The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a rebirth of the old Toyota FJ 40, otherwise known as the original Toyota Land Cruiser. It was an SUV built at a time when SUVs were still not named. The Toyota FJ 40 was a rugged vehicle that you could drive anywhere similar to what the Toyota Land Cruisers of today are very famous for. The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is specially built for the outdoors people who desire an SUV both for on and off roads. Similar to the Toyota Land Cruiser, the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser won’t let you feel like you’re driving on rocky or bumpy roads. But, unlike the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser, the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser has an affordable price tag with an MSRP for as low as $23,000+ only.

The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is just a carry over of the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. It is available in one model alone but you can choose between a 2WD and a 4WD with the 4WD also available in manual transmission.

The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser uses the powerful 4 liter 24-valve V6 VVT-i engine with 5-speed automatic transmission or a 4WD 6-speed manual transmission. It produces 239 hp at 5200 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 3700 rpm. It uses an electronic TDIS and has high-mounted with double wishbone front suspension and suspension bar as well as a 4 link rear suspension. VSC and TRAC are also standard features of the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser.

With regards to the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser’s capacity, it can have 4050 lbs of curb weight with 5330+ lbs of GVWR and a cargo volume of 66.8 cubic ft behind the front seat while an additional 27.9 cubic ft of cargo space behind the rear seats. Its towing capacity is at 5000 lbs. Its fuel tank can store 19 gallons of fuel and with its mileage estimate of 16 mpg on city and 20 on highway so one full tank can get you 380 miles! Not bad for a vehicle of this caliber.

On the exterior you would notice that it has a white rooftop and you can choose whatever color for its exterior which is similar to the old Toyota FJ-40. The wheels on the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser are 17 inch of black steel wheels while 17 inch 6 spoke aluminum alloy wheels is an option while the 16 inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels is also available but as a part of an optional package. 3-spoke tilts steering wheels with silver trims, flat dashboards with analog meters, defroster air conditioning, and fabric-trimmed water-resistant adjustable seats are standard interiors among many others. Star Safety System is standard as well as front and rear seats multiple airbags, ALR/ELR seatbelts, side impact door beams, CRS, engine immobilizer and CHMSL are standard safety features while the rear intuiting parking assist is available but as a part of an optional package.

For many people who love the outdoors, the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a great choice and it’s not as expensive as its cousin the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser.

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Almost everyone around the world has heard of the Toyota Prius. This vehicle is renown across the globe for being not only fuel efficient, but environmentally sound. The concept of the hybrid engine in the Prius has amazed us all. But, how did we get to this point? What’s the history behind the Toyota Prius? Okay, get ready because here’s the story behind this remarkable machine.

January 16, 1992 marks the day that Toyota Motor Company released a document called the Earth Charter. This document provided a rough concept and goals surrounding it to design a vehicle with the lowest possible emissions, thus marking the beginning of the history of a new era with future hybrid vehicles. In September of the following year, a committee to research future car concepts for the 21st century is created and called G21. The “G” stands for global and the “21″ stands for the 21st century. This committee was started by Toyota Executive Vice President Yoshiro Kimbara and was taken over by Takeshi Uchiyamada. This is a crucial point in the history of the Toyota Prius because Uchiyamada later becomes the chief engineer for the Toyota Prius.

Out of over 100 hybrid designs to choose from, the engineering team decided to go with an engine based on the 1974 TRW patent. However, it wasn’t as simple as taking this design and creating a hybrid vehicle. There were many challenges that the engineering team had to overcome in order to make this concept a reality. One of the largest problems that faced them was the life of the battery. They needed to be able to make it last for at least seven to ten years.

In late 1994, a design for concept car with a hybrid engine is completed and ready for the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. At this time, Toyota names the vehicle the Prius, which means “before” as in “to go before”. Toyota says they chose this name because this will be the predecessor for other vehicles of its kind. The hybrid powertrain is exclusive to Toyota and is called the Toyota Hybrid System (THS). On October 27, 1995, the Toyota Prius concept car made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show and in May of 1997 the first media test drive event occurs. In October that same year, the Toyota Prius is unveiled to the public.

The Prius went on sale for the first time in Japan on December 10, 1997. The Sierra Club honored the Prius with their “Excellence in Environmental Engineering Award” in April of 2000. This was four months prior to the launch of Toyota Prius sales in the United States, when Toyota released its 2001 model to be sold. With this launch came the start of the new craze and many awards and over the course of the next eight years, sales skyrocket.

Through the course of the past few years, the Toyota Prius has grown and changed and has had a total of three different models. The first model, model NHW10, was built from 1997 to 2000 and was only sold in Japan.

The First Toyota Prius Commercial (In Japan) 1997

Model NHW11 was the first model sold in the United States and was in production for the model years of 2001 to 2003. The Toyota Prius model that you see in the vehicles built in the 2004 model year to present day is the NHW20 model.

American Toyota Prius Commercial

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<!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:”Myriad Condensed Web”; panose-1:2 11 5 6 3 4 3 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:7 0 0 0 147 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:”"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –> I was lucky enough to get the chance to test drive the new 2008 Toyota Prius Hybrid a few weeks ago. I have heard a lot of buzz about it and I have seen the Toyota Prius Hybrid in various magazines and ads, so I was pretty hyped up when a friend of mine told me that I could test drive one.

I know that it’s a nice car to look at, but when I saw it up close, I was surprised at how sleek and stylish it looked. The ultramodern design adds a touch of elegance to its appearance. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the steering wheel and start up the car but I was also a little nervous as the 2008 Prius looks too high-tech for me.

As I took the keys for the Toyota Prius, I felt a tinge of excitement crawl up my spine. I used the Smart key entry, which is part of the Prius’ package, to open the doors so I can begin my most anticipated test drive experience.

As soon as I sat down on the leather seats of the Prius Hybrid, half of me wanted to drive it back home to my garage, but I knew I had to see more of what it can offer.

Inside, the interior design looked like a miniature space ship which is a delight for any person. Moreover, the driver’s seat is really spacious and can fit a short or a tall person comfortably.

Once the engine starts, you will feel a small quiver but only for a split second, because after that all you’ll hear is silence. When I started test driving the 2008 Prius Hybrid, I felt as if I was driving nothing as I only heard a few whirs and soft clicks while driving.

The European-tuned suspension really helped for a smoother drive as I didn’t feel the bumps too much when we passed a dirt road.

The Prius automatically stops when the driver hits the brakes. When I felt the engine softly shudder, I felt a little anxious for the reason that I thought the car won’t budge anymore when the light turns green. Lo and behold, once my foot stepped on the accelerator, the Prius Hybrid automatically started its engine.

I thought I was amazed with all of amazing things the Prius can do but once again I was wrong. This beauty has a 45 mile per gallon fuel consumption for city driving. Now this is what I need.

On our drive back, I was already mentally listing the pros and cons for this car and I have to say that after my test drive experience with the 2008 Toyota Prius Hybrid, the pros outweighed the cons. Though it may seem a little pricey I would definitely purchase this car not only for its appearance but also for all its remarkable features.

I definitely recommend the 2008 Toyota Prius Hybrid to anyone who’s deciding on acquiring a new car.

This 2008 Toyota Prius Hybrid Test Drive was submitted by one of our readers in Southern California.

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With fuel prices sky-rocketing as the fuel inflation seems to have no end, consumers are finding ways to save their money from fuel cost. With all the hybrid vehicles sprouting here and there, their fuel consumption is superb but unfortunately, their sticker price makes it all seem like a scam. If you try to calculate the price difference between a hybrid and its non-hybrid version, it will take you many years’ supply of fuel before you could break even. That is not practical at all and what consumers are really looking for is a vehicle that is priced low and consumes less fuel so they could start seeing the difference and their savings from the moment they start the engine.

The Toyota Yaris is available as a 2 door hatchback as well as a 4-door sedan. The Toyota Yaris 2 door hatchback gives the best miles per gallon rating and the best sticker price as well. For a price of a little over $11,000 it’s one of the cheapest brand new cars in the market today. Its mpg rating is 34 mpg on city and 40 mpg on highway giving you a 37 mpg average rating. With its price and fuel economy, many are trading their older vehicles for a Toyota Yaris 2 door hatchback.

Of course, this car is not fit for all your needs but every family must have one. It’s not everyday that you’d need to have a vehicle that can sit 10 people or do you need to carry heavy cargos and compensate the fuel economy with those bigger vehicles. For your day to day regular driving needs, the Toyota Yaris is the best choice. If you just want to go to the grocery, why pay more on fuel while driving a heavy pickup truck?

With the soaring fuel prices and with gas reaching $4/gallon and without any hopes of it to ever stop soaring, it’s time we drive wisely and try to save more money by making wiser choices.

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Have you ever wondered where your Toyota originated? Was your model of Toyota an original concept, did it replace another model, or was it modified from another model to make a different line of vehicles? Perhaps you’ve never thought about it much, but it’s interesting to see where your vehicle originated.

*** From the Toyota Corona to the Toyota Avalon ***
The Toyota Corona was in production from 1957 to 2002. However, it’s successor, the Toyota Corona Mark II stayed in the United States and was produced from 1968 to 1972. The Toyota Cressida replaced this Corona Mark II and it was made from 1973 to 1993 and the Toyota Avalon finally replaced it in 1995.

*** From the Toyota Celica and the Toyota Carina to the Toyota Camry ***
The Toyota Carina was built from 1970 to 2001 and the Toyota Celica from 1970 to 2005. From the Toyota Celica came a new design called the Toyota Celica Camry, which had some properties of a Celica and a Toyota Carina. The Toyota Celica Camry only lasted from 1980 to 1982, when the Toyota Camry replaced it in 1982.

*** From the Toyota Camry Solara to the Toyota Carina and the Toyota Celica ***
The Toyota Camry Solara has been in production since 1999 and came as a spin-off from the design of the Toyota Camry. The rest of the history is listed above with the Toyota Camry.

*** From the Toyota Publica to the Toyota Corolla ***
We are actually now on our tenth generation Toyota Corollas as they’ve been in production since 1966, but they were designed originally from the Toyota Publica, which was in production from 1961 to 1978.

*** From the Toyota Publica to the Toyota Matrix ***
The Toyota Matrix started its new second generation with its 2009 model. From 2003 to 2008, the Toyota Matrix was also called the Toyota Corolla Matrix. The design naturally came from the Toyota Corolla originally and the rest is history. (Please see the Toyota Corolla above).

*** From the Toyota Publica to the Toyota RAV4 ***
The Toyota RAV4 was first put into production in 1994 and was based on the Toyota Corolla, which you’ve already learned the history of above.

*** From the Toyota Publica to the Toyota Yaris ***
The Toyota Yaris started in production in 1999 when it replaced the Toyota Starlet, which was a spin-off design from the Toyota Pulica (built from 1961 to 1978).

*** The Toyota Prius ***
As most know, the Toyota Prius is an original idea. However, what some may not know is that it’s been in production since 1997.

*** From the Toyota G1 to the Toyota Tacoma ***
The Toyota G1 was the first truck ever built by Toyota and was replaced in 1962 by the Toyota Hilux, which is still in production today in other countries. The Toyota Tundra was based off of the design of the Toyota Hilux.

*** From the Toyota G1 to the Toyota 4Runner ***
As stated above, the Toyota G1 was the first truck made by Toyota and from it came its successor, the Toyota Hilux. The Toyota Hilux had a spin-off vehicle in 1984 called the Hilux Surf, known in the United States as the Toyota 4Runner.

*** From the Toyota G1 to the Toyota Highlander ***
The Toyota Highlander, simply put is a counter part of the Toyota 4Runner, which we learned the history of from above.

*** From the Toyota T100 to the Toyota Tundra ***
The Toyota T100 was a full size pickup truck and was made from 1993 to 1998 and then was replaced by the Toyota Tundra in 2000.

*** From the Toyota T100 to the Toyota Sequoia ***
To continue the story of the Toyota Tundra from above, the Toyota Sequoia was built in 2001 and was based off of the Toyota Tundra.

*** The Toyota Land Cruiser ***
The Toyota Land Cruiser was an original design and the first model was built in 1951.

*** From the Toyota Land Cruiser to the Toyota FJ Cruiser ***
The Toyota FJ Cruiser started in production in 2007 and we can see from above that it hasn’t really undergone several transformations to get there.

*** From the Toyota Van to the Toyota Sienna ***
Yes, the vehicle was really called the Toyota van and it started being produced in 1984 and ended in 1989. The Toyota Previa replaced it in 1991, which was in production until 1997 and was replaced by the Toyota Sienna in 1998.

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Each year J. D. Power & Associates performs tests and conducts surveys on vehicles and designates ratings to these vehicles in different areas. One of the areas is the overall performance and design of the vehicle. The study that they run to measure the overall performance and design and other quality traits is called the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study. The overall performance and design is measured by the satisfaction of the owners of the vehicles with reference to performance, style, features, instrument panel and comfort.

J. D. Power & Associates uses a rating system of 2 through 5 and are compared to the other vehicles in its category. A rating of five is very rare and is usually only given to one or two vehicles in its category because a rating of five means “among the best”. A “4″ rating means that the vehicle ranks better than most, a “3″ means it’s average, and a “2″ means anything below average. So how did Toyota rank against other models in each class? It’s not surprising that Toyota had ten vehicles that scored at least a “4″.  Here’s how the top performers did in 2008.

Subcompact Car:
2008 Toyota Yaris - rated 5 (among the best) out of 7 in its category

Compact Car:
2008 Toyota Prius - rated 4 (better than most) out of 20 in its category

Large Car:
2008 Toyota Avalon - rated 4 (better than most) out of 11 in its category

Compact Multi-activity Vehicle:
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser - rated 5 (among the best) and was the WINNER out of 25 in its category
2008 Toyota RAV4 - rated 4 (better than most) out of 25 in its category

Midsize Multi-activity Vehicle:
2008 Toyota 4Runner - rated 4 (better than most) out of 24 in its category
2008 Toyota Highlander - rated 4 (better than most) out of 24 in its category

Large Multi-activity Vehicle:
2008 Toyota Sequoia - rated 5 (among the best) out of 6 in its category

Midsize Pickup Truck:
2008 Toyota Tacoma - rated 4 (better than most) out of 8 in its category

Large Pickup Truck:
2008 Toyota Tundra - rated 4 (better than most) out of 11 in its category

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I believe that people have always cared about fuel efficiency when it comes to their vehicles, but never so much as in the past few years. The fuel economy problem isn’t getting any better and as we’re all painfully aware, it’s only getting worse. Now more than ever, we’re looking into vehicles that are more fuel efficient. Usually, you can find a helpful list of the most fuel efficient vehicles within a certain brand of vehicle. However, that list normally excludes the larger vehicles because traditionally the smaller vehicles are more fuel efficient. The problem is that some people need the larger vehicle. So I’ve devised a series of lists. I show you the three most fuel efficient vehicles for cars, trucks, and SUVs for both city miles and highway miles. I also give you a top five list for overall fuel efficiency both for city and highway miles.

CARS

Best City MPG:
1. 2008 Toyota Prius: 48 mpg
2. 2009 Toyota Camry hybrid: 33 mpg
3. 2008 Toyota Yaris: 29 mpg

Best Highway MPG:
1. 2008 Toyota Prius: 45 mpg
2. 2008 Toyota Yaris: 36 mpg
3. 2009 Toyota Corolla: 35 mpg

TRUCKS

Best City and Highway MPG:
1. 2008 Toyota Tacoma (4-cylinder): 19 mpg (city); 25 mpg (highway)
2. 2008 Toyota Tacoma (V6): 16 mpg (city); 20 mpg (highway)
3. 2008 Toyota Tundra (V6): 15 mpg (city); 19 mpg (highway)

SUVS

Best City MPG:
1. 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid: 27 mpg
2. 2008 Toyota RAV4 (4-cylinder): 21 mpg
3. 2008 Toyota RAV4 (V6): 19 mpg

Best Highway MPG:
1. (TIE) 2008 Toyota RAV4 (4-cylinder): 27 mpg
1. (TIE) 2008 Toyota RAV4 (V6): 27 mpg
3.   (TIE) 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid: 25 MPG
3.   (TIE) 2008 Toyota Sienna minivan: 25 mpg

TOP FIVE OVERALL

Best City MPG:
1. 2008 Toyota Prius: 48 mpg
2. 2009 Toyota Camry hybrid: 33 mpg
3. 2008 Toyota Yaris: 29 mpg
4. (TIE) 2009 Toyota Corolla: 27 mpg
4.   (TIE) 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid: 27 mpg

Best Highway MPG:
1. 2008 Toyota Prius: 45 mpg
2. 2008 Toyota Yaris: 36 mpg
3. 2009 Toyota Corolla: 35 mpg
4. 2009 Toyota Camry hybrid: 34 mpg
5. (TIE) 2009 Toyota Camry (4-cylinder): 31 mpg
5.   (TIE) 2008 Toyota Camry Solara (4-cylinder): 31 mpg

I don’t really see any surprises on the list. The 2008 Toyota Prius is still by far more fuel efficient than anything else by a lot of mpgs. Next line, you have your small cars and the 2009 Toyota Camry hybrid. In the city, of course, the 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid ties in fourth with a small car (the 2009 Toyota Corolla). At any rate, I hope you find this information helpful when deciding upon your next purchase.

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Though pickup truck sales are way down for Toyota, the sticker price on the Toyota Tacoma is considerably lower priced than the very popular Toyota Prius. However, as we all know, the Toyota Prius beats the Tacoma and all other Toyota vehicles by a long shot in fuel efficiency. People are starting to purchase the smaller more economical cars and sacrifice their desires for SUVs and pickup trucks because of the elevated gas prices. Is this really necessary? Let’s compare the Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota Prius. First, there’s the Prius, a compact car that starts at $21,500 and gets 48 mpg in the city, 45 mpg on this highway, and 46 mpg combined. Next, there’s the Toyota Tacoma that gets 20 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined and starts at $14,280. With one that gets 23 mpg less than the other but also costs over $7,000 less, which one is the real cost efficient deal?

Believe it or not, this depends on you. How long are you planning on keeping the vehicle before trading it in? If you’re planning on keeping the vehicle longer than just a few years, then you’re better off with the Toyota Prius. However, if you’re going to keep the vehicle for only a few years, then it” more cost effective to go with the Toyota Tacoma.

If you keep the vehicle for 150,000 miles, because of the fuel efficiency of the Prius, you would save a total of $6,979 by owning the Toyota Prius at $4 per gallon for gas or $8,758 for $4.50 per gallon. If you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year, the savings is $698 per year (or $876 per year at $4.50 per gallon). If you keep your vehicle for 100,000 miles, you will save $2,236 or $335 per year at $4 per gallon and $3,422 or $513 per year at $4.50 per gallon. However, if you only keep your vehicle for 50,000 miles before trading it in, you’d be better off with the Toyota Tacoma. Because the sticker price is higher on the Prius and you haven’t driven the vehicle long enough to have the fuel savings pay for itself, the Tacoma is less expensive to own in this scenario. You would save $2,507 or $752 per year if the price of gas were $4 per gallon. If the price of gas were $4.50 per gallon, then your savings would be $1,914 or $574 per year.

So, before deciding which choice is right for you economically, think of it this way. In order for the Toyota Prius to be worth the extra money on the sticker price, you would need to keep the vehicle for more than 76,000 miles at $4 per gallon for gas or 68,000 miles at $4.50 per gallon for gas. At the rate of 15,000 miles per year (which is how far the average American drives in one year), you would need to keep your vehicle for over 5 years to make it worth your while.

In the Drivers Seat of the 2008 Toyota Prius

In the Drivers Seat of the 2008 Toyota Tacoma

[youtube]fuWbM9JsDaw[=youtube]

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It’s common knowledge that Toyota is among the leaders when it comes to the dependability of their vehicles. Each year, J. D. Power & Associates performs studies and research to show us how each make and model rate against others. In the category of dependability, there’s no question that Toyota is among the top makers in automobiles. To get even more specific, let’s talk about powertrain dependability. In this category, J. D. Power & Associates takes the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and looks at any reported problems by the owners of the vehicles over the past three years with regards to engine or transmission trouble. This includes anything from problems that affect the driving experience such as noises or annoying pulling to a complete breakdown of the engine or transmission.

It’s important to keep a few things in mind when viewing the results of the report. First, you must keep in mind that the 2008 report hasn’t come out yet, so this information is off of the 2007 report. Second, the study takes place over the period of three years, so we will be talking about 2004 model vehicles. Third, because we’re talking about 2004 vehicles, the Toyota Yaris, the FJ Cruiser, the Land Cruiser, and the Toyota Camry Solara aren’t in the report because they weren’t made yet. Last, you will need to be familiar with the rating system used. A rating of five is extraordinary as it’s defined by being among the best. A rating of four is great and means that the vehicle ranked better than most. A rating of three means that the vehicle is average in its class. Lastly, a two rating is just the rest of the vehicles. Of course Toyota scored no twos in this category and only two vehicles scored a rating of three. Here are the results below.

Compact Cars (19 vehicles in this class):
2004 Toyota Prius - 5
2004 Toyota Corolla - 4
2004 Toyota Matrix - 3

Midsize Car (23 vehicles in this class):
2004 Toyota Camry - 3

Large Car (12 vehicles in this class):
2004 Toyota Avalon - 4

Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle (18 vehicles in this class):
2004 Toyota RAV4 - 5

Midsize Multi-Activity Vehicles (20 vehicles in this class):
2004 Toyota 4Runner - 4
2004 Toyota Highlander - 4

Large Multi-Activity Vehicle (7 vehicles in this class):
2004 Toyota Sequoia - 4

Midsize Pickup (11 vehicles in this class):
2004 Toyota Tacoma -5

Large Pickup (12 vehicles in this class):
2004 Toyota Tundra - 4

Van (16 vehicles in this class):
2004 Toyota Sienna minivan - 4

I hope you’re as proud as I am to say that these results only proved what I knew all along - that Toyota makes a great car. Study after study will continue to prove just that.

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With fuel prices sky-rocketing as the fuel inflation seems to have no end, consumers are finding ways to save their money from fuel cost. With all the hybrid vehicles sprouting here and there, their fuel consumption is superb but unfortunately, their sticker price makes it all seem like a scam. If you try to calculate the price difference between a hybrid and its non-hybrid version, it will take you many years’ supply of fuel before you could break even. That is not practical at all and what consumers are really looking for is a vehicle that is priced low and consumes less fuel so they could start seeing the difference and their savings from the moment they start the engine.

The Toyota Yaris is available as a 2 door hatchback as well as a 4-door sedan. The Toyota Yaris 2 door hatchback gives the best miles per gallon rating and the best sticker price as well. For a price of a little over $11,000 it’s one of the cheapest brand new cars in the market today. Its mpg rating is 34 mpg on city and 40 mpg on highway giving you a 37 mpg average rating. With its price and fuel economy, many are trading their older vehicles for a Toyota Yaris 2 door hatchback.

Of course, this car is not fit for all your needs but every family must have one. It’s not everyday that you’d need to have a vehicle that can sit 10 people or do you need to carry heavy cargos and compensate the fuel economy with those bigger vehicles. For your day to day regular driving needs, the Toyota Yaris is the best choice. If you just want to go to the grocery, why pay more on fuel while driving a heavy pickup truck?

With the soaring fuel prices and with gas reaching $4/gallon and without any hopes of it to ever stop soaring, it’s time we drive wisely and try to save more money by making wiser choices.

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When you think of fuel efficiency, you don’t normally consider sports utility vehicles to be fuel efficient at all. With SUVs, you’d get higher fuel efficiency with the smaller types compared to the larger and more powerful SUVs. For this reason, it’s no wonder why with Toyota’s list of SUVs, the best SUV they ever created is the 2008 Toyota RAV4.

Sure there are several SUVs that can surpass the MPG rating of the 2008 Toyota RAV4, but then these are the hybrid versions and they cost far higher compared to the 2008 Toyota RAV4.  Nowadays, people want to get the best value for their money and everybody are keen on their budget. If you try to calculate the fuel cost and possible savings with the total fuel consumption of a hybrid compared to a regular, it will take many years before the extra thousands of dollars you pay for a hybrid will break even with its fuel savings.  Plus, considering that hybrids don’t offer the same power as the regular model, they don’t seem to be that appealing to many.

With the 2008 Toyota RAV4, no matter whether you choose the base trim or the sports and limited ones, you’d still get the same fuel efficiency. It is estimated that the mpg rating is 21 mpg on city driving and 27 mpg on highway for the 4-cylinder while you’d get 19 mpg on city driving and 26-27 mpg on highway for the more powerful V6 variants. For a small difference in fuel efficiency between the 4 cylinder and the 6 cylinder, many opt for the V6 as it packs more power and makes the drive more enjoyable.

To optimize your budget for fuel, SUVs are really not the favorite choice by many people but if you’re a family of 4 or more, it is still the wisest choice. Sedans and other cars are a lot more fuel efficient if compared to SUVs but their use is very limited unlike with SUVs. SUVs are more powerful and could carry more weight and are versatile unlike cars. For its versatility, power, towing capacity and many other SUV features, it is already expected that they consume more fuel.  Nonetheless, owning an SUV need not cost you a lot. As long as you use it because you need its extra cargo space and you need to sit more people, then an SUV is still better than a car. If your family is made up of 4 or more, having a regular car will just make your family outings so inconvenient.

With the 2008 Toyota RAV4, you will definitely get great value for you fuel budget without compromising the comfort that a spacious cabin can give you.

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The 2008 Toyota Avalon receives various changes in its most considerable update since the last redesign in 2005. New for this year includes style changes and a new transmission and improved braking.

There are four trim options for this full size sedan, ranging in features from remote keyless entry and cruise control, to rear spoiler and increased wheel size, to leather seats and a premium sound system. Usually you find the basic trim level doesn’t even come with air conditioning, this is not at all the case with this generous Toyota Avalon. The full size sedan comes standard with remote keyless entry, cruise control and an engine immobilizer security system. But the standard features don’t even stop there, they also include an impressive CD changer and dual climate control that can even be controlled through the steering wheel.

From the outside you may not initially notice some of the styling changes, little differences from the taillights to the bumper design, but the updates make the overall sedan more appealing to the eye. Depending on the trim level you choose, it will determine what type of additional style features you have to personalize your Avalon.

The Toyota Avalon seats five in comfort and comes standard with reclining back seats to make your passengers feel right at home. If you are looking for additional personalization features like heated seats and keyless start, you will need to up the trim level, but depending on how much the differences mean to you it could be worth it. You can feel secure in knowing that because you are buying a Toyota it will hold its value, whichever trim you decide to choose.

Driving the 2008 Toyota Avalon is simply a pleasure, the way it turns the curves with the road and brakes with ease.  The engine has enough power to make sure you cruise up hills, while the updated transmission gives way to a smooth acceleration. In a world where you usually find it hard to catch a break, even the base model of the Toyota Avalon makes you feel like you won big.

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The Toyota Camry is the best selling car in the US, and has been for the longest amount of time. For every reason from its reliability to its retained value, it continues to impress in numbers across the country. So in 2007 when Toyota gave its best selling sedan a widespread overhaul it is no surprise that it came out a winner. The difference in the 2008 model is just a few aesthetic exterior and interior changes.

There are four trim levels available for the 2008 Toyota Camry sedan, the CE, LE, Sporty SE and Premium XLE. There is also a Camry Hybrid available, from a trim level perspective it would be in between the Sporty SE and the Premium XLE in terms of the standard options. From an external perspective, the initial thing you may notice when approaching from the front of the 2008 Toyota Camry is the more blunt and more sporty nose than the 2007 version. The back end has received just a bit of a change as well with a slightly more rounded back. One of the main ways you can tell a difference between each trim is the appearance of the grille. The CE trim has a black grille, where the second level LE trim grille is the same color as the body, the Sporty SE has a dual tone with black and body color grille, and the Premium XLE grille is dual tone with the body color and chrome accents. Another few differentiating factor for the trims are the wheel size, the standard wheels are 16 inch steel, but available are allow 16 or 17 or even 18 inch wheels as options.

Sitting in the 2008 Toyota Camry, the difference of the top Premium XLE trim versus the others is apparently clear with the dark wood trim and the reclining back rests. The next trim down, the Sporty SE comes with interior sport-themed darker colors with amber orange gauges and a stylish three spoke steering wheel. Also available is a HomeLink Universal Transceiver that allows up to three remote controlled garage doors to be opened. Another way the 2008 Toyota Camry is making entry easy is with the optional Smart Key System, a highly advanced computerized system that uses sensors to unlock doors automatically and also features a push button start.

All trim options come with High Solar Energy-Absorbing Glass (HSEA) that helps to keep the car’s inside cooler when it is hotter outside and also reduce interior window fogging. Just when you think that Toyota can’t do any better, they come out with a new technology for the ventilation system called the Defroster-linked CFC-free dual zone auto climate control, with both a dust and pollen filter called the Plasmacluster ionizer and rear-seat vents. So while you are enjoying all the Camry has to offer, you can feel safe in knowing that you are breathing the clean air.

But the safety of the 2008 Toyota Camry doesn’t stop with clean air, as all four trims come with four wheel disc brakes with anti break systems and brake force distribution. There are airbags of plenty with dual stage frontal bags, side curtain airbags, and even a driver’s knee airbag. And if you are still aren’t impressed, there is also an electronic stability system called the Vehicle Stability Control as an option to any trim level to keep this best selling sedan secure on the ground.

Whether you are looking for a sedan with fun new technology, or lots of different personalized options, the 2008 Toyota Camry is made to fit your needs, and is sure to continue on the best selling streak for years to come.

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Americans love their trucks, and about ten years ago the US truck market was thought to be conquered by the American car manufacturers, from the Ford F-150 to the Dodge Ram. But than in 2000 Toyota came out with the Tundra and suddenly the US truck market was changed for good, all the best of Toyota, the value and reliability, but with the truck versatility. The 2008 Toyota Tundra won the 2008 truck of the year, a badge of honor for the best selling full size cab truck and ensuring its popularity with the truck loving crowd.

The 2008 Toyota Tundra comes with three trim variations and a long list of options. The Tundra Grade is the first trim variation, followed by the SR5 and the Limited, each of them also come with different cab styles, the Tundra Regular Cab, the Tundra Double Cab, and the Tundra CrewMax. But the trims don’t even stop there, also coming with three different bed length options and also the choice of either rear wheel drive, or four wheel drive.  Each of the three trim levels come with the High Solar Energy Absorbing (HSEA) rear glass to make sure your rides are cool and comfortable, along with standard Automatic Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD), and rear chrome bumper.

The 2008 Tundra Regular Cab comes with a total of 10 different cab-combination options. For the 4×2 Regular Cab you get have anywhere from a 4×2 Tundra with 4.0L and a V6, to the option of a 4×2 Tundra Long Bed with 5.7 L and a V8, ranging from $22,390 to $23,860. Than we have the 4×4 Tundra Regular Cab options ranging from a 4×4 Tundra with 4.7L and a V8, to even the 4×4 Tundra Long Bed with 5.7L and a V8, with a price range from $26,580 to $27,870. Whichever of these you choose, the 2008 Toyota Tundra comes standard with a bench seat with 3 point seatbelts for all passengers, dual passenger side glove box, and large cargo area behind the front seat. If you do choose to go with the Long Bed you will find yourself with a fair bit more room, with an inside bed length coming in at 97.6 inches versus the 78.7 inches of the regular bed length.

The next level up for the 2008 Toyota Tundra is the Double Cab, coming in with a whopping 22 cab-combination options. For the 4×2 Double Cab you get a range from a 4×2 Tundra with 4.0L with a V6, to the next trim of a 4×2 SR5 Long Bed 5.7L with a V8, and even the top trim option up to a 4×2 Limited 5.7L with a V8, all ranging in price from $24,815 to $38,870. Than we have the 4×4 Tundra Double Cab option ranging from a 4×4 Tundra with 5.7 L and a V8, to the next trim level of a SR5 with 4×4 SR5 Long Bed 5.7L with a V8, to the Limited trim with a 4×4 Limited 5.7L with a V8, and all ranging in price from $26,580 to $27,870. Whichever of these you choose, the 2008 Toyota Tundra Double Cab comes standard with side curtain airbags, a flip up rear seat for extra storage, as well as a am/fm stereo with 6 speakers. Like the Regular Cab, the Long Bed length is the same with the Double Cab. 

And finally we have the 2008 Toyota Tundra with the CrewMax, coming in with twelve cab-combination options. For the 4×2 CrewMax you get a range from a 4×2 Tundra with 4.7L with a V8, to the next trim of a 4×2 SR5 5.7L with a V8, and even the top trim option up to a 4×2 Limited 5.7L with a V8, all ranging in price from $27,785 to $39,110. Than we have the 4×4 Tundra CrewMax option ranging from a 4×4 Tundra with 4.7 L and a V8, to the next trim level of a SR5 with 4×4 SR5 5.7L with a V8, to the Limited trim with a 4×4 Limited 5.7L with a V8, and all ranging in price from $30,835 to $42,170. Whichever of these you choose, the 2008 Toyota Tundra CrewMax comes standard with vertically sliding rear window, power windows and door locks, and a slide and recline rear seat. Unlike the Regular Cab or the Double Cab, the CrewMax does not come with the optional Long Bed.

With all these options, and so many more features to choose from, the 2008 Toyota Tundra is hands down a full size truck for the masses. Whatever your desires, the 2008 Toyota Tundra has it handled!

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The Toyota 4Runner is one of Toyota’s best selling SUVs, with the available luxury and the rugged ability to go wherever the road may take you. The Toyota 4Runner was last redesigned in 2003 and at that time the option for a V8 was finally made available for all the 4Runner lovers that needed more power. The 4Runner is a truck based truck, so it runs on a truck platform, and in 2003 Toyota decided they wanted to make it larger and give it more space inside, all while making it more fuel efficient and keeping its famous off roading capacity.

There are three trim levels available for the 2008 Toyota 4Runner, and like usual with all trim levels, the higher the trim level, the more luxurious and sporty options are available. There is also a 4 wheel drive option, with even a technology that will restrict your speed when going down a steep hill, as well as a technology giving less of an option for the SUV to roll back when going up a hill. Depending on the trim you choose will determine the size of the wheel inches as well as the size of the engine and the horsepower.

The inside of the Toyota 4Runner can be made quite luxurious with the higher trim level providing leather and optional premium stereo system with DVD navigation system. Also available is a rear seat DVD entertainment system with a remote control to keep your passengers entertained whatever road you find ahead.

I once owned a Toyota 4Runner, and to this day it is the best car I have even owned. Everything from the lack of maintenance needed, to the smooth drive and ability to handle whatever the road offered. The 2008 Toyota 4Runner is built for the driver in mind, it gives you the confidence to know that wherever your adventures may lead you, the 4Runner will get you there in style and safely, all while having fun along the way.

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The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is the SUV for outdoor lovers. Simply put this SUV will take to the top of the hill and back again without even breaking a sweat. With fun and exciting colors, and a interior to accept the dirt along the way, this popular outdoor SUV is great for weekend adventures and excursions into nature.

There are three trim level options with the 2008 Toyota FJCruiser, but whichever one you choose, they each come standard with water resistant seats and a rubber type floor and deck. The 2008 FJCruiser comes with three engine options ranging from 2WD 4.0 L with a V6 5-Speed Auto with a MSRP of $23,045, to a 4WD 4.0 L with a V6 6-Speed Manual at a MSRP of $24,225, and than a 4WD 4.0 L with a V6 5-Speed Auto coming in at a MSRP of $24,635.

The main difference you will notice as you approach the 2008 Toyota FJCruiser is the new grille that is framed between the front headlamps that features the TOYOTA brand front and center. The roof is white, whatever body color you choose, and the styling is reminecent of the 1958 FJ40s winning appearance.  The windshield on this outdoor SUV is  unique to few vehicles on the road, with its three wipers, making it easier to clear off the mud from your adventures off road. To get into the back seat, you have two rear hinged door to allow for easy access for your passengers. You also have a spare tire on the outside of the back on the swing gate, making sure to not interfere with any cargo space inside of clearance underneath the SUV.

The inside of the 2008 Toyota FJCruiser is built for comfort and versatility. The dashboard looks very truck like with its rectangular dash and circular instruments. On the top of the center control area sits a compass, an outside temperature display, as well as an inclinometer to determine the current incline of the sporty SUV. The center console features a cup holder and a few various places for everything from your GPS device to your cell phone and iPod. The fabric covered seats allow for 5 passengers and are water resistant, making a post beach ride easy to enjoy without the worry of the seats taking on water. The cargo space in this outdoor SUV is understandably roomy, with a 60 / 40 seat split to reveal the 66.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and should be noted is better than others in its outdoor SUV class.

Safety is a priority with the 2008 Toyota FJCruiser, earning a good crash test rating for frontal offset and side impact crash test. Coming standard on the outdoor SUV is a Star Safety System, featuring Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), 4 wheel Anti Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and also Brake Assist. Also coming standard are driver and front passenger dual stage airbags, driver and front passenger front seat mounted side airbags and front and second row side curtain airbags. Toyota has even included standard a 3 point Automatic / Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) seatbelts in all outboard and second row center seating positions, and side impact door beams, along with Center High Mount Top Lamp (CHMSL). Needless to say, the 2008 Toyota FJCruiser is built to keep you safe during your adventures on and off the road.

The 2008 Toyota FJCruiser can also hold its own towing. When this outdoor SUV is properly equipped it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it easy to bring along your favorite things if you run out of cargo space inside the SUV. The Toyota trucks are known for the Toyota Racing Development (TRD), and now the FJCruiser comes with the ability of the TRD supercharger that can increase the output to 304 horsepower and an impressive 334 pounds-feet of torque. An optional off road package even gives more options.

Whatever lays ahead in your adventures, one thing is for sure, the 2008 Toyota FJCruiser is built to climb your road.

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Have you ever experienced getting lost in a big city or while you’re travelling? Do you feel at ease asking directions strangers for directions? I guess everyone can agree that being lost is neither a great feeling nor a worthwhile experience. Of course, it’s a good option to ask for directions when you can’t anymore find your way to your destination, however, not everyone can be obliging enough to really show “mercy” and point you to the exact location, especially when driving. Everybody’s schedule is hectic and might not have spare time to patiently tell you which could be the easiest route to your destination. The long planned trip can straightforwardly turn into an upsetting holiday. Good thing there’s a great way to take a trip across the nation without having to worry about getting lost and wasting gasoline for worthless runarounds.

Presently, Toyota, one of the leading car manufacturers not only in Japan but all over the world including the US, offers a technologically advanced vehicle accessory that helps customers reach their destinations safe and sound. The Toyota DVD Navigation System Review is a fifth generation system designed to locate destinations in the United States and some metropolitan parts of Canada. It comes with a convenient computer map database stored in a DVD disc, vehicle speed signal, global positioning satellite system that could track your current location and give the best route to your desired destination.

The portable DVD disc allows you to get desired information effortlessly without having to change discs unlike the previously offered systems. The disc can also be upgraded every fall and Toyota customers can just go to the nearest Toyota branch to get the most state-of-the-art DVD program as changes in streets and building constructions may happen every year. Aside from the DVD disc slot, the navigation system also has a slot for audio CD, so drivers can also cruise along while listening to their favorite music. The Toyota DVD Navigation System also has other features like voice recognition perfect for accident prevention, screen brightness and voice adjustments. The Navigation System itself is user friendly as different buttons are on hand to provide you a variety of options to help you change destinations or select view options that best suit your needs.

The system also requires no harsh cleaning. The display of the Toyota navigation system is very sensitive that’s why it is important not to use harsh chemicals for cleaning, especially window cleaners, as it may damage the system. A simple optical cloth or wipes used for the common reading eye glasses are the best materials to use to clean it.

Of course like any other programs, The Toyota Navigation System also has its restrictions. The system may not be able to locate the precise location of your destination, especially, if there are a lot of connecting streets in the area. Weather also plays an important role as heavy rains and snow may impede proper reading of maps, in the same way as with urban canyons (places with high rise buildings surrounding the area) all these conditions may cause GPS signal to halt. However, in these cases vehicle speed and steering signals come to the rescue.

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Every year, J. D. Power & Associates comes out with a series of reports that deal with owner satisfaction with their vehicles. The reports are based on a series of studies that J. D. Power & Associates conducts. One of the reports that comes out every year is on a vehicle’s style. The style of each vehicle is measured by a study called the APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout) study. In this study when talking about the style of a vehicle, looks at the interior and exterior styling, colors, and unique style and design of the vehicle. The report is given to reflect each vehicle’s standings in relation to other vehicles in its class. What did Toyota owners think of the style of their vehicles? I’d say all in all, Toyota didn’t do badly, but frankly, I like Toyota’s style more than what the results indicate.

Among the Best:
2008 Toyota Yaris, with 7 subcompact cars in its class
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, with 25 compact multi-activity vehicles in its class

Better than Most:
2008 Toyota Tacoma, with 8 midsize pickup trucks in its class
2008 Toyota Tundra, with 11 large pickup trucks in its class

Average:
2008 Toyota Corolla, with 20 compact cars in its class
2008 Toyota Matrix, with 20 compact cars in its class
2008 Toyota Prius, with 20 compact cars in its class
2008 Toyota Camry, with 17 midsize cars in its class
2008 Toyota Avalon, with 11 large cars in its class
2008 Toyota RAV4, with 25 compact multi-activity vehicles in its class
2008 Toyota 4Runner, with 24 midsize multi-activity vehicles in its class
2008 Toyota Highlander, with 24 midsize multi-activity vehicles in its class
2008 Toyota Sequoia, with 6 large multi-activity vehicles in its class
2008 Toyota Sienna, with 10 vans in its class

The Rest:
There are no Toyota vehicles that scored below average on this category.

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