The fully redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry has debuted and has set the bar in the midsize sedan segment. Offering sophistication, a powerful performance and superb fuel efficiency, it’s easy to see why the Camry has been best-selling car in the U.S. for the past decade. For the 2012 model year, Chicago Toyota Camry dealers are offering four trim levels of America’s favorite sedan: L, LE, SE and XLE.

L Trim

Many entry-level models seem to be stripped of any upscale amenities or high tech features, but the 2012 Toyota Camry L is not one of them. New features for the Camry L include Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and a six-speaker stereo. Various features have been carried over from last year’s model including power windows, locks, air conditioning and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

LE Trim

The long list of standard and available features that come along with the Camry LE is astonishing considering the car’s price tag. New features include a standard 6.1-inch touch screen audio system integrated with Bluetooth music streaming capabilities. Remote keyless entry, steering wheel mounted controls and a power driver’s seat are additional features that make the Camry LE significantly underpriced.

SE Trim

For Northbrook drivers looking to appease their need for speed, the Camry SE is the way to go. Upgrade to the SE trim level and drivers will get a car that looks as sporty and it performance. The sporty Camry SE is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 268 horsepower. A more durable body structure and a sport-tuned suspension allow for greater stability and quick, responsive steering. The design of the Camry SE is indicative of its performance and features a sporty mesh grille, chrome exhaust tips, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels.

XLE Trim

The Camry XLE is the top of the line trim level and is much more luxurious than its price tag suggests. On top of the features on the L, LE and SE trims, the XLE gets leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and faux wood trim. The Camry XLE also comes with a slew of entertainment and safety technologies. One of the new features offered by your Chicago 2012 Camry dealer is Entune, Toyota’s multimedia system which integrates mobile web apps to your audio system. Safety features include a telematics system comparable to OnStar, blind spot monitoring and a rearview camera.

Most people shopping for a spacious, versatile car that is as family friendly as it is fuel efficient find that their selection is limited at best. The hybrid vehicles Chicago drivers have to choose from tend to be limited to compact sedans or cars so small they could barely qualify as a crossover. This has been the case until recently, when Toyota introduced a hybrid version of their popular Highlander. Since its debut in 2006, the Highlander Hybrid has been a favorite among family drivers and it’s easy to see why.

Fuel Efficiency

Hybrid cars and eco-friendly technology are nothing new to our economy, but it wasn’t until the introduction of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid that we saw such technology migrate to an SUV. Despite the car’s large body, it manages to achieve fuel economy ratings of 28 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway making it the most fuel efficient car of its capacity on the market.

Space

As mentioned before, hybrid vehicles have been around for years now, but how many of them seat seven passengers? The Highlander Hybrid was the first hybrid ever to offer enough seating for seven while maintaining impressive gas mileage making it an ideal, not to mention exclusive, option for the family driver.

Performance

The Highlander Hybrid not only redefines the capacity of most other hybrids, but also the performance of other eco-friendly cars. The Highlander Hybrid’s superb acceleration and combined 280 horsepower make it one of the most appealing hybrids and SUVs available.

The Highlander Hybrid isn’t only appealing to those looking for a family hauler. In addition to the Highlander’s fuel efficiency, space and performance, other assets make it an ideal option for any type of driver. Offering versatility, good looks, comfortable interior and top notch safety, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid won’t disappoint.

The highly anticipated, all-new Toyota Camry has arrived and is nothing short of breathtaking. Toyota didn’t change everything about the Camry. Consumers can still expect the same value, reliability and quality of used models at their Northbrook Toyota dealership. Otherwise, a redesigned exterior, upgraded interior, more luxury features, and better gas mileage may make this 7^th generation the best one yet.

Fully Redesigned

A revised exterior and upscale interior are among the changes Chicago 2012 Toyota Camry consumers can expect. A more aggressive grille sits on a restyled front bumper and is framed with chrome foglights. Sharper angles and a distinct character line create an upscale, yet sporty profile enhanced by the car’s rear spoiler. Attention to detail is immediately recognized in the Camry’s cabin. Faux aluminum and wood trim create a refined appeal that you wouldn’t expect considering the Camry’s price tag. The new layout of the dash, decorative stitching and steering wheel controls are among the other features that make the Camry’s interior lavish, convenient and inviting all at the same time.

More Luxury

A slew of upscale features and amenities are offered with the 2012 Toyota Camry. Chicago drivers now have the option of Toyota’s Entune, a system which integrates infotainment applications with your mobile device into the Camry’s navigation system. Other features include a 7-inch touch screen navigation system with voice recognition, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a rearview camera.

Better Fuel Efficiency

Despite a more spacious interior, Toyota managed to improve the fuel economy of the Camry. The car is still offered with two engine choices: the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The base engine has fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway making it an ideal car for city dwellers or suburban commuters.

When it comes to buying a car, many have different ideas of what makes the ideal car. While some stand by their decision to buy a used car, others won’t even consider stepping foot on a used car lot lest they forgo that new car smell. Similarly, while many are adamant about buying an affordable, eco-friendly compact car, others scoff at the idea of driving anything smaller than a crossover.

Regardless of personal preference, the majority of us can agree upon one thing when it comes to purchasing a car: safety. I think most of us would be somewhat taken aback if we ever ran into someone who was on the market for the most hazardous, insecure, unreliable car they could get their hands on. Suffice to say, safety may be the one universal quality that car buyers can agree on.

That being said, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted their annual Top Safety Pick awards for 2012 models. Toyota and its Lexus and Scion brands earned the most awards walking away with 15 Top Safety Picks. Of the vehicles offered at your Northbrook Toyota dealership that made the list were the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Prius v, Sienna, Tundra Crew Cab, Venza, and Yaris. The Lexus CT 200h and RX and the Scion tC, xB, and xD were the other five cars that contributed to Toyota’s #1 status at this year’s IIHS Top Safety Pick awards.

Many of this year’s Toyota winners have been awarded a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS in previous years. For Northbrook residents on the market for a truck, the Tundra has been named a Top Safety Pick for the last five consecutive years. For Chicago drivers looking for a smaller car, both the new 2012 Toyota Corolla and all used, 10^th generation model come with the assurance of an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The Avalon, Highlander, Prius, Sienna and Venza are also among the Toyota models to make a repeat appearance on the IIHS Top Safety Pick list. Whether your personal preference may lean toward a used minivan, a new compact car or anything in between, your Northbrook Toyota dealer has the Top Safety Pick that meets your needs.

Each year, automakers introduce a slew of all-new and refreshed models, and for 2012, Toyota is all the rage. Toyota became synonymous with hybrid cars when it first introduced the Prius over a decade ago. After hundreds of thousands of sales and settling in as America’s best-selling hybrid, Toyota is capitalizing on the success of the Prius by extending the family nameplate.

Of the newest family members Chicago Toyota Prius dealerships are offering is the 2012 Prius V. The Prius V is a wagon-based version of the standard model offering the same class leading gas mileage in a more spacious form. The Prius V picks up its powertrain from the standard model which consists of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that works with an electric motor to deliver 134 horsepower. Though the Prius V achieves fuel economy ratings comparable to the standard model, it manages to offer 60% more cargo space in addition to more passenger space.

Another of the latest hybrid cars Chicago drivers have to choose from is the Prius C. Named for being ‘city-centric’, the Prius C is the ideal car for Chicago commuters thanks to its compact body and stellar fuel economy. Estimated to be about 20 inches shorter than the standard model, the Prius C keeps a light weight and makes maneuvering in crowded streets and packed parking lots a breeze. And with EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway, the Prius C is a match made in heaven for city dwellers and suburbanite commuters alike.

Beyond expanding the Toyota Prius lineup, Northbrook residents can expect refreshed designs, upgraded amenities and better fuel economy from some other models. Both the standard Camry and the hybrid version received an all-new design inside and out which give the car a refined, upscale appeal not expected in the Camry’s segment. Both models also received some enhancements under the hood which enable the cars to achieve better fuel efficiency than last year’s models. Toyota added a number of standard features to the Tundra including heated mirrors, daytime running headlights and stylish steel wheels.

Whether opting for one of the new Prius family members, sticking with the standard Prius or going with another, slightly updated model, 2012 will leave Toyota consumers with no shortage of options. From the gas frugal to the cost conscious and everything in between, Toyota’s 2012 models will prove to be well worth the wait.

For those thinking of going green with their next car purchase, Toyota is typically the first brand that comes to mind. As a leader in sustainable mobility, Toyota has continuously set the bar when it comes to eco-friendly cars. After almost a decade of producing America’s best-selling hybrid and being named the world’s best green brand by IntelliChoice, Toyota is hands down a safe bet for those opting to go green.

One secret of Toyota’s success when it comes to hybrid vehicles is versatility. Toyota appeals to a broader market by offering eco-friendly cars in a number of models, body styles and trim levels. Whether Northbrook drivers are looking to lighten their carbon footprint in a sedan, crossover or SUV, these Toyota hybrids are sure to please.

Toyota Prius

Now the best-selling hybrid in America and in the world, the Prius is the quintessential green car. The Prius family has blossomed over the past decade and now includes a number of models and trim levels to fit any drivers’ needs. One of the latest additions to the Prius clan is the 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV). Thanks to a lithium-ion battery back that can power the car without one drop of gasoline for over 15 miles, the PHV earned the 2012 Urban Green Vehicle of the Year award.

Another member of the Prius family is the Prius V. With the introduction of the Toyota Prius V, Chicago drivers can now enjoy the space and utility of a wagon-based vehicle without the gas-guzzling downside. The Prius V was named for its versatility and it certainly seems fit. Offering a number of seating configurations, a slew of available amenities and three trim levels, the Prius V lives up to its name.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Much the same as the Toyota Prius V, the RAV4 Hybrid boasts the spacious interior of a larger vehicle blended with the stellar fuel economy of a smaller car.  An eco-friendly version of the RAV4 is still in the works but is slated to arrive at dealerships in spring of 2012 as the most fuel efficiency crossover on the market. The rumored battery powered RAV4 EV is estimated to travel up to 100 miles on one charge and expected to achieve a combined fuel economy rating of around 34 mpg. The RAV4 has been one of America’s favorite crossovers for years and looks as though it is en route to become one of America’s favorite crossover hybrids.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Although green cars have been around for over two decades, the eco-friendly technology was only recently introduced to SUVs. One hybrid vehicle Chicago residents have to choose from is the Highlander. Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid was one of the first eco-friendly SUVs on the market when it debuted in 2006 and was greeted with instant success. Now in its second generation, the Highlander is still a favorite among green drivers with its spacious interior, more power than its non-hybrid counterpart and stellar gas mileage. The Highlander seats up to seven passengers and is available in two, well-equipped trim levels. Both trims come with a slew of standard safety features making the Highlander an ideal pick for family drivers with an aversion to thirsty, gas-guzzling SUVs.

Chicago winters are known to be some of the worst around. Winters in Chicago are like a scene from the movie Groundhog Day: they’re cold, windy and snowy and there’s no end in sight. A lot of preparation goes into preparing for winters like those in Chicago, and that includes winterizing your car. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a large, Toyota Land Cruiser or a smaller, compact Camry, preparing for the harsh winters can save you from being stranded on the side of the road in -10 degree weather.

1) Monitor your Coolant System

Various features of your Toyota become especially prone to damage during harsh conditions and extreme temperatures, and this includes your coolant system. A quick trip to your Chicago used Toyota dealership to have your hoses checked for any cracks and your radiator pressure examined can help ensure your engine’s efficiency. Having your engine’s coolant replaced is also a good idea. Generally, a 50/50 combination of antifreeze and water will protect your coolant system from extreme temperatures without causing any damage to it.

2) Check your Tires

Having your brakes and tires checked is important throughout the year, but add in wet weather and icy roads and this becomes even more important. One good idea is to have your tires rotated to even out the wear and tear. Cooler temperatures can make the air in your tires contract so checking that your tires are properly inflated on a consistent basis is also a good idea. Another tip especially for Wheeling Toyota drivers and other cold weather residents is looking into snow tires. Snow tires are made specifically to endure the harsh winters and shed the snow and ice on the road more quickly.

3) Replace your Windshield Wipers

Replacing your windshield wipers is an easy fix and is crucial to your safety in bad weather. Worn wiper blades can not only obstruct your vision, but also scratch your windshield costing you more money than simply buying a new pair of wiper blades. Wiper blades deteriorate approximately every 6 to 12 months and should be inspected regularly to prevent any serious damage to your car and yourself.

Another good idea is to assemble a roadside emergency kit in the event that you get stranded. Keeping things like a blanket, flares, jumper cables and a first aid kit could go a long way should anything happen to your car. Regular maintenance is also a good idea to keep your car running smoothly in the winter. Taking your car into your used Toyota dealership for regular checkups can mean the difference between inexpensive service charges and costly repairs. A little preparation can go a long way so having your mechanic change your oil, inspect brake and transmissions fluids and check that all your lights are working properly are all simple tasks that can help keep your car running smoothly.

The high demand for hybrid cars has been in effect for just over a decade now and with good reason. Better fuel efficiency, wavering gas prices and tax incentives all while lightening your eco footprint, what’s not to love. While most automakers are taking advantage of the hybrid fever, one in particular has become an environmental leader in the automotive industry.

Toyota has become synonymous with sustainable mobility thanks in large part to the Prius. The gasoline-electric hybrid first debuted at your Chicago Toyota Prius dealer in 2001 and was greeted with instant success. With its stellar fuel economy, uncompromised performance and affordable price, it’s easy to see why the Prius is the number one selling car in U.S. And for 2012, Toyota is rolling out some changes that are sure to keep America’s favorite hybrid in the top spot.

Upgraded Amenities

New audio and infotainment systems will debut in the 2012 Toyota Prius including a new touch-screen audio system, SiriusXM Satellite radio, a USB port for iPod connectivity and Bluetooth. Upgraded trim levels will add a navigation system, voice recognition and a backup camera. Toyota Entune system will also be offered which consists of popular mobile applications and will be complimentary for three years. Additional features will come standard as well as a long list of available features and packages.

Prius Plug-in

Beginning in the Spring of 2012, the hybrid cars Chicago drivers can choose from will include a plug-in version of the Prius. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) delivers the same benefits of the standard Prius but for extended lengths of time. The PHV can operate in electric only mode for as much as 15 miles at speeds up to 62 mph. A lithium-ion battery fits under the rear cargo floor and can be fully charged in as little as 1.5 hours. Though this battery weighs more than that in the traditional Prius, weight-saving techniques used elsewhere keep the PHV light and driving more like current Prius.

Revised Styling

The design of the Prius is one of the contributors to its success. It’s modest, yet trendy styling tends to be lacking in so many other hybrids which feature a futuristic, almost cartoon-like design. The car’s aerodynamic profile and sporty rocker panels give it an athletic profile which is enhanced by the dramatically slanted hood and windshield. High-tech features inside and the clean layout of the console give the Prius an upscale appeal not indicative of the car’s price tag.

After receiving a slew of awards and accolades and retaining its title as the ‘Best Global Automotive Brand’ in Interbrand’s Best Green Brand study in 2011, there’s no better way for Toyota to kick off the 2012 model year. Models at your used Toyota dealership have been recognized for various qualities ranging from eco-friendly technologies to resale value and everything in between. Of the number of Toyota vehicles that have cultivated their already long lists of accolades in 2011, these three have seemingly limitless potential.

Prius

The Prius has been praised for its eco-friendly footstep, capable performance and overall value since it first arrived at your Chicago used Toyota dealership in 2001. Thanks to Toyota’s encouragement of eco-friendly practices in the manufacturing of the Prius, the car’s progressive hybrid technology and exception fuel efficiency, Interbrand named Toyota the ‘Best Global Green Brand’ of 2011. Additional recognition the Prius garnered this year includes Edmund’s ‘Best Retained Value’ award, Intellichoice’s ‘Best Overall Value’ award and the ‘Best Car for Commuters’ award by Forbes.com.

Sienna

The Sienna, one of the best selling minivans on the market, is another vehicle that has a seemingly endless list of awards and accolades. The stylish minivan has been a favorite at your Wheeling Toyota Sienna dealer thanks to its spacious interior, powerful V6 engine and class-leading versatility. Despite ample space for up to eight passengers, the Sienna has a maximum cargo capacity of a massive 150 cubic feet which was named the vehicle with the most cargo capacity by Edmunds.com. Thanks to a number of different trim levels, slew of available options and amenities and inventive seating configurations, the Sienna also garnered praise from Popular Mechanics who named the Sienna the most ‘Versatile’ vehicle available.

Camry

Much the same as the Toyota Sienna, the Camry is also a favorite among consumers and has been America’s best-seeling car for 13 out of the last 14 years. The Camry has been praised for its powerful performance paired with uncompromised efficiency, roomy cabin and superb value since its debut in 1983. Despite the car’s more than adequate power that is delivered by a V6 engine that produces an impressive 268 horsepower, the Camry still manages to achieve exceptional gas mileage. Thanks to impressive fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, the Camry has contributed to Toyota’s status as the most fuel-efficient full-line automaker in the U.S. The Camry garnered much attention from Intellichoice who named the car a ‘SmartChoice Ownership Costs’ winner, a ‘SmartChoice Retained Value’ and a ‘Best Value of the Year’ winner.

The hybrid vehicle trend that consumers are seeing is not only here to stay, but is gaining more and more momentum each year. Hybrid vehicles are particularly beneficial for Chicago drivers and other urbanites because of the strain that city driving puts on a car’s gas tank. Despite the metropolitan terrain and dense traffic Chicago drivers face, many have bypassed going green because of the typically imminent sacrifice that comes along with eco-friendly cars.

Hybrid drivers have been known to have compromised some sort of feature. Whether it be space, performance or a high sticker price, going green has been synonymous with having to settle. Perhaps this is the very reason why the Toyota Camry Hybrid Chicago dealers offer has been such a success. Toyota introduced the Camry Hybrid in 2007 and became one of the first automakers to offer ample interior space, superb power and affordability all blended with uncompromised efficiency.

Many automakers have reduced the size, and thus the space, of various vehicles to achieve better fuel efficiency, but Toyota is not one of these automakers. By reconstructing the layout of mechanical components and reshaping interior features, the Camry Hybrid retains the space of its non-hybrid brother and achieves the fuel efficiency of a smaller, two door compact.

The eco-friendly Camry is also the ideal hybrid vehicle for Chicago drivers thanks to its progressive powertrain system which blends power and acceleration with exceptional gas mileage. The Camry Hybrid comes standard at your Toyota dealer with a 2.5-liter engine that works with an electric motor which can produce a total of 200 horsepower. The car’s energetic acceleration can take the Camry Hybrid from 0 mph to 60 mph in just over eight seconds, a feat some gasoline-only vehicles have yet to achieve.

A specially designed continuously variable transmission (CVT) is one of the factors that contributes to the Camry Hybrid’s excellent gas mileage. The CVT directs power to the front wheels and maximizes the fuel efficiency of the gasoline engine. Eco Mode is another factor that improves fuel efficiency by optimizing air- conditioning and throttle response without negatively impacting gas mileage. The combination of Toyota’s progressive technologies in the Camry Hybrid results in fuel economy ratings of 40 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

The benefits that hybrid drivers experience at the gas pumps are often outweighed by the initial sticker price of an eco-friendly car, but the Toyota Camry Hybrid is exception to the rule. Despite the combination of high-tech and in demand parts, advanced technologies and increased time and labor, Toyota managed to keep the cost of the Camry Hybrid surprisingly close to its gasoline-only relative. Starting at just $25,900, the Camry Hybrid is one car that continues to deliver benefits beyond the gas pumps.