camry thrill ride

Is Toyota’s sudden improvement too late for sedans?

June 14, 2018 David Zatz 0

Toyota, one of the world’s largest seller of sedans and hatchbacks, has just introduced a new “TNGA” platform/architecture that spans from the Prius to Lexus ES (in order of gas mileage). By doing that, Toyota transformed the feel and performance of the aged, cheapened Camry and the Corolla beyond recognition. The […]

Toyota stick shift

Toyota’s quiet transmission changes

March 23, 2018 David Zatz 0

Toyota announced two new transmissions today, quietly, as part of an otherwise fairly dull release on the Toyota Corolla Hatchback née Scion iM. First is the new K120 CVT — a continuously variable transmission, but not purely driven by belts or bands. Now, Toyota has included a special launch gear […]

Why does Toyota want to be what it isn’t?

February 15, 2018 David Zatz 0

In the United States, Toyota was most successful when it mercilessly copied General Motors. The Camry was specifically tuned for American tastes, using, among other things, former General Motors engineers. The first Avalon interior was practically a carbon copy of a past Chevrolet.  For a time, ironically, Toyota sold the Corolla […]

toyota corolla led headlights

Corolla: it’s not what you’d think

February 7, 2018 David Zatz 0

Enthusiasts love to hate the Toyota Corolla, a compact car whose reliability has kept it popular through thick and thin. They complain that it’s “just an appliance,” a car without zip or fun, even as Toyota has tried various tricks to make the car at least look sporty. Are they […]