honda Accord’s dubious honor: most stolen car in the United States

Nearly one million vehicles are stolen every year in the United States, which breaks down to one about every 33 seconds. But those two statistics, while staggering, only tell part of the story of car theft, particularly among the most popular stolen cars brands — Honda and Dodge. One reason for the massive problem of stolen vehicles is that owners make it easy for those in the car theft occupation. Consider: * 50 percent of all vehicles stolen are unlocked. * 25 percent of all vehicles stolen have a purse of wallet in plain sight. * 15 percent of all cars stolen have the key in the ignition. Also: * 33 percent of all vehicles stolen are in California and

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Volkswagen Passat TDI shines when catastrophe, fuel shortage collide

Gas shortages mean different thing to different people in the automotive industry.  In the instance of Hurricane Sandy, great gas mileage didn’t matter much since there was a limited supply of fuel available. A full tank of gas in a car or trunk with a big tank and decent mileage, of course, meant a lot more. Correspondingly, hybrid and electric vehicles are keen when gas is in short supply. But what if electricity isn’t available? That was another predicament during Hurricane Sandy and in the following week’s aftermath. More relevant in times of need, therefore, how far the gas you have will take you. In other words, the range of a tank full of gas takes priority. The Smart ForTwo

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2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: Redesign adds further appeal to surprising sedan

By Bruce Aldrich, Contributing Edtior The 2013 Toyota Avalon will debut in December, and the fourth generation sedan has a new mission statement — excitement. The car has a entirely new look, an upgraded interior and better handling. Expect to see design cues from the Avalon in future Toyotas. The real news is the hybrid Avalon. The hybrid drivetrain is the same used in the hybrid Camry. This Synergy Drive system uses a 2.5-liter gas motor, combined with an electric motor to provide 200 horsepower. I prefer the hybrid Avalon over gas models. The hybrid does everything the gas model does, but with less drama. The constant velocity transmission (infinite gears, unlike just six in the gas car) provides perfectly

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Toyota Avalon, 2013: New design invigorates old school sedan

By Bruce Aldrich/Contributing Editor Our grandfather’s car has been reborn. For 2013, the fourth generation Toyota Avalon has been redesigned to attract people with color left in their hair. The car looks and drives better because the manufacturer’s President Akio Toyoda wants it that way. Toyoda’s goal is to put excitement into Toyota automobiles. The Avalon is the first car in the Toyota line to benefit from the new edict, and expect to see design cues from the Avalon in future Toyotas. The first thing I noticed about the Avalon is new styling. It doesn’t look like any other Toyota. The old, rounded jellybean look is gone. The new car has pronounced wheel arches, a dramatic sloping roofline and a

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Toyota reveals massive recall involving 7.4 million cars, trucks dating to 2005

Toyota has added another massive component to its more than three years of quality control issues by recalling 7.4 million cars and trucks globally for potential fires involving faulty power-window switches and including 2.5 million vehicles sold in the United States. The recall affects cars made between July 2005 and May 2010, including Camry and Corolla sedans and RAV4 sport-utility vehicles sold in Japan, North America, Europe, China, the Middle East and Oceania. Japan’s biggest automaker called the  latest recall its largest in history. Toyota globally recalled 7.7 million vehicles in 2009 and 2010 because of faulty floormats, but the automaker categorized that occurrence as a “safety campaign.”Toyota, which said it knows of no accidents or deaths stemming from the

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Honda recall: faulty power steering hose affects 600,000 Accords

Honda is recalling five model years of Accords totaling 600,000 units in the United States and Canada and dating to 2003 because the popular sedan has a faulty power steering hose that can leak fluid and cause a fire. The recall, which extends through the 2007 edition, is the result of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration posting on its website that the Accord’s power steering hose can deteriorate with prolonged exposure to engine heat. In addition to a cracked hose and loss of power-assisted steering, the problem could result in an engine fire in Accords V-6 engines. Honda has a report of one fire but no injuries or crashes. For the past several years, the Honda Accord has been

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Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion lead best mpg list for 2013 family sedans

Midsize family sedans comprise a huge chunk purchases amongnew car buyers, and gas mileage is a top priority whether consumers are considering Kia, Toyota, Ford or Hyundai. Ryan ZumMallen of High Gear Media has compiled a list of Best Mileage Midsize Family Sedans for 2013. The list includes a wide-ranging selection of gas and hybrid models as well as expected and surprising models that share at least one common trait — practicality. Here’s the list and a brief assessment of High Gear Media’s assessment of the 2013 Toyota Prius, the No. 1 most fuel efficient family sedan.“Despite the industry’s repeated attempts to knock it off the throne, the Toyota Prius still reigns supreme when it comes to fuel efficiency. What’s

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Subaru Legacy, 2013: Overlooked sedan offers good value, great safety

Many mid-size sedan buyers act like lemmings, continually buying the same make of vehicle year after year. Otherwise, a lot more Subaru Legacy mid-size sedans would be bought. Rivals to the Legacy — essentially an overlooked gem — include the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Most receive far more advertising and have a considerably larger owner body. Not that Subaru hasn’t been around for decades. It began to get its feet as a small, cramped front-wheel drive model that nevertheless was rugged. It became a favorite for rough New England winters, and for years was known as a “New England” or “Northeast” car. Few Americans knew it scored well in tough European rallies. Subaru began switching from inexpensive  economy cars

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Hyundai Sonata, 2012 2.0T: Spacious, better gas mileage for stylish sedan

Now in the second year of its sixth generation, the Hyundai Sonata is a midsize family sedan. It has steadily advanced in its highly competitive segment and is no longer a fringe alternative to the automotive mainstream represented by the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. With its redesign in 2011, the Sonata had its most successful year (225,961 units sold). It was the first time a Hyundai model sold more than 200,000 units in a year, and the stellar year vaulted the Sonata into 11th on the season-end, best-selling list where Honda, Ford, Nissan and Toyota all had sedan entries. The 2012 Hyundai Sonata, therefore, largely remains the same as last year (why tinker with success?) with only a few

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Toyota surpasses four million hybrid vehicles sold since 1997 debut

The Toyota Prius dominates the hybrid car segment and it's the primary reason why 16 years after its debut, the carmaker recently surpassed four million hybrid units sold. Toyota currently sells 18 hybrid passenger vehicles in 80 countries and regions. This year, hybrid vehicle accounted for 15 percent of TMC’s global vehicle sales. Prius, Toyota’s first hybrid passenger car, went on sale in Japan in 1997. Hybrid technology was later introduced to the U.S. in 2000 with the arrival of the Prius. Since then, the Toyota Division of Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. sold 1.5 million hybrid vehicles in the U.S., accounting for 65 percent of all hybrid vehicles sold in the region. Prius, the iconic hybrid brand, comprises half

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Lexus ES 350, 2012: Fast, plush sedan remains luxury class leader

The Lexus ES 350 is in the wondrous midsize luxury class. It includes tough competition among well-heeled vehicles ranging from the Buick LaCross to the Volvo S60 and the Acura TL to the Hyundai Genesis. For 2012, the Lexus ES 350 remains largely unchanged from the 2011 model, with only one available trim. It's a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 268 horsepower, 248 pound-feet of torque and has a standard six-speed automatic transmission. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Without changes, Lexus must be confident in the Lexus ES 350, the high-brow sibling of a Toyota Camry. There was plenty of evidence for that theory during my weekly drive. Quick acceleration to substantial comfort to smooth driving, the ES 350 continues to

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