Nice New Toyotas

America is a nation on wheels. Car ownership is built into the fabric of America: most Americans are completely dependent on their vehicles for getting to work and running errands. For that reason, when a safety issue comes to light with a company’s vehicles, it should be taken very seriously. This is all the more true when America’s largest automobile supplier begins a massive series of recalls for vehicles that can accelerate out of control.

Understandably there has been a massive backlash against Toyota over these concerns. Sudden acceleration has led to a number of deaths and serious injuries. Although reports have trickled in over the years of drivers losing control when their vehicles suddenly accelerate out of control, it has taken Toyota until very recently to issue a series of recalls. The most recent series of recalls has extended beyond accelerators to braking issues as well.

Initially they blamed the unintended acceleration on faulty pedals that get stuck under floor mats. Since then, new information has come to light that suggest both mechanical and computer errors as the culprits. The braking issues, so far restricted to their Prius model, is reportedly caused by a computer problem. Having so many different problems, with so many different causes, will not help Toyota rebuild its reputation.

Toyota is one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers, holding a significant market share in every part of the world. Even in America, it holds a larger share of the market than any other brand. In addition, it is the largest contributor to Japan’s economy: the largest contributor of taxes and the largest single employer. A massive blow to Toyota’s wellbeing will be felt across the entirety of Japan’s economy.

Nonetheless, any company that puts its consumers at risk should have to pay the price. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured because of sudden unintended acceleration or braking problems with a Toyota vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering and losses.

The compassionate sudden acceleration injury lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier are here to help you win the battle against reckless, profit-centric car manufacturers. To discuss your case with a lawyer, contact Habush Habush & Rottier today.

Joseph Devine

The Toyota Rav4 is one of those vehicles that I always find “good-looking.” It’s one of those vehicles that I classify as durable just by how it looks. But Rav4 isn’t only externally attractive; it has its fair share of strengths and weaknesses as a vehicle. One of its strength is great fuel economy. Who would want a vehicle that consumes so much fuel in a short period of time or distance? Although, fast cars consume a great deal of fuel, for practical reasons, why would anyone not want a vehicle that does not consume so much fuel? 2001 Rav4 saves you a lot of money with its fuel economy engine and being able to save money from fuel is always a plus considering the ever continuing increase in fuel prices. Second strength is it is fun to drive. Why? Because it gives you a “car-feeling” although you are driving a Sport Utility Vehicle. And other strengths include the appearance, versatility, and built-quality.

And just like every other vehicle, there are also weaknesses. First would be is that the driver’s seat is not comfortable to sit on after long periods of time. Second is that although it looks huge and spacious on the outside, it is not on the inside. Third is that the rear glass door does not open separately but together with the entire rear door. And lastly is that it has an engine noise and rattles just like most Utility Vehicles. Although, for me, these weaknesses are negligible, except for the fact that it might not be comfortable after a long drive.

Although one of the things that confuses me about Rav4 is that it literally looks exactly like a Honda CR-V. I think this vehicle is worth your money, simply because it is not too overdone or having too much going on. It just simply looks sleek and clean and the overall look is just simple. So if you are looking for SUVs or are searching for vehicles that you can have fun driving with and even take to rough terrains, this is one of the best options you should consider. It depends on your budget, but if you are the type who likes outdoors and going to mountain side, then this is a car for you. It is a four-wheel drive, so if you are going through rough terrains or getting up a slope, then you can definitely reach the top.

The 2010 Toyota Sequoia is a full size SUV based on the Toyota Tundra truck. It has a large roomy interior, smooth V8 engine and excellent towing capacity. But with the large interior comes a large exterior that is difficult to park and has poor fuel economy. The Sequoia’s direct competitors are the Chevy Suburban, Ford Expedition and Nissan Armada.

The Toyota Sequoia is built for hauling a lot of people with a lot of stuff. Bands with musical equipment, church groups on mission trips, artists travelling summer fairs with pieces to sell are just a few of the consumers that would love this vehicle. The dashboard is functional with a wide center console with large controls and displays. A matte metallic plastic trim flows down from the gauge area and covers part of the center console. Some might say the exterior looks cartoonish with the chrome grille, flared fenders and chrome mirrors but I think it has character and isn’t as boring or bland as some other SUVs.

A 4.7L V8 and five speed automatic are standard on this SUV. It gets 13/16 MPG with four wheel drive. When outfitted with a 5.7L V8 and six speed automatic it gets 14/19 MPG with two wheel drive and 13/18 MPG with four wheel drive. The fuel economy of the Sequoia is actually better than some competitors.

The Toyota Sequoia is great for towing with a smooth and responsive powertrain. However it’s not very pleasant on a tight, curvy road and there’s body motion and nosediving during braking. It has a 39 feet turning radius.

Since full size SUVs are losing popularity to crossovers, the most important selling point for the Sequoia is it’s truck abilities. Rear wheel drive is standard with four wheel drive and adjustable suspension optional. The tow ratings are up to 9,100 pounds for rear wheel drive models and 8,800 pounds with four wheel drive.

The Toyota Sequoia has extensive room in the first and second rows of seating. The third row seating has a reasonable amount of space for those willing to contort for entry and exit. There is a power folding option that makes expanding the rear cargo area a snap. Most of the interior design and controls carry over from the Toyota Tundra. The upholstery isn’t a standout either. There are numerous cup holders and small bins scattered throughout.

The 2010 Toyota Sequoia received a five star rating for driver side front impact protection, four stars for the front passenger. If you need a car to haul a lot of people and equipment, this is the SUV for you.

Toyota has a couple of big things in store for the Camry when the 2007 model year version of the car rolls out this coming summer: a complete redesign and the availability of a hybrid engine. Already the best selling car in America, the Camry is destined to be overhauled and re-engineered. Let’s take a look at some of the changes scheduled for Toyota’s venerable model.

<b>New Styling Cues</b> – Nobody has ever said that the Camry is a knock out when it comes to style. Despite its pedestrian look, the Camry has managed to capitalize on Toyota quality, price, and engineering to present a car that is clearly a best seller. Still, critics have routinely yawned at the Camry’s looks, but that will soon all change and dramtically at that. Borrowing some styling cues from Toyota’s Lexus line up of luxury cars, the 2007 Camry is expected to delight motorists and critics alike. Witness the recently made over Toyota Avalon: what was once a bland, full sized car has now been transformed into a sleek, luxurious sedan.

<b>Time For A Hybrid</b> – Toyota is riding the hybrid crest and it will, therefore, introduce hybrid technology into the Camry line up. Like all other Camry models, the hybrid version will also be built in the US, making it the first Toyota hybrid to be built outside of Japan. However, the battery and inverter will be imported from Japan while the engine will be Kentucky built. The Camry will join the Prius and the Highlander as the third Toyota model to offer hybrid technology.

<b>More Power</b> – Expected to be in the same size range as the current model, the Camry will keep its current four and six cylinder engines, but both will be reworked enough to crank out additional horsepower without compromising on fuel economy.

The Camry’s chief competitor over the past decade has been the Honda Accord. With a hybrid offering available and an improved appearance in place, the Camry is likely to strengthen its hold on the “top seller” category when the new model is released.

No one knows for sure if the “hybrid phase” is simply a fad or something that will ultimately catch on. With government credits still available and high gas prices at the pump, Americans continue to look at hybrids as a viable alternative to thirsty internal combustion engines. Toyota, for its part, continues to capitalize on this trend and the Camry is the latest vehicle in Toyota’s expanding arsenal to successfully incorporate hybrid technology.