venza

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

2020 Toyota Venza goes on Lotus diet

Lotus Engineering has been known to show the rest of the automotive industry a thing or two about making vehicles faster, more efficient, or both. Its improvements often involve its core tenant of "adding lightness," so it's no surprise that Lotus' most recent study involves taking a vehicle and trimming the fat. For this study, Lotus used the Toyota Venza as a benchmark vehicle for a theoretical 2020 ultralight model and shaves 38 percent of the crossover's mass--excluding the power train--by applying the lessons it's learned in designing the Elise, Exige, and Evora sports cars. … Read more

XM available as factory-equipped option on new Toyota and Lexus models

Sirius XM Radio announced that the XM Satellite Radio service is now available as factory-equipped standard equipment on 2010 Camry vehicles with premium audio, while model year 2010 Camry vehicles with standard audio will continue to offer XM service as a dealer-installed option.

XM Satellite Radio will also launch as a factory-installed option on many other Toyota vehicles throughout 2009. The company estimates the number of Toyota vehicles on the road by the end of 2009 available with XM Satellite Radio will exceed one million.

In addition to XM Satellite Radio, XM NavTraffic will be standard equipment on all Camry … Read more

108: We have the hottest cars fresh from the Geneva auto show

GM associated with the B word again, we have the hottest cars from the Geneva auto show, BMW wants their car keys to work like credit cards, figuring out the Toyota Venza.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

SHOW NOTES

• CNET's Geneva auto show coverage

• Toyota Venza review

• Just try to dent an Aptera 2e

• Electric charging station map

• Artificial intelligence coming to BMW navigation?

• Best Buy to sell Enertia motorcycle?

Toyota Venza AWD V-6 review

At first we found the 2009 Toyota Venza to be a bit off-putting, with its genre-bending form factor. After a week with the Venza AWD V-6, we're convinced that Toyota has hit upon an interesting sweet spot between SUV utility and sedan livability.

Once seated in its spacious cabin, we found even more to like about the Venza, including an impressive cabin tech package that features Bluetooth A2DP audio streaming and a clever center console cable-management system that had us all asking, "Why didn't I think of that?"

Make the jump to check out our full … Read more

2009 Toyota Venza preview

Toyota invited us out to preview its new for 2009 Venza. Billing the Venza as "car-optimized," Toyota downright refuses to call it a wagon or a crossover. Curiously, Toyota expects the Venza to be compared with the Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7, and Nissan Murano, all of which are crossovers. They say you're judged by the caliber of your enemies, so I guess that makes the Venza a crossover as well.

Whatever you call it, the Venza is an interesting vehicle. It rides almost like a Camry, but with carrying capabilities that are just shy of the Highlander. … Read more