Toyota Brands Sweep Consumer Reports Reliability Rankings

Toyota FJ Cruiser among top models in Consumer Reports reliability survey

In another not surprising but still newsworthy report about reliable cars, Toyota brands took the top three spots in the Consumer Reports latest reliability survey, with Scion at number one, Toyota in second place, and Lexus in third.

The 2012 Annual Auto Survey conducted by Consumer Reports was based 800,000 responses from their subscribers about 1.2 million vehicles over the last year. Consumer Reports uses that feedback to predict the future performance of new cars by each brand currently on the market.

This is a repeat for the Scion brand, which also took the top spot in last year’s survey. However, Toyota moved up four places this year, taking the number two spot held by Lexus last year and bumping that brand to number three.

Toyota had 27 different models in the survey and of those, 16 earned the highest reliability ranking in their respective classes. Top finishers included the Toyota Camry hybrid, Venza, FJ Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, and Tundra, as well as the Scion xD and Lexus RX. The Toyota Prius C hybrid took the top spot overall.

"We're pleased with the findings, which reflect actual customer experience, not just reviewer opinion. The results also show how challenging it is to meet ever-higher customer expectations of new technology and in-car connectivity," said Jim Lentz, chief executive of Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.

Toyota Scion of Concord has a huge selection of Toyota and Scion vehicles available for test drive today at our dealership near Charlotte. While the Toyota family of cars is unsurpassed in reliability, the Toyota Certified Pre-Owned program offers extra assurance when buying a used car. Call or visit Toyota Scion of Concord for help in determining the perfect new or used vehicle for your needs.

Toyota Wins Three Spots on Forbes Top Ten Reliable Used Cars List

Toyota Highlander, one of Forbes' most reliable used cars

While driving away from a car lot in a shiny, brand-new car might be tempting, sometimes a reliable used car is the better choice. However, when buying new, there is always risk involved, and Forbes recently addressed that by rating the most reliable used cars, with three Toyota models on the top ten list.

To complete the list, Forbes combined results of Consumer Reports surveys and J.D. Power and Associates studies, choosing cars from the 2008 and 2009 model years that received top scores in powertrain dependability, as well as initial quality surveys and new car reviews. Forbes also conducted their own road tests of each car. The resulting list, comprised of 30% Toyotas, is impressive but not surprising. Forbes introduced them in the article as “the family friendly Toyota Highlander crossover SUV, the budget-minded Yaris subcompact and the fuel-sipping Prius hybrid hatchback.”

The 2008 and 2009 model years of the Toyota Yaris offered both sedan and hatchback versions. The Yaris was also available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, both with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine with 106hp. As a new vehicle option, the 2012 Yaris was updated with a more angular, sporty body style. The Yaris continues to be a comfortable, economical choice for a subcompact car for new car buyers or those looking for a reliable used car.

The Toyota Prius makes the list of reliable used cars, and is also the most recognizable, most popular hybrid car pioneer. Its excellent fuel economy ratings of up to 46 mpg compensate for its slightly higher used-car price than the pre-owned Toyota Yaris. The Prius is equipped with a 1.5L four-cylinder gas/electric engine with 110hp. For buyers in the market for a new vehicle, the 2012 Toyota Prius is still an economical choice, and was also released as a plug-in model that charges in a standard wall outlet.

For their next entry on the most-reliable list, Toyota went big with the Toyota Highlander. The 2008 Toyota Highlander was redesigned to offer more interior space, and was equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine with 270hp. For 2009, a more fuel-efficient 2.7L four-cylinder engine was offered. The Highlander had many available safety and tech features, as well as flexible seating configurations, including an available third-row bench seat in some models. The new 2012 Highlander is competitively priced among competitors, and can be expected to prove as reliable and dependable as the used Highlander.

Toyota of Concord offers a huge selection of Toyota Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, which provides extra confidence in your used car purchase. Benefits of buying a Toyota CertifiedPre-Owned car include the 160-point inspection, roadside assistance, and comprehensive warranty coverage. Call or visit Toyota of Concord for more information or to browse the inventory of reliable used cars and new Toyota vehicles, conveniently located near Charlotte, North Carolina.

Toyota of Concord Customers Say It All!

The service was great and I will use Concord Toyota again. - Henry

I trust Mike in service. He is always truthful and helpful.- Tony

Everyone was very friendly and helpful.- Suzanne

As always the staff is responsive and polite.  The visit is always pleasant.- Harry

Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge to Promote Safe Teen Driving

Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge promotes safe teen driving practices

In 2010, Toyota and Discovery Education partnered to create Toyota Teen Driver, a web site and education program to give driving safety materials to teen drivers, parents, and educators. Today Toyota and Discover Education announced that they are accepting entries for their annual safe-driving video challenge.

In an effort to generate creative ideas to spread the word about safe driving habits for teens, entries are being accepted for the Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge and the Toyota Teen Driver Educators’ Challenge through February 14, 2013.

The top ten original videos from students in grades 9-12 that address ways to make teens safer drivers will be chosen by a panel of experts based on “originality and compelling content.” The final winner will then be chosen by public vote on ToyotaTeenDriver.com. The top three students will be visited in their hometowns by Discovery Channel crews, who will document their stories to air on Discovery web sites and ToyotaTeenDriver.com.

First place in the student challenge will receive $15,000 in cash, second place $10,000 and third place $7,500. A prize of $1,000 will be awarded to the top seven runners-up.

This year, the contest is also open to educators, who are challenged with creating their own plans for keeping teen drivers safe.  The school of the winning teacher will receive a safe-driving assembly, led by Toyota Teen Driving experts, and a virtual driving simulator for driver education. The teacher will also win a $10,000 cash award and a trip for two to Washington D.C for four days, during which they will attend a safe driving conference. The runner-up teacher will win $5,000 in cash for him/herself and the assembly and driving simulator for the school.

According to Toyota, current research indicates 35% of all teen deaths - more than heart disease, homicide, suicide, and cancer combined - are from car accidents. Toyota wants to change that. “At Toyota, we are deeply committed to the notion that everyone deserves to be safe. We are glad to be working with Discovery Education to bring critical safety information to schools and students across the country.  This is an important commitment for Toyota and a vital part of our efforts to help ensure that drivers and passengers are safe at every phase of life,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, Toyota’s group vice president of National Philanthropy and the Toyota USA Foundation.

Toyota Scionof Concord is proud to represent a company that makes the safety of teen drives a high priority. We encourage students and educators in Concord and the Charlotte area to get involved with the Toyota Teen Driver Challenge to become more aware of safe driving practices while having fun and possibly earning some money! We also invite you to our dealership in Concord for a test drive of one of the cars from our selection of safe, reliable vehicles for teen drivers.

Check Out Our Testimonial This Week

Serviced my previous vehicle at this dealership for the past 13 years and plan to continue with the new one.  Excellent service department. Honest, friendly and professional employees. I live in Indian Trail and pass by Scott Clark Toyota to get to Toyota Scion of Concord.  I LOVE this dealership!!!- Brenda

John knew all the vehicles we looked at inside and out, top to bottom.  We were very impressed with his knowledge about the vehicles and his presentation was beyond expectations!!- Myra

Another satisfied customer at Toyota of Concord

Thomas Hopewell was friendly and thorough, as always.  I appreciate the availability of wi-fi (internet) in the waiting area.- John

Completely trust and appreciate the service provided by Mike Sheehan.- Bridget

I was impressed I could drive the car into the garage and a service representative greeted me.  It was extremely clean and well staffed.  A very nice appealing area.- Mavis