That 2.3 million recall would surely hit Toyota hard. That’s on top of 4.3 million that they previously announced.

Sales of the RAV4, Matrix, Camry, Corolla, Avalon, Highlander, Tundra, and Sequioa are all suspended until they can figure out the accelerator pedal problem that has caused the massive recalls.

Toyota initially announced that removing the driver side matting surrounding the pedals is a temporary fix but it appears that the issue is with the accelerator mechanism. Reports of collissions and injuries have already been filed prompting the initial recall.

Just when Toyota is trying to position itself to make a profit this year. Looks like Volkswagen will surely be happy to trim away at Toyota’s lead as the world’s biggest automaker.

For a Toyota fan, this surely is a disheartening. We could all just hope that Toyota gets its act together.

No doubt about it, I’m a Toyota fan. Their mass-production cars might not be the slickest ones to drive for fun, but they will get you around. And they’re virtually indestructible. Selling my old Corolla and swapping it with my now junk of a Sentra has got to be one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made.

But thanks to the accelerator problem that affects 4.3 million vehicles, Toyota’s reputation of dependability has now been tarnished quite badly.

Now, Toyota announced that it will be recalling around 2.3 million vehicles in the US to fix the problem. Mind you that this is separate from the initial 4.3 million that they’ve already recalled last year. Toyota claimed that it was initially a floor mat problem but reports have been sent in that the accelerator pedals keep sticking even without the mats.

The vehicles included in this round of recall: 2005-’10 Avalon, 2007-’10 Camry , 2009-’10 Corolla, 2010 Highlander, 2009-’10 Matrix, 2009-’10 RAV4, 2008-’10 Sequoia and 2007-’10 Tundra.

US owners can call Toyota at 800-331-4331.

One of the dangers of mass production is the loss of quality. Compound this with the issue of joint manufacturing and you have not one but two companies potentially sharing the same problems. While I still am a strong Toyota fan, I am quite alarmed by the number of recalls they have to make due to defects. And this doesn’t effect just Toyota, it affects GM too.

Toyota and GM issued a recall of 660,000 vehicles – combined total of 2003-2004 Toyota Matrices (how do you pluralize the Matrix anyway), Corollas and Pontiac vibes due to faulty bolts that keep the glass on the two front doors intact. Just faulty bolts and 660,000 vehicles affected. Tsk.

So far, the company received 500 complaints with a few claiming injuries. Any time a faulty device causes injuries, car makers should be more than on their toes for addressing the problem.

Source: Autoblog

Three Toyota posts in a row. Maybe I’m just missing driving a Toyota. Anyway, on to the news.

The Toyota Matrix is the Japanese auto-maker’s offering for those looking for compact hatch. And since hatches are quite hot for the past year, that means the Matrix faces some stiff competition in this segment with the likes of the Mazda3 and even the hatch Ford Focus. So what has the Matrix got to offer?

The all-new 2009 model was made with the thought of blending the functionality of an SUV, the style of a sporty hatch at the price of a subcompact sedan. We’ve seen it unveiled in last year’s SEMA show but it will only hit showrooms after Valentine’s Day on Feb. 15.

The Matrix would come in three different trim level The Standard will be equipped with the 1.8L 2ZR-FE (132 hp) while the S and XRS trime levels will find 2.4L 2AZ-FE (158hp) engines under their hoods. The Standard would come in either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The S and XRS will come either in manual or 5-speed auto. Both engines are equipped with Toyota’s VVT-i technology.

Definitely, as a marketing ploy, dealerships can offer you a whole lot of options starting from entertainment packages to power mechanisms. ABS and traction control are standard.

Source: Toyota

Toyota released the news about the 2008 Matrix debut at the SEMA show a while back but Toyota fans got more than just viewing a stock Matrix. The guys from Toyota decided that showcasing a Matrix rally concept is would be more of a treat and they’re quite right.

Hot hatches are back and this is quite the trend for rally cars too. The Suzuki SX4, the Subaru WRC, the Ford Focus, the Peugeot 307 Rally… At this rate, it’s just the Evo that will still be featuring a full boot.

So the Matrix rally concept is a hot hatch. What makes it special? Well, as far as one can tell from the exterior, you get the standard modifications with the fenders, chins, skirts, scoops, and wing – typical stuff you’d expect of rally versions. But what’s interesting is the addition of a front-mount intercooler that works with a supercharger strapped on the 2.4L engine for the Matrix. Oh yes, and there’s the upgraded brakes, tires, and suspensions for the tough challenges of rallying.

More details are expected soon.

Toyota will showcasing the 2009 Corolla and Matrix in the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show at the end of next month in Vegas. It will be the first time that the US will be seeing these two new cars showcased to the public.

The Corolla has endured the test of time as the top selling sedan. For many parts of the world, the Corolla has been the symbol of the badge’s reliability and dependability. Almost 40 years since first brought to America, the Corolla remained a favorite ride by many. However, with all of the different trends in the car market today, we could now ask whether or not the Corolla will stay on top of the sales rankings. Still, I do believe that the continued patronage to name will endure.

Together with the Corolla, the new Matrix will also be showcased in SEMA. This product of the collaboration between Toyota and GM, the compact hatch filled in the gap ever since Toyota stopped making wagon versions of the Corolla.

Source: Toyota