Toyota Highlander

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Toyota Highlander, 2012: Tackles family, weekend duties with ease

The 2012 Toyota Highlander is a three-row crossover that offers a choice between four-cylinder and V6 power, front-wheel drive (FWD) and full-time, four-wheel drive (4WD). The Highlander Hybrid, with EPA fuel economy estimates of 28/28-mpg city/highway, provides a nice blend of performance and fuel economy. The 2012 Highlander is available in Highlander, SE and Limited grades with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD). A 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is standard on the Limited grade and available with other models. All Highlander Hybrids are equipped with four-wheel-drive with intelligence and are available in Highlander and Limited grades. Standard engine for the Base and SE models is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 187 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 186 lb.-ft.

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Toyota, Lexus recall 400,000 cars with crankshaft woes

Toyota is recalling more than 400,000 Lexus and Toyota models from 2004-2006 because of a potentially faulty crankshaft pulley that could result in steering problems in V6 engines. The voluntary recall includes models: Toyota Avalon (2004), Toyota Camry (2004, 2005) Toyota Highlander (2004, 2005), Toyota Sienna (2004, 2005), Toyota Solara (2004, 2005), Toyota Highlander HV (2006), Lexus ES330 (2004, 2005), Lexus RX330 (2004, 2005) and Lexus RX400h (2006). If the crankshaft pulley is faulty, the outer ring of the pulley may become misaligned with the inner ring, causing noise and/or illumination of the discharge warning light. If the condition is not corrected, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley and the driver may notice

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Hybrid market expands in 2012, Toyota Prius v to BMW

Citing impressive statistics, the Auto Channel on MSN.com has a comprehensive listing of 2012 hybrids, from the industry standard Toyota Prius to its new sibling, the Prius v, as well as debuting high-end offerings from Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. MSN.com states as many as 50 hybrids could be on the market by 2015 and that ghe overall hybrid market share has nearly doubled in 2011 to about two percent. Here, for example. is what MSN.com said about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Toyota Prius v: Hyundai Sonata: "This impressive hybrid entry is fast gaining converts, and it's not hard to see why: The Sonata is a fully equipped, smartly designed midsized fuel sipper, comparable to but cheaper than hybrid versions

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LA Auto Show, 2011: BMW i8 Concept to Toyota Prius Plug-in

Fuel Efficiency and Green will be among automakers' key topics at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show — from entry level brands to high performance machines. As the first major North American auto show of the season, the 2011 L.A. Auto Show is scheduled Nov. 18-27 and will host some of the industry's most important new vehicle debuts. New entries into this fuel-efficient category include the Hyundai Veloster, the 2012 Kia Rio and the 2012 Mazda3 with SKYACTIV technology. Mazda's new SKYACTIV powertrain and chassis technologies will also be featured in the North American Debut of its all-new CX-5 crossover. BMW will introduce new, more-powerful, four-cylinder engine technology, but placed in popular performance cars-the Z4 and 528. Both boast improved

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Toyota Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, 2012: diversity rules

The 2012 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid move into 2012 as three-row crossovers that offer a four-cylinder or V6 power, front-wheel drive (FWD), full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) as well as a hybrid that provides a class-leading 28/28 mpg city/highway fuel economy ratings. All Highlander 2012 models feature a standard 50/50 split third-row seat and rear climate control for customer comfort and flexibility. The Highlander is available in Highlander, SE and Limited grades with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD). A 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is standard on the Limited grade and available for the others. All Highlander Hybrid models are equipped with four-wheel-drive with intelligence and are available in Highlander and Limited grades. The Toyota Highlander offers three performance

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Toyota recalls more than 300,000 RAV4, Highlanders

Toyota has announced a voluntary safety recall involving more than 300,000 RAV4 sport utility vehicles model years 2007 and 2008 and 2008 Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles sold in the United States to replace the airbag sensor assembly. The recall will involve approximately 214,000 RAV4 vehicles and approximately 94,000 Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles. In the roll sensing curtain shield airbag system of the subject vehicles, two sensors in the airbag sensor assembly designed to detect vehicle roll angle. If one of these sensors malfunctions, the airbag warning light (malfunction indicator light) will illuminate and the roll detection system will be suspended; however, the airbag remains available in the event of a side collision. If both sensors fail nearly simultaneously

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Mazda3 2011 awarded IIHS top safety pick rating

The 2011 Mazda 3 sedan/hatchback, after earning the top rating of good for roof strength in rollover crashes, qualifies as a Top Safety Pick among small cars by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). The Mazda3, which previously earned good ratings for front, side, and rear crash protection, is the manufacturer’s first car designated as a Top Safety Pick since the Institute made the criteria more strict by including a requirement for a good rating in the roof strength test. Two tests were conducted in order to rate the 4-door sedan and hatchback versions. The sedan’s roof withstood a force equal to 5.32 times the car’s weight. The hatchback’s roof withstood a force equal to 5.09 times its weight.

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Toyota recall: 2.2 million added to faulty floormat list

Toyota has announced another in its continuing series of recalls, this time nearly 2.2 million vehicles, including RAV4, 4Runner, Highlander and Lexus models dating from current models to 2003. The recall widens the same problem that began in 2009 via the risk the driver’s floormat could come loose and trap the accelerator pedal. The RAV4 crossovers have the largest percent of the recall, some 761,000 vehicles for model years 2006 to 2010. The other vehicles included in the recall: 4Runner (603,000) for the model years 2003 through 2009 and Lexus LX 570 (17,000) vehicles for the model years 2008 through 2011. Toyota has also recalled several hundred thousand Lexus, including the RX330, RX  350 and RX 400H models as well

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Kia Sorento 2011 car review

The carlike Kia Sorento is so dramatically changed one might wonder why it retains the name of the old truck-like Sorento, which arrived for 2003 and became dated. A test drive during the media preview of the new Sorento to Kia’s sprawling new, $1 billion assembly plant in a rural area an hour from Atlanta, Georgia, showed this crossover vehicle to be poised, quiet and comfortable. Kia‘s newest Sorento is the sporty “SX.” It has a revised front end, more luxury and sharper handling. The Sorento comes as an entry model and as the LX, EX and SX. It has front or four-wheel drive and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 3.5-liter V-6. Kia says rivals of the early 2011 Sorento include

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Hyundai, VW share top 2011 safety institute honors

Hyundai and Volkswagen combined to earn 18 of 66 Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the independent nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to reducing the incidents on American highways. Hyundai and Volkswagen each had nine winning models, the most of any manufacturer. The IIHS introduced more difficult standards for 2010, adding roof strength to its criteria by testing protection in rollover crashes. “In just a year, automakers have more than doubled the number of vehicles that meet the criteria for Top Safety Pick,” said Adrian Lund, the Institute president. “That gives consumers shopping for a safer new car or SUV — from economy to luxury models — plenty of choices to consider in most dealer showrooms.

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Toyota announces largest recall in history, 1.6 million cars with brake issues

Recalled plagued Toyota Motor Corp. has announced its latest and largest recall to date, this time 1.66 million Avalon and other vehicles, including Lexus models, for brake cylinder issues. The new recall includes the 2005 and 2006 Avalon sedan, 2004 through 2006 Highlander (the non-Hybrid model) and Lexus RX330 crossovers, and the 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 sedans. Additionally, the latest recall, mostly in Japan and the United States, comes less than two months after a recall in Canada and the United States of 1.3 million Corolla and Matrix cars. In that instance, the vehicle had defective engine control modules that could cause the vehicles to stall. The vehicle’s brake master cylinders can leak small amounts of fluid, resulting

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Toyota Prius tops Kelley Blue Book 'Green Car' list for 2010

“To be considered for the green Top 10, each vehicle was required to offer fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions superior to the bulk of vehicles in its class and at the same time provide all the safety, creature comforts and driving enjoyment that would make it pleasant to own,” explain Kelley Blue Book. “So while the top 10 green vehicles are listed in order from most fuel-efficient to least fuel-efficient, fuel ratings weren’t the sole reason for inclusion on the list. The 2010 Chevrolet Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, No. 10, is the least fuel-efficient vehicle chosen with No. 9 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. But it has a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg, but the 5,900-pound vehicle has good room for

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Toyota denies another Prius recall set despite Wall Street Journal report

Other models involved in this previously-announced recall include 2007-2010 Camry, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2007-2010 ES 350, 2006-2010 IS 250, and 2006-2010 IS 350.  On January 27, 2010, Toyota expanded the campaign to include the 2008-2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Venza, 2009-2010 Matrix and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe. Owners who have further questions are asked to visit www.toyota.com or www.lexus.com or contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Assistance at 1-800-255-3987. Public Web site:  https://www.toyota.com and www.toyota.com/recall Source: PRNewswire.com James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a

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Toyota recall update: faulty brakes, floor mats fix plan announced.

Toyota recalled 2.3 million vehicles in the United States with the potential sticking accelerator issue. “We know what’s causing the sticking accelerator pedals, and we know what we have to do to fix it,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota‘s president and chief operating officer, in a statement. Toyota dealerships will work extended hours, some 24 hours a day, to repair the recalled vehicles. “It’s not clear how long it will take to fix all 2.3 million cars,” Lentz told CNNMoney.com. The fix involves installing a precision-cut steel reinforcement bar into the accelerator pedal assembly, which will reduce surface tension and prevent the friction that has caused the pedals to stick. The company said it has confirmed the effectiveness of the newly

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Toyota recall: Test your pedal mettle, read manufacturer's suggestions

The precautionary test the Q&A format of frequently asked concerns follow: Precautionary Test Drive to empty parking lot and practice how to put your car in “N” (neutral) position. Get the feeling of how the car responds to your actions, especially braking and turning, while the car’s gears are in “N” position. You must have learned this in your driver’s education class, but a refresher may be a good idea. If you are not sure what putting the car in “N” means, then you really should ask an experienced (and good) driver to teach you. The FAQs list: Which models are affected by the recall/stop sale? Toyota‘s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following:  2009-2010

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Toyota recall: Faulty gas pedals to rental car worries

Here in capsule form are facts and figures of Toyota‘s current predicament: * Toyota is temporarily suspending sales of eight models involved in last week’s recall: 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2008-2010 Sequoia. The Camry and Corolla sedans are the top two best-selling cars in the U.S. market. Combined, those eight models sold 1,008,611 units last year, representing 57 percent of Toyota‘s 2009 U.S. sales. * Toyota has expanded the recall by at least two million cars, to include cars and trucks in Europe and China with the same gas pedals from CTS. * Toyota vehicles in Japan do not use a gas pedal manufactured by CTS. * Toyota will halt

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