Eight Lexus, Toyota, and Scion models captured segment awards in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, a performance equal to all other vehicle brands combined and more than twice as many as the runner-up nameplate.

The study also found:

-Lexus is the number one nameplate, improving by 23 fewer problems/100;

-Toyota is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate and tied for third place overall, improving by 18 fewer problems/100;

-Scion achieves its highest ever position at fifth place, jumping up 17 positions and improving by 55 fewer problems/100.

“We are extremely pleased that not only did we win awards in eight of the 14 model segments, but that in two segments we finished one-two and made the podium in 12 segments overall”, said Jim Lentz, president and COO of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

If you take time to recall the days of manually cranking your car windows up and down, power windows can truly be considered one of the greatest innovations to the modern car. But, as with all modern technology, once in a great while, it lets us down – literally. If you’ve ever had an issue with your windows getting stuck either down or up, you know how frustrating it can be, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating. But, before you play with the switch to no avail or tug on the window, take the time to call your dealer.

Your dealer can swiftly diagnose the problem, and, in most cases, fix it quickly. Forcing a window or switch can damage or even destroy other components, making for a more extensive and costly repair. If you’re currently experiencing window problems with your vehicle, keep in mind that many states require working windows in order to assist law enforcement safety during traffic stops, so your car may not pass inspection without them. Instead of relying on duct tape or sheer grit, make an appointment with your dealer for a quick and easy fix, so that the windows on your car go up and down.

 

     

 

 

2012 Sienna and Yaris Earn 4-Star NCAP Ratings.

The 2012 Sienna has again achieved a 4 Star rating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), making the Sienna the highest rated van in the tougher and more rigorous crash test program introduced in 2011. The 2012 Sienna has also been awarded a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

In addition to the 2012 Sienna, the 2012 Yaris 5 door has achieved a 4 Star NCAP rating. The 2012 Yaris has also been awarded a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) provides more useful information for consumers about safety feature performance and crash avoidance technologies ..

To visit the NHTSA’s NCAP website, click on http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/2011-Newer+Vehicles

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What are the top 3 most important things you look for in a car?

Best wishes for happiness on Valentine's Day and every day.

Have you heard about the all new Prius c?

As part of its review of the new Toyota Prius c, Cars.com posed the question: How affordable is the 50 mpg-rated hybrid that is slated to go on sale with an MSRP of under $19,000 (not including the delivery, processing and handling fee)?  Car.com’s answer: “It turns out the Prius does pretty darn well.”

Click here to take a look at the Cars.com Article in The Chicago Tribune recently after the 2012 Chicago Auto Show!

ive TMS products: the Toyota Camry Hybrid LE, Prius and Yaris, Scion iQ and Lexus CT 200h made the list of the greenest vehicles of 2012, compiled by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, a Washington, D.C.-based environmental group that has been producing the annual green car guide for 14 years.

Click here to read the story on from Edmunds!

Read more about the ratings here.

How important is "Going Green" to you?

Did you know that every single component of your vehicle is designed by engineers to provide you with the latest technology, the greatest comfort and the best safety features – including your tires? Many of us overlook our tires as an intentional design element of our car, but there are a number of factors that go into selecting the absolute best tires for your vehicle.

For starters, width and speed rating are just a few of the things that engineers look at when selecting the proper tires for your vehicle. And, in order to maintain the safety and efficiency of your car, you should always have 4 tires that match – just like they day you drove it off the lot. Should you get a flat or need to replace a tire, your dealer will be able to provide you with a tire that is designed to match your car. Or, if it’s time to replace a few, check with your dealer about specials on purchasing a complete set of 4 tires.

Repair places will be able to provide you with a workable tire should you need a quick replacement, but only your dealer can outfit your vehicle with the specific make and model of tire that was designed for your car. 

More people are moving towards purchasing smaller cars. With a smaller car, you get better gas mileage, but many people ask about safety.

Do you know that in the small car category, the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has the following Toyota vehicles ranked as the safest:

Toyota Corolla

Toyota Prius

Toyota Yaris

Scion tC

Scion xD

Scion xB

Click here is the Forbes Article about small car safety!

Click here for the Ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety!

AOL Autos took a close look at the Super Bowl Car Commercials and the Toyota Reinvented 2012 Camry Commercial ended up as the #2 rated ad!

Click Here for the Full Story!

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What did you think of the Super Bowl Commercials?

Which was your favorite commercial?

Even though today’s cars last longer than ever before, that doesn’t mean you can neglect regular tune ups. If you want your car to run correctly and efficiently, it needs proper maintenance. While the tune-ups of yesteryear required adjustments of carburetors and replacement of spark plugs and wires, today’s tune-ups are often such simpler. A tune up can range from an easy filter replacement to full system maintenance on vehicles with higher mileage. If it's been a while since your last automotive check-up, talk to your dealer about scheduling an appointment. The standard maintenance dealt with today could save you a bundle in the future – and, most importantly, keep your car as reliable as ever.