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By N2H

The Evolution Of The Toyota Camry

When it comes to looking at the most popular cars made and sold today, few companies can compete with Toyota. This is especially true when speaking of economical cars. Toyota has long been known as one of the best economy car makers in the world. Of all the cars that Toyota manufactures, the most popular by far is the Toyota Camry. Through the years there have been a number of changes to the Toyota Camry. What started out as a pure economy car has evolved into one of the nicer affordable semi luxury cars on the market.

The evolution of the Toyota Camry

For a brief time, the car that would become the Toyota Camry would be known as the Celica Camry. This vehicle was launched in 1980 and was primarily made available only in Japan. The car was a combination of elements of the Toyota Celica as well as the Toyota Carina, and was a rear wheel drive automobile. It wasn’t until 1982 that the Camry emerged as its own independent line of automobile. The car was made available in four door and five door hatchback versions and kept with the box type design of the early 1980s. The Camry was available from the start with either a five speed manual transmission or a four speed automatic and both models were front wheel drive.

In 1986, the Camry was retooled and the second generation of the model was released. This time around the line included a station wagon as an option and the hatchback model had been dropped from availability. 1987 saw Toyota manufacture the first Camry outside of Japan when production began in Australia. By 1988 a fuel injected V-6 engine was added to the long list of options and the car still qualified as a compact. Production of the Camry began at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky plant in 1988, where including the base model, the DX, and the LE, three different versions were manufactured. 1989 would see the 1.8 litre engine dropped from the line to be replaced by a carburetted 2.0 litre engine. These late 1980s models manufactured in the United States remain popular to this day.

While Toyota had updated the Camry in Japan in 1990, the main design wasn’t changed on the United States models much until the release of the third generation models in 1992. These new models consisted mostly of body styling changes including larger grilles. For a short time, Toyota began producing two door coupe versions of the Camry as a direct way of competing with Honda’s Accord Coupe. These two door versions were phased out by 1997 only to be reintroduced as the Camry Solara in 1999.

The fourth generation Camry was again primarily a Japan-only release for Toyota, with most major changes to the model waiting until the fifth generation Toyota Camry saw the Japanese and export versions of the car come in line with each other in 1996. These 1997 model Toyota Camrys saw a huge bump in popularity with Camry going on to become the number one selling automobile in the United States for nine of the next ten years. The year 2000 would see the Camry get some major body retooling, but other than that it remained largely the same. 2001 would see the Camry receive an increase in power, eventually including an option for a 3.0 V-6 engine.

As popular as the Toyota Camry had become, there were no major upgrades until 2002 saw the release of the sixth generation of the car. The Camry’s body was completely redone this time around as a larger sedan, owing much of the look to the Solara model that had begun to separate from the Camry line just a few years before. It was at this time that Toyota dropped the Camry station wagon from production, replacing that model with both the Sienna minivan and the Highlander sport utility vehicle. The sixth generation Camry was noticeably taller and longer than its previous versions. The length was however deceptive though because the front of the car appeared to relatively shorter while the riding area of the vehicle was enlarged. 2004 and 2005 saw exterior upgrades like a new grille, new headlight and taillight design, and bumper redesign. Interior upgrades saw things like storage areas in the doors, new gauges, and steering wheel mounted stereo controls.

Toyota would once again redo the Camry when it released its seventh generation in 2007. The highlight of the 2007 Camry would be the availability of a true hybrid version alongside the standard engine models. The wheelbase was lengthened for this version of the Camry and the trunk space was decreased by a bit. Buyers now had a choice of ordering their Camry with either a four or six cylinder engine. The four cylinder engine was available with either a five speed manual or five speed automatic transmission, while the V-6 came with a six speed automatic transmission only. This seventh generation Camry also came straight out of the factory with full airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, ABS, and Brake Assist. All of these additions significantly boosted the Camry’s ratings in crash testing experiments.

The continual upgrading that the Camry has undergone through the years has only enhanced the popularity of the vehicle. Though consistently changing the vehicle, Toyota has always kept its eye on the customer that the model is aimed at. The Camry has proven to be the ultimate economical and family car. The recent models carry with them a decent amount of luxury for the price they are offered with and customers who buy the Camry have apparently been appreciative of this based on how well the Camry has sold. There is nothing in the future that appears to be able to slow down the popularity, and model sales, of the Toyota Camry.

Tags: Car Reviews, Toyota

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Five Best Cars For Teenagers

Many people buy a variety of automobiles for a number of different reasons. Year round vacationers may be in need of a roomy vehicle, regular commuters may place their highest priorities on gas mileage, and a retired couple may seek first and foremost to acquire a car that will last for a number of years. When it is time to outfit a teenager with a car, there are a whole list of things to keep in mind. It isn’t the highest priority, but teenagers are usually going to be more satisfied with a sportier looking vehicle instead of a car that looks like something that could be a family vehicle. One of the biggest things to be considered when looking at providing a teenager with a vehicle is the safety level that the car possesses. Balancing an important issue like safety with a more superficial issue like the looks of the car is a delicate act when it comes to advising a teenager on the purchase of a car.

Here is a look at the five best cars for teenagers:

Ford Focus - One of the most affordable economy cars on the road today is the Ford Focus. It is not only economical to purchase, but it is also economical to drive and to have maintenance performed on. The popular SYNC system that can be included with the Ford Focus is one of the bigger draws to the cars for young people as it makes it possible to have many of the drivers’ electronic gadgets integrated with the vehicle including iPods and cell phones. Both the two door and the four door models are popular with young drivers and others alike, but the Focus has a solid enough grasp on the modern sporty look that teenagers choose it regularly as their new car of choice.
Honda Fit - Safety was a big concern with the designers who came up with the Honda Fit and it certainly paid off well. From the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system to the six air bags installed inside, there are few more secure feelings than driving the Honda Fit down the road. There are a number of top of the line options that can be added to the Honda Fit as well including a built in navigational system, electronic stability control, and much more. The car has a distinctive look that makes it popular with young people, and it is built strong enough so that it will survive a serious traffic accident in relatively good shape.
Pontiac Vibe - While the Pontiac Vibe has been made and marketed for people from all age brackets, it has a great appeal towards younger drivers. Like most newer economy cars, the Vibe has very good ratings in terms of vehicle safety and also is extremely affordable to drive and have maintenance performed on. For added safety considerations, the Vibe can be specially equipped with all wheel drive, this helps not only in adverse weather conditions but also in vehicle responsiveness during frenzied driving conditions. The modern looks of the vehicle are very appealing and add to the desirousness of it by young drivers. For economy cars, especially ones that appeal to young people, the Pontiac Vibe also comes with a surprising amount of interior room for both cargo and passengers.
Saturn Astra - One of the new vehicles on the market that has a great combination of sporty looks and economical operation is the Saturn Astra. The vehicle has high safety ratings and is made to be able to operate with enough responsiveness to be as fully functional on the nation’s freeways as any other car on the market. A nice hidden bonus that the Saturn Astra has is that although it is sporty looking, the vehicle doesn’t come with enough power to become involved in street racing or any other aggressive driving type of activity.
Toyota Corolla - The Toyota Corolla can be a beneficial car to a young driver for a number of reasons. The Corolla is one of the most popular cars in the world for a number of reasons. The car is one of the safest on the road with six airbags and plenty of other precautions. The car has more of a physical presence on the road than any of the micro economy cars on the market right now, but is still a very affordable vehicle to drive. The added bonus that a Toyota Corolla can bring to the life of a teenager is that it has the air of professionalism to it and is a little more mature of a vehicle than most young people drive. This could help prepare them for college and the real world as well by making them think in a little more of a mature manner, as well as help present themselves as having a more responsible outlook on life.

While it is important to keep in mind the wants and desires of the teenager involved in the purchase of the vehicle, it is also the parent or guardian’s responsibility to be concerned with factors that the teenager may not see as important in their mind. Safety is just such an issue. Teenaged drivers have less driving experience than their adult counterparts, and on average also get into more traffic accidents too. For this reason, the safety ratings of any car being considered for purchase either by or for a teenager need to be focused on as one of the overall most important aspects of the car as a whole. There are many cars on the market today that are economical to drive, attractive and up to date looking, and of course safe too. Anyone advising a teen on what car to purchase should include recommendations for the five cars mentioned above as well as any other vehicle that rates high for gas mileage and safety that they can find. Helping teenagers protect themselves by steering them to a safer vehicle to purchase is a great way to make a positive impact on their life.

Tags: Car Reviews, General

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Maruti A-Star

To counter the success of the Hyundai i10, Maruti has launched its latest model, the Maruti A-Star which is also supposed to be a competition to the Hyundai i20. Similar to the i20, the A-Star is a five seater, five door hatchback car and has been manufactured keeping in mind the international standards. Though the A-Star has replaced the other Maruti model, Alto in other countries, in India the two models will be sold side by side.

The front of the Maruti A-Star has a low slung grille and its headlamps are flame shaped, extending from the bonnet to the bumper. The A-Star has a bulged out appearance due to its vertical A-pillar and inverted C-pillar. Due to the car’s butterflying design from outside, its rear has small windows and also less leg room for taller people. The A-Star is quiet a comfortable car for driving with it’s easy to read big instrument cluster and meters. It also has its first of a kind dash mounted tachometer. A drawback is the car’s dashboard, which a bit on the higher side may obstruct the view of short drivers.

The wheelbase of Maruti A-Star is 2360 mm and it is powered by 1.0 L and 1.2 L engines. The 1.0 L engine has a 3 cylinder, 12 valve unit which produces a power output of 48 kw or 65 hp. The new ‘KB’ series 998 cc engine has been used in the car. This engine will run greater distance for a litre.

The A-Star’s 1.2L engine has a four cylinder, 16 valve unit which produces a power of 63 kw or 86hp.

Both the 1.0L and 1.2L engines are Euro 5-compliant with an emission of carbon dioxide.

These engines have low friction and flat torque delivery at lower to mid range speeds. This enhances the car’s drivability and gives higher fuel efficiency.

Maruti has launched 3 variants of the Maruti A-Star which are the Lxi, Vxi and Zxi.

The highest model that is the Zxi has many key features like power windows and power steering, remote central locking, Dash mounted tachometer, remote boot and fuel filter, rear defogger with wiper and washer. The car has CD player with 4 speakers. For safety and security this model has driver and passenger Air bag, Anti Lock Breaking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution(EBD).

All the variants of the Maruti A-Star have body coloured bumpers, mirrors and roof mounted fog lamps and stop lamp. The seats and door of the A-Star are fabric lined.

On the whole the Maruti A-Star is stylish with its sporty and youthful look. It has an easy urban mobility. Though the car is light due to downsizing, its interiors are quite roomy and comfortable.

The Maruti A-Star has launched with 9 different shades which are the Arctic White, Desert Brown, Azure Grey, Paradise Blue, Healing Green, Sunlight Copper, Bright Red, Silky Silver and Midnight Black.

Tags: Car Reviews, Maruti, Suzuki

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Hyundai i20

Hyundai i20 is the latest launch of Hyundai and an upgraded version of the i10. It is basically a five seater, five door hatchback car. Codenamed ‘PB’ it is here to replace the Getz worldwide, except in India where Getz will also be sold side by side. The Hyundai i20 aims at catering to the needs of B segment lovers.

The standard features of the i20 puts it way ahead of its rivals. Basically, Hyundai i20 is a car with a 40:60 split, flat-folding rear back and a low lip for loading easily. It has a 295 litre boot. The i20’s front is designed with a low slung grille, its headlamps are large and the fog lamps cool and sporty. The car’s wind screen is steep raked and flows smoothly merging with the car’s tail section. The tailgate of Hyundai i20 is upright leading to more luggage space.

High quality plastic has been used in i20’s interiors. Similar to the i10 , the i20’s seating is also very flexible. Built on a 2525 mm wheelbase Hyundai i20 is more spacious than the Getz. The i20’s interior has many nicely positioned storage spaces which includes two cup holders and a large passenger glovebox.

The Hyundai i20 is a luxurious and versatile car. Its styling is great and delivers a good driving experience. The i20 rides on a platform with front strut and rear torsion beam suspension which gives taut and alert ride quality. The car’s rack and pinion steering set has been tuned to give quick responses which will result in excellent agility.

The i20 car is greatly protected by the use of high tensile steel in its robust chassis. Airbags are fitted at the front and side of the car with active headrests, front seatbelts and latest anti-lock brakes. The Hyundai i20 also has electronic stability control and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for increased protection.

The driving position of i20 is high and easily adjustable and this makes the visibility of the car excellent. The seats are quiet comfortable with easily accessible controls. The car has the new electric, power steering which is accurate and performs nicely at high speed.

Hyundai i20 has launched 3 variants in India which are the i) i20 Magna ii) i20 Asta and iii) i20 Asta(O).

The difference between Asta and Asta(O) is that the O variant has side and curtain airbags.

Along with the other features a fully loaded Asta also have dash integrated 2 DIN music player with USB port, four speakers and two front tweeters. The rear and front head rest are adjustable. Also its rear view mirrors are electrically foldable and adjustable.

The Hyundai i20 has been initially launched with 1197 cc petrol engine, with79 Bhp of maximum power and 110 N, torque. Later around March/April 2009 a CRD variant is being planned to launch. The i20’s engine gives minimum emission and is very economic too.

The i20 has launched with 8 different shades which are- Sparkle Blue, Dark Gray, Berry Red, Black Diamond, Sleek Silver, Silky Beige, Electric and Crystal Red.

Tags: Car Reviews, Hyundai

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The Beautiful Bentley Azure

With A Bentley, you can never go wrong. Bentley has been outdoing just about every other luxury vehicle on the planet for decades and the gorgeous Bentley Azure definitely continues this trend. The Bentley Azure for all you fine automobile connoisseurs is a luxury convertible that offers not only incredible power and performance of an exotic, but luxury that even a king would find comfort in. Obviously, this car is a lot of money and we are talking much more expensive than most people’s homes, but this does not stop the ultra rich from purchasing this very fine automobile.

Ultra Luxury for the Ultra Rich
So what do you look for when you have all the money in the world from an automobile- whatever it is, the Azure delivers it. Under the hood, you will find a huge 6.75 liter V8 engine and while it is smaller than the W12 engine found in other Bentleys don’t worry, it still produces 450 horsepower and an incredible 645 lbs ft of torque, more torque than most large pick up trucks. Matched with this winning engine is a ZF 6 speed transmission that is automatic, plus a sequential shift control. Other great features regarding this vehicle’s engineering includes a computer controlled adaptive suspension and an automatic ride height control which is tuned for touring. If this is not enough, add in the traction control and stability control for riding in just about any type of weather condition.

The Interior is full of luxury amenities and since this vehicle is a beautiful convertible many passerby’s will be be able to see them including top of the line leather, a wonderful variety of woods, aluminum and much more. If you have the money, flaunt it with the Bentley Azure.

Tags: Bentley, Car Reviews

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