Looking back on the past year, we realize how fortunate we are to have so many customers that are loyal to both the Toyota brand and our dealership. To you and yours, your friends at North Hills Toyota wish you a very Happy New Year.

Would you have guessed that The Hulk drives a Yaris? Check out this video from Toyota's Youtube Channel to see for yourself. If you like subcompact cars, stop-motion animation, comics and/or psychotherapy, you won't be disappointed.

Check out our Coupon tab for great deals like this one! Get your $59.95 Winterization special before 12/31/2011.

Click here for more information: http://on.fb.me/taYVIB

2013 Toyota Prius C Compact Hybrid On Sale In Japan, Detroit Launch Coming

Courtesy of Green Car Reports

Less than three weeks hence, the 2013 Toyota Prius C--the first compact hybrid hatchback from Toyota's expanding Prius line--will be officially introduced for the U.S. market at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

It was first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show early this month, under the model name Aqua, and it went on sale in Japan this past Sunday.

According to Bloomberg, Toyota has high aspirations for the Prius C, hoping to sell as many as 12,000 of the car a month in Japan alone.

2013 Toyota Prius C, as shown at 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

The hybrid hatchback should draw interest among Japanese buyers eager to see this new, smaller full hybrid from the world's leading maker of hybrid-electric vehicles.

In its home market, the car we know as the 2013 Toyota Prius C will compete with both the mild-hybrid Honda Insight and the Honda Fit Hybrid, a model we don't see in the States that has proven popular in Japan.

Here in the States, however, Honda has struggled to sell its Insight subcompact hybrid hatchback. It updated and remodeled the 2012 Insight for its third year on the market, slightly improving its gas-mileage ratings to 41 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, for a combined overall 42-mpg rating.

The EPA has not yet released gas-mileage ratings for the 2013 Toyota Prius C, though on the less strenuous Japanese cycle, it was rated at 82 mpg (35 km/l).

2013 Toyota Prius C, as shown at 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

It's possible it could be rated as high as 60 mpg in the U.S., though Toyota has said only that the Prius C will deliver higher mileage than the Prius hatchback's 52-mpg city rating.

Toyota has expanded its well-recognized Prius hybrid lineup by adding a Prius V wagon, now on sale (in fact, our holiday test vehicle is the Prius wagon). The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will reach U.S. dealers by March.

The 2013 Prius C will go on sale "during 2012," Toyota says, probably over the summer.

Even before the 2013 Toyota Prius C hits U.S. dealerships, however, it's being modified in other markets. As our sister site Motor Authority reports, Japanese customizers have already developed body kits and other performance enhancements for the Aqua.

2012 Toyota Prius Liftback & 2012 RAV4 Pricing Announced

Courtesy of The Car Connection

If you're looking to buy a new Toyota in the near future, listen up. The automaker has just announced 2012 pricing for two of its more popular models, the Prius Liftback and the RAV4.

The Toyota Prius Liftback is, of course, the matriarch of the Prius family, which recently grew to include the Prius c, the Prius v, and the Prius Plug-In Hybrid. The 2012 Liftback will come in five trim levels, conveniently numbered one through five. The Prius One can mostly be ignored here, though, since it's only available to fleet buyers. (For what it's worth, that model carries an MSRP of $23,015.)

The least expensive 2012 Prius Liftback found in showrooms is be the Prius Two, which clocks in at $24,000 -- about 2% higher than last year. Like other members of the Liftback family, it gets a slight makeover for the new model year, with a refreshed front fascia and taillights, and LED daytime running lights. The audio system comes equipped with a USB port, which is handy for the near-ubiquitous iPods and smarphones.

Further up the ladder, the Prius Three comes with a snazzier infotainment system featuring the app-friendly Entune infotainment system, Navigation, a three-door Smart Key, and a backup camera. The 2012 Toyota Prius Three runs $25,565.

The Prius Four and Five offer a few more creature comforts -- namely, a JBL speaker system and thoroughly adjustable driver's seats with lumbar support. As an added option, both offer Toyota's Premium HDD Navigation, which comes with a seven-inch screen with split-screen capabilities. Perhaps most exciting, though, is the option of a heads-up display, which posts speed, navigation details, and hybrid stats to the windshield. The Prius Four starts at $28,235, and the Prius Five begins at $29,805. 

The 2012 Prius Liftback will arrive at dealerships in January 2012.

Daytona 500 Giveaway

Toyota is giving away two tickets to the Daytona 500! Don't miss the opportunity to watch the 2012 Camry act as the official Pace Car.

Click here to enter to win today.

Toyota to Debut Advanced Plug-In Hybrid Concept and Prius c at 2012 North American International Auto Show

Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., will debut NS4, an advanced plug-in hybrid concept vehicle, at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The reveal will feature the world premiere of the concept vehicle as well as the North American debut of the Prius c hybrid during Toyota’s news conference on Tuesday, January 10 at 8:45 AM in the Riverview Ballroom at Cobo Center.  

Find Everything You're Looking for in the Reinvented 2012 Camry.

Thanks Roberto for writing this great review!

"I recommend you give this place a chance, and would certainly let others know of the remarkable work ethic and standards they exhibit at North Hills Toyota." - Roberto

Click here to read the rest of this great review.

Fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion Vehicles Earn Top Safety Pick Awards

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) today announced that 15 Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles earned Top Safety Pick awards for the 2012 model year, more than any other automaker.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., said, “Safety is a core value that dates back to the foundation of our company. IIHS’ awards further recognize our commitment to helping protect drivers and passengers.”

The 2012 model year winners are: Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Prius v, Sienna, Tundra Crew Cab, Venza, and Yaris; Lexus CT 200h and RX, and Scion tC, xB, and xD.

According to the IIHS, Top Safety Pick awards recognize vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in IIHS tests.

2012 Toyota Camry Test Drive Event!

Test drive the new 2012 Toyota Camry at North Hills Toyota, and receive a 25$ American Express Reward card! See dealer for details.

Don't forget Toyotathon Shareathon!

If you are planning on buying a new Toyota during this year's Toyotathon, then be sure to check out the Shareathon too! You could win a new Prius simply by tweeting the Toyota Shareathon message. Check out the link for more info. http://on.fb.me/s3BoEo

Statement from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., Regarding the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Five-Star Composite Rating for All-New 2012 Camry

Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

We are very pleased that the all-new 2012 Camry has earned a five-star composite safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The fact that the Camry earned this five-star overall score after enduring a more rigorous NHTSA testing procedure targeted at raising the bar for overall vehicle safety is testament to the strong design, and safety-focused engineering consumers can expect in the nation’s top-selling car.

The redesigned 2012 Camry features a reinforced body structure that utilizes high-strength steel construction to help withstand cabin deformity during certain severe collisions, absorb impact energies and help enhance occupant safety. Each Camry is also equipped with a class-leading 10 standard airbags to help protect occupants in the event of a collision. Like all Toyota models, the 2012 Camry is equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System™ standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Star Safety System™ also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system, and a tire pressure monitoring system as standard equipment.

Vehicle safety and the development of technologies that forward the safety mission, such as Camry's available Blind Spot Monitor, remain a priority at Toyota.   Our designers and engineers will continue their efforts toward occupant safety, and, in doing so, help raise the bar for vehicle safety industry-wide.

Quiz Time! Which of these TV Shows is NOT set in the great state of Pennsylvania?

A.) The Office

B.) It's Always Sunny

C.) 3rd Rock From the Sun

D.) My So - Called Life

Toyota Corolla Adds New Audio and Amenities for 2012

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

The Toyota Corolla, which received refreshed styling and numerous enhancements for 2011, enters the 2012 model year with upgrades to the feature content for the base L model and a new standard audio system for the LE and S grade models.

A standard bearer for value, quality and dependability for more than 40 years, the Toyota Corolla delivers even more value for 2012. The Corolla L grade model gains color-keyed power side mirrors, along with power windows with driver’s auto-down, power door locks and remote keyless entry. The LE grade adds standard 16-inch wheels and steering wheel audio controls for 2012. The sporty S model adds a double-stitch accent to its seats.

In response to customers’ demand for more versatile audio performance, the 2012 Toyota LE and S grades offer a new standard audio system. The head unit combines an AM/FM/CD player (including MP3/WMA playback) A USB port enables iPod^® connectivity, while an auxiliary input jack accommodates other music players. The system also features Bluetooth^® hands-free phone capability and audio streaming. Auto-sound leveling adjusts volume in response to ambient noise. Both the LE and S grades feature steering wheel audio control switches, as well.

The 2012 Corolla continues to offer standard Toyota’s Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.  It also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system. The 2012 Corolla continues to offer the two-year/25,000-mile Toyota Care complimentary maintenance plan.   

Performance and Efficiency

The 2012 Corolla is available in three grades: the base-model Corolla L, the LE, and sporty S grade. All models are equipped with the 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, which produces 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.  Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to help optimize performance and fuel economy. 

The 1.8-liter engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT) on the base Corolla L and the sporty S grades; the LE model features the automatic standard.  The four-speed automatic uses a torque converter with flex lockup for increased fuel efficiency, as well as uphill/downhill shift control.  For a more engaging driving experience, the driver can shift the automatic manually by moving the shift lever to the left from its “D” position into the “S” position, then pushing forward for upshifts and back for downshifts.  An indicator inside the combination gauge shows the gear selected.

The 2012 Corolla has earned an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the five-speed manual transmission, and 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the four-speed automatic transmission.

Handling and Ride

The smooth-riding Corolla is built around a stiff body structure that relies on high tensile-strength steel, gussets and cross members for its strength, rigidity and lightweight construction. Front suspension is composed of a compact, rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar.  The Corolla’s torsion beam rear suspension employs a coil-over-shock arrangement that allows efficient packaging along with solid handling and excellent ride comfort.

An electric power-assist steering system uses a compact motor, speed reducer and torque sensor built into the steering column. The system varies the amount of assistance according to engine RPM and vehicle speed. The result is appropriate weight and responsiveness at higher speeds, and light effort at low speeds. Electric power steering reduces parasitic losses to the engine, thereby aiding fuel economy. It is also environmentally efficient, because it does not require hydraulic oil. 

Safety

The Corolla is engineered to absorb and disperse impact energy throughout the entire body structure, including front and rear crumple zones.  Strengthened door beltline reinforcements help share the impact load, which in side impacts is also directed to the underbody.  A direct tire pressure monitor system comes standard on every Corolla.

As part of the Toyota STAR Safety System™, Vehicle Stability Control automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle’s braking force at individual wheels to help control any discrepancy between where the driver is steering and where the vehicle is heading.

All Corolla models are equipped with six standard airbags, including advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and front-and-rear side-curtain airbags.  Seatbelt pretensioners retract the seat belt at the time of a frontal collision, and the dual-stage force limiter helps limit the seat belt force applied to the passenger’s chest.  Front seats integrate active headrests; if the vehicle is struck from the rear with sufficient force, a cable-actuated mechanism in the active front headrest moves the headrest upward and forward to help limit the movement of the occupant's head. 

Comfort and Convenience

The 2012 Corolla upholds a 40-plus year heritage for providing outstanding value in standard equipment.  All models feature a standard all-weather package.  The Corolla L grade features 15-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers; P195/65 R15 tires; a color-keyed front grille and exterior door handles; a heavy-duty rear window defogger with timer; AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, and auto sound leveling; air conditioning with pollen filter; intermittent windshield wipers; daytime running lights; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; multi-information display with outside temperature, instant fuel economy, average fuel economy, average speed and travel distance; fabric-trimmed six-way adjustable drivers seat; four-way adjustable front passenger seat; 60/40 split folding rear seats and a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet. For 2012, power windows, door locks, remote keyless entry system, and color-keyed side view mirrors are also added to the roster.

In addition to the new audio system and 16-inch wheels described described earlier, the popular Corolla LE grade adds variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle; color-keyed power heated outside mirrors; cruise control; multi-function in-key remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, trunk release, panic and remote illuminated entry and a sport steering wheel with metallic accents.

The sporty Corolla S grade projects a street-smart look with 16-inch alloy wheels and 205/55 R16 tires; multi-reflector halogen headlamps with black housing; color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, sport side rocker panels, unique S badge and rear mudguards; color-keyed rear spoiler and integrated fog lamps. The interior, too, gets an exclusive upgrade with front sport seats, chrome-tipped exhaust, metallic style interior trim and analog sport instrumentation.

Options

The Corolla LE offers a Premium Package that includes 16-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels with P205/55R16 tires; integrated fog lamps and a power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade. The Corolla S also offers the power tilt/slide moonroof. Both grades also offer Display Audio with Navigation and Entune™ multi-media system which includes a 6.1-in. touch screen, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio capability that includes 90-day trial subscription, HD Radio™ with iTunes® Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity and control, vehicle information, hands-free phone capability, phonebook access, advanced voice recognition, and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology (see toyota.com/entune for availability of apps and data services).

Exterior Design

The Corolla’s design, created with input from styling studios in Turin, Italy, strikes a sporty profile.  Built on a 102.4-inch wheelbase, the Corolla provides room for five, with a 12.3 cu. ft. trunk. 

Character lines sweep from the hood toward the A-pillars and carry back from the top edge of the front bumper into the subtle yet muscular front-fender flares.  Additional lines carry rearward at the level of the door handles, emphasizing the Corolla’s low profile, and sweep down from the C-pillar and along the top edges of the rear fenders.

Just above the dense mesh grille that helps form the now familiar Toyota T-face, an interlayer of anti-chipping coating is used to help minimize paint damage from stone chips. The standard body kit on S the model adds a sporty look while also enhancing aerodynamics. The kit includes a front spoiler, rocker moldings, and upper and lower rear spoilers.  Engine under-covers improve air management on all models.

The current-generation Corolla benefitted from a focus on reducing wind noise. The A-pillar is specially profiled for this purpose. The windshield is made from acoustic glass and the window-frame structure is designed to reduce vibration of side glass. The windshield molding, wiper blade covers and shape of the cowl air intake louvers are all designed to minimize noise. Windshield washer nozzles are partially shielded by the rear edge of the hood, instead of sitting atop the hood or cowling.  Inside, the carpeting is designed to better absorb noise.

Interior Design

The Corolla’s driving position and front seats are tailored to a wider range of driver heights.  A standard tilt and telescope steering wheel in all models makes it easy for taller drivers to find a comfortable position. A multi-information display presents a variety of information, including outside temperature, instant fuel economy, average fuel economy, average speed and travel distance.

The Corolla’s rear bench seat offers space and comfort for three adults. Careful attention to exhaust system routing provides a nearly flat rear floor, enhancing comfort for the middle passenger. Three interior color schemes are available: Ash, Dark Charcoal and Bisque. The Bisque is paired with Ash Brown trim.

Easy-to-reach storage spaces provide convenience and usability inside the Corolla. These include center console side pockets; a storage box above the usual glove box; front and rear door pockets that can safely hold 20-ounce bottles; a console box with a large-capacity main tray and a smaller accessory tray; an overhead console useful for storage of sunglasses or garage-door openers; and front and rear-door storage pockets with sculpted bottle holders.

We really appreciate the positive feedback. Thank you for taking the time to write this review.

"I recently went to toyota looking for a new car and everyone there was so friendly and helpful. They answered every question i had. They helped me find a car i love that was reasonable in my price range. The customer service there was fantastic, i got help immediately, no one was pushy making me feel like i needed to buy a car or just showing me any car they thought they could sell me. They made sure the car i was going to get will not have any problems or that i wont have to be putting any more money into the car. They provided me with the best advice when i wasn't quite sure about something. They made me feel very comfortable, and i was very happy with my purchase." -- Guest83479

 

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You don't want to miss this year's Toyotathon.  It's your choice for 125$!  Check out the website for more information.

Toyota Wins Best Automotive Brand in 2012 Kelley Blue Book Resale Value Awards

Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

Toyota was named the top brand in 2012 Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com 2012 Best Resale Value Awards. The awards recognize current and forthcoming vehicles for their projected retained value throughout the first five years of ownership.

Toyota Camry, the best-selling car in America for nine consecutive years and 13 of the past 14 years, took the honor of Best Resale Value in the mid-size car segment. The Toyota Tacoma compact pickup truck and FJ Cruiser mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) were named Best Resale Value award winners in their respective vehicle categories and were also among the top 10 vehicles for Best Resale Value. 

“Winning the top brand in the Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards is a very significant honor as it reflects Toyota’s commitment to quality, dependability and reliability, which ultimately adds up to great value,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “Toyota will continue to deliver the finest cars and trucks consumers have come to expect for over half a century.”

Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelley Blue Book^® Official Residual Value Guide, which is determined by a skilled staff of automotive analysts. The projections are based on current vehicle data, sales data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition within vehicle segments, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of Kelley Blue Book’s residual analysts. The awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original list price after five years of ownership.

Did you know the first Christmas tree was decorated in the 16th century in Northern Germany? With December just around the corner, we'd like to know about your holiday traditions. Which one is your favorite?