Luxury meets science in our full-size car, the 2013 Toyota Avalon! From this point on, driving a Toyota will never be the same.

Fans, Julie was kind enough to share about her experience with our service department at Toyota Carlsbad! Customer service is extremely important to our staff and we are happy to hear that our customers notice!

5-Star Review on Yelp:

"recently had my camry serviced at the dealership in carlsbad  EXCELLENT service I was astonished by the customer service I received  would definetly buy another toyota just for for service that I received  I was very impressed by the lounge and concierge service that was available awesome."

New-Generation Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid Gain Interior Enhancements in Their Second Year

Following the introduction of the all-new seventh-generation Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid for 2012, these midsize sedans enter the 2013 model year gaining enhancements to interior design and comfort and safety technology. The Blind Spot Monitor system, with availability expanded to the Camry SE grade, adds a rear cross traffic alert function.         

America’s best-selling car for 14 of the past 15 years, the Toyota Camry introduced a bold, sophisticated new design with a more spacious interior, improved driving dynamics and an even quieter ride than before when it debuted for 2012.

The 2013 Camry Hybrid, which achieves 43 city MPG, also gains the interior enhancements of the gasoline Camry. A new soft-touch material is used on the front door panels on the Hybrid LE, as well as on the gasoline LE and SE grades, replacing harder plastic material used in the 2012 models. On LE grade models (including Hybrid), interior armrests now match interior color, replacing black. On models equipped with leather seating, the door panels feature new stitching accents.

In other changes for 2013, the Display Audio screen becomes standard for the Camry L grade and Camry Hybrid LE. The gasoline Camry is offered in entry-level L, value-driven LE, premium XLE and sporty SE grades, with a four-cylinder engine on L and LE and a choice of four-cylinder or V6 on SE and XLE. The Camry Hybrid is offered in LE and XLE grades.

Introduced in 1983, the Toyota Camry would later establish the template for the modern midsize sedan, setting benchmarks for Quality, Dependability and Reliability (QDR), along with a comfortable, quiet ride.  Since that time, Toyota has sold more than 15 million Camry models worldwide.

  Performance and Efficiency
The 2013 Toyota Camry offers three powertrain choices, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 3.5-liter V6 and the Hybrid Synergy Drive. The 2.5-liter four offers 178 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque and, teamed with the standard six-speed automatic transmission, returns 25 MPG city / 35 MPG highway EPA fuel economy ratings, among the highest in its class.

The 2.5-liter engine employs Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), which controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts for optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds. The Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) helps optimize torque over a broad engine speed range.

The DOHC 3.5-liter V6, available in the SE and XLE grades, delivers 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm. This engine also gained enhancements in the 2012 redesign, resulting in impressive 21 MPG city / 31 MPG highway fuel economy ratings. The V6 uses chain-driven camshafts and Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i).

The gas-engine LE, XLE and SE models come equipped exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers a sequential manual shift mode using the console shifter.  Intelligent control adapts shifting strategy in response to driver input, with fast kick-down. The Camry SE exclusively offers “D range” sequential shifting, which allows manual shifting with the new steering wheel paddle shifters even when the console shifter is in the “D” mode. Also exclusive to the Camry SE, the automatic transmission features faster shift times when in “S” mode, along with downshift blipping control to emphasize a sense of sportiness.

  Camry Hybrid Achieves 43 MPG City
The new-generation Camry Hybrid debuted a highly revised version of the brand’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, including a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. 

The EPA-estimated 43 mpg city/39 mpg highway/41 mpg combined ratings for the 2013 Camry Hybrid represent a more-than-30 percent boost in fuel economy compared to the original Camry Hybrid. The gain was due largely to the new hybrid powertrain, but also due to lighter vehicle weight and optimized aerodynamics.

Through its unique transaxle, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system combines output from the four-cylinder engine with a small high-torque electric motor. The system produces a combined 200 horsepower and varies power between the gas engine and electric motor, or combines both, as needed.

The 2.5-liter engine, like the 2.4-liter it replaced, uses the Atkinson cycle (delayed intake-valve closing for an expansion ratio greater than compression ratio) to achieve maximum efficiency. The Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system on the intake camshaft enhances torque, which is greater than with the previous engine. An electric water pump, a roller-rocker type valvetrain and a variable-output oil pump help to reduce internal friction, boosting economy.

A water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system helps to ensure the lowest possible emissions at all vehicle speeds and helps increase fuel efficiency. By cooling and controlling exhaust gas injected into each cylinder, the system eliminates the need to richen the air-fuel mixture to control cylinder temperatures.

The 2013 Camry Hybrid meets AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial-credit Zero Emissions Vehicle) standards.

Because there are situations in which the gas engine in the Camry Hybrid shuts off, air conditioning and power steering systems are driven electrically. New efficiency measures in the Hybrid Synergy Drive system include reducing internal losses in the transaxle, improving motor-voltage control, and optimizing the regenerative braking. The proven nickel-metal-hydride battery, located in the luggage compartment behind the rear seats, features enhanced air-cooling. Its more compact size, along with moving the DC/DC converter to the engine compartment, results in a trunk that is 2.1-cubic feet larger than in the previous-generation Camry Hybrid.

Lighter overall vehicle weight also contributes to better performance and fuel economy. A 7.6-second zero-to-60 acceleration time places the Camry Hybrid between the four-cylinder and V6 models. Lower rolling resistance tires, available for the first time in 17-inch size, also help boost fuel economy.

An EV Drive mode allows the driver to operate the Camry Hybrid on the electric motor alone for up to 1.6 miles at lower speeds (below approximately 25 mph). The EV indicator illuminates when the vehicle is being propelled solely by the electric motor. A driver-selectable ECO mode optimizes throttle response and air conditioning output to prioritize maximum fuel economy.

Applying the brake in the Camry Hybrid converts the electric motor to a generator that captures the kinetic energy from the still-spinning vehicle wheels, storing it in the hybrid battery pack. Putting the shifter into “B” uses regenerative braking as a form of engine braking for enhanced control on steep descents. Hill-start assist control helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting off on an incline when the brake pedal is released.

Exclusive exterior and interior design touches and badging differentiate the 2013 Camry Hybrid from other Camry models. A Hybrid-exclusive instrument cluster with Hybrid System Indicator and fuel consumption indicator helps the driver to operate the car as economically as possible. Instantaneous fuel economy is shown with LEDs (light emitting diodes) around the outside of the average fuel economy gauge. The car’s Multi-Information display graphically shows fuel economy in real time and can also show energy flow, and cruising range information.

Hybrid-exclusive trim is used on the instrument panel and door switch bases, upper console panels and shift knob. The Camry Hybrid also features its own exclusive seat fabric in ivory or light gray, and an exclusive leather and Ultrasuede® is also available. A three-dial Optitron gauge panel with chrome-accented outer rings provides a luxurious appearance.

  Exterior Design
The new-generation Camry employs an elegantly simple but modern form, emphasizing a wider, lower stance than previous models. The design conveys an “architectural statement” through crisp, precise character lines, accented by dynamically shaped headlights. A strongly curved door cross-section and defined rocker panel molding (chrome accented on LE and XLE) give the Camry an expressive appearance. Fog lights are standard on the XLE and SE grades.

The Camry LE and XLE feature additional exterior chrome trim, and the SE grade has its own lower-body design and exclusive fine-mesh upper grille section. The SE also features a three-part lower grille section housing fog lamps, along with black sport trim headlamp bezels. The more prominent rocker panel moldings on the SE cleanly link to integrated front and rear underbody spoilers, emphasizing width, and the trunk lid carries an integrated spoiler.

  Interior Design
While featuring nearly the same external dimensions as the previous generation, the new-generation Camry offers a more spacious interior. Toyota optimized interior elements to gain additional space and to enhance driver and passenger comfort. As one example, tilt range for the standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel was increased 33 percent over the previous-generation model. And the middle rear seat gained two inches of legroom in the redesign.

The prominently curved center cluster appears to float over the instrument panel, reducing its visual mass. Soft textures used on the upper instrument panel, upper door trim, door panels, armrests, and center console armrest contribute to refined comfort in the Camry. Stitching on the instrument panel soft padding and matching stitching-look trim elsewhere helps to create a sense of luxury. Aluminum-color and chrome trim are used judiciously.

The LE and XLE grades feature either ivory or gray seating color; the Camry SE features unique upholstery in black-on-black or black-on-gray. Seat comfort, long a Camry strong suit, received extensive attention to detail in the 2012 redesign. New seat frames, higher seat backs and longer seat cushions all combine to enhance driver and front passenger comfort. The SE’s sporty front seats provide thicker, more supportive side bolsters.

The 2013 Camry offers four seat-covering materials: fabric in the LE and XLE; fabric with SofTex™ trim in the SE, standard leather trim on the XLE V6 (optional in the XLE four-cylinder), and Ultrasuede^®with leather available for the SE and XLE Hybrid.  Heated seats are standard on the XLE V6 and are available for SE, XLE four-cylinder and Hybrid with variable temperature control.

Two steering wheel designs, with integrated audio and Bluetooth^® controls, are featured: a four-spoke for LE; a leather-wrapped four-spoke for XLE; and a sporty three-spoke, leather-wrapped wheel for the SE, which offers paddle-shift control for the six-speed automatic transmission.

Controls in the Camry impart a high-precision feel when used. The console’s front section offers a 12V accessory connector and an easy-to-access USB/input jack port for connecting iPods and other media devices. A sliding rear console door, rather than the more traditional flip-up design, enables easier access from either front seat.

All grades feature a standard 60/40 split folding rear seatback to expand cargo capacity. The seats can be lowered by a remote release from the trunk area. Rear-seat side airbags are standard across the line, and an armrest with cup holders adds comfort and convenience.

  Advanced Connectivity
All 2013 Camry models feature a standard Bluetooth^® wireless connection for compatible hands-free phone calls, and a phone book transfer function is available. A standard USB port allows playing music and video from portable audio devices, using the vehicle sound system and available in-dash display screen, and includes full iPod^® integration.

The Camry L and Camry Hybrid LE models gain the Display Audio 6.1-inch screen for 2013. On the Hybrid, the screen also displays the energy monitor and fuel consumption data. On models with the available integrated back-up camera, the display functions as the monitor. The screen also offers a new value-driven navigation system and serves as a portal for Entune®, Toyota’s innovative new multimedia system.  An available HD Radio system enables CD sound quality from digital FM broadcasts, and has features that maximize analog and AM broadcast sound quality. The system includes HD Radio with iTunes^® tagging and SiriusXM Satellite Radio™.

The top-of-the-line audio is equipped with a new seven-inch Premium HDD Navigation system with Entune®and JBL.  This system offers a new split-screen feature that allows for simultaneously displaying navigation and audio information.

Camry also offers the JBL GreenEdge™ audio system that combines an eight-channel amplifier and door-mounted acoustic lens speakers. The GreenEdge™ amplifier achieves a 66-percent reduction in overall mass and a 50-percent enhancement in sound efficiency, and the speakers produce a higher sound output with the same power or less consumption of conventional models.

  Entune Multimedia System
The Camry’s available Entune multimedia system leverages the user’s smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services.

Toyota Entune offers support for engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, and sports.  Toyota Entune brings the largest selection of music options available to a vehicle, including iHeartRadio’s 750+ stations, and Pandora’s personalized music service.

The audio systems combined with Entune feature a best-in-class, advanced conversational voice recognition system that helps the driver to stay focused on the road by eliminating the need to memorize thousands of voice commands. The system also allows for audio read-back and replay capabilities for text messages, with the ability to respond by pre-set “Quick Reply Messages” such as: “I’m driving and will reply later.”

  A Benchmark for Midsize Sedan Quietness
Long lauded as a benchmark for ride smoothness and quietness in the midsize segment, the new-generation Camry takes both attributes to an even higher level of refinement. To reduce noise throughout the entire cabin, focus was placed on suppressing noises that stand out. As powertrains have become more refined and quieter, wind noise and road noise have tended to become more noticeable to drivers and passengers. A low noise reading (in decibels) does not always equate to a subjectively quiet interior. Vehicle occupants’ perception of quietness also depends on the type and frequency of the sound.

Additional insulation was placed in areas where such noticeable sounds might enter the cabin. Sound absorbing materials silence any noise that manages to penetrate the interior. In particular, engineers focused on suppressing noises that are near the frequencies of human speech to provide an environment that is more comfortable for conversation.

Measures that focus on reducing wind noise include stronger door and rocker area seals; optimized placement of sound insulating materials; foam applied in the roof, pillars and door openings; acoustic glass used for the V6 and Hybrid model’s windshield, and special bracing of cowl intake louvers. The dashboard structure and assembly was thoroughly optimized to prevent noise intrusion, including the use of sandwiched sheet steel that uses asphalt foam to absorb vibration energy while increasing sound blocking effectiveness.

A dash outer silencer uses an air layer between the dash panel and sound absorbing felt. An inner silencing layer uses soft and hard felts to block a wide range of low-to-high frequencies.

Damping-coating thickness and application areas were optimized for reduced floor-panel vibration and noise penetration through the floor, and a new type of carpet also helps eliminates noise. Silencer panels installed in the rear-wheel housings, and new sound-absorbing materials added to the trunk’s interior side trim further reduce road noise from the tires and wheel housings.

  Exceptional Handling and Ride
A rigid body structure, revised front suspension, redesigned rear suspension and aerodynamics all help to imbue the new-generation Camry with greater straight-line stability and crisper steering response, while also enhancing overall ride comfort.

The Camry body structure uses a greater amount of high tensile steel (440 Mpa or higher) than before and even stronger high tensile strength sheet steel (590 Mpa or higher), resulting in a stronger but lighter body than the previous model. A flared design on the doors and fenders enables the use of slimmer but stronger construction. High tensile aluminum bumper supports are lighter yet stronger than before. Newly developed plastic for the bumper covers and cowl louvers reduced weight, as well.

The front-suspension towers are directly connected through the cowl to increase rigidity, and the attachment method and reinforcement braces have been strengthened. The all-new rear underbody and rear subframe increase lateral force control and torsional rigidity.

The McPherson-strut front suspension now uses inversely wound coil springs that enhance straight-line stability.  Shock-absorber damping and stabilizer-bar thickness have been optimized as well. The proven dual-link rear suspension was redesigned with new geometry (increased toe-in during cornering and braking) and retuned components to enhance cornering stability.

Inspired by Formula One racing technology, the rear-combination lamps and side-view mirrors on the new Camry incorporate aero stabilizing fins that create air vortexes on the body sides to contribute to handling stability. Underbody aerodynamic elements regulate airflow under the vehicle, also contributing to ride smoothness.

The Camry SE model features specific suspension components and tuning, including exclusive steering knuckles and lighter, stiffer lower front control arms. The front and rear springs are exclusive to this model, and the shock absorbers feature internal rebound springs for greater cornering roll resistance. The rear suspension No. 1 control arm uses a pillow-ball bushing to further enhance handling agility.

Camry’s electric power steering (EPS) control system regulates power-assist response based on vehicle speed and steering-input rate.  The vehicle-speed sensing feature ensures light effort during low speeds, changing to moderate effort during higher speeds.  A different power-assist ratio for the SE grade provides a more sporty feeling than the LE and XLE.  With electric power steering, electricity is only consumed when assist is necessary, helping to improve fuel economy.  Electric power steering is also more environment-friendly, as it does not require hydraulic fluid.

The LE grade features standard 16-inch wheels; the SE comes standard with five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, and the V6 SE offers the first 18-inch alloy wheels on a Camry. The latter feature is a unique twist-spoke design with 225/45R18 all-season tires.  Camry SE models will also offer tires that have more grip. The Camry XLE comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels featuring an elegant 10-spoke design.

  Safety and Security
All 2013 Camry models are equipped with 10 standard airbags: dual-stage advanced SRS front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver’s and front passenger’s knee airbag.

  The Camry’s body structure is designed to help absorb collision-impact forces and help minimize impact deformation to the passenger cabin. High-strength steel is used for B-pillar and rocker panel reinforcements to help manage overall body deformation in the event of certain side collisions. The seat frames also are designed to help absorb side collision loads. The inner-hood structure and front-edge construction are designed to help reduce pedestrian injuries in a collision.

Toyota’s Star Safety System™ 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 Smart Stop Technology brake-override system, and Camry is equipped with an electronic tire pressure monitoring system.

Another available safety system, Safety Connect, can access a call center with a live operator who can dispatch police and emergency vehicles.  The system combines automatic collision notification and a stolen vehicle locator feature, which can track the location of the stolen vehicle via GPS and help guide police to recover it.

The available Blind Spot Monitor uses sub-millimeter wave radar to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots. When the system detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane, it alerts the driver using indicators on the side mirrors. If the turn signal is on when the there is a vehicle in the blind spot of the driver’s intended lane, the indicator on the corresponding mirror will flash. New for 2013, the system incorporates a rear cross traffic alert, which can be especially helpful when backing out of a driveway or parking slot.

In vehicles equipped with one of the display audio systems and backup camera, when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse, the audio display screen shows the image of what the camera captures, along with an overlay of positioning lines representing the parking space and distance to obstacles.

  Peace of Mind Warranty Protection
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against corrosion with no mileage limitation. The hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles.

The Camry will also come standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com

Fans, Gabriella was kind enough to share about her fourth purchase from Toyota Carlsbad! We greatly appreciate our customers for life!

5-Star Review on Yelp:

"Best car buying experience we've had. Sales people were very professional and not pushy. The Costco program is really the best way to buy a car. Gets you right to the invoice price and then there's a set discount from there. They also matched our credit union low interest rate. Bought a Prius c and in just a few hours we were done w/ all the paperwork & loan documents. This is our 4th car/van from Toyota Carlsbad and our 5th Toyota in 28 yrs."

In honor of Mod-Monday:

We want to know what you think of this black on black Toyota Tundra!

 Would gladly drive this beauty around town?

It's finally that magical day of the week again, Friday!

What are you looking forward to most this weekend?
Catching up on some rest? Spending time with your loved ones? Watching the Oscars? Let us know!

Toyota Tundra and Tacoma Pickup Trucks Win U.S. News & World Report's '2013 Best Cars for the Money' Awards

Toyota swept the pickup truck segments in the annual U.S. News & World Report “2013 Best Cars for the Money” awards.  The Tacoma won “Best Compact Truck for the Money” for the second-consecutive year while the Tundra took top honors as the “Best Full Size Truck for the Money.” The awards recognize the top vehicles in their respective segments for their “outstanding value and critical acclaim.”

“Sweeping the pickup truck segment as ‘Best Cars for the Money’ from U.S. News & World Report is a great honor and reflects Toyota’s commitment to quality, durability and reliability, all key ingredients for great value,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “These awards are a tribute to our truck engineering and design teams in Michigan, California, and Japan, and every team member at our Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas plant in San Antonio, where all Tundra’s and most Tacoma’s are assembled.”

According to U.S. News & World Report, the “Best Cars for the Money” awards are based on a methodology that combines quality and value over 21 categories, with the highest composite scores winning each vehicle segment.  Quality is measured through U.S. News car rankings, which compare vehicles on the basis of safety, reliability and a consensus of industry expert’s opinion.  Value is measured by a combination of a vehicle’s five-year total cost of ownership and the average price paid for the vehicle.  

courtesy of toyotanewsroom.com

Fans, find out what amazing things our customer had to say about Toyota Carlsbad!

5-Star Review on DealerRater:

"We have worked with Duff a few times and he has been nothing but professional every time and more than willing to help us out no matter what the problem. To go anywhere else would be crazy and if you put yourself in Duff's hands the experience will be guaranteed to be as painless and stress-free as possible."

Fans, be sure to find out why Charles just made his second purchase from Toyota Carlsbad! We are elated to have such a loyal customer.

4-Star Review on Yelp:

"If you read back I said I would be back within a year. And I came back and took advantage of the Presidents' Day sale and bought a 2010 Prius black with leather and navigation.

The price was agreeable and below kbb which is surprising considering that gas is as expensive as it is right now. My salesman was Mohammad or better none as moe and he did a great job showing me the car and letting me take it on a great test drive.

The car sold itself and the implied reliability, gas savings and just new car niceness(new to me) made the deal a no brainer

Finance gave me a decent interest rate and ok finance terms. It took a bit long to do it though and that is my only gripe. But
It was a holiday weekend but it took hours of my time.

Ill be going to service here soon for coating of my paint and so ill add there. But all in all I had a great experience."

For all of our Toyota Prius fans, we want to know what you think:

Happy Wednesday fans!

We want to ensure that our loyal fans are taking advantage of our exclusive offers!

Hurry in to Toyota Carlsbad! After all, the weather is quickly changing!
Available until February 28, 2013 we would like to provide a Cabin Air Filter Special for ONLY $49.95!

Cabin Air Filter Special $49.95

Plus tax. Ask you service advisor if your vehicle can use charcoal cabin air filters. Prices for charcoal filters are higher. Cannot be applied toward previous purchases. Valid only at Toyota Carlsbad. Cannot be combined with any other specials, discounts, or offers. See Toyota Carlsbad for complete details. Offer expires 02-28-2013

Toyota’s Brands Earn Seven Segment Awards in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study

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Lexus ranks highest in vehicle dependability among all nameplates for the second consecutive year, according to J.D. Power and Associates’ 2013 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).  Among all models, the Lexus RX has the fewest reported problems in the industry.  This is the first time in the history of VDS that a crossover or sport utility vehicle has achieved this distinction.  In addition to the RX, the Lexus ES 350 also won its segment, Entry Premium. 

The Toyota brand ranked third overall in the study and No. 1 among all non-premium brands.  Toyota has three vehicle segment winners: Prius, RAV4 and Sienna, which tops the minivan category for the third consecutive year.  Meanwhile, the Scion xB and xD are each award winners in the compact multi-purpose and subcompact segments, respectively. 

Together, Lexus, Toyota and Scion won seven segment awards, the most of any automaker in 2013.

The study, now in its 24^th year, measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old vehicles.  Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher quality.  This is the first year that there are fewer reported problems for all-new or redesigned models than for carryover models since the study was redesigned in 2009.

 

courtesy of toyotanewsroom.com

Happy Valentine's Day fans! ♥

With all the festive love in the air, we want to know what feature of the Rav4 you instantly fell in love with. ♥

Visit Toyota Carlsbad now for special offers

Don't wait until the weekend, take advantage of Toyota Carlsbad's Pre-Presidents Day Sale, where we have offers on new models like the 2013 Corolla S. Visit http://www.toyotacarlsbad.com/ for more info.

Fans, with Entune® in your Toyota you can access Bing™, listen to iHeartRadio, purchase movie tickets through MovieTickets.com, make dinner reservations with OpenTable®, listen to Pandora® and more & that's just for Valentine's Day.

Toyota, Lexus Are No. 1 and 2 in Kelley Blue Book’s Latest Shopper Loyalty Rankings

Lexus’ loyalty rating increased 9.2 percentage points year-over-year in Kelley Blue Book’s new-car shopper survey for the fourth quarter of 2012, making it No. 1 among luxury auto brands and No. 2 overall.  Toyota was again No. 1 overall for the fifth consecutive quarter.

KBB.com said Lexus was 10 percentage points ahead of the next highest ranking luxury brand, Audi, which was ninth overall.  “One year ago,” it added, “there were only 2 percentage points separating the two brands, so interest in Lexus has significantly increased among new-car shoppers on kbb.com in the last year.”

The website attributed much of Lexus’ gain in shopper interest to the redesign of the GS, ES, RX and LS models.  “Lexus has moved in a bold new direction with its vehicle styling, even creating a signature feature with its unique ‘spindle grille,’ while also catering to financial-minded shoppers for winning the prestigious title of Best Resale Value: Luxury Brand in Kelley Blue Book’s Resale Value Awards,” said Akshay Anand, KBB.com’s market intelligence Web analyst.

 

courtesy of toyotanewsroom.com

The totally redesigned RAV4, the original crossover SUV, is finally here! If you haven't already, check it out:

Valentine's Day is right around the corner!!!

Who can think of the best caption for this sweet photo? ♥

Scion iQ Wins 2013 Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com 5-Year Cost to Own Award

The 2013 Scion iQ earned a 5-Year Cost to Own Award from Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com today in recognition of its lowest projected costs of ownership in the subcompact category.

Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own information is developed usingKelley Blue Book^® Residual Values to calculate depreciation costs for new cars. The analysis also considers costs such as fuel, insurance, maintenance and repair costs.

“Although Scion iQ is small in size, the 2013 Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Award proves it’s big on value,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “For the urban driver looking for maneuverability, impressive fuel economy and style, the iQ is an excellent choice.”

The iQ is equipped with a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 94 horsepower and 89 lb.-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that helps deliver smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. The iQ is rated an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) and achieves an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 37 miles per gallon.

To add even more value, the iQ comes standard with Scion Service Boost, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles whichever comes first, and three years of 24-hour roadside assistance.

courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com

Hey fans! Check out this 5 out of 5 star review written regarding a new car buying experience with Toyota Carlsbad! We love hearing such positive feedback!

5-Star Review on DealerRater:

"Both Rick Bilgrien and Duff Joy were true professionals. Very responsive and friendly. They listened to what I was looking for,found me the vehicle and made the buying process very easy from start to finish. I will be calling them next time I am in the market for another Toyota."

Fans, be sure to read these kind words about the whole car buying experience at Toyota of Carlsbad. What a great way to start off the week!

5-Star Review on DealerRater:

"Having bought 19 cars over 30 years, this was absolutely the easiest and shortest car buying experience I've ever had. Honest, professional, not pushy. I definitely will buy my son a car here when it's time."

Toyota Posts 26.6% Year-Over-Year Gain in January Sales, Nearly Double the Industry Average

January was a good sales month for the auto industry and a great month for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), with total sales of 157,725 Toyota, Scion and Lexus vehicles, up 26.6 percent from the same period a year ago on a raw volume basis – nearly double the industry average. On a daily selling rate basis, TMS sales were up 21.6 percent.

Toyota Division sales jumped up 26.1 percent on a volume basis, Lexus sales leaped 32.1 percent and Scion sales climbed 38.4 percent.  Industry-wide, sales were up about 14.4 percent over a year ago.

Prius and Corolla led the way in the Toyota Division with gains of 36.5 percent for Prius – the top-selling hybrid’s best January ever – and 32.4 percent for Corolla.  Camry sales continued strong, up 12.7 percent over last January, giving the best-selling car in America in 2012 a strong start in 2013. The all-new Avalon completed its first full month of sales up 50.4 percent while the all-new RAV4, which began arriving at dealerships in January, was up 18.2 percent, and every single truck model posted double-digit gains.

“January was a good start to the year for the industry, and a great start for Toyota,” Bill Fay, group vice president and Toyota Division general manager, told journalists in a conference call today.  “We expect continued stability in the economy to bode well for the industry in the months ahead, with pent-up demand and an influx of new models combining to bring people into dealerships.”

Fay also noted that Toyota’s RAV4 Super Bowl commercial with Kaley Cuoco, a star of the hit TV show, “The Big Bang Theory,” has already generated more than nine million views online in just five days. (The commercial can be viewed by click on http://is.gd/pfnX1B.)

In the Lexus Division, car sales led the way with an increase of 60.7 percent over the previous January, and the new ES continues to sell well, said Tim Morrison, vice president of sales and dealer development. 

“The IS world premiere in Detroit was the really big news for us in January,” he continued.  “The webcast of the reveal on Lexus.com and our Facebook page was viewed by more than 600,000 people around the world, in 99 countries from Albania to Zimbabwe.  Early reaction to the vehicle from journalists, customers and dealers has been fantastic. And dealers can’t wait to get it in their showrooms.”

With great inventories of our recently launched vehicles and more exciting vehicles new to come, Morrison added, we expect the momentum to continue.

courtesy of toyotanewsroom.com

Rey was kind enough to leave this amazing review about his recent experience purchasing his dream truck thanks to Toyota Carlsbad! We love hearing such positive feedback from new customers!

5-Star Review on DealerRater:

"After 7 years of waiting I finally got my Toyota Tundra. I was help by Lisa De Bruzzi, She was very knowledgeable about this truck. I gave her a list of wants and demands and I drove home with a supe up floor model that had everything I wanted in it. There was a time when I felt like I was going to walk but her persistents to negoitate with her manager got the price I was looking for. I am very happy with my truck and can't wait to do a Vegas trip in it. Thank you very much Lisa"