sienna

Toyota recalls 52,000 older Prius models in the U.S.

Toyota today announced a voluntary safety recall of about 52,000 2001 through 2003 Prius models in the U.S. to replace the electric power-steering pinion shaft attachment nuts.

According to Toyota, there is a possibility that the nuts securing the pinion shaft in the steering gear box assembly may become loose "if the steering wheel is repeatedly and strongly turned to the full-lock position."

The driver could, over time, notice that more effort is needed in steering when making a left turn, the company said.

Toyota dealers will make the necessary repairs, free of charge, by installing … Read more

Consumer Reports rate some Japanese used cars as 'more reliable'

In the market for a used car? Here's some good news. Consumer Reports today released its list of used cars that rate as more reliable than their brand-new counterparts.

The Consumer Reports' Annual Auto issue lists 11 2008 models with about the same or even fewer problems than comparable 2010 models. That list includes the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser and Yaris with a reported 11 and 12 problems per 100 vehicles, respectively. Although Consumer Reports reveals the average 2010 car had 13 problems per 100. Consumer Reports did not rate the FJ Cruiser and Yaris with high in road … Read more

Toyota debuts Swagger Wagon Supreme stretched Sienna concept

Toyota must be getting sick of people calling it dull, because for sheer absurdity, no vehicle we saw at the 2010 SEMA Show impressed like Toyota's Swagger Wagon Supreme concept. Based on the new 2011 Sienna, this stretched out concept takes moving people to the next level.

The Swagger Wagon Supreme features a wheelbase that's been stretched by 44 inches, creating much more room for people and gadgets, but essentially retaining its seven-seat configuration. From the front seats to about the tailgate, the Sienna's carpet has been replaced with wood flooring. The second row captain's chairs … Read more

Car Tech Live 173: Giving the Nissan Leaf a voice (podcast)

GM recalls one and a half million cars, Audi puts 62 speakers in a Q7, Nissan makes the Leaf noisy, and we check out the back of a Toyota Sienna minivan.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 173 SHOW NOTES

• Nissan Leaf brings the noise

• iPhone app shows real-time traffic images

• GM Will Deactivate Heated Washer Fluid Systems

• VW unveils affordable all-new Jetta

• Clear Channel Readies Predictive Traffic Service

2011 Toyota Sienna packs two monitors in one

This week the 2011 Toyota Sienna debuted at the LA Auto Show and while the minivan's new Venza-esque aesthetic, 3.5- and 2.7-liter power trains, and available all-wheel drive are, well, kind of interesting, we're most intrigued by the new Dual View rear seat entertainment system.

Folding down from its hiding place in the Sienna's ceiling, the Dual View display appears to be a superwide 16.4-inch display. However, it is actually two smaller displays seamlessly butted against each other in one frame.

When watching a single source, the Dual View displays a single image. Choose … Read more