Toyota has positive showing at Chicago Auto Show with the 2011 Avalon

Blending classic luxury with cutting-edge technology, Toyota unveiled the completely redesigned 2011 Avalon at the Chicago Auto Show last month. On the exterior, Toyota added sleek, modern lines and luxury features including halogen projector headlamps and dual exhaust pipes. However, I was particularly impressed with the numerous high-end touches that refined the interior design and enhance both the passenger and driver’s experience.

… Continue Reading

New Toyota commercial begins mending recall wounds

Toyota is attempting to mend its relationship with car buyers by releasing a new commercial addressing the recent issues concerning several Toyota models. The automaker has been the center of several recalls involving issues ranging from floor mats causing pedals to stick as well as faulty brakes and sticking accelerator pedals. Dealerships’ Toyota Service Centers received an incredible amount of influx to resolve many of these issues with recalls. … Continue Reading

Is Toyota getting fair treatment?

Like anyone, I find that taking auto safety complaints seriously is a good practice. Cars, after all, are very big machines that are meant to travel at high speeds. Safety is a serious issue, and anything that compromises that safety needs to be addressed.

And like many of you I have been watching the news about Toyota’s recent recall of accelerator pedals, and while I’ve found the concern over the situation understandable, the details and evidence of the problem seem evasive to me. Obviously, Toyota has reacted quickly with a fix that will prevent the problem, but trying to understand that problem to begin with can be confusing.

Here is a great article in BusinessWeek that discusses how this issue may be overblown and how the entire thing may now be a witch hunt brought on by panic.

Toyota recall videos

I don’t know about you, but I’m a visual person. And when I went looking for answers from Toyota about the recent recalls I was pleased to be met with a series of videos containing the information I was after. Toyota has placed several recall videos on its site to inform Toyota drivers and all consumers of the accurate and complete picture regarding the recalls.

Toyota too strong to be forgotten

By now, news of the Toyota recall is no secret. The company said it had already identified the cause of the problem and corrected it on cars built since January. Of course, if you feel your car may have one of these problems, take it into our Toyota Service Center. Our trained service agents will expertly test the quality of your Newark Toyota brakes to make sure they’re up to speed. And while you’re there, be sure to check out our selection of new and used Toyota models we have in stock at Hudson Toyota.

For the sticking accelerator pedal recall, Toyota will install a stainless steel reinforcement bar into the pedal assembly, which will assure that it returns into place. For the floor mat recall, Toyota has asked owners to remove their mats and plans to reconfigure the accelerator pedal so that it cannot get caught on the floor mats. On Camry, ES 350 and Avalon, Toyota will reshape the floor beneath the pedals. Toyota will also install a brake override system on the affected Camry,  and Avalon.

But the unglamorous headlines haven’t stopped people from loving their Toyotas. In fact, many have praised Toyota for their reaction to the issue, and expressed their faith in the quality of the cars they still have every intention of buying. Says one customer: “I love the way my Prius integrates into my life — it recognizes me when I approach, answers my phone, plays my iPod… it’s a great car.” … Continue Reading