Toyota Motor Sales, the official name of the company, promises a “commitment to the environment.”
They currently have three lines of hybrids, the Prius, Camry and Highlander SUV with more plans on the horizon to develop alternative energy and more fuel efficient vehicles that are affordable and environmentally friendly.
We take a look at the 2009 lineup and find the best and the worst.
The 2009 Toyota Camry – The Best
Always a customer favorite, the 2009 Toyota Camry still doesn’t disappoint and you get a quality vehicle for your money.
The models we looked at were the LE and SE, both with manual and automatic transmission options and both with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines. Their LE/SE V6 models have 3.5-liter engines, offer 6 cylinders, and come with automatic transmission only. All models were equipped with front-wheel drive and fuel efficiency was up to 25 miles per gallon.
Consumers simply “love to drive” this vehicle and its redesigned transmission is quite powerful. It’s also one of the most comfortable and luxurious family sedans on the market, offering a simple radio layout and easy-to-use controls.
With plenty of room for everyone, this fuel-efficient vehicle is still an easy pick for the money. The models we reviewed for 2009 range in price from the base $19,000 to higher-end models at $25,000.
The 2009 Toyota Yaris – The Worst
Consumers say there’s not much that’s really unique about this vehicle, except for its 30 mpg fuel efficiency and its class; some think that this vehicle should be cheaper.
The models in this review were the coupe and sedan that have automatic or manual transmission options, 1.5-liter engines, and range in price from the base at 12,205 to their S models for around $15,880.
Customers disliked the small road feel and considerable roll offered by these models and complained about the interiors; especially the placement of the cup holders and the lack of storage space.
The vehicle’s exterior design is better than the Echo, the vehicle it replaced, and the Yaris has an economical engine and good fuel efficiency. Still, overall, Toyota should have put a little more design and engineering into the Yaris’s comfort and amenities, as well as better quality; especially in the body materials used.
Summarizing Toyota
Toyota will stay at the forefront of the environment and look for ways to make hybrids affordable and most likely in the very near future. In addition, Toyota keeps prices for its current models at levels that fall within the average family budget.
With so many models to choose from, Toyota continues to climb the ladder beyond the Big Three in some classes. Remember to get an extended warranty from Toyota when you buy your Toyota; they will extend the manufacturer’s warranty and save you money at the time of repair because these vehicles tend to have a long life and can handle a lot of mileage.