In their 14th year, the R.L. Polk & Company Automotive Loyalty Awards saw The Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer award go to Toyota, unseating General Motors from its nine-year run. Toyota cleaned up two more categories – Mid/Full-Size Car for the Toyota Prius and Mid/Full-Size SUV for the Lexus RX – and also secured one of the new ethnic category awards, taking home the honors for Asian-American brand loyalty.

“After an extremely difficult year for the auto market, winning four Polk Loyalty Awards is a real boost for us,” said Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “We’re especially grateful to our dealers and customers for their trust in Toyota, Lexus and Scion.” Stop by your Round Lake used cars dealer or browse through the used cars Libertyville Toyota dealership Classic Toyota has to offer to pay loyalty to this top automaker today.

Unless you live in a box, you’ve heard about the recalls Toyota has made in recent weeks.  Whether you drive a Round Lake used car or new Toyota model, your car might be affected.  Rest assured that Toyota is doing everything they can to make things right!

Despite the recalls, many Toyota drivers are still very happy with their Toyota models.  This is great news, especially for your local used cars Gurnee dealership.  They want to keep loyal drivers coming in for more!

For example, one mother in Georgia has owned about 30 Toyotas over her lifetime.  She stands by the product and her four children do too.  Currently, this mother drives a Yaris and the other family members own a Solara, Camry (2 of them), and a few drive Tundras.

Also, many Prius drivers over the country are adamantly standing by their vehicle of choice.  They feel the hybrid car has met their needs overall and will continue to do so after the problems are fixed.   A gentleman in New York was asked about his Prius and he feels so strongly that he described it as “integrating into his life”.

From a psychological perspective, if a person has a strong loyalty to a particular brand they’ll defend it in case of an attack, as what has happened with some Round Lake used car Toyota owners.   Sometimes, instead of switching to something else, they’ll start to like the product even more.

It’s evident that Toyota has done a good job of providing quality and safe cars that have gained a loyal fan base.  Once those auto’s affected are fixed and sales begin to increase again, Toyota will be able move on to bigger and better things!

The following year models have been added to the list of vehicles which will receive brake override upgrade: 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2009-2010 Venza and 2008-2010 Sequoia. Toyota previously announced that the system would be installed onto the 2007-2010 Camry, 2005-2010 Avalon, and the 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350, 2006-2010 IS 350 and 2006-2010 IS 250 models.

The brake override feature is not an integral part of the recall remedy, but is instead being added as an extra measure of confidence for Toyota owners. It will be installed on Tacoma and Venza at the same time as the recall modifications are performed.

Notification to customers regarding brake override installation for Sequoia will be sent separately from the current recall campaign for sticking accelerator pedals.

In addition to upgrades on existing vehicles, this feature is scheduled to be incorporated into future new production of most models sold in the United States by the end of 2010.

“Expansion of this  brake override feature underscores Toyota’s commitment to building the safest and most reliable vehicles on the road, as we have for 50 years, and to ensuring that our customers have complete confidence in the vehicles they drive.” said Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer of TMS.

Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Recently, issues have arisen concerning several Toyota models, and the automaker is doing everything in its power to fix these problems. Toyota is providing answers and advice on what Toyota car owners should do to make sure their vehicles are running safely and securely. Toyota dealerships as local as Round Lake used cars Toyota dealer Classic Toyota stand behind their vehicles and suggest taking all the following precautions regarding the models in question.

One of the models that has caused concern among some is the 2010 Toyota Prius and the new brake system developed specifically for this model. Toyota reports that they are indeed aware of the problem occurring in the brake system causing slipping and failure on bumpy surfaces. The automaker reports correcting this problem on cars built since January of 2010.

The company is also considering a recall of the 2010 Prius in the United States and Japan, however the decision has not yet been made since there have only been 77 reports of failure in Japan and 124 in the US. Dealers like Classic’s used cars Libertyville dealership caution to report any problems to Toyota dealerships. This issue should only be affecting 2010 Toyota Prius models.

Toyota has also received complaints about sticking gas pedals in several models. Currently the models being examined include all 2009-10 Matrixes, 2005-2010 Avalons, 2007-10 Tundras and 2008-10 Sequoias, also some 2009-10 RAV4s, Corollas, and 2007-10 Camrys and Highlanders. Round Lake used cars drivers are pleased to hear that Lexus, Prius and many other Toyota models are not involved in this issue.

Toyota is instructing individuals with these models to wait until they receive a notification letter, once they receive the letter they must make an appointment with their dealership to have the automobile fixed. Once cars reach the dealership Toyota reassures customers that a stainless steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the pedal assembly. This bar will insure the accelerator pedal will no longer stick. Toyota will also install a brake override system into the Camry, Avalon and some Lexus models as a safety precaution. This system will allow the driver to cut power to the engine when applying pressure to the break and gas simultaneously.

Customers and dealerships across the country are encouraged by the steps Toyota is taking to correct the current problems and assure driver safety. If you are concerned or notice any problems with your Toyota automobile contact your local dealership immediately.

When this whole hybrid thing first got rolling, I remember being very frightened of where the world was heading. The need for cars that cut down on emissions was made very clear by Al Gore’s scary photographs of the snow-topped mountains going dry all over the world. I’d see documentaries on television about how Miami could someday be completely submerged by water, that jet streams could change directions and turn Eastern Europe into a winter wasteland.

It was absolutely terrifying, so the idea of coming up with cars that actually made these frightening forecasts less likely was enthralling. I thought to myself how great cars like the Prius would be, but I knew deep down that it would take a very long time for things to change enough where hybrids became the norm. After all, in places like Round Lake, used cars were still blowing off of lots, some of which only performed at 8-12 miles per gallon. Used cars Gurnee and used cars Libertyville faced the same issues. Consumers were still showing that they preferred high-emissions gas engines. I felt like with every huge SUV one of them purchased, a polar bear was dying somewhere.

But finally, consumers are starting to change their minds, and Toyota is responding to those changing needs. The automaker announced this month that they hope to be producing at least one million hybrid cars annually by 2011. Within the next few years Toyota will have ten hybrid models on the market, meaning there will be plenty to choose from.

Part of the problem in finding a way to market that many hybrids earlier on in the life of this modern innovation was that at first it was just the Prius. But now there are some options to choose from—four model levels of the Prius and a Camry, as well as a Highlander hybrid that helps keep those gas guzzlers off the road. Also, there’s the FT-CH concept released at auto shows earlier this year, adding yet another possibility to the fray. No one can complain anymore that they can’t buy a hybrid because they don’t like the way the Prius looks.

Even better, everybody has the opportunity to help keep the environment healthy, and the fact that Toyota feels the need to make that many environmentally safe cars speaks volumes for what the consumer wants now—a healthy future for the planet. Luckily for them, that’s what Toyota wants, too.

What is out of character for Toyota is that its always-reliable vehicles may have quality issues that compromise performance and safety. What is perfectly in character for Toyota is its approach to ensuring drivers will only get the top quality Toyota cars by proactively suspending sales of certain potentially affected models until assured of ultimate integrity.

There have been some rumors and a lot of articles surrounding Toyota recall information, so it’s easy to get confused about what Toyota models are affected by this recall. So here is the straight information:

Toyota announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. The company has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats. There is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.  Due to the sales suspension of the models listed below, Toyota is expected to stop producing vehicles on the following production lines for the week of February 1 to assess and coordinate activities. Toyota will remedy this problem as quickly as possible, but in the meantime, does not want to sacrifice any driver’s safety in the rare event of mechanical error. Also listed below are the many Toyota models that are in no way affected by this recall and are still assured of the highest quality for which Toyota has been known over the last half of a century.

Toyota recall information

The Accelerator Pedal Recall and Suspension of Sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
2009-2010 Toyota RAV4
2009-2010 Toyota Corolla
2009-2010 Toyota Matrix
2005-2010 Toyota Avalon
Certain 2007-2010 Camry (excludes Hybrids and Solara)
2008-2010 Toyota Highlander
2007-2010 Toyota Tundra
2008-2010 Toyota Sequoia
2009-2010 Venza

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions.
Toyota’s non-affected vehicles include:
Toyota Yaris
Toyota Prius
Toyota Solara
Toyota Sienna
Toyota Tacoma
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Toyota Land Cruiser
Select Camry models, including all Camry Hybrids, will remain for sale.

To reiterate the basics if this recall, Toyota is voluntarily recalling these vehicles even though the risk of the problem happening is very low. Toyota still is taking the issue extremely seriously because they are concerned about their customers’ safety. Currently, Toyota is working with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) on a safe fix and will be communicating that fix to their customers as soon as it is available.

In the meantime, non-affected models are safe for purchase, and Toyota will certainly correct any potential issue with the affected models shortly and before making them available for sale again.

For the first time in North America, Toyota has designed a Auto Access seat that is a rotating, power ascending/descending, lift-up seat that will be installed in the 2011 Sienna minivan. The Auto Access seat will offer a new level of comfort and convenience for anyone that needs assistance getting in and out of a vehicle. The Sienna minivan equipped with the Auto Access Seat will offer a much needed transportation solution for the caregivers of an elderly parent or spouse with a walking disability, a disabled veteran, or for the parents of child with a disability.

The Auto Access Seat features a one-touch operation and benefits from the all-new Sienna’s spacious interior and wide-opening sliding doors.  A seat-mounted ingress/egress switch and a wireless remote control allows for easy and flexible seat operation.  The seat rotates 90 degrees and can be lowered to within 19 inches of the ground to further facilitate easier passenger transfers at the exact height required.

The Auto Access Seat is equipped with a number of safety attributes, including an audible beep when the seat is in operation, and a park-shift interlock feature that prevents seat operation if the vehicle is not in the “Park” position.  A sliding door sensor allows the seat to operate only when the sliding door is completely open.  Two audible beeps will warn the user of a partially open sliding-door condition, or if the seat is not fully stowed when the door close button is pressed.  A manual retraction function allows the seat to be retracted fully in the event of a vehicle power failure. The Auto Access Seat also features obstruction-detection programming, which notifies the operator with two audible beeps and halts seat operation.  The seat will retract when an obstruction is met to facilitate easier removal of the object.

Consumers will benefit from Toyota quality, durability, and reliability with the new Auto Access Seat system.  The seat-operating mechanism is link-driven, allowing enhanced durability and a more quiet operation than chain-driven systems.  The Auto Access Seat has a lift capacity of up to 330 lbs., making it useful for people of all sizes or those who carry specialized medical equipment.  Owners will also enjoy the convenience of having the seat system serviced at their local Toyota dealership, which comes with a comprehensive three-year/36,000 mile factory warranty.

The Auto Access seat is factory designed at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI). This seat offers consumers a seamless purchase-process alternative to the current aftermarket installation method, which requires the consumer to purchase their vehicle and then have it modified by an aftermarket supplier. The will be available on Sienna LE and XLE models.  The seat fabric matches the vehicle interior fabric and has a stain- and odor-resistant treatment.  The seat is vinyl trimmed on the XLE model to better match the XLE grade interior style and allows for easier passenger transfer.

Also, Toyota will display a new wheelchair-accessible Sienna Rampvan converted by BraunAbility at the Detroit show.  With an automatic side-entry ramp, 10-inch-lowered floor, 56-inch-tall side-door opening and removable front seats; wheelchair users can choose to ride in the center of the van, the front-passenger position, or even drive from their chair.  This state-of-the-art conversion takes full advantage of the innovative features of the all-new Sienna and will be available in the second quarter of 2010.  BraunAbility is the leading manufacturer of accessible wheelchair vans and wheelchair lifts.

The 2011 Toyota Sienna will be available to purchase at Toyota Libertyville dealers in February. You can also check out the 2011 Sienna minivan and all other Toyota’s new car prices in Waukegan. A wide selection of pre-ownedmodels of the Toyota Sienna can be found at Waukegan used cars dealer Classic Toyota as well.

Prius has announced that the Tokyo Motor Corporation has started leasing the new plug-in version of the Prius in Japan with local collaboration with local governments selected under the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s EV & PHV Towns program. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid  has a larger capacity Lithium Ion battery that can travel 13 miles on electric power alone and at speeds of up to 60 mph. The Hybrid will be capable of recharging from outside power at home or commercial charging stations and could run on electric power alone for longer periods of time than the current Prius.

The vehicle could be used as an EV for short distances, while for medium and long distances trips it functions as a conventional gasoline-electric hybrid. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is expected to achieve higher fuel efficiency than conventional hybrid vehicles, limited consumption of fossil fuels, and reduce CO2 emissions and atmospheric pollution. Also, by charging with an off-peak electricity, it promises a more economical vehicle powering solution. I know that this is one model I can’ t wait to see at my new car dealer in Waukegan.

Approximately 200 units will be leased through a leasing company to designated parties such as government ministries, local governments and energy companies that are actively promoting environmentally considerate vehicles. The parties that the Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be primarily participants in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “EV and PHV Towns” program, which aims to promote the widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs) and Plug in Hybrids (PHVs). These vehicles will only be leased to parties designated by Tokyo Motor Company.

During my Prius Waukegan test drive a few months ago, I fell in love with the 2010 model. So many updates were made that transformed the Prius into the ultimate hybrid, I can’t wait to see the fuel-efficient bliss that accompanies the plug-in version.

That is the first such application for Toyota aside from prototypes like its fuel cell Highlanders. In addition to the 200 cars in Japan, the U.S. and Europe will each get 150 cars, including 100 in France. TMC is also considering introducing plug-in hybrid vehicles in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Germany. A version of the PHEV Prius for retail sale is expected in about two years. Toyota also said it plans to introduce plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles in 2012, and a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle by 2015. Also, during this decade,  plans to sell one million hybrid vehicles a year. For great new car prices Waukegan shoppers have trusted Classic Toyota for years, and when the Plug-in Prius finally arrives, there won’t be a better place to buy one. at all .

Toyota has recently announced the pricing details for the 2011 Sienna minivan. The base MSRP for the Sienna will range from $24, 260 for the Sienna grade with a four-cylinder engine to $39, 770 for the Sienna Limited all-wheel- drive (AWD) V6. These prices are significantly lower the Toyota Sienna’s currently models, which cost $24,600.

The 2011 Toyota Sienna is said to be in a league of it’s own compared to other minivans based on its state-of-the-art features and rewarding driving dynamics. Its design, performance, and value also sets it apart from other minivans. The Sienna’s value also reaches new heights as standard equipment levels have been improved across all grades.

The Sienna will have seven-or-eight passenger seating and will come in five different configured grades, all with a new, contemporary style.  These models include the, LE, XLE, Limited, and the all-new sporty SE.

The Sienna LE V6 will feature additional standard equipment that was previously only available on the XLE. The equipment includes, a multi-information display with a back-up camera, side and quarter-window sun shades, duel power sliding slide doors, Bluetooth with iPod audio, power driver’s seats with power lumbar, new easy clean fabric, and center console.

The XLE builds on the LE and features much more standard equipment. This equipment includes, second-row lounge seating, 18-inch alloy wheels, power moon-roof, heated driver and passenger seats with adjustable temperature control, textured leather-trim eight-way power driver’s captain chair and four-way front passenger captain’s chair, towing package, power swing-out rear quarter glass, power rear door, fog lights, wood-grain-style trim, tri-zone automatic climate control system with air filter and rear control panel, optitron meters, and an anti-theft system with engine immobilizer.

The Sienna’s limited grade will have a starting price of $38, 500 for the front-wheel drive V6. The limited grade will feature the equipment from the LE and XLE, plus additional features. These additional features include, two-tone leather trimmed seating with an eight way power driver’s seat, memory function and four-way power passenger seat, duel sliding, moon-roof with front and rear controls, smart key system on all doors with push button start and remote illuminated entry, 18 inch-spoke alloy wheels, sliding center console, JBL audio, power 60/40 split and stow third-row seat, safety connect and front-and rear-parking sonar.

The Sporty SE will be priced at $30, 550 and will have a more aggressive appearance than the other models. The side skirting visually lowers the vehicle and smoked headlights and taillights make a unique statement. Aerodynamic sculpting hugs the standard 19-inch alloy wheels. This model sits lower on a sport-tuned suspension and steering system that offers quicker feedback and better handling. The SE features exclusive instrumentation and unique interior colors and trim.

A choice of two responsive DOHC engines will be available for all models. The 3.5 V6 generates 266 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, with expected EPA estimated mileage ratings of 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway. It also has a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The second choice is the 2.7 four-cylinder engine that is available for the first time in the Sienna. The four-cylinder engine will have 187 horsepower at 5,800 rpm. This engine produces responsive power that exceeds some competitors V6 performance. Also, this engine has expected EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway. Both engines will have the Sienna’s first state-of-the-art, electronically controlled six-speed transmission with sequential shift that provides smooth, gear shift feeling, quiet performance and light weight compact size.

The new car dealer Waukegan customers trust most for Toyota vehicles, Classic Toyota, says that the 2011 Toyota Sienna V6 model will be available in February and the four-cylinder base Sienna, LE, and SE will be available in April. You can find a huge array of pre-owned models of the Sienna at Round Lake used cars dealer and used cars Waukegan outlet, Classic Toyota, as well.