Best Cash-Back Finds: 5.16.08

There aren’t a lot of big offers this month, despite slow sales in April. Automakers are slowing their production so rows of new cars don’t sit on lots, leading to rebates. However, we have found a trio of new 2008s that are easy to recommend and offer a sizeable amount of cash back.

Many of our past picks still have significant rebates as well, including the 2008 Nissan Sentra, 2008 Hyundai Elantra and 2008 Ford Edge. Check Cars.com's Incentives page for more deals.

2008 Ford Focus sedan
MSRP: $14,755
Cash back: $1,500-$2,000
Percent off MSRP: 10.2% – 13.6%
Expires: 6/2/08
5-Year Ownership Costs

The 2009 Focus coupe was recently unveiled, and we saw minor changes to the exterior of the car. There weren’t any substantial changes to important parts, like the engine, transmission or interior. The Focus was redesigned for 2008 though, so you’re still getting a new design, and we don’t expect Ford to change much about the sedan for ’09. One change to the 2009 coupe that will stick out is a 4.6% price bump. That’s another reason to pick up a 2008 with $1,500 to $2,000 cash back. That’s a significant savings for a reasonably priced car. Plus, you can get Ford’s Sync entertainment system, too.

Recall Alert: 2008 Toyota Highlander, Highlander Hybrid

Toyota is recalling 90,000 2008 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid crossovers due to a seatbelt in the third row which may not secure a rear-facing child seat properly during an accident.

The problem involves only certain types of car seats and was discovered during testing by the NHTSA. Toyota says there have been no injuries as a result and the company will replace the locking mechanism free of charge. Notices will be sent to owners in June.

Cars.com Faceoff: 2008 Ford Focus, 2008 Honda Civic, 2009 Toyota Corolla

In honor of graduation season, Cars.com took three of the most popular compact sedans on the market and decided which one should get a big bow put on top. Even if you’re a Hoops McCann and no one gets you a car for your hard work, these three are sensible first-car choices for the newly employed, too. But which one takes the cake? See if the Honda Civic can stand up to the redesigned Ford Focus and all-new Toyota Corolla.

Cars.comparison: Graduation Gifts

Friday Fleet Notes: 4.25.08

This Friday's fleet notes come packed with insightful takes on the Saturn Astra, Infiniti EX35, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic EX-L, and Toyota Matrix XRS. Our staff had plenty to say, both good and bad, about the vehicles, so be sure to check out their posts, then link to the expert reviews after the jump.

2008 Saturn Astra

• This was a bummer for me. I was soooo looking forward to driving this car, but when I got behind the wheel I was again greeted by anemic acceleration. However, unlike the Corolla, the Astra XR is supposed to be a fun-to-drive machine. I did not experience much fun. It handled well but felt heavy. The automatic transmission was a dog, and do I need to mention the controls? A fellow reviewer called them hieroglyphics because the symbols are so hard to translate. There’s no USB or AUX-in capability either, not even as an option. Eegads. It was nice-looking, though, I’ll give it that. — David Thomas, senior editor

Cars.com Reviews 2009 Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla has long been one of the best-selling cars in the U.S. Even last year, when its design was clearly showing its age, it saw increased sales, mainly due to high gas prices. Toyota has finally redesigned the compact car for 2009, and Cars.com’s Kelsey Mays put it through its paces in a full review, as well as in a video. Surprisingly, the new Corolla isn’t the slam-dunk economy choice anymore, even though there’s still plenty to like.

2009 Toyota Corolla Expert Review
2009 Toyota Corolla Videos

Video: 2009 Toyota Matrix

For 2009, Toyota redesigned not only the Corolla, its popular compact, but also the Matrix hatchback with which Corolla shares a platform. The Matrix delivers a lot more utility than the Corolla, but the new 2009 update enters a marketplace with a lot of new competition. Kelsey Mays walks us around the new Matrix and tries to figure out how well it stacks up.

Video: 2009 Toyota Matrix Quick Drive

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Toyota Matrix

It’s not all about the Honda Pilot this week. In fact, another all-new-for-2009 model recently graced our test fleet — the 2009 Toyota Matrix. Kelsey Mays spent some significant seat time in the hatchback. We won’t ruin the plot, but the key seems to be all about “bang for the buck.” See if the Matrix passes that test.

2009 Toyota Matrix Expert Review

Friday Fleet Notes: 4.11.08

This week's fleet notes takes on two competing hybrids, the Honda Civic Hybrid and the current champ, the Toyota Prius. In addition the Ford Focus makes an appearance, so if you're interested in how our staff felt about the Sync system, this might be a Friday fleet note you don't want to miss.

Toyota Prius

• Having driven a rental Prius in Denver a few months back, I was dreading the worst: an uncomfortable ride, a whiny engine at freeway speeds, a brake pedal that felt like a steel rod pressing up against the tires. Boy, was I surprised. This non-rental Prius could not have been more different. It was a much smoother ride. The engine, even at 70 mph, purred quietly. The brakes still felt a little funky, but I wasn’t in any doubt about their abilities and I still managed to get around 50 mpg. This experience gets the Prius off my hit list. — Patrick Olsen, Editor-in-Chief

Toyota, Subaru Joining Forces for Small Sports Car

Toyota fans have been jonesing for a sports car ever since the Supra was discontinued in 1998. They’ve been clamoring for a small sporty car of any kind since the Celica was euthanized in 2005. Now they can rejoice: Toyota CEO Katsuaki Watanabe has confirmed his company is working jointly with Subaru to develop a small, affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports car. 

Check that: it’s actually two small, rear-wheel-drive sports cars — one for Toyota and one for Subaru. According to Automotive News, both will be powered by a Subaru supplied boxer engine similar to what’s currently under the hood of Subaru’s Impreza, Legacy and Forester.

This isn’t the only confirmation, as a Subaru executive said he’s driven the test vehicle already. Expect the new car to go on sale in 2011. Plans are for a Japan introduction with overseas markets to follow and presumably, the U.S. will be included. If you’d be willing to put money down at your local Toyota or Subaru dealer for one, let us know in the comments below. 

Recall Alert: 2003-04 Toyota Corolla, Matrix

Toyota is recalling 539,500 2003 and 2004 Corolla and Matrix cars equipped with power windows. The bolts in the power window system can loosen and cause the window to shatter. 

There have been 143 incidents that led to broken windows, so this is not an isolated case. Toyota says there has been one minor accident and 15 injuries directly related to the defect. A notice will go out to owners later this month. Dealers will replace both front window bolts at no charge. 

The company says owners with these loose bolts will hear an abnormal noise from either window when they’re being operated. For more information, concerned owners can call Toyota at 800-331-4331.

Toyota recalling Corolla, Matrix cars because of power windows (Chicago Tribune)

Question of the Day: When Will the Next-Generation Toyota Prius Be Available?

Seeing as it’s the best-selling hybrid on the market — as well as the one that has the highest mileage ratings — there’s lots of anticipation for the next-generation Prius. While we don’t have much info on the car itself, today on Ask.cars.com we share what we do know about the third generation’s launch date.

When will the next-generation Toyota Prius be available? (AskCars)

Hybrid Demand Staying Strong

Are you willing to play tug of war to get a Toyota Highlander Hybrid? How about rock, paper, scissors for a Ford Escape Hybrid?

It might come down to that; Cars.com statistics on unsold new-car inventory within a 30 mile radius of Chicago show only a pair of Highlander Hybrids on lots. There are just nine Escape Hybrids, 79 Honda Civic Hybrids and 248 Toyota Prius hybrids.

"When gas prices go up, so does demand for hybrids, and hybrids are in big demand," said Jeff Foltz, president of Auto Outlook, which tracks Chicago-area sales for local dealers. "In just the first two months of this year, hybrid sales in Chicagoland rose 40% to 1,514 units, from 1,084 a year ago."

Reader Review of the Week: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

This week's reviewer hails from the Virginia portion of the Washington, D.C., area, which means that as a hybrid owner he can take advantage of those HOV lanes and avoid at least some of the infamous D.C. congestion. Although he wasn’t pleased with the minimal options on the base Toyota Highlander Hybrid he bought, Hybrid Believer remains satisfied with his purchase. His review is below and you can write your own car review here.

Sexy Toyota Sienna Ad a Must-See

There are a lot of ways to advertise incentives, but Toyota ups the ante with its new spot for the 2008 Sienna minivan here. The black-and-white ad satirizes a Calvin Klein Obsession commercial, but with the family-hauler as the object of desire. The actors seductively whisper “Five-star safety rating,” and the finishing line — “Somewhere between luxury and soccer practice lies Sienna” — is plain hilarious. The ad then shows the current local incentives for wherever it’s airing, which here in Chicago is $1,500 cash back. 

This ad follows two great commercials for the new Toyota Sequoia SUV and mildly funny spots for the new Corolla. The Sienna spot tops them all, though, and really stands out. It’s ironic that a company stereotyped as producing boring cars can come up with such innovative spots. Let us know what you think of the ad in the comments below.

Toyota iQ Could Come to U.S.

Toyota unveiled a production version of its iQ microcar at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, and now AutoWeek is reporting that the company may import the iQ to the U.S. if it can meet federal safety standards, which are more stringent than those overseas.

The iQ is slightly larger than a Smart ForTwo and has rear seats that bump up against the rear hatch and glass. We’d guess those seats would have to go if the iQ were to meet safety requirements. We’d also guess Toyota will wait to see if the Smart is successful before making a business case for the iQ.

Toyota Looking Out for Tacoma Owners

Every once in a while a company does something that makes you feel a little warm and fuzzy inside. That’s the case with Toyota today. After receiving a number of customer complaints about excessive corrosion on some older Tacoma pickups, the company offered to extend the rust perforation warranty to 15 years.

This affects model years 1995-2000 and applies to any owner, regardless of whether you bought the truck new or are the second, third or ninth owner. Anyone with a Tacoma from these model years can get a free inspection from Toyota, and if there’s excessive rusting, the automaker will either repair the damage or buy back the truck.

Toyota believes the problem’s roots were in the manufacturing of the truck frames, which may not have received proper protection against corrosion. Tacomas exposed to large amounts of road salt are particularly susceptible.

The automaker will begin notifying original owners by letter in the next few weeks, but any Tacoma owner can visit a dealership for the official inspection.

Toyota Extends Rust Warranty on Older Tacoma Pickups to 15 Years (Autoblog)

Cars.com Reviews 2008 Toyota Sequoia

You don’t often hear an automotive writer asking readers for help, but senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder does just that in his recent review of the 2008 Toyota Sequoia. Joe delivers an extremely detailed report on the redesigned full-size SUV and notes that his test vehicle had an odd sound and vibration when driving around 60 mph. He asks readers who own the vehicle if they’ve experienced the same problem or if it was just our test model. Email Joe or let us know in the comments below if you’ve noticed the same thing, or if your Sequoia is free of such troubles. And don’t forget to check out everything else Joe discovered about the Sequoia.

2008 Toyota Sequoia Expert Review

GM, Toyota Cool on Fuel Cells

Earlier this week at the Geneva Motor Show, GM and Toyota executives independently expressed that their optimism about hydrogen fuel cells as a power source for mass-market cars had cooled. The revelations are especially significant coming from two of the three companies that have been most bullish on fuel cells over the past decade. (Honda, maker of the FCX fuel-cell prototype of which 100 will soon be tested around the country, is the mum third.)

Cars.com isn’t in the business of saying “I told you so,” but I’m not above it myself, as I hope a record of realistic market views will give shoppers confidence in our counsel. We have not been bashful in our skepticism. The problem, as I’ve expressed it, is that hydrogen is not a fuel but a means of storing and transferring electricity.

This makes the notion of producing the gas from electricity — not to mention distributing it to filling stations that currently don’t exist, dispensing it safely into cars that currently don’t exist and running it through a fuel-cell component that’s ungodly expensive (and unlikely to become inexpensive) — just to turn it back into electricity seem like Rube Goldberg’s nightmare. Why not just put the electricity directly into a battery and call it a day?

Batteries Vying for Future of Car Industry

Much has been written about Chevy's 100 mpg Volt — a gamble that, if it pays off, could send shockwaves through the automotive industry, especially with the price of oil going nowhere but up.

The key to the technology behind the Volt's promise to go 40 miles on a single charge is the development of its lithium-ion battery. GM has staked a lot on having this battery — and thus the Volt — ready by 2010, but questions still remain.

The company behind the Volt's battery is A123 Systems, and it’s charged with creating a product that will not only reliably power the vehicle those crucial 40 miles, but can also last the life of the car and not burst into flames if punctured.

Currently, most hybrids use nickel metal hydride batteries. The promise of lithium-ion batteries involves packing more power into a smaller package, but obviously this comes with technical issues, not to mention a hefty price tag.

Toyota Uninterested in Diesel Hybrids

Toyota has been on the leading edge of fuel-efficient developments for a while, and the popularity of the Prius and Camry Hybrid have been a boon to consumer awareness of the brand. But even as Toyota leads the market in technology, other manufacturers — Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and BMW among them — are taking hybrid development in a new direction: diesel-electric hybrids.

Some argue that diesel is the best way to get energy efficient in the short term, so diesel hybrids could be the best of both worlds. Even so, Toyota has no plans to reveal a diesel hybrid anytime in the near future, saying it’s not ready for production at a “marketable cost.” Whether that’s true or not, other manufacturers are forging ahead with diesel hybrids, including the Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid, BMW X5 Diesel Hybrid and Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK BlueTec Hybrid. For once, it will be up to Toyota to catch up.

No diesel hybrids for Toyota, says Watanabe (Autoblog)

Video: 2008 Toyota Sequoia

Suburban Dad Patrick Olsen takes you through the 2008 Toyota Sequoia and explains just how roomy the SUV is. Legroom, headroom, second row, third row — it doesn’t matter; the Sequoia has space to spare. For the most part, Patrick has nothing but good things to say about Toyota’s family-friendly SUV. … That is, until he gets to the gas pump.

Video: 2008 Toyota Sequoia (Cars.com)

Honda Still on Top in U.S., Says Consumer Reports

For the second year in a row, Consumer Reports has named Honda the automaker selling the best vehicles in the U.S., based on factors ranging from reliability to vehicle comfort.

Toyota and Subaru ranked second and third, followed by BMW, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen. No domestic nameplate appeared on the list.

Toyota Announces Third-Generation Prius

The Prius has been a smash success for Toyota. It is by far the least-expensive, highest-performing hybrid car on the market, and it has helped establish Toyota as a hybrid innovator while most of the rest of the field struggles to catch up. Today, Toyota announced the next step in the Prius’ evolution: a third-generation Prius set to debut at the 2009 Detroit auto show.

According to Wired’s Autopia, the third-gen Prius should draw style cues from Toyota’s HybridX concept. Toyota is experimenting with a couple of new developments for the Prius, including a lithium-ion battery system and an improved Hybrid Synergy Drive potentially capable of 70 — yes, 70 — mpg or better.

Even more news for the hybrid crowd: Toyota’s president also announced the development of a hybrid-only Lexus model. There’s no telling what that will end up looking like, but for those turned off by the Prius’ look-at-me-I’m-saving-the-Earth style, it may mean even more help is on the way.

Coming Soon: Third-Gen Prius, Hybrid-Only Lexus (Autopia)

Toyota, GM Search for Models Over 35 MPG

Opinions are decidedly mixed on the federal government’s recently passed 35 mpg standard, but carmakers are still scrambling to adapt to it. Toyota showed off its A-BAT concept at the Detroit auto show, and it could be one fuel-efficient addition to the company’s lineup motivated at least in part by the new standard of 35 mpg average fuel economy by 2020. The other, the Urban Cruiser – which sounds like an awesome ‘70s crime film – will debut as a production model intended for the European market at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

GM is doing the 35 mpg dance, too, looking to add a Buick model that’s smaller and cheaper than the Lacrosse. It’s also possible that GM will look to add a new vehicle to Hummer’s lineup, potentially called the H4. That’s exciting news, even if the idea of Hummer unleashing an environmentally friendly version of its gas-guzzling zeitgeist symbol is almost too much to even consider.

Buick may add a car below the Lacrosse (AutoWeek)

Toyota could add 2 more small vehicles to U.S. lineup (AutoWeek)

Toyota Going Really Mini with iQ

Toyota announced that it will unveil a production version of its tiny iQ concept (concept shown here) at the Geneva Motor Show in March. About the size of a Smart ForTwo, the iQ  — hmm, the names rhyme — is only planned for sale in Europe at this time.

Interestingly enough, even though it is so small it can seat three people, although how comfortably is anyone’s guess. The iQ will also run on a tiny little engine that hasn’t been confirmed yet, but could be smaller than the 81 hp powerplant in the Smart. This car will most likely not come to the U.S. but if you think the Smart needs competition let us know.

New Toyota iQ & Urban Cruiser World Debut at Geneva (WorldCarFans)

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Toyota Prius

Four years after he first stepped foot into the hybrid, senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder revisits the Toyota Prius. The 2008 model has seen some minor improvements over the years, but can they change the opinion of one automotive journalist? Turns out, more than just the car has changed — the buying public has as well, and that makes the Prius as intriguing now as it ever was. 

2008 Toyota Prius Expert Review

Toyota Prices New 2009 Corolla and Matrix

The redesigned Corolla and Matrix will arrive at dealerships next month, and today we learn more about how much each of the new models will cost. The range for the Corolla will be $15,250 to $19,950, and the Matrix will range from $16,190 to $21,850. The base 2009 Corolla will cost $845 more than the 2008 base model. Toyota has changed the base CE trim level to a “Standard” trim level for 2009, just to help confuse things some.

The Matrix’s starting price of $16,190 is $680 more than the outgoing 2008’s $15,510. None of the prices include a $650 destination charge. A full breakdown of trim-level pricing is below, as is where you can find more information, photos and specs of the new models.

Toyota Extends Sienna Minivan Warranty

After 34 complaints regarding liftgates failing to stay in the open position, Toyota has extended the warranty of its Sienna minivan. The warranty is now six years with unlimited miles on 2004-06 Siennas, up from three years or 36,000 miles. The extension is explicitly to fix issues with the liftgate, so if your glove box breaks off, it won’t be covered.

Toyota is making the move because the company says there is no defective part; the problem stems from degradation over time. That means there’s no recall to replace struts that have since been upgraded on new Siennas. Owners will only be able to get their minivans fixed after a problem arises. Toyota says there is no safety hazard with the liftgates.

Owners will receive a letter informing them of the warranty upgrades. Customers with questions can call Toyota at 800-331-4331.

Toyota to Extend Warranty on Minivans (BusinessWeek via Autoblog)

2008 Detroit Auto Show Video: 2009 Toyota Venza

One of the most intriguing new production cars in Detroit was Toyota’s new crossover, the Venza. Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder got an exclusive up-close look at the interior, which is quite luxurious for Toyota. Also check out its trick center console. If you wanted to see more of the Venza, then this is the video for you.

Toyota's New Four-Cylinder Engine

Buried deep in the Toyota Venza's press materials was news of a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine Toyota calls "all-new." Toyota remained mum on details, but automotive forecaster CSM Worldwide puts the engine's output at 188 hp. Toyota spokesman Bill Kwong said Tuesday that because the Venza shares components with the Camry sedan and Highlander SUV, the engine would likely find its way into both vehicles down the road. Kwong wouldn't confirm CSM's numbers.

2008 Detroit Auto Show Video: Toyota A-BAT Concept

One concept that surprised us at the Detroit auto show was this compact hybrid pickup from Toyota. The A-BAT was a terrific size when you were standing right next to it. You don’t really find trucks this small anymore, and a hybrid power plant would certainly up its cache if it ever came to market. Check out the video with me as your humble host for a better look.

Up Close: 2009 Toyota Venza

Hatchbacks aren't normally praised for their looks, but Toyota has somehow managed to develop a handsome one in its new Venza. Maybe it has something to do with the car's radically swept D-pillar and interesting taillights. A raked windshield complements the angle of the liftgate glass, and it doesn't hurt that the car's proportions are right on the money. The large grille is a little too upright for my taste, but on the whole the new Venza looks like a car that will appeal to shoppers looking for a large hatchback or an SUV-alternative.

First Drive: Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

I assumed that a plug-in version of the Prius wouldn't be powerful enough when operating in electric-only mode, given that you have to accelerate gingerly in a regular Prius to achieve its top electric-only speed of 30 mph without triggering the gas engine. A drive in an experimental Prius plug-in hybrid, however, proved me wrong.

Here at the Detroit auto show — where sudden hybrid rival GM introduced an upcoming plug-in model and vowed to beat the Japanese pioneer to market — Toyota seized the opportunity to offer Cars.com a test drive. The modified Prius I drove is one of only a handful in the U.S., four of which Toyota has provided to the University of California,  Berkeley and Irvine, in conjunction with the Clean Mobility Partnership.

Up Close: Toyota A-BAT Hybrid Pickup Concept

The very first new car I ever owned was a 1985 Toyota pickup. As a college student, I loved it. It offered freedom, a sense of adventure and it was completely stripped. No radio, no rear bumper, a bench seat, manual window cranks, you name it.

Now, more than 20 years later, small pickups like that one are an endangered species, but Toyota's A-BAT concept takes trucks like the Honda Ridgeline and Chevy Avalanche and boils them down to something more the size of my first truck.

Maybe most important to today's young drivers, the A-BAT is a hybrid, keeping trips to the gas station few and far between.

Suburban Dad in Detroit: 2009 Toyota Venza

This Toyota is a bit of a mystery to me. It seems to fill a need few people have, but the automaker says it's heard from consumers that they'd like SUV functionality in a sedan. Hence, the Venza.

From a family point of view, some of the features I like after seeing the car at a distance and reading PR notes include the stadium seating in the second row, giving kids a better view of the road. Hopefully that would translate into less car-sickness moments in the backseat.

2008 Detroit Auto Show: Toyota Venza

• Competes with: Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Outback
• Looks like: A Lexus RX SUV
• Drivetrain: 2.7-liter four-cylinder or 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with six-speed automatic; front- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Late 2008

When we first heard about the Toyota Venza, we weren’t sure why Toyota needed a five-seat crossover based on the Toyota Camry. The popular Highlander was recently redesigned, it seats seven and it’s also based on the Camry. Now that the Venza is here and we have real specs on it, we’re even more unsure of its place in the market.

The Venza is almost exactly the same length as the Highlander, at 189 inches, and almost the exact same width. The Venza does come with an all-new four-cylinder engine in the base model, which the Highlander doesn’t, but we don’t have power numbers on it yet. The available V-6 is the same one that’s in the Highlander. The Venza will also come in both front- and all-wheel-drive models. The wheels you see pictured are the standard 20-inch variety for the V-6 model. Four-cylinder buyers won’t get shortchanged, though, as 19-inch wheels are standard on it.

Driving dynamics should be different from the Highlander, of course, as the Venza has a different suspension setup, a lowered height and those big wheels. The interior, too, is radically different — almost at a Lexus level when it comes to looks. That makes us wonder how much this will cost, and if that will bring in buyers. Take a look at the photos below and let us know what you think of this all-new Toyota.

Toyota Plans Diesel V-8 for Tundra, Sequoia

At a reception for journalists in Detroit yesterday, Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe confirmed that the automaker would add a diesel V-8 engine for the Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV down the road. Watanabe didn't elaborate on any specifics — neither would communications head Irv Miller — but the presentation backdrop, which showed the current Tundra and new-for-2008 Sequoia, suggests the engines will be available sooner rather than later, meaning before they get redesigned.

Though traditionally reserved for heavier-duty trucks like the Ford F-250 and Dodge Ram 3500, diesel engines have been all but promised for the F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500 within the next few years. What's more, Automotive News reported last June that Nissan may build a diesel Titan by next year. Thanks to the low-sulfur diesel available in the U.S. for more than a year now, the technology is clean enough to be certifiable in all 50 states. Diesel engines generate prodigious low-end torque, making them a natural fit for pickups, and the combustion properties of the fuel mean the engines get some 30 percent better mileage than comparable gas engines, according to some reports. The Sequoia and Tundra both use Toyota's 5.7-liter V-8. Do the math and a diesel could mean serious low-end grunt with highway mileage in the low 20s.

Along with the diesel announcement, Watanabe detailed a four-part plan Toyota calls "sustainable mobility." Among the highlights were plans to introduce two new production hybrids, one Toyota and one Lexus, at the Detroit auto show next year. Both will be "dedicated hybrids," which means they won't simply be hybrid versions of an existing car. Toyota is also pushing to extract E85 from wood waste rather than from corn — not unlike GM's plans announced yesterday — as well as develop high-tech lithium ion batteries for use in test fleets by 2010.

How Ford Lost The #2 Spot to Toyota

We fired up the email this morning, per our usual, only to read lots of people asking why we hadn’t posted about Toyota overtaking Ford for the No. 2 automaker in the U.S in 2007. Frankly, we had thought that had already happened. Just kidding. Still, we didn’t digest all the numbers until now and there are some interesting things to note.

Toyota Division — Toyota-branded vehicles only; no Lexus or Scion — sold 2,291,648 total vehicles in 2007, the company’s best number ever.

Ford Division — Ford-branded vehicles only; no Lincoln or Mercury — sold 2,101,244 total vehicles, down 13.6 % from 2006’s figure of 2,433,086.

Conclusion 1: Yes, Toyota is now the No. 1 nameplate. GM as a company is still really No. 1, but its Chevrolet nameplate is the No. 2 brand now, with 2,265,641 vehicles sold in 2007. That’s down 6.2% from 2,415,428 in 2006. GM as a company — including Cadillac, Hummer, and so on — is still tops with 3,833,611, versus Toyota Motor Company at 2,620,825 and Ford Motor Company at 2,572,599. The new Chrysler group — Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep — was down 3% to 2,076,650.

2008 Detroit Auto Show: Toyota A-BAT Hybrid Pickup Concept

• Looks like: A Toyota-fied Honda Ridgeline
• Defining characteristics: Strange proportions, small bed, hybrid engine
• Ridiculous features: Pull-out drawer hidden behind rear bumper
• Chance of being mass-produced: Decent. There’s a tiny niche for small trucks and a growing one for hybrids

It has a hybrid powertrain. It’s shorter than a Toyota RAV4. And it’s able to leap into the high-occupancy vehicle lane in a single bound! That’s right: It’s the Toyota A-BAT concept. This is Toyota’s first glimpse at retaking the compact pickup segment, a niche almost no one plays in these days. However, with a hybrid powerplant, perhaps Toyota sees this body style as one that will draw in status seekers much like the Prius did the past few years.

Why a compact truck? We’re not sure. Sales certainly don’t support the ones currently on the market and Suzuki is already planning a standard gasoline compact pickup for 2009. But this is a concept folks; let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

The A-BAT has a small four-foot long truck bed that can expand to six-feet with the midgate lowered and eight-feet with both the midgate and tailgate lowered. A sliding drawer underneath the bed can be accessed even with the tailgate up. You’ll have to see the photo of that one. There are also solar panels on top of the dash turning it into an energy generator instead of a place to melt sunglasses.

The more we think about it the more the A-BAT might make sense. The four-cylinder hybrid powerplant would have to be peppier than the one in the Prius, but as a concept the A-BAT does plenty to win us over. More photos below.

2008 Detroit Auto Show: All-New Toyota Venza Sedan Preview

We’re a bit surprised this afternoon. In a post-lunch stupor, we checked our normal messages and — BAM! There it was: Toyota will debut an all-new sedan in Detroit, called the Venza. This isn’t a concept, this is a production debut designed and engineered in the U.S. of A., and it will be manufactured in Kentucky.

Toyota isn’t calling the Venza just a normal sedan, it says it will be a “crossover sedan.” We have no earthly idea what that means, but this is what Toyota is revealing as of now: “Venza will be a unique blend of sedan and sport utility vehicle, offering seating for five, easy ingress and egress, a car-like ride and functional utility.”

That’s all we have for now, but stay tuned as the auto show approaches in January. The Venza will make its debut Jan. 14.

Recall Alert: 2007 Toyota Tundra

More than 15,000 four-wheel-drive Toyota Tundra pickups are being recalled due to a faulty drive shaft that can separate at the joint. Only one incident has been reported, with no accidents or injuries, but because the potential problems from the defect are so serious, owners should get their trucks serviced immediately.

The recall comes amid numerous problems with Toyota’s redesigned Tundra, a vehicle the company hoped would take on Ford’s and GM’s stalwart Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado. While Tundra sales are improved from the previous generation, the company has said it will fall short of its first-year projections. Because of recent economic trends, it’s hard to say how much impact technical problems, like the one highlighted in this recall, have impacted sales. They certainly can’t be helping.

Toyota Recalls Tundra Pickups (Detroit Free Press)

Related
Truck Outlook Gloomy, Tied to Housing Market (KickingTires)
New Toyota Tundra Running Into Engine Failures (KickingTires)