Los Angeles and Detroit are two of the largest auto shows in North America, but automakers often save some big news for Chicago. From a new little diesel to a Superman sedan, big man van, and Texas-sized truck, there was a lot to see at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, which wrapped up last week. Here are some of the highlights:

2014 Chevy Cruze Turbo Diesel
Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI gets company. Chevy is shoving a 2.0-liter diesel engine — which delivers 148 horsepower and 258 ft-lbs of torque — into the compact Cruze. In combination with low-rolling-resistance tires, rear spoiler, and lightweight 17” alloys, the engine enables 42 mpg highway. 0-60 mph arrives in 8.6 seconds. Prices will start at $25,695.

2014 Toyota Tundra
Not to be left behind, Toyota debuted its new Texas-built pickup. Bold exteriors accompany luxurious interiors with available saddle brown leather, JBL audio, Entune infotainment, heated/cooled seats, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Drivers will choose from a V6 and two V8 engines, delivering up to 381 horsepower.

2013 Nissan Nismo Juke
Nissan’s in-house tuner works over the Juke with a race-inspired exterior, sport-tuned suspension, and firmer steering. Interiors feature bolstered suede seats with red stitching. Whether owners choose front- or all-wheel-drive, they’ll enjoy a 197 horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-four engine. Pricing wasn’t announced, but sales begin in March.

2014 Ram ProMaster
Developed from the Fiat Ducato, this unibody front-drive Ram will become a staple of contractors and delivery services and could give the Ford Transit Connect a run for its hard-earned money. Doors are wide enough for pallets. Under the hood is a 174 hp, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel or 280 hp 3.6-liter V6. Bluetooth, hands-free texting, web access, and navigation aid drivers. Sales begin this fall.

Kia Cross GT Concept
Peter Schreyer’s design studios created another stunner. Penned in Frankfurt, but built in California, it previews a next-generation crossover. Motivation comes from a 400 hp V6 hybrid system with AWD, enabling 20 miles of all-electric range. A hexagonal glass skylight, leather tanned with veggie oil, and walnut trim the interior. (Ed. note: Kia is not a gay-friendly automaker)

2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR
Inspired by a ‘70s Beetle of the same name, the GSR will echo its predecessor with yellow paint, black accents, and large rear spoiler. Interiors boast Fender audio, sunroof, alloy pedals, and a stopwatch (!). The 210 hp 2.0-liter turbo-four and 19” alloys should deliver peppy performance. A limited allotment of 3500 units arrives this fall, pricing TBD.

2013 Dodge Mopar Dart
Outfitted with Mopar accessories, this special Dart wears black paint with blue stripes, 18” gloss black alloys, spoilers, Katskin blue leather driver’s seat, and industry-first wireless smartphone charging. A lowered suspension, premium brakes, and Fiat-sourced 1.4-liter turbo engine enhance performance. Production is limited to 500 cars.

Ford Fiesta ST Racer
Ford has been a contender in almost every racing series over the decades, and will continue in the Global RallyCross Championship, including five North American events, with a special Fiesta ST that previews the coming launch of a production version. The cars will be expertly driven during 2013 by Tanner Foust, Brian Deegan, and Ken Block.

Superman-themed Kia Optima Hybrid
The Optima Hybrid is already a superhero for Kia sales, but a partnership with DC Entertainment created this special car to help raise money for the “We Can Be Heroes” campaign to alleviate drought and famine in Africa. Widened fenders, adjustable suspension, and Superman color scheme gave the car super powers in Kia’s stand. (Ed. note: Kia is not a gay-friendly automaker)

The restyled fourth-generation Toyota RAV4 will begin arriving on our shores at the end of this month. The RAV4, which is credited with creating the compact crossover segment, returns with a totally restyled exterior and interior, as well as a new six-speed transmission and other refinements to a largely carried-over platform.

The overall dimensions of the 2013 RAV4 are very similar to its predecessor — same wheelbase, total length down two inches, overall height down about an inch and width reduced by .04 of an inch. However, the three-row version is gone, and the new generation is offered only as a five passenger vehicle in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited. Both FWD and All Wheel Drive versions are offered.

The RAV4′s exterior has been totally restyled and is generally consistent with the look of current Toyota passenger car offerings. The front end is much more aerodynamic and also more carlike than its predecessor: the RAV4 may have started the Tonka Truck club, but it’s now much more Camry than Tundra. This means upright truck grilles and high hood lines have given way to curves and improved aerodynamics. The look is pleasing and sophisticated, and far less truck-inspired than before.

The biggest change on the exterior comes in the rear, where the cargo door has given way to a top-hinged rear liftgate, and the iconic outside-mounted spare has disappeared beneath the rear cargo floor. Score one for focus groups, but the result is a less distinctive design and diminished brand continuity: from the back it could be a Kia or an Audi. That aspect aside, the overall effect of the styling is contemporary and pleasant. It’s a handsome member of a crowded class, though not a standout.

Seventeen inch steel wheels are standard on the new RAV4, the XLE gets 17-inch alloys, and the Limited rolls on twin-spoke 18-inch alloys. A great deal of attention has been paid to airflow, including tailored corners, smooth-edged fascias, and even restyled front fender liners that maximize efficiency. The overall drag coefficient has been lowered from .334 to .329, which makes the RAV4 quieter as well as more fuel efficient.

But for all that, the real drama is on the inside, where the changes are impressive. The RAV4′s entire interior has been redesigned and taken upscale: the instrument panel has a baby Lexus feel, the materials are all soft to the touch, the sharpness of the steering column angle has been reduced, and the overall effect is very carlike.

The seats themselves are redesigned with a slim front seatback that improves rear knee room, and the rearward adjustment has been increased by .8 inches. LE and XLE models have cloth trim, but the Limited stands out here with hide-like SofTex trim and a two-toning pattern they call “Color Block”, which introduces an accent color to the seats, dash, and door panels. The effect ranges from subtle to outstanding: the Terra Cotta scheme is an attention-getter, the beige and gray much more subtle, and there is still a monochromatic black for those allergic to fashion. French stitching on the seats and instrument panels are also included on the XLE and Limited models, as well as a power moonroof.

The redesigned dash continues with Toyota’s current theme of spreading out in a horizontal fashion and raising the display screen as high as possible. Speaking of the screen, it’s a 6.1 inch color display with backup camera, HVAC, and audio integrated, and it comes standard on all models. The XLE and Limited offer optional integrated Navigation with Sirius/XM radio, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, advanced voice recognition and Text to speech capabilities, as well as Toyota’s Entune multimedia system with Bing, iHeart radio,and Pandora. Advanced JBL audio is also available on the Limited.

Safety has been given attention too, with eight standard airbags consisting of driver and front passenger, driver’s knee and passenger seat cushion, front seat side-mounted, and side-curtain airbags for front and rear passengers. If you’re getting the impression that a whole lot of attention has been paid to the look and feel of the interior, then you get it. With the recent influx of redesigned compact crossovers on the market, Toyota decided to step up its interior game.

As mentioned above, the RAV4′s basic platform has been retained, with a few changes made. The V6 offering was dropped, leaving the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the sole power plant. It develops 176 HP and 172 ft-lbs of torque, and is mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission with three drive modes — Standard, Sport, and ECO — and a “Flex-Start” locking Torque Converter.

The result of these changes is improved fuel economy. The FWD is rated at 24 mpg city/ 31 mpg highway / 26 combined, while the AWD is rated at 22/29/25, or only one mile per gallon less than the FWD. That’s a two mpg improvement for the FWD and one mpg better as an AWD. With the V6 gone, and no talk of hybrid or diesel power, it looks like Toyota’s game plan is to extract the maximum efficiency from the RAV4′s 2.5-liter four and not try and address every niche in the marketplace.

One chassis statistic worth noting is ground clearance, which is now 6.2 inches, down 1.2 inches from last year. Again we see how much more carlike the RAV4 has become.

There are no surprises when you turn the key. The RAV4 is smooth, comfortable, and above all, carlike. There are no rough edges remaining. The engine is Toyota-smooth, of course, and adequately powerful. The six-speed automatic is most entertaining in Sport mode, and there are genuine differences in its behavior when ECO is selected. The seats are supportive and comfortable, the handling is predicable, and the ride is smooth. It would be an excellent choice for a cross country adventure. I did have the opportunity to take the AWD offroad briefly, and it seemed competent, but bear in mind we were in Scottsdale, not Moab, and this little cruiser is more suited for climbing the Beverly Hills.

It’s pretty evident under hard acceleration that the RAV4 is a four-cylinder vehicle, and in those moments you’ll click your heels together and wish for a turbo variant, but otherwise it’s quite smooth and effortless. The steering is noteworthy because although I generally hate electronic power steering, the engineers at Toyota have managed to increase feedback into the system (remember when we used to call it road feel?) and the result is an electronic system that isn’t a trip down Novocaine Lane.

In sum: the car that created the compact crossover craze has finally crossed over. Think of it as a tall, fuel efficient car that will haul all of the drag bags you can throw at it. Its strongest suits are a luxuriously appointed interior and Toyota reliability. Priced from $24,145 for the base LE to $29,255 for an AWD Limited, it should give the new kids on the block a run for their money.

2013 Toyota RAV4
Five-passenger FWD/ AWD crossover
Powertrain: 2.5-liter, four-cylinder VVT, six-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy- 24/31 FWD, 22/29 AWD
Suspension F/R- Ind/ Trailing arm
Wheels 17″/17″ steel (LE), 17′/17″ alloy (XLE), 18′/18′ alloy (Limited)
Brakes: disc/disc f/r with ABS
Must have features: Upscale interior, standard back up cam, legendary reliability
Base Price Range- $24,145 LE / $29,255 Limited AWD

We’ve seen the joke a million times: straight man walks into bar. Straight man sees attractive woman from behind. Straight man steps behind said woman and feeds her some cheesy pickup line. Woman turns around to reveal that she’s a transsexual or a drag queen or a transvestite or an unusually curvy guy.

“Ha ha ha,” says absolutely no one, because the punch line was visible from a mile away. And it’s not much of a punch line anyway.

We’re happy to report that Toyota has taken that same, tired set-up and done something very, very different.

In a new, Japanese ad for the Toyota Auris, a camera tracks a leggy blonde. She’s wearing nothing but a bikini bottom and an open jacket, which she sheds halfway through.

She looks like a runway model as we watch her from behind. We assume she’s one of those tall, stunning Ukranian women who swim in a different gene pool than most mortals. A reverse-shot of her geometrically perfect face confirms our suspicions — or so we think.

Then she reaches the Auris, turns around, and crosses her arms, revealing a flat chest and a noticeable bulge in the bikini. This is clearly a man.

However, we’re right about one thing: the model is Ukranian — 19-year-old Stav Strashko.  We don’t know if Strashko is gay, but given that Ukraine is considering a bill to outlaw Spongebob Squarepants because he’s (allegedly) a boy-kisser, let’s hope that Strashko makes his home someplace more tolerant.

[UPDATE: Although several sources have said that the model, Stav Strashko, is Ukranian, that's only the country of his birth. In this behind-the-scenes video, Strashko clearly says that he's from the very LGBT-friendly city of Tel Aviv, Israel -- something he clarifies on his Tumblog. And yep, he's gay.]

What’s interesting about the Auris ad is that it’s not funny. Strashko stares us down, daring us to reconsider our preconceptions. There’s no laugh at the end, just a lingering threat.

What’s a major automaker like Toyota doing running this kind of clip? What is the company trying to say to consumers? Has the androgyny of anime finally infiltrated Japanese advertising? Could this kind of ad ever work in the U.S.?

Have a look, and let us know your thoughts:

[via Autoblog & Jonno.com]

Happy July, y’all! We’re packing our pic-a-nic baskets and preparing to head out for the Independence Day festivities, but before we bolt, we thought we’d share some nifty statistics with you. (Because we’re nerds, even on holidays.)

On Sunday, we dug deep into Gaywheels’ data mines and extracted a list of our top ten posts for the first half of 2012. We’re happy to say that Gaywheels’ list of Gay-Friendly Automakers still holds the #1 spot, but below that, it was nothing but car reviews for as far as the eye could see. Sounds like some of you may be in the mood to buy …

And so, without further ado, here’s a list of the ten most popular posts on Gaywheels so far this year. Stay tuned: we may be asking you some questions about your current ride very soon!

1. 2011 VW Golf GTI vs. 2011 VW Golf TDI
2. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO
3. 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
4. 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum
5. 2007 Nissan Quest
6. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
7. 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe: Test Drive
8. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze: Big Bang For Bargain Bucks
9. 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI
10. 2012 Toyota Prius C: Sex Doesn’t Always Sell

I’m driving the Toyota Prius c in Florida and thinking about lunch, and the gorgeous stretch of beach off to my right, and also the fact I should hit the gym because beach season is almost here. Basically, I’m doing exactly what most owners of the Prius c will do: not think about the driving dynamics. The smallest member of the Prius family tree allows you to focus on other things, like its 53/46-mpg average during city and highway driving. Or how to gain six-pack abs in time for summer.

The Prius c is approximately 18 inches shorter and 500 lbs. lighter than the standard Prius. While the styling is contemporary and kind of cute, this 4-door hatchback doesn’t exactly stand out in a crowd. It’s the hybrid for people who don’t need the world to know they’re driving a hybrid. It might not earn you green street-cred in the Whole Foods parking lot, but that’s probably okay for most people. And apparently it is, since Prius c sales were red hot in March, with 4,875 sold in only its first month on the market.

Room onboard is spacious for a car in this segment, and a split folding rear seat bumps the cargo capacity when you need more than the 17.1 cu. ft. on offer. Plastic — far too much of it from the cheap side of the automotive spectrum — is the dominant (and pretty much only) theme inside. Frankly, the Prius c materials feel a step below the competition. The gauge cluster, mounted in the middle of the dashboard, proved especially annoying; in particular, the miniscule screen that relays fuel economy and gas savings is way too small. I wear pretty thick glasses, granted, but at 33 years old, I shouldn’t have to impersonate Mr. Magoo when checking my MPGs.

Ride and handling is fine, the Prius c is reasonably nimble in town — though it did feel less planted during a short stretch of the highway. Other online reviews have labeled the car as feeling ‘sporty.’ Sorry folks, not sure what you’ve been driving lately, but I don’t see it. The Prius c is fairly well mannered and easy to park, that’s pretty much par for the course in this segment. The 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor work seamlessly, earning the Prius c major points for powertrain refinement. But it sure isn’t quick: the run from 0-60 mph takes about 11 seconds. Top speed is 105 mph, in case you really take top speed into consideration when buying a hybrid.

The Prius c meets most driving expectations, drops the ball big time in terms of cabin appointments, and claws its way back with impressive fuel mileage. The starting price of $19,710 is pretty steep, especially when the base price of the standard Prius is $24,760. That’s a savings of $5-grand, however, a Chevrolet Sonic or Ford Fiesta hatchback both start around $15,000, while averaging 35-mpg (Sonic) and 38-mpg (Fiesta) on the highway. It’ll take a lot of mileage before your Prius c makes up that kind of price difference based on savings at the fuel pump.

Toyota builds a car to replace your iPhone.

Do you think Apple’s legal department buys into the theory that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? We sure hope so, if only for the sake of Toyota’s totally wacky Fun-Vii Concept, shown this week during the Tokyo Auto Show. This three-passenger vehicle looks more like the lovechild of a mouse-pad and iPhone than any Toyota we’ve seen.

Toyota says the Fun-Vii offers “the ultimate in personalization,” since both the interior and exterior are completely customizable. The entire vehicle body can be used as a display space. That seems perfect for businesses that want to show ads and contact info. Though you can’t help but wonder how this technology might be used for less, shall we say, business-oriented messaging.

Someone cuts you off on the highway, or there’s a hottie in the car next to you at a stoplight…we’ll let you conjure up the type of images you’ll start downloading for display. Toyota has not said whether or not the displays can be altered while in motion.

Things only get weirder once you fire up the navigation system. A 3-D holographic image, a “navigation concierge” according to Toyota, pops up to assist you with directions and other guidance functions. The Fun-Vii is also capable of linking its network to other vehicles and infrastructure, allowing for everything from blind spot assistance to connecting your vehicle with friends driving nearby.

And you thought a mobile phone was a driving distraction?

This year at the New York International Auto Show, the theme we repeatedly heard more than any other was fuel economy—or to be more precise, 40 mpg fuel economy. Auto makers, both foreign and domestic, rolled out a number of high-mileage cars that promise to help us all fight the pain of four and five dollar a gallon gasoline. But, there was also excitement in New York with sporty concepts and luxurious land yachts peppering the Javits Center halls. Although we’ve listed a small sampling of our favorites here, you can see all the cars for yourself April 22-May 1 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. For more information, visit www.AutoShowNY.com.

2012 Subaru Impreza
A reworked Subaru Impreza Sedan and Hatchback receive more angular sheetmetal, a much needed interior upgrade including more front and rear-seat legroom, and a new 2.0-liter boxer engine teamed to either a manual or CVT automatic transmission. That last bit of information is crucial to the Impreza’s story, as Subaru is promising cars equipped with the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) will see 36 miles-per-gallon, making the 2012 Impreza the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive car in America.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle
The new 2012 Beetle is set to hit VW showrooms this fall, and what a splash it will make! While still recognizable as the iconic VW coupe, the 2012 VW Beetle is a bit longer and less rounded than the last model; it’s also much more athletic and muscular. Beetle fans can choose between three engines: a 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine, a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (the same found in the sporty GTI.) Both manual and automatic transmissions, including VW’s DSG dual-clutch automatic, will be available. Pricing has not yet been announced, but rumor has it that the 2012 Beetle will start under $20,000.

2012 Audi A7 Sportback
Joining the small but steady proliferation of what are being dubbed “four-door coupes”, the A7 also incorporates the best attributes of a wagon as well. Surprise guest Stephen Colbert appeared on stage, partially to help launch the new car and partially to announce his collaboration with Audi in the Charleston Bermuda sailing race. All jokes aside, the A7 is a stunning car with a fastback like rear end that, though not quite as obvious as the BMW 5GT’s rear, is certainly more handsome than the Porsche Panamera. Models will include gasoline and diesel engines, as well as Audi’s famed quattro all-wheel drive.

2013 Ford Taurus
Ford continues to make small but significant improvements to its biggest sedan, proving that the company is no longer content to sit by and watch foreign competitors overtake its newest models. In addition to its standard 3.5-liter V6, the 2013 Ford Taurus will offer an available 237-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine that will deliver V6-like power with impressive fuel efficiency. The addition of the 2.0-liter turbo marks the second EcoBoost engine offered in the Taurus line, the other being the 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 in the Taurus SHO. Other changes in store for the 2012 Taurus include a new front fascia with electrically operated grille slats that help reduce aerodynamic drag when closed, LED tail lights, and the addition of Ford’s MyTouch configurable gauge cluster.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is treated to a sporty new makeover that, when viewed from behind, makes the sedan appear almost like a four-door Camaro. While more curves have been added to the Malibu’s sheetmetal, dash and wheel arches, the front end seems to have missed the boat, retaining a more angular appearance with strong ties to the previous model. Inside, a new instrument panel includes cool grooved bars that mimic the flamboyant old dashes from the 50s and 60s, as well as more interior room and a stunning attention to detail. We flat out love this interior. The biggest news, however, is the addition of the Malibu ECO, which uses GM’s eAssist electric motor generator to assist the gasoline engine, returning an estimated 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.

2012 Hyundai Accent
Hyundai has been on a tear lately, and the new Accent is proof the Korean car company is showing no signs of slowing down. The lightweight Accent looks great, comes loaded with features, yet will probably barely reach the $17,000 mark with all the bells and whistles. Better yet, Hyundai is promising 40 mpg highway when either the manual or automatic transmission is paired with the 138-horsepower gasoline direct injection (a first in this segment) 2.0-liter engine; figures like these also mean the Accent bests the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and Mazda Mazda2 in both horsepower and fuel economy.

2012 Honda Civic
The previous Civic ran for five years with only minor changes and still looks as fresh and modern as the day it was launched. Not wanting to tempt fate, the all-new 2012 Honda Civic doesn’t venture too far from the successful formula that helped make the last Civic a perennial best seller. While the basic size and shape are familiar, the exterior is now a bit more vivid, with added dimensional sculpting on the hood, trunk and sides. There are a total of seven Civic models, including the sporty Si, Eco-friendly Hybrid, and the luxurious EX; this year also marks the return of the fuel-efficient HF trim. Our own Nick Kurczewski will have a full write up on the new Civic soon, so check back for his in-depth review.

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8
Hot on the heels of the new 300 sedan comes its sinister alter-ego, the SRT8. Still smooth and stylish, the Chrysler 300 SRT8’s massive HEMI V8 engine, which is good for 465 horsepower, can rocket this big sedan from 0-60 mph in the four second range. Talk about your ticket magnet! Also debuted were two new 300 trims: the S trim is endowed with a more urban, youthful appearance, while the C Executive line is designed to be the must luxurious 300 model ever.

Favorite Concepts
Concept cars are only dreams formed in metal and plastic (and sometimes clay). But, dreams do come true, which is why we have our fingers crossed for these two concept beauties

Scion FR-S
This car finally delivers on Scion’s promise of a youthful, aggressive and fun-to-drive coupe that anyone can afford. The FR-S features a 2.0-liter boxer engine, rear-wheel drive and a lightweight body with a nearly 50/50 front to rear weight distribution. But it’s the styling that really gets us. WOW.

Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class
Fun, smart and small are not adjectives normally attributed to Mercedes-Benz cars, but this little concept could very well change all that. If MB does it right (and prices it right), the A-Class Concept could be the car that finally pulls in the super cool, super young buyers that have long alluded the German luxury car giant.

PRIUS POWER

By Casey Williams

Despite all of the Prius’ supposed run-away dreams in California and elsewhere, the high-tech wonder from Japan continues its reign as the best-selling hybrid of all time, with over 1.3 million sold to date. Ten years ago, it defined what a practical four-door high-efficiency car could be. Now in its third-generation, the Toyota Prius still rides on top of the segment it created.

I drove two versions of that original model. It was a good car, but lived on the edge of what was acceptable on the freeway. It was also small and had a tiny trunk. The second-generation model was a dream by comparison — and one of my favorite cars of all time. It kept the cool factor, but added a hatchback, fold-down seats, roomy interior, and peaceful controls. I averaged 42mpg hauling myself through the mountains of Tennessee at 80mph. The latest edition is even more efficient, but has enough power to surprise some sport coupe drivers.
  
Toyota developed a more powerful 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that mates with a continuously variable transmission and electric batteries/motor in the hybrid system. The gas engine produces 98 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, but when combined with the electric system, generates 134 horsepower – about 24 HP more than the previous model. Toyota claims the mid-size sedan can zip from 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds, and when driven more conservatively, achieve 51/48-MPG city/highway.
  
Power to the Prius!
 
As a “full” hybrid, the 2010 Toyota Prius can run on the gas engine alone, batteries alone, or use a combination of both for the ultimate efficiency. The car can creep short distances through traffic without burning fossils and is never plugged in. Batteries are recharged through the brakes and by using excess power from the engine. While the new Prius has three power modes — EV, Eco, and Power — it can only run as an EV for less than a mile, under 10mph. Eco mode causes the Prius to behave much like previous models, straining every ounce of energy from its drivetrain. When you’re feeling spunky, press the Power button to make the throttle more responsive and the Prius almost fun to drive. 
  
To discover the 2010 Prius’ inner athlete, step on the gas, and put the Prius into a hard corner. The car is infinitely more fun to drive than the previous model. Optional 17″ wheels and low-profile tires look great and enhance the car’s cornering grip. Four-wheel disc brakes and electronic stability control also help. On the flip side, the bigger wheels and stiff suspension will shake the jiggles out of everything inside the Prius over rough roads. I might skip the upgrades and go for the standard wheels with more absorbent tires.
  
Beyond comparable fuel economy ratings are possible in part from the Prius’ famous shape. Designers updated the previous car’s styling by moving the roof peak back 3.9 inches, giving rear passengers more headroom. You might also notice the sharper corners, which part and unite the wind more effectively, lowering the car’s coefficient of drag from 0.26 to 0.25. LED headlamps and taillights use less energy and look great on the hyper-futuristic Prius. The car’s shape is almost as famous as the VW Beetle’s; Toyota designers were right not to mess with it much.
  
Slide inside and you’ll have no doubt that the Prius was designed for the next decade. It continues tradition with a center mounted digital speedometer below the windshield while adding a diagram to show in real time where power is coming and going. The dashboard flows down into a flying bridge panel that includes the audio, climate, and gear controls. There is plenty of space for large drinks, phones, etc. iPODs can be connected to the vehicle with an AUX jack in the console, but unfortunately a USB was not deemed necessary — a BIG omission for a car this advanced. Lane keep assist (provides steering resistance to keep drivers from accidentally crossing lanes), dynamic (radar) cruise control to maintain a set distance, heated leather seats, steering wheel buttons for audio/climate controls, JBL speakers, auto up/down windows, and voice controls for the navigation system are all available.
  
Over the course of the past ten years, Toyota completely re-thought and re-engineered the automobile. Many competitors have followed, and more are coming, but to most people, Prius = Hybrid. At the end of my first review ten years ago, I stated, “The Prius is no toy showcase. It IS a real car, and a very enjoyable one at that.”  I couldn’t describe the newest one better myself. Competitors include the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid.

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Our dealer locator is one of our most valuable tools on Gaywheels.com and we are going to begin featuring dealers as they become listed as Premium Gaywheels.com Dealers on the site. Remember, if you see a dealer listing that is activated with hyperlinks, mapping functionality and an email address, that dealer is actively supporting your community by advertising with us.

It is very important that we as a community support the businesses that support us. LGBT media sites like this one are supported by advertising and without it we cannot continue to provide information to our users.

Even if you aren’t in the market for a car, call or email these dealers and thank them for supporting the community.

This month’s featured dealer is in Winston Salem, NC

Previous featured Dealers:

by NICK KURCZEWSKI
A company in crisis, Toyota hopes to put family first with its new minivan.

The most exceptional feature of the totally redesigned 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan could be its remarkably poor timing. The Sienna arrives in a car market where having a Toyota badge has suddenly become more of a liability than an asset. Once known for quality and dependability, Toyota’s image has taken a beating due to the company’s poor handling of recalls related to sticking accelerator pedals.
The recent release of an internal memo, boasting how the company saved $100 million by limiting investigations into problems related to sudden acceleration has, to put it mildly, not helped matters. Faced with government investigations, countless class action lawsuits, and approximately 9 million recalled cars, along comes the revamped Toyota Sienna minivan.
While it’s impossible to ignore the quagmire of bad press currently engulfing Toyota, it would be unfair to totally dismiss the Sienna (especially since, as of now, it’s not part of the ongoing recall). In fact, this could be a perfect opportunity for bargain hunters to do some serious haggling at a Toyota dealership.
Pricing for the base front wheel-drive, four-cylinder Sienna starts at approximately $25,000. Throw every available goodie into it – including a more powerful V-6, optional all wheel-drive, and touch-screen DVD entertainment system – and stand back, because the price for the range-topping Sienna Limited AWD rockets past $40,000.
We spent time behind the wheel of every Sienna set to go on sale, from base models to the luxury-loaded Limited, and even a sport-themed trim level called the SE. Believe it or not – and we were awfully skeptical during the press presentation – Toyota thinks there is a market for a sportier, more fun-to-drive minivan.
Riding on a firmer suspension and with aggressive-looking 19-inch wheels (235/50s), the Sienna SE was surprisingly entertaining on a stretch of seriously scary mountain road. Roly-poly body control and sloppy steering could have easily ended up with us (and the Sienna) at the bottom of a gorge. Thankfully, the SE felt composed and tackled the twisties with way more gusto than any minivan we’ve driven.
Of course, if driving pleasure is your ultimate passion, a sedan is always going to be the better choice. There is only so much Toyota engineers can do with a vehicle weighing more than 2-tons and stretching 200.2 inches long. Yet, of all the Sienna models we drove, the SE was definitely our favorite. Better still, Toyota has added some long overdue styling to make the Sienna look far less anonymous than its predecessors.
The grill and headlights look especially cool, giving the Sienna that extra ounce of attitude when hunting for a parking spot at Home Depot. Things are a lot tamer from other angles but, at the very least, the Sienna’s exterior is a welcome step up from the plain-vanilla minivans we’re used to. The interior is airy and dash has a smart-looking layout – too bad the overall success of the cabin is marred by several cheap-feeling plastic switches and panels.
New for 2011 is a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, which comes in the two lower-priced trim levels. With only 187 horsepower – 79 hp less than the optional 3.5-liter V-6 – we didn’t expect to fall in love with the smaller motor. But considering the savings in fuel (19 m.p.g. city/26 highway versus 18 city/24 highway for the 6-cylinder) and sticker-price, this engine is worth considering.
The four offers plenty of power for most driving situations, though it does get noisy when punching the gas pedal from a red light, or when merging onto a highway. Then again, the V-6 didn’t impress us by being that much quieter. No matter the engine choice, the Sienna’s ride is always smooth and comfortable – though the electronic steering feels a little too disconnected from what’s going on at the front wheels.
Basically, the Sienna is a solid minivan with good road manners and a little extra styling pizzazz. You’d never buy one because it’s sexy to drive, or handles like a sports car – even the edgier SE model can’t shake off its minivan roots – but it definitely proves that minivans don’t have to look (or drive) like the box they came in.
The bigger question, at least for now, is whether or not the Toyota image is too tarnished to recommend. Resale values will certainly plummet (even for vehicles not directly affected by the recall) and with car sales still limping back from the Great Recession, a Toyota showroom won’t be the only place to find a great deal on a new minivan.

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NICK KURCZEWSKI

Toyota’s press conference began with a humble commitment to quickly repair all of its vehicles affected by the accelerator and brake recalls. The company is showing renewed vigor in taking care of very loyal customers. Almost sheepishly, Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, announced the significantly updated 2011 Avalon.
Designed at Toyota’s Calty Design Research center in Newport Beach, CA, the 2011 Avalon will be more aggressive than the current sedan, but will also be much more elegant. Toyota’s theme is “Traveling Avalon Class” and that about explains the beauty and grace for which the new model will be known. In truth, it is really just a significant facia and interior update on the current model, but the car looks ready for a few more good years.

The most distinguishing features are de-rigor light tubes in the tail, bold chrome grille, canted headlamps, and revised rocker panels. Inside, if you look carefully, you’ll notice gleaming woodgrain trim, reshaped rear headrests, brighter instruments, and a jet-worthy reclining rear seat. Limited versions coddle with driver’s seat cushion extensions, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and starting, heated/cooled leather seats, and a rear-backing camera.
Toyota’s 3.5-litre V6, producing 268-horsepower, remains married to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy creeps up 1-MPG to 20/29-MPG city/highway.
Avalon will continue to be assembled in Georgetown, KY with cars arriving in dealerships this April. Expect prices to remain similar to the current edition.

Here are our picks for the Top Five new models from the show. Click on a photo below.

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Joe Tralongo – 2010 VW GTI

This car just gets better with each generation. A 2.0-liter turbo matched to a taut suspension and low-profile 18-inch tires creates the perfect balance between livable daily driver and weekend rejuvenator. Some may gripe that 200 horsepower is not enough umph, but I disagree. I’m not willing to sacrifice handling, ride comfort and a quiet interior just to have bragging rights for the biggest balls. When you can no longer justify the STI’s Impreza-grade interior, gotten over the Mazdaspeed3′s maddening torque steer and tired of trying to fit your friends into a MINI Cooper S, the GTI will be there waiting. I’ll take mine in Tornado Red.

Nick Kurczewski – Fiat 500C

I’m not trying to cheat by adding an adorable Europe-only city car to my “Best of” choices – okay, maybe I am. Just remember, the Fiat 500 is part of the Italian company’s North American sales strategy now that it’s in control of Chrysler. The 500 should start arriving on U.S. shores in the next 1-2 years. Having driven the 500 while living in Paris for approximately five years, I’m positive American car buyers will fall for this itsy-bitsy Fiat. The convertible version only makes it more chic and huggable. This is the only car that could out-cute a Mini Cooper.

Casey Willams – 2010 Ford Taurus

When the original Ford Taurus beamed down in 1986, it was a Euro-style sport sedan ready for the 21st Century. Over time, it went from cutting edge to the anchor of rental fleets and salesmen. With one re-style, Ford took that boring lump and turned it back into a better sport sedan it ever was. A futuristic interior, aero-muscular exterior, SYNC voice-activated audio/navigation, real time weather maps, available all-wheel-drive, Volvo-based chassis, top-of-class crash ratings, and 365-HP Twin-turbo V6-powered SHO version make the Taurus a mean bull to control.

Joe LaMuraglia – 2010 Toyota Prius

Most people who know me well, know that I am not on the cheer-leading squad for hybrid vehicles. Then why am I choosing the 2010 Toyota Prius as my choice of Best Makeover? Pretty it isn’t but the latest iteration of the vehicle that brought the term hybrid mainstream is the best hybrid yet. It drives better, is more fuel efficient, features more versatility and has some of the latest technology available. Finally, with this makeover the Prius is a true replacement for the family car.

Click on the icons below to read each editors picks by category:

I attended the 2009 LA Auto show and provided daily updates via Twitter (click HERE for a compilation of my tweets).
As is customary, I choose the Top 5 vehicles from the show and post them here. Note, these are new vehicles introduced from gay-friendly manufacturers. Some of my colleagues will more than likely point out the absence of the excellent vehicles introduced from Hyundai and Kia. Until they extend their same-sex domestic partner policies throughout their organization, they do not qualify to be in our picks from the auto shows.
Our Top 5 Picks from the 2009 LA Auto Show (in no particular order):
2011 Toyota Sienna

Despite the call for the death of the minivan, these boxy movers are still the most efficient at moving people and things. Toyota’s Sienna has been a reliable player but hardly set the stage for styling, features or capacity. All that has changed with the introduction of the 2011 Sienna from Toyota. We won’t go so far as calling it pretty (it looks like a Venza had sex with a Honda Odyssey) but it is bigger, wider and more feature-laden than its predecessor. With available reclining second-row seats complete with footrests, rear-seat Dual View Entertainment Center that displays side-by-side images to create a seamless 16.4-inch widescreen image and segment-only optional AWD, Toyota Sienna finally has strong competitor in the segment. The Sienna is available with a 3.5-liter V6 or 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. See more photos of the Toyota Sienna
2011 CTS Coupe

The excellent Cadillac CTS lineup got another addition to the family in a sexy, beefy, muscular coupe. The CTS Coupe will never be mistaken for anything but a Cadillac. It isn’t sexy in a sinewy, sensual sort of way. Rather, it is like a heavily-muscled stallion that impresses with is raw power visible under its taught skin. You may be slightly afraid of it but you know you want to go for a ride. The CTS coupe is powered by the same 3.6 direct-injection V6 as its brethren pushing out 304 horsepower via a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. AWD is also available and the rumor mill hints at a wicked CTS-V Coupe with a supercharged V8 in the future. See more photos of the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe.
2011 Ford Fiesta

Ford introduced, for the umpteenth time, the 2011 Fiesta at the LA Auto show. While the existence of the vehicle was hardly a secret thanks to a heavily publicized and popular social media blitz, we did get some intriguing details about the hot new hatch from Dearborn. A 1.6L four-cylinder engine will be available with Ford’s version of a dual-clutch automatic transmission called PowerShift. It is more efficient than a traditional automatic transmission and this type of gear changer is usually found on more expensive, high-performance vehicles form Germany. Expect 40 MPG highway with the PowerShift. Also available is a traditional 5-speed automatic for those control freaks like me. The Ford Fiesta starts at $13,320 but quickly gets into the low $20s.See more photos of the 2011 Ford Fiesta.

2011 Mazda2

Mazda calls its Mazda2 “Zoom Zoom Concentrated” and while we haven’t driven it, we aren’t going to argue. It was originally launched in 2007 in markets outside the U.S. and has won a myriad of awards, including the 2008 World Car of the Year. Powered by a 1.5L four-cylinder engine, the Mazda2 promises to deliver fun-to-drive performance in an attractive package. Trust me, the Alien Green they chose to show the car in doesn’t do it justice. Details on specifications and MPG are few but we do know the 1.5L will be available with either a 4-speed AT or a 5-speed manual. The Mazda2 goes on sale in late summer 2010. See more photos of the 2011 Mazda2

2011 Buick Regal

Buick announced their new sport sedan, the 2011 Buick Regal. Based on the excellent Opel Insignia from Germany, GM continues to mine their global resources to bring better product to our shores. The Regal will feature a choice of four-cylinder engines – a standard 2.4L direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower and an optional 2.0L turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower
Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard and the turbo model will have an optional 6-speed manual. The design is clean, tight and athletic but don’t expect this to be a people mover as the rear seat headroom is tight. The interior is another exercise in functional, stylish simplicity – thank you Opel. The 2011 Buick Regal is available in late Spring 2010. See more photos of the 2011 Buick Regal

Oak Lawn Toyota is built on the principle of treating each and every customer as a guest in our home. We take great pride in our distinguished reputation for customer service and satisfaction, which is why we continue to win awards for the outstanding service we give to all our guests. From the moment our guests walk in the showroom, they understand Oak Lawn Toyota is different from any other dealer as we want everyone to feel comfortable with the process of purchasing a new or pre-driven vehicle. Our sales people are vehicle product consultants; all with Toyota Sales Certification. Not only are Oak Lawn Toyota’s Consultants skilled in product knowledge; they are experts in placing a guest in the appropriate vehicle for their lifestyle.
Our website, Oaklawntoyota.com offers a wide array of features such as accessing all Service coupons, service appointments, dealership specials, Parts coupons, ordering parts and accessories online, new & pre-owned
vehicle specials, Print Ads, Finance information, Full inventory display, Sales Department contact information.
Please call Victoria at 888-579-5745 with any questions or inquiries about Oak Lawn Toyota or email Victoria@oaklawntoyota.com.

In March of 2009, we conducted the first comprehensive study of the LGBT Automotive owner in the U.S. We received 4,920 responses to the survey and the database compiled from the responses includes information on social media usage, media consumption and psychographics in addition to vehicle ownership and basic demographics. Our initial report focused on LGBT new car buyers in the U.S. and gave a broad overview of that sub-segment of the market. We will be publishing additional briefs sharing more insights focused around the vehicle brands. The first “Brand Snapshot” will examine LBGT Toyota owners in the U.S.
To view and download the Brand Snapshot, click HERE (a new window will open).
To learn more about the study or inquire about upcoming brand snapshots, email us at info@sorgenfreillc.com
Next Brand Snapshot: Ford

By Casey Williams

When Toyota first sold the Yaris in the U.S. it was called the Echo and was just shy of ugly. The rest of the world got a more stylish and functional hatchback. Toyota didn’t make the same mistake twice, and when it replaced the Echo, we got the same Yaris sold in Europe but only in 3-door hatchback and a 4-door sedan. For the 2009 model year, Toyota decided to share their cute 5-door version with us.

The 2009 Yaris gets its European city car looks honestly. It resembles other high-profile Toyotas like the Prius and Camry with a stub nose, arching roofline, strong shoulders, and a short rear with hatchback. Body color door handles, strong wheel arches, and 15” alloy wheels give the car an upscale sporty look. Five doors extend the car’s length a couple of inches, but the five-port Yaris is still pretty short and easy to park in tight downtown spots.

A feature I liked a lot with the Echo was its tall seating position, making entry and exit more like a crossover than a scrunched up compact. The front thrones are styled from foam, but are still comfortable and supportive. Toyota engineers are smart campers, so they designed the dashboard with a central instrument cluster, radio, and HVAC controls making the build of right-and left-hand drive models easy. Our test car came with an in-dash CD player, iPOD input jack, power windows with auto down driver’s switch, freeze-you-now air-conditioning, and storage bins on the side of the center stack. Clever flip door storage on both sides of the dashboard and flip down cupholders on the dashsides are practical and cool. Rear seats split/fold to throw in bicycles, groceries, or camping gear.

Moving all of this Euro-Japanese coolness is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, equipped with variable valve timing that generates 106 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 103 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. A manual transmission is standard, but our test car came with the optional four-speed automatic transmission that features shift logic to prevent “hunting” in hills. Gas mileage is rated 29/35-MPG city/highway.
You might think a little over a century of ponies is not much, but in a lightweight car with plenty of torque, that’s plenty. I had no problem cruising at super-legal speeds and zipping away from stoplights on city streets. I am not a fan of electric power steering systems, but rarely did I feel the on-center deadness that is typical of these systems. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes, available stability control, and side curtain airbags keep everybody safe. You probably won’t want to do 1,000-mile days in the Yaris, but it is perfect for commuting or a couple of hours in the Interstate.
Much effort was also put into building a car that feels tight and solid. High-tensile steel enhances a rigid structure that is noticeably free of squeaks and rattles, especially over rough roads and railroad tracks. Damping insulation is also placed strategically throughout the body structure to repel road noise. Suspension and steering were dialed to provide responsive handling balanced with a comfortable ride.
We tested a relatively base model, but Toyota offers many ways to upgrade the Yaris. S models pour on the POW with front and rear underbody spoilers, differentiated interior color schemes, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and “S” badging. A small spoiler is attached to the rear hatch.
Toyota has a deserved reputation for building durable, efficient, and occasionally fabulous cars. It expects to sell 130,000 Yaris (all models) during 2009. Given impending fuel economy regulations and high gas prices, I suspect many will come to the conclusion that the Yaris provides all of the space and power they really need – in a stylish little container that makes life easy.

Photos courtesy of Toyota

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Pretty in Prius

by Joe LaMuraglia

It went something like this: “…and I HATE hybrids”. Those were the words that came stumbling out of my mouth at the end of a long day of driving the new 2010 Toyota Prius. My friends and colleagues know that I speak my mind and am prone to psuedo-asperger-like bouts of verbal diarrhea but even my close friend Marty had a look of shock on his face when I answered the question “So, what did you think?” with the aforementioned blurb of honesty. What I really said was “Wow, I am really impressed. And for the record kind sir, I am not exactly on the hybrid cheer leading team”. Okay, it was somewhere in between but based on the shocked look of everyone within earshot, I wasn’t exactly effective in communicating my message that day.
Toyota started the hybrid craze with the original Prius over 10 years ago. The 2010 model is the most advanced Prius yet and when it goes on sale later this Spring, it will be one of the most fuel-efficient passenger car sold in the U.S. The new model has a familiar profile to the one it replaces but it essentially an all-new design that builds on Toyota’s experience with over 700,000 Prius’s on the road.

The primary benefit of a hybrid vehicle is improved fuel economy and the new Toyota Prius delivers on that promise delivering 51 MPG city and 48 MPG highway for a combined 50 MPG. The early hybrids, Prius included, didn’t necessarily deliver on their published numbers, especially on the highway. Hybrid technology has come a long way and in the case of the 2010 Toyota Prius, your actual mileage may be better than what the government says.
In our day of driving in the Napa Valley, we took part in a high-mileage contest and achieved an indicated 69 MPG and didn’t win the contest! Keep in mind we weren’t driving at normal speed and real-world mileage will be considerably less but if you really try, you can achieve amazing results. In my last spin behind the wheel, I purposely drove as if I was running errands, and in a hurry. Translation: I drove like an angry Northerner on his way home from work with a full bladder. The results were an indicated 53 MPG. Very impressive.

Toyota has clearly applied their continuous improvement methodology to the Prius’s hybrid system but you if you are like me, you are probably wondering what it is like to actually drive. During the presentation prior to driving the Prius, the Chief Engineer shared that he owned two Alfa Romeos – cars with reputations for beauty and driving pleasure, if not reliability. There was hope!
After a day behind the wheel of the 2010 Prius, I can say that the Alfas’ driving dynamic influenced the new Prius, but only a little. The last Prius was devoid of any driving pleasure and often compared to piloting an appliance down the road. The 2010 Prius is considerably better but isn’t going to replace your sports sedan anytime soon. It feels more planted and substantial on the road, accelerates at a brisk pace and even handles corners and curves with confidence but the electric steering, throttle and brakes all feel programmed and not all all organic.

A back road burner the Prius is not but it IS a technical tour de force. The updated hybrid drive train features a larger 1.8-liter engine that helps with improved acceleration and increased fuel economy. Electric power steering is joined by an electric water pump to make the engine more efficient and belt-free. The optional sunroof features a solar panel that powers a fan to keep the interior temperature a few degrees cooler on those hot summer days. While it doesn’t actually cool the car, the argument is that it reduces the time the air conditioning will have to operate to get the vehicle to a comfortable temperature. More technical goodies include a remote battery-operated air conditioner, available park assist and three driving modes to maximize economy or performance.

The improvements are evident in the interior of the new Prius as well. A center console divides the front passenger compartment and creates a driver-oriented cockpit of sorts. There a convenient storage space underneath the drive-by-wire shift lever. Control inputs on the steering wheel are duplicated via an image on the instrument panel in front of the driver. Called “Touch Tracer” it is designed to reduce driver fatigue and keep the driver’s eyes on the road. It is odd at first but quickly becomes intuitive.
We’ve established that the Prius looks futuristic, is loaded with advanced technologies and is more engaging to pilot than the vehicle it replaces. The next question is, can the Prius be a good substitute for a workhorse family sedan? Based on my limited time with the 2010 Prius, the answer is YES. The original Prius was odd and full of compromises. In true Toyota fashion, improvements arrived with every new iteration and the 2010 model is the best yet. The hatchback design and improvements in rear cargo area allow the Prius to double as a delivery vehicle for your weekend projects and the advanced drive train make the Prius easier to live with on a day to day basis. Great interior room and comfortable seats make schlepping kids and adults as easy as the best options in its class. And with 10 years of experience and over 700,000 on the road, Toyota claims the Prius lives up to their reputation for durability and quality.
What’s not to love? Per my earlier point, the Prius has improved driving dynamics but it is still not exactly fun to drive. If carving up canyon roads is your thing, the Prius won’t do it for you. It is also considerably more expensive than a comparable sedan or hatchback. Toyota hasn’t announced pricing for the 2010 Prius but our data partner, vLane.com lists a new 2009 Toyota Prius as starting at $22,000 MSRP. The 2010 model will most likely to more.
Hundreds of thousands of people love their Prius’ and the new 2010 Toyota Prius will certainly appeal to even more consumers. If you are looking for a functional, futuristic, fuel saver and fun-to-drive isn’t a prerequisite, you’ll feel pretty in the new Prius.

Photos Courtesy of Toyota

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by Joe LaMuraglia

I attended the 2009 North American International Auto Show last week and as is custom, I chose the Top 10 vehicles from the show. Our criteria is that they have to be production vehicles from gay-friendly manufacturers in order to qualify. While some of the concepts introduced were HOT (Cadillac Converj anyone?), we stuck to our guns and picked vehicles that you’ll be able to drive in the near future.

2009 BMW Z4- There are very few mainstream cars that elicit jaw-drop stares and unintelligible utterances from me. That all changed when I walked up to the BMW stand at the Detroit show. All I could say was “wow, wow, WOW” over and over again. The new BMW Z4 has been totally redesigned and skillfully incorporates design cues from the past (Think 503 and Z8) in a beautifully modern form. It features a retractable hard-top that retreats to its proper place in 20 seconds – a first for the Z-series. Engines are the wonderfully familiar inline-6s: the 255 hp in the BMW Z4 sDrive30i and the 300 hp BMW Z4 sDrive35i. On sale this spring.

2010 Ford Taurus It is always fun to talk about sexy, exotic cars but the fact of the matter is the most significant vehicles are the one’s that sell the most and one of the biggest segments is the mid-size sedan segment. Ford launched their entry, the new 2010 Taurus, at the show and for a four-door sedan starting at $25,995, it is a stunner. It’s new look is less box more missile but without a compromise on utility. Ford has packed it full of technology that is usually reserved for the luxury segment and they claim to have the quality to match that segment as well. The 2010 Ford Taurus is available in Summer 2009.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Yes, you read it correctly, this is a 2011 model that was introduced at the 2009 auto show. In light of all the criticism of the Detroit-based automakers, GM probably wanted to show the world that they can indeed produce world-class product. The 2011 Cruze is fantastic-looking sedan that will replace the Cobalt in Chevrolet’s lineup. Forget everything you know about small cars from GM because the Cruze is finally going to give them something to go head-to-head with best from Europe and Japan. Available with either a 1.4L or 1.8L four-cylinder engine and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, the Cruze can get up to 40 MPG on the highway. Available in mid-2010.

2010 Toyota Prius – If there is one name that is synonymous with the term hybrid, it is Prius. Toyota started it all two generations ago and launched their latest iteration at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. With a slew of new technologies to keep it ahead of the pack and a refreshed but not unfamiliar design to keep consumers interested, the new Toyota Prius should have no problems continuing their sales success. Toyota claims a combined fuel economy number of 50 MPG. The 2010 Toyota Prius will be available in late Spring 2009.

2010 Lexus HS250h - Lexus debuted their first dedicated hybrid vehicle – the 2010 Lexus HS250h. While many assume it is a Lexus-bodied Toyota Prius (and who could blame them?), Lexus assures us that it is a new platform unique from the Prius that builds on the technology introduced by that car. The HS250h has a larger four-cylinder engine than its cousin from Toyota and doesn’t look much like the Prius either. Lexus claims the new Hs250h will get 30% better fuel economy than the most fuel-efficient vehicle in their lineup now. Available in late Summer 2009.

2010 Cadillac SRX – Replacing the much-loved but slow selling Cadillac crossover is the new 2010 Cadillac SRX. The last SRX impressed journalists with its driving dynamics but never got high points in the looks department. The new 2010 SRX promises to win in both categories (and maybe even the swimsuit competition!). The designs builds on the success of the CTS and is the best interpretation of the Art & Science theme to date. Powering the new SRX will be a standard 3.0 direct-injected V-6 and a new 2.8L turbo V-6 as an option. Both promise V8 fun with V6 fuel economy. The SRX goes on sale Summer 2009.

2009 MINI Convertible - MINI launched their redesigned MINI Cooper last year but the drop top soldiered on with the old body and power plants. The new 2009 MINI Convertible, like the hard top, doesn’t look much different but enters this model year with improvements across the board. You can get your hands on this epitome of adorable starting on March 28, 2009. The suggested retail price for the MINI Cooper Convertible is $24,550, and for the MINI Cooper S Convertible, $27,450 including $650 destination and handling charge.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox – GM has come a long way in what they call “perceptual quality” – you know, the feeling you get when you sit down in a vehicle and start touching a feeling the materials. While past GMs have had good quality in terms of things not breaking, things like switchgear felt cheap and flimsy. The new quality “gurus” around the world are out to remedy that and a perfect example of this new focus is the new 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. This new small crossover will compete in a fiercely competitive segment and does so with a new bodystyle, new engines and yes, a new attitude. With great looks, high quality materials, a class-leading 30 MPG with the base engine and standard technology like OnStar and XM Satellite radio, the 2010 Chevy Equinox should do just fine. Available mid-2009.

2010 Jaguar XFR – There is a certain point when purchasing an automobile when rational thought goes out the window and is replacement by pure unadulterated lust. The new XFR is considerably north of that point and not just because it looks like bad little kitty on wheels. The new supercharged V8 pumps out 510 hp and a lightly modified version of the XFR hit over 255 MPH on the Bonneville salt flats. Rational? Hell no. Do I want one? Oh hells to the yeah! Here kitty, kitty.

2010 Buick LaCrosse – You are going to see a lot from Buick in the coming years. It started with the sexy Enclave last year and the next iteration of their revival is the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. Yes, Buick has claimed to take on Lexus in the past but this time they are serious. The sculpted exterior looks European and the gorgeous interior is simultaneously classic and modern at the same time. Most of you reading this wouldn’t be caught dead considering a Buick. Take my word, the 2010 LaCrosse is the first sedan worthy of your attention. Available late Summer 2009.

A Wagon by Any Other Name….

by Joe LaMuraglia

Wagon. Say it with me “Waaa-gon”. Was that so hard? Did anyone in your vicinity wince or run away in disgust? Did you or your partner melt away like the Wicked Witch of the West? I didn’t think so. Somehow, the appellation “wagon” got a bad reputation in the halls of the nation’s automotive product planners. As a result, when launching a new vehicle that is essentially a sedan with a bigger cargo area (a.k.a. wagon), the marketing department spends eons creating a new term to describe it.
Toyota has joined the new bodystyle-redefinition party with their new Venza. Mechanically identical to a Camry, it features new sexy sheet metal in the shape of what I grew up calling a station wagon. Toyota is saying it is a passenger car “optimized”. Vernacular differences aside, it is a new design direction for Toyota and it may just change your perception of the brand.

What is “Active” Anyway?

During the product presentation in PA, the marketing mavens from Toyota described the target customer for the Venza as an “active baby boomer with pets.” Translation: something for Camry owners to move up to when the kids are finally gone and they can start buying the toys they’ve always wanted. The product planners clearly had this demographic in mind when creating this vehicle. Think about it. These are the people that grew up with wagons in the 50′s and 60′s, raised their kids on SUVs in the 80′s and have come to appreciate the versatility of what a two-box wagon/suv can deliver. So Toyota took all the positive attributes of those vehicles, made some improvements and came up with a new wagon…I mean Venza.

The Venza is a little higher than a Camry but not quite as high as a Highlander. It also features a lower step in and more narrow door sills. These design features facilitate ease of entry and exit for the target demographic. Baby Boomers are getting older and many of them are taking care of their elderly parents. Marketers don’t talk about this but if you’ve ever cared for anyone that has difficulty getting in and out of cars, these thoughtful design features alone are a reason to buy the Venza.

A More Inclusive Environment

The focus on the target customer continues after they are into the vehicle. The information display can be customized to show various amounts of information. That isn’t all that special but the fact that you can change the font size is a simple example of making the driving experience more comfortable and safe. Toyota also realized that not everyone that buys their cars wants to interact with it in English so they made the voice commands for Navigation recognize Spanish, French and English. Que rico!

What I am calling “inclusive design” continues on to the passengers as well. The dash was designed to make the passengers and driver feel like they are both involved with the vehicle and the dual-zone climate control makes sure everyone is happy and comfortable. If your passenger is of the canine variety, the Venza is the first Toyota to have a full array of pet accessories to keep Fido safe and your Venza clean.

Don’t forget the Gadgets

Just because the customers are likely to be older doesn’t mean they aren’t hip to new technology. Hell, they are amongst the few that can afford the goodies in this day and age. The Venza has available navigation, a backup camera that doesn’t require the aforementioned navigation, iPod connectivity, hands free calling and the ability to stream your music via Bluetooth from your device to an optional JBL sound system. That should be enough goodies to keep the grandkids entertained and the owner’s manual well referenced.

Looking Good!

The most daring aspect of the Venza, besides the name, is its exterior design. Toyota is known for many things but design acumen has never been associated with the brand. The Venza is the first step taken to change that perception. While not polarizing, its sculpted flanks and athletic rear will surprise the Toyota loyalist and may just attract people from other brands. It is a design that looks better in person and comes alive in certain colors. I’m going to stop short of gorgeous but will give it an eight out of ten for exterior design.

How She Move?

Let’s be perfectly blunt here, the Venza is a Camry wagon. If the Camry wasn’t so far ahead in best-selling car category, Toyota could have called it a Camry just to keep that billing and nobody would have blinked. As a result, it drives like a Camry and that is a good thing depending on your point of view.
The Venza is available with the standard 2.7L 182 HP 4-cylinder or an optional 3.5L 268 HP 6-cylinder. Both are mated with a 6-speed transmission and can be configured as FWD or AWD with either engine. Reported fuel economy is good at 21/29 city/highway for the 4-cylinder FWD to 18/25 for the V6 with AWD. All configurations I drove were smooth, quiet, and comfortable. What they don’t deliver is any sort of driving excitement.
I am the first one to challenge my peers when they overly criticize a vehicle because it doesn’t drive like it came from Germany. I remind them some people don’t like a taught, firm driving experience. For those of you that fall into that category, you will like the Venza. It is smooth and controlled but just a little numb. Don’t expect to take it out on weekends for a joyride on the Tail of the Dragon and you’ll be fine (If you don’t know what that is, you’ll like the Venza).

A Wagon is a Wagon is a Wagon

I don’t care what the marketers and product planners at Toyota say, in my version of this movie the 2009 Toyota Venza is a wagon and a good looking one at that. It is a more versatile version of the Camry that happens to have a much better wardrobe. Its thoughtful touches will make owners happy and its technology and design might just attract new people to the brand just not those who look for the long way home.

2009 Toyota Venza
4-cylinder FWD MSRP $25,975
4-cylinder AWD MSRP $27,425
V6 FWD MSRP $27,800
V6 AWD MSRP $29,250
Photos courtesy of Toyota

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Ties Abound as Toyota Matrix, smart fortwo and Maserati GranTurismo Debut
River Edge, NJ – Gaywheels.com, the sole source of information specifically targeted to and about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) car-shoppers, today announced its list of the Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles during the third quarter of 2008. The Volkswagen Rabbit and Eos remained in first and second place, respectively. Mazda’s MAZDA3 gave up the third slot to its sister car from Mazda, the MX-5 who now shares that position with the Audi A3.
“The Top 10 Most Researched list tends to be self-perpetuating,” said Gaywheels.com founder Joe LaMuraglia. “But with the arrival of the Toyota Matrix, smart fortwo and Maserati GranTurismo, our users continue to amaze us with their diversity of vehicle interests”.
For the first time, there were multiple ties on the list. In addition to the tie for third, the MAZDA3 and VW Jetta vied for the fourth slot, the Saab 9-3 and Dodge Caliber both slotted in at 6th and the newcomer Toyota Matrix joined the MINI Cooper as the 9th Most-Researched Vehicles. Rounding out the Top 10 is the Maserati GranTurismo – first exotic vehicle to ever appear on the list.

Gaywheels.com Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles – 3rd Quarter 2008
Rank
1 VW Rabbit
2 VW Eos
3 Mazda MX-5 Miata and Audi A3 – tie
4 Mazda MAZDA3 and VW Jetta - tie
5 Toyota Yaris
6 Saab 9-3 and Dodge Caliber -tie
7 Volvo C30
8 smart fortwo
9 Toyota Matrix and MINI Cooper – tie
10 Maserati GranTurismo
The Top 10 Most Researched list is based on website statistics gathered from July 1, 2008 – September 30, 2008 from Gaywheels.com’s New Car section. Gaywheels.com publishes its Most-Researched list quarterly.

Back to Top 10 Index
About Gaywheels.com
Launched in 2005, Gaywheels.com is dedicated to promoting responsible consumerism and affecting change by encouraging car shoppers to patronize gay-friendly companies throughout the vehicle purchase process. Users of the site are able to investigate which automakers and other automotive companies offer domestic partner benefits to their employees, thus qualifying them as “gay-friendly,” plus read general reviews about cars, trucks and SUVs from those manufacturers. With that information at hand, they can make educated choices during the car-buying process. For more information, please visit www.Gaywheels.com.

TOYOTA COROLLA’S SORDID LIFE

By Casey Williams

Brother Boy’s flashing eyelashes and Dr. Eve’s store-bought titties bring excitement to a couple of middle-aged characters on Logo’s Sordid Lives. Without Leslie Jordan’s portrayal of a drag queen obsessed with Tammy Wynette and Dr. Eve’s plan to de-homosexualize him, they would be a couple of old skin sacks heading towards retirement. Boring, in whole. Kinda reminds me of the old Toyota Corolla.

I don’t think anybody ever confused the Corolla with stimulating. It’s as stable and conservative as your grandmother’s banker and as affordable as a White Castle hamburger. That’s been enough to make the Corolla the best-selling nameplate of all time, but that’s not enough. To slay Honda Civics, Saturn Astras, and Nissan Sentras, Toyota had to go in for a makeover. When Toyota designers saw the sexy sleek Civic a couple of years ago, they nearly hurled their last supper. They should be feeling better by now.

Much of the Corolla’s tall, three-box design will cause no trauma among the faithful, but a snarly aero face, steeply raked windshield, smooth bodysides, and squinted taillamps are a bit like gluing falsies on a 53-year old man – they look fabulous, but glitz up a simple soul. Large alloy wheels and ground affects up the amps in the sporty column while body color door handles, and crisp creases dress for a night out. Toyota claims the car’s styling was in collaboration with its studios in Turin, Italy.
Corolla’s base 132-horsepower 16-valve 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, connected to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, sings like Olivia Newton’s umpteenth comeback attempt on the stage at Bubba’s bar in the show. For more stage presence, step up to the available 2.4-litre four-cylinder that summons 158-horsepower to bark rubber. I’ll tell you right here and now that I’m not a fan of the twitchy electric power steering, but it contributes to excellent fuel economy ratings of 22/30-MPG city/hwy.

No big surprise, most Corolla drivers are practical people. They’ll wet themselves over an extra storage bin above the glove box, door storage that can hold 20 oz. Bottles, and large center console. They can even store their glasses in a compartment over the rearview mirror. Whether driving cross-country or just to Fresh Market for sushi and Morbier, four passengers ride high and comfy under the sedan’s tall roof, enjoying XM Satellite Radio, protected by side curtain airbags, and getting a commanding view of the road and sidewalk hotties.
Don’t worry if nobody respects your version of excitement; you can make fun of their gas-popping luxury barges all the way to the club and back. Toyota took a boring, but infinitely practical compact sedan, gave it a facelift, added athleticism, and delivered a car as reliable as the laughs on Sordid Lives.
It’s never too late to have some fun – just ask Rue McClanahan about her character, Peggy Ingram. From a proper Baptist grandma to bar hussy and adulteress, she blazes a marvelous trail for the staid and boring. Just like the all-new 2009 Toyota Corolla.

Get more detailed information on the 2009 Toyota Corolla in our New Car Section

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Pretty is as Pretty Does

It’s no beauty, but the 2009 Toyota Matrix has a heart of gold—and lots of gay connections. Gaywheels.com’s Joe LaMuraglia takes it for a spin.

One man’s beauty may be another’s beast. Some of us focus solely on outward appearances—that’s you, frat boy–while other put a higher priority on a person’s character and personality.
The same set of rules applies to cars. Some of us are swayed by swoopy style and big-name badging, while others get turned on by fuel efficiency and cargo capacity and other practical, nerdy things.

It’s a good thing for the 2009 Toyota Matrix, that the latter is true. Newly redesigned for 2009, the Toyota Matrix isn’t pretty, what with its oddly angular, slab-sided body. But geek love is a beautiful thing, and the Matrix has the goodness that draws us to its real talents, beyond its awkward exterior.

The Matrix is loyal to your wallet and eager enough to entertain you in commuting. You can equip the Matrix to be a fuel-efficient wallflower of an engine, a 1.8-liter four with 132 horsepower and front-wheel drive—or you can pony up for the 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter
four and all-wheel drive. Either way, you can choose either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, depending on how shifty you are. The Matrix is a fuel-sipper either way, and anyone who says they don’t care n this day of $4 gasoline is loaded or lying. The smaller engine
turns in up to 26/32 mpg with the manual transmission.
And though it’s not a chart-topper in terms of power, the Matrix is tossable and fun to drive. Its low center of gravity and high seating position give you the best of both worlds; great handling and a commanding view of the road ahead.
If versatility arouses your attention, the Matrix puts out the pheromones you’re seeking. Its mini-crossover design offers 19.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the rear and the ability to flip and fold the second row seats to accommodate just about any size package. If you have an extra-long item—a kayak, possibly an eight-foot-tall cardboard cutout of nerdstud Steve Carell?–the front seat will even fold flat to handle the length.
Starting at $16,190 the Matrix won’t drain your bank account, and Toyota’s reputation for quality and high resale value will come in handy when you decide to trade it in for a newer model.
It may not be a profiling stud, but the Matrix is the kind of long- term commitment you’ll never regret.

Get more detailed information on the 2009 Toyota Matrix in our New Car Section

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by Scott Corlett

Hybrid SUV buyers have stolen the title “limeys” from the British. These buyers are green enough to want to a hybrid vehicle, but not so green that they’re ready (or maybe able) to give up driving SUVs, hence their environmental creds are more a lime green than a deep, Ralph-Laureny green.

Among the hybrid SUVs, the fully redesigned Toyota Highlander Hybrid is certainly the brightest lime of the bunch. And you would expect nothing less of a vehicle from Toyota, whose hybrid Prius sedan is synonymous with eco-friendliness to most Americans. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers all the utility of a midsize SUV, but with the fuel economy of a midsize sedan.

Toyota claims a combined mileage of 26 mpg for the Highlander Hybrid (compared to 19 mpg for the non-hybrid model). A variable combination of a 3.3-liter V-6 engine and three electric motors (one each for the front wheels, transmission, and rear wheels) accomplish this fuel-sipping feat. New for 2008, the Highlander Hybrid also lets you maximize fuel efficiency with: 1) an “EV” mode that keeps the drivetrain electric-only at low speeds for as long as the batteries allow (not very long in my experience); and 2) an “ECON” mode that smoothes acceleration to dampen surges in fuel consumption.
But SUVs really are about utility, and in this area, Toyota hews to the maxim if some is good, more is better. To this end, for 2008, the Highlander’s interior space was increased by 10 percent. Two, second-row armchairs allow easy access to optional, third-row seating. With the third row absent or folded flat, the rear cargo area is fit for a pack of large dogs or the fruits of an IKEA visit. Also fold down the second row and you can squeeze in that loveseat for you and your new beau.

Befitting the futuristic drivetrain, a slew of high-tech options are available for the Highlander Hybrid. You can choose a voice-activated Bluetooth navigation system, satellite radio, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and a 9-inch LCD screen. Less gee-whiz, but no less comforting are the Highlander Hybrid’s standard amenities, such as all-wheel-drive; a rear-seat air conditioning system; and a full armament of airbags, including front, front-side, three-row curtain, and driver’s knee bags.
During a recent test drive, the Highlander Hybrid drove well for an SUV of its size. The Highlander’s hybrid system is whisper quiet, and the frequent engine cutoffs and restarts during city driving, which provide much of a hybrid’s fuel savings, are barely noticeable. Like most SUVs, the Highlander excels at straight-line highway cruising, with body roll apparent during corning and other tight maneuvers.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a great SUV that happens to get pretty darn good mileage. So if you’re not ready to quit the command-position seating and hauling abilities of an SUV, but you want to go easier on the environment, the Highlander Hybrid is just the right shade of green for you, my limey friend.

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By Scott Corlett

January is that time of year when the intrepid reporters of Gaywheels.com brave Detroit’s bitter cold to bring you the best new vehicles from the North American International Auto Show. Listed below, in no particular order, are the best new production vehicles from the gay-friendly manufacturers for 2008:

Bulls Will Be Bulls

Apparently the PR folks at Chrysler didn’t consider the inevitable outcome of penning up 300 males in close proximity. I doubt they intended to launch their redesigned Dodge Ram pickup with some hot bull-on-bull action. But that’s exactly what happened when 300 longhorns were herded down the street in front of the exhibition hall during the truck’s outdoor press unveiling: the daddy bulls started mounting the boy bulls in a bovine version of ’70s porn, complete with mustachioed cowboys. Oh, and the Ram? HOT. And that’s no bulls—.

Bulges in the Right Places

Sex and the City alum Kim Cattrall wore a hot red number and mile-high Manolos as she strode on stage and flirted with Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Daimler AG, which owns Mercedes-Benz. She smiled coyly, touched Dieter’s shoulder, and cooed about “assertiveness, bulges in the right places … [and a] tight little package.” Undoubtedly Cattrall had the balding, brushy-lipped German worked up, but she actually was speaking about another onstage hottie, the new Mercedes-Benz GLK sport-utility vehicle. The GLK is a rugged, small-scale SUV with the stamina to keep up with hard-riding shoppers like Kim–and its planned, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine will offer the torque of a gasoline-fueled V-8 but return an über-sexy 35 mpg.

The Vue Steps Out on Its Own

To date, the Saturn Vue Green Line reminds me of that guy in college who could only do other guys during a three-way with his girlfriend. The current Vue Green Line is a “mybrid,” which means that, unlike out-and-proud hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, its electric motor can never power this compact SUV without the aid of its gasoline engine. Starting with the 2009 model, the Vue Green Line will step out on its own, as it will be able to use solely the electric motor for propulsion. Compared with the regular Vue, the present Vue Green Line increases fuel economy by 25 percent, but thanks to the ability to run on the motor, the upcoming version’s mileage ratings are a whopping 45 percent higher.

Venza, Vidi, Vici

In 47 B.C., after routing a Turkish city, Julius Caesar succinctly said, “Veni, Vidi, Vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered). Now it’s MMLV years later and a new emperor is conquering foreign lands, and his name is Toyota and the battlefield is the North American car market. Toyota calls its new, Camry-based Venza a crossover sedan, which is Latin for station wagon. The Venza is a five-passenger hauler with a tall ride height to provide the all-important command-position seating and available all-wheel drive to help defeat inclement weather. Smooth-running four-cylinder (standard) and optional V-6 engines, an interior that’s far more luxurious than the Camry’s, and the Toyota badge of quality make the Venza a warrior unstoppable by Caesar himself. All hail, Toyota.

The Home Team Homerun

The Cadillac CTS-V is the performance version of General Motor’s slick CTS sedan. What does that extra letter on the badge buy you? How about a rocket-worthy 550 horsepower? Yes, you read correctly, that’s 550 horses pulling a mid-size sedan, as in 43 more ponies than Mercedes’s E63 and 50 more than BMW’s M5. Not only is the CTS-V wicked fast, he’s certainly not shy, with a well-bulging hood that Kim Cattrall would love and a mesh grill that shouts get the f– out of my way. The Germans were never very good at baseball; this badass CTS-V is an out-of-the-park homerun for the home team.

CC: Mercedes-Benz

With its new Passat CC, Volkswagen sent out a mass e-mail to the automotive buyers of the world. It read, “Hey! You no longer have to shell out luxury car bucks for slick styling. Cheers, VW.” The Volkswagen Passat CC is a coupe-style, four-door sedan, á la Mercedes-Benz’s sleek CLS. And like the CLS, the Passat CC is a thing of precious beauty, a bubble of metal and glass that rises up from the pavement, with cat-eye side windows and a swooping rear end. And with a price differential of $20,000 or more between the CLS and CC and a style differential of nearly zero, Mercedes can’t be happy with this news–which is exactly why VW cc’d M-B.

BMW Gets All Diesel-y

BMW plans to do for diesel what Justin Timberlake did for sexy–bringing it back. For the American market in 2008, BMW plans two models powered by its twin-turbo, 3.0-liter diesel in-line six. This oil burner lands Stateside first in BMW’s X5 SUV and its 3-Series sedan, and packs a respectful 265 horsepower and an off-the-hook 425 lb-ft of torque–well more than most V-8s. Not only will this engine be 50-state compliant, but BMW claims it will shoot their 335d sedan from zero to 60 in a sprightly 6.2 seconds and the X5 to the same speed in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy is an eco-friendly 23/33 mpg city/highway for the sedan and 15/25 mpg for the X5. If I can just talk JT into riding shotgun, then I’m all set.

Cutting Wood

Subaru was one of the first auto companies to advertise in the gay media. And ever since, we’ve rewarded Subaru with our loyal purchases of their ever-practical haulers, which always feature standard all-wheel drive and room for our kids, pooches, and tag sale finds. In 2008, Subaru launches the newest version of its venerable Forester wagon. The redesigned 2009 Forester is a meatier lumberjack, with a more SUV-like stance. Although bigger, the new Forester offers a tree-friendly 2.5-liter base engine in a “California-spec” version that meets stringent PZEV emissions requirements. Put simply, on a smoggy day in L.A., the exhaust of a Forester equipped with this plant may be cleaner than the air you breathe. And that is indeed a breath of fresh air.

Little German Soft Top

I usually do everything in my power to avoid the above combination of descriptors. But in the case of BMW’s all-new 1-Series convertible, I’d gladly pay for a long-term relationship with just such a special friend. The 1-Series soft top is a gorgeous, little two-door cabrio with sleek metal, a sprung stance, and a sexy, simple interior. And the 1-Series is fast. Like any guy packing six-pack abs on South Beach, the 1-Series sheds its top in 22 seconds. And like that same guy after a day of sun and proximity to half-naked men, the 1-Series is raring to go, with zero-to-60 times of 6.8 seconds for the base in-line six and 5.6 seconds for the twin-turbo six. Who knew a little German soft top could be such fun?

The Best Seller

The best selling vehicle in America is neither the Honda Accord nor Civic, nor the Chevy Cobalt, nor even the omnipresent Toyota Camry. No, the vehicles that Americans buy most often are the Ford F-Series pickup trucks. So whenever Ford announces a redesign of its F-150 pickup, the most popular of the F-Series trucks, everyone from Brokeback weekenders to workday tradesmen wait with bated breath. Bigger, badder, and techier, the new F-150 is one hot hauler, with USB and MP3 ports, a 700-watt Sony stereo, and voice-activated navigation. Now, if Ford could just stream the video from the F-150′s optional backup cam down from Brokeback Mountain, they’d have a major new source of badly needed revenue.
Read our blog “Putting the ‘Mo in Motown” for videos, photos and daily updates from our time at the show.
You can find any Ford truck accessory you need at the AmericanTrucks, the source for quality aftermarket parts and accessories.

By Joe Tralongo
With more lesbian and gay couples raising families, the community’s car-buying habits have altered radically. The safety-conscious kid hauler is quickly replacing the flashy sports car. Below is a small sampling of some family-friendly vehicles assembled by the good folks at Gaywheels.com. Each carries at least six-passengers, is priced within reach of most middle-class households and is built by a gay-friendly company (gay-friendly status is determined by whether or not a company offers domestic partner benefits to both its corporate and factory employees here in the United States).
Subaru Tribeca

From both a social and utilitarian standpoint, Subaru has served the lesbian and gay community extremely well. Their newest offering, the Tribeca, is a crossover SUV built from a car-like platform and capable of seating up to seven passengers. Although this description fits any number of crossover vehicles, the Tribeca’s artful interior, numerous standard features and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive make it somewhat unique. It should be noted that the Tribeca’s optional third-row seat is best utilized by pre-teen-sized occupants, and when in place eats up a substantial chunk of the cargo bay. And although priced at the higher end of the crossover spectrum, the Tribeca’s strong safety rating, good resale values and excellent repair history make it a smart investment.
Price Range (includes destination): $30,640-$37,000
Engine: 3.6-liter boxer engine, 256 horsepower, 247 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/21 highway

Read a full review of the Subaru Tribeca here
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Toyota Highlander

Toyota offers two family hauling vehicles, the Sienna minivan and the all-new Highlander crossover SUV. We like the Highlander for a number of reasons, the most obvious being the removal of the “minivan mom” stigma. Like the Tribeca, the Highlander provides three-row seating and all-wheel drive. Unlike the Tribeca, the Highlander’s standard front-wheel drive allows for a significantly lower starting price. Toyota also offers a hybrid gas-electric version. Cool features, such as a removable second-row center section that permits easy access to the third-row seat, help keep the Highlander near the top of our recommended list.
Price Range (includes destination): $27,985-$42,000
Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 270 horsepower, 248 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 18 city/24 highway (2WD), 17 city/23 highway (4WD)
Get more detailed information on the Toyota Highlander in our New Car Section
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Ford Taurus X

Formerly known as the Freestyle, Ford’s Taurus X crossover SUV gains more than just a new name. It receives a number of upgrades aimed at quieting the interior and improving ride and handling as well as a more powerful V6 engine. Despite its rental-car name, the Taurus X’s offers conservative yet handsome styling, a commanding view from the driver’s seat and a reasonably good cargo area behind the third-row seat. One of our favorite features is the optional remote keypad locking/unlocking system, which is ideal for those times when it’s not convenient to carry a key fob. Another plus in the Taurus X’s favor, both the Department of Transportation (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) give the Taurus X high marks for its crash test worthiness and excellent safety ratings.
Price Range (includes destination): $27,365-$38,000
Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 263 horsepower, 247 lb.-ft of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/24 highway (FWD), 15 city/22 highway (AWD)
Get more detailed information on the Ford Taurus X in our New Car Section
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GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook/Buick Enclave

The GMC Acadia (and its sister vehicles the Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave) represents a huge leap forward for GM. About the size of an Acura MDX, the Acadia demonstrates an attention to design not seen in an American vehicle in quite some time. Interior space is excellent, with an adult-accommodating third-row seat, big cargo hold and a full compliment of safety and security features. Fit and finish is first rate and the materials used to create the interior could easily have come from a high-end luxury model. As with the Tribeca, Highlander and Taurus X, the Acadia offers such must have features as all-wheel drive, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, GPS navigation and premium audio. Those uncomfortable with high-tech gadgetry will appreciate the optional Turn-by-turn navigation. After giving your intended destination to an OnStar operator, directions are uploaded to the vehicle’s voice navigation system which then talks you through the route. The Acadia’s V6 engine also offers the most horsepower, most torque and the best fuel economy of the bunch.

Price Range (includes destination): $29,845-$43,000
Engine: 3.6-liter V6, 275 horsepower, 251 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/24 highway (FWD), 16 city/ 22 highway (AWD)
Read a full review of the Saturn Outlook here
Read a full review of the Buick Enclave here
Find a Saturn, Buick or GMC Dealer Near You
Volvo XC90

Volvo’s well-known reputation for safety is why we’d be remiss if we didn’t include the XC90 in our picks. While a nicely loaded V8 model pushes well past $50,000 the front-wheel-drive XC90 3.2 V6 model starts in the mid-$30,000 range and comes nicely equipped. Fuel economy for both the V6 and V8 is far from impressive and, as with others in this grouping, the third-row seat in place leaves little cargo space. But if it’s just you, the spouse and two passengers, the XC90 makes a fine family hauler. And unlike most crossovers, you can actually take the XC90 across some serious off-road obstacles, which makes it ideal for those who prefer family vacations far from civilization.
Price Range (includes destination): $36,955-$60,000
Engine: 3.2-liter V6, 235 horsepower, 236 lb.-ft of torque or 4.4-liter V8, 311 horsepower, 325 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 14 city/20 highway or 13 city/19 highway (V8)
Get more detailed information on the Volvo XC90 in our New Car Section
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Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Caravan

Let’s face it. Despite the image it projects, the minivan still proves the most logical choice for a family on the go. Chrysler makes the obvious a bit less painful with its full-size Town and Country/Dodge Grand Caravan twins. Completely new from the ground up, the largest Chrysler vans to date offer a cavernous passenger cabin and a host of useful features not found in any crossover SUV. One such item is the “Swivel ‘n Go” seating, which allows the second-row captain’s chairs to swivel a full 180 degrees to face the third-row seat. A folding table also pops in place to create a portable dinning area. Other features such as the MyGiG audio system with built in 20-gigabyte hard drive for storing music and photos, one-touch power-folding third-row seat and SIRIUS Backseat TV put a modicum of cool back into owning a minivan.
Price Range (includes destination): $22,470 – $42,000
Engine: 3.3-liter V6, 175 horsepower, 205 lb.-ft of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 19 city/26 highway
Engine: 3.8-liter V6, 197 horsepower, 230 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/23 highway
Engine: 4.0-liter V6, 240 horsepower, 253 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/23 highway
Get more detailed information on the Dodge and Chrysler Minivans in our New Car Section
Find a Dodge or Chrysler Dealer Near You
Mitsubishi Outlander

Big things sometimes come in small packages. Take, for example, the Mitsubishi Outlander. Sitting somewhere between a compact and mid-size SUV, the little Outlander offers a plethora of features, has a small but usable third-row seat and starts in the low $20,000 range. With sporty good looks, a clever split-folding rear hatch door and fuel-efficient, yet potent 220-horsepower V6 engine, it’s hard to argue against the Outlander. Such options as Bluetooth connectivity, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and FASTKEY keyless entry system (with fob in pocket, you need only touch the door handle to unlock the car) rounds off an impressive list that makes the Outlander an unbeatable combination of features, looks and affordability.

MSRP (includes destination): $22,000-$33,000
Engine: 3.0-liter V6, 220 horsepower, 204 lb.-ft of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 17 city/25 highway (FWD), 17 city/23 highway (4WD)
Read a full review here
Find a Mitsubishi Dealer Near You
Chevrolet Suburban/Chevrolet Tahoe

OK, the Chevrolet Suburban (and its slightly shorter sibling the Chevrolet Tahoe) is one of the biggest beasts on the road. Employing such earth-friendly advances as Active Fuel Management (designed to cut fuel to four of the eight cylinders when not needed) and FlexFuel E85 capability somewhat helps to reduce operating costs. The big Chevy is not without its detractors, yet for many the Suburban a necessary and invaluable tool. With seating for up to eight passengers, a cavernous cargo hold and a 9,700-pound tow rating (2500 model with 2WD), the Suburban remains the ultimate family hauler. Features such as StabiliTrak electronic stability control have made great inroads toward bettering safety by adding stability and accident avoidance capabilities once considered the Achilles’ heel of the large SUV. Three-row side-curtain airbags should also add a measure of comfort, which you’ll probably need once you see the bill to fill the Suburban’s 31-gallon fuel tanks (39-gallons in the 2500).
MSRP (includes destination): $38,185-$60,000
Engine: 5.3-liter V8, 320 horsepower, 335 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 14 city/20 highway (2WD), 11 city/15 highway (2WD, E85), 14 city/19 highway (4WD), 11 city/14 highway (4WD, E85)
Engine: 6.0-liter V8, 352 horsepower, 383 lb.-ft. of torque
EPA Fuel Economy: 12 city/17 highway (2WD),
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Land Cruising

by Scott Corlett

In Montana, the skies are big, the mountains are steep, and every twisty two-laner is mated with a deep-blue ribbon of fast-running water. In short, the perfect proving ground for a vehicle of the scale, prowess, and refinement of the all-new 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser. Fifty years ago, the Land Cruiser’s story began with the Land Cruiser BJ, an open-air affair designed to compete with Willys Jeeps. Nine or so generations later, the Land Cruiser still gets down-and-dirty with Wranglers, but only on the trail. Elsewhere, this Toyota keeps company with Rovers, Benzes, and—uh-oh—Lexuses.

In mid-September, in the southwest corner of Montana, I joined the folks from Toyota to test drive the new Land Cruiser. Before I left the tiny Bozeman airport, I knew I was in Brokeback country: strong jawlines were topped by cowboy hats, big feet were clad in stitched boots, and thick necks were ringed with bolo ties; carryon luggage consisted primarily of narrow tubes packed with fly-fishing gear; and long cases housing high-powered rifles rode the baggage carousel. At curbside, I half expected to find Jake Gyllenhaal grinning in his old Ford truck, waiting to head up for one of our “fishing trips.” Alas …
On a September morning, at 7600 feet, not only is Montana beautiful, she’s chilly. Shivering, I circled the new Land Cruiser and admired the metal, which is only a modest departure from the previous Cruiser exterior—still rugged and handsome; now a bit buffer, with a more dynamic stance. Due diligence done, I jumped in, pressed the start button, and jacked up the seat heater. I looked around the cabin and thought huh? In my haste to escape the cold, had I stumbled into a wayward Lexus SUV that had been roped into support duty for its down-market cousin’s launch? Even after a check of the steering wheel badge told me no, my eyes continued to chant otherwise: this cabin was all serious leather, all serious quality finishes, and all serious design detail.
I shifted the Cruiser’s standard, six-speed automatic transmission into big D and its fulltime 4WD into low range. I then started up the mountain, to the black-diamond ski slopes where Toyota’s engineers had laid a course of “technical challenges,” as they called the dirt moguls, rock piles, and vehicle-swallowing gullies. At the first challenge, still traveling uphill, the Land Cruiser rolled and jostled over a series of offset, parallel, waist-high hillocks like they were parking-lot speed bumps. “Want a rock? I can easily grab you one from off the ground,” my passenger sincerely asked during a moment of particularly sharp tilt, as he clung to the overhead handgrip and warily looked out his open window at the close earth.

At the summit, at nearly 9000 feet, snow was falling. Here, on a simulation of a boulder-strewn creek bed, Toyota’s new CRAWL Control system did almost all the work—think active cruise control for off-roading. With this system engaged, the Land Cruiser operates both the brake and the accelerator, shifting power to tires with traction, while you merely steer the inexorably moving vehicle. Although CRAWL is nifty for novices on rough patches, off-road purists will be thrilled to find an “off” switch, since this system drains a little too much of the fun from rock crawling.
After a quick lunch of dry-rub BBQ, I hit the highway to Yellowstone. Along the road, aspens blazed gold under a close sky. On this two-laner, I was sixteen again: at every opportunity, I floored the Cruiser and passed slowing-moving campers. The source of my exuberance was the Land Cruiser’s new engine, which adds a liter compared to the previous iteration, and is now a 5.7-liter V8. This increased displacement ups the horses to a performance-worthy 381 hp and the torque to a diesel-like 401 lb-ft. Despite the boost in power, fuel economy improves—albeit only to 13/18 mpg—and emissions earn a coveted ULEV-II rating.
On the pavement, the Land Cruiser is everything its name promises: a cruiser, and a dreamy one at that. The steering is precise, the cabin is whisper quiet, and roadway imperfections are dampened to gentle thump-thumps—all very Lexus-esque. Which brings us to the $63,000 question (yes, the Cruiser bases for 63 big ones—and that’s without the navigation or rear-seat entertainment systems): Given the Land Cruiser’s superb performance and luscious interior, other than for the added glitz and gizmos, why on earth will anyone pony up for the Lexus version, when it hits markets early next year?

After several stops for crossing herds of elk and photos of grazing bison, I arrived at Old Faithful. I parked and took a minute to look around the cabin again. Yes, I thought, with the Land Cruiser, you don’t even need a tent; you can just drive up a mountain, fold away the second and third rows of seating, and sleep in the back. Yep, I said to myself, plenty of space for Jake and I to stretch out. I smiled. Probably even room for Heath, too. I jumped out of the Land Cruiser and hurried to catch the next eruption.

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Our Top 10 Most Researched Vehicles article is consistently the most popular article on the site. We are often asked why certain cars made it to the list and while we cannot get inside our users’ heads, we can make educated guesses. With that in mind, we asked our own Joe Tralongo to give his take on the Top 10 Most Researched:

Talking About the Top 10 Most Researched

by Joe Tralongo
If there’s one thing gays do well, it’s spend money. But before you spend it, you have to save it, which may account for the number of frugal cars that made Gaywheels.com’s Top Ten Most Researched list.
Number 1: Toyota Yaris

Toyota’s compact Yaris is the perfect date; it’s cute, cheap and eats like a bird. For the first time buyer, as well as those looking for a fuel-efficient second car, the Yaris offers legendary Toyota quality and reliability at a price just about anyone can afford. And when the affair ends, the Yaris’ excellent resale value won’t leave your wallet feeling robbed.
Number 2: Saab 9-3

Unless, like dear Patsy Stone, someone has locked you in a room the last ten years, you’ve probably noticed that gay men and women don’t do anything half heartedly, and we certainly hate blending in with the crowd. The same can be said for Saab’s 9-3 sedan and convertible, two unconventional alternatives to the myriad of Mercedes-Benz, Acura and BMW cars jamming the gay ghetto. We love them for their sleek design, super-comfy seats and such quirky oddities as the horizontally-mounted console ignition switch. The Saab 9-3 sedan and convertible are the quintessential non-conformist luxury cars.
Number 3: Mazda MX-5 Miata

No surprise here, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been a darling of both the gay and straight worlds alike. This smartly styled roadster appeals to so many because it’s so easy to own. Somewhat snug, the Miata nevertheless makes the most of every inch of usable space including a surprisingly user-friendly trunk. The car’s light weight and 50/50 front-to-rear balance impart go-cart-like handling, making even the best sport sedan feel like a lead sled in comparison. One of the MX-5’s most attractive features, the convertible top, can be raised or lowered with one arm. Also, the brilliantly engineered hardtop model gives up no trunk space with the top down. Break out those hat boxes, boys, we’re going for a ride!
Number 4: Volkswagen Jetta

Something about a German car ignites the gay driving passion. Unfortunately, something about the steep price tag keeps many at bay. Volkswagen’s Jetta breaks the budget barrier by offering the only sub-$20,000 German sedan available in the USA. The Jetta’s popularity stems from the interior’s Audi-like attention to detail and comfort and the uber-exciting ride. The 2.0-liter turbo pulls like a V6, achieves excellent fuel economy and can be had with a manual or automatic transmission. Later in the 2008 model year, the fuel-efficient TDI diesel returns offering fuel economy no gasoline engine can touch.
Number 5: Volkswagen EOS

Huh, what do you know? Another convertible! OK, so we like the wind in our hair (or wigs) and the sun on our faces, although not so much sun as to cause premature wrinkles. The VW Eos succeeds the only convertible gayer than the MX-5 Miata, the long loved Cabriolet. Quick on its feet and endowed with the same upscale interior as the Jetta, the Eos is the prima donna of the topless set. Its outrageous retractable hardtop includes a built-in sunroof so you can still enjoy open air driving without retracting the power top, which proves useful because unlike the MX-5 Miata, the Eos’ power top eats up considerable trunk space.
Number 6: Dodge Caliber

The Dodge Caliber’s appearance midway down the list proves gay and lesbian car buyers don’t exclude domestics when they merit attention. The Caliber’s low base price certainly is part of its appeal, but innovative features like an available flip-down rear speaker bar (perfect for tailgating at the beach), center armrest iPod holder and a “Chill-Zone” cooled storage bin speak to the creative gay nature. From a practical standpoint, the Caliber offers a wide choice of optional features including all-wheel-drive. With room for four, an upright driving position and an exterior design worthy of the term “muscular”, the Dodge Caliber knows how to show a gay a good time.
Number 7: Toyota Camry

Not all gays are glamour queens. Some actually prefer sensibility to sensuality, although all bets are off once the weekend rolls around. Toyota’s Camry proves the logical choice for those who view their car as a means of transportation and not a fashion accessory. Far from dowdy, indeed the 2008 model is probably one of the best looking cars every to where Camry badge. Strong reliability and resale figures complement a quiet cabin, silky smooth engine and excellent fuel economy. Room for five, a huge trunk and an optional equipment list reaching dangerously close to Lexus-level luxury keep the Camry high on the Rainbow Radar!
Number 8: Audi A3

The A3 is one of Europe’s most popular cars, yet Americans are just getting their first hard look at Audi’s entry-level hatchback. The gay community is familiar with the A3 because many have rented one when traveling overseas. The American version is a bit plusher (and more expensive) than its European cousin and it runs on gasoline, not diesel. The A3’s strong showing puts to rest the notion that gay Americans won’t buy premium hatchbacks. Wrong! What we won’t buy are ugly, overpriced and underpowered hatchbacks… and cheap shoes. Although the A3 shares a common platform and engine with the Volkswagen GTI, it offers many features unavailable on the VW, including a V6 engine, quattro all-wheel drive, a huge “Open Sky” glass sunroof and the undeniable status provided by Audi’s four-ring logo.

Number 9: Volkswagen Rabbit

Another VW makes the list, this time the Rabbit. Formerly known as the Golf, the Rabbit is far more reliable then the original Teutonic fur ball, a car (for those of us old enough to remember) with a somewhat jaded past. Although priced slightly higher than the competition from Japan and Korea, the Rabbit offers a lot in the way of standard equipment, safety, comfort and performance. And then there’s the whole German car thing again.
Number 10: Infiniti FX

The FX is one of Infiniti’s most beautiful vehicles, a fact born out by its ability to make our Top Ten list after five-years on the market. Part SUV, part sport sedan, the aggressive FX looks like nothing else on the road, and its interior still makes us giddy. Never mind the small cargo space and even smaller cargo opening, pay no attention to the claustrophobic rear seats or nearly non-existent rear visibility, its all about good looks and great performance. Sure a nicely loaded version costs north of $40,000, and that’s just for the V6 model, but did we mention the killer Bose audio, stunning metallic paint options and optional 20-inch wheels? Yeah, it’s worth it.

The review below was originally posted in February 2006. After spending a week in a FJ Cruiser here at Gaywheels.com world HQ, I was compelled to add a few comments.

As journalists we shouldn’t let our own opinions cloud our judgement and our goal is to keep the target consumer in mind when reviewing a vehicle. Being human, that is easier said than done; especially when a vehicle evokes strong emotions from us. It is easy to write about a vehicle that you can relate to and it can be very difficult to speak highly of a car or truck that rubs you the wrong way. I’d have to put the Toyota FJ Cruiser in the latter camp.

To be perfectly honest, before driving the FJ Cruiser I thought it was less than attractive (putting it mildly). I am a big fan of heritage design when done properly and in my personal opinion, the FJ Cruiser misses the mark. Even after spending a week with our bright yellow beast, I have not warmed up to the design. It certainly gets attention though and in the land of lookalike SUVs, it is always very easy to find in the parking lot. We saw quite a few on the road here in Atlanta and always got a wave from the other drivers. Cruiser Club anyone?

What surprised me the most about the truck is how well it drives. It simply has the most personality of any Toyota I’ve driven in the recent past. The drivetrain is wonderful with the 239 HP 4.0L V6 engine delivering an athletic driving experience. It felt light and nimble; two adjectives I would have never used just looking at the vehicle. The ride is incredibly compliant and would be great road-trip car for two.

The interior was roomy for the front two passengers but it was clear that the retro design dictated space allocation. The vertical windshield looks great but it places the window quite a distance from the driver. My partner and I had a hard time reaching the visors! We aren’t tall people but at 5’10″ I don’t think we classify as short either. That design feature also made it difficult to see a stoplight if you happened to be first in line.

Read the review below for more impressions. I’ll leave with this – if you don’t need a lot of passenger room and want an SUV that stands out in a crowd, definitely take a FJ Cruiser for a test drive. It isn’t my cup of tea, but it may be yours – Editor

Toyota Goes Muy Macho  

By Kate McLeod

This is it!  You want rugged?  You want that macho military look?  You want different?  Check out Toyota’s new FJ Cruiser.  There’s a retro look, but not like the Mustang or the VW New Beetle.  It’s a retro look that goes so far back than few of us have ever seen it. So it’s fresh, too.

Combine the FJ’s boldness with construction yellow or Toyota’s own heritage blue and it makes quite a statement careening down a highway.  You’re going to love the look.  And as an offroader, it is Rubicon worthy.  Toyota has a winner.  But I can nitpick with the best of them.

Exterior

The design goes back to military ehicles Toyota built for our Army around the Korean War.  You can easily see the old FJ heritage in the bug eye headlamps framed together with the mesh grille, the pushed out front fender, wrap around rear glass and the white roof.  A flat windshield (with three wipers) and slab sides add a utilitarian feel.  Massive wheel wells house 17” wheels. The spare tire cover is stamped with a wide tire track and a big “FJ”.  A ground clearance of 9.6 inches on 4X4 models adds utility to the style statement.  Designer rock crawl, anyone?

Interior

Open the clamshell doors and you see right away that this baby means business.  No wimpy dials, no delicate fabrics—rubber, plastic, chunky, utilitarian and textured, that’s the statement. The flat instrument panels are framed top and bottom with a tubular edge. Body paint accents (optional) on the door and instrument panels really jazz up the interior. Everything, including speaker covers, floor mats, seat covers and plastic panels, has texture.  It’s kind of obvious where Toyota saved money as well as spent money and that’s too bad. The interior plastic could have been softer––honestly it felt a little cheap. Also there’s no light behind some of the push buttons on the dash so you’re never sure if they are engaged or not.

Sitting on top of the dash, you can option a GPS system or three gauges (compass, temperature and inclinometer). Dials to operate the audio and HVAC are the size of mini muffins and, thank you Toyota, easy to use. Audio is appropriately subwoofed and the optional six-CD changer system comes with two of those on the floor––dude, feel those vibes.

The center console has a small bin for change, two big gulp-holders and a large open bin at the back.  There’s storage in the door panels as well. I loved the big grab handle at elbow height on the door panel.

The driver’s seat is 8-way adjustable and passenger seat is 4-way adjustable.  Rear seats have a 60/40 split with folding (removable) seat and back cushions.  The floor isn’t completely flat but nearly flat. With seats folded you have 66.8 cubic feet of cargo room; 27 cubic feet with the seats up.

The seats need better bolstering. We really noticed it on the off-road course with side hills and an articulation course that keeps one wheel always in the air. Serious off-roaders should keep this in mind.  My driving partner’s bad back was very unhappy during our off-roading course.  And there’s a solid rear axle adding to the authenticity—real hard ride.

Performance

The FJ is powered by Toyota’s 4.0 liter V-6 with a double-overhead-cam design with VVT-I the same engine used in the Tacoma, Tundra and Highlander.  It produces 239 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 278 fl-lbs of torque at 3,700 rpm.  One downer: It takes premium 91 octane fuel.  Fuel economy varies with the model but average preliminary EPA numbers are 17 city/21 highway.

The FJ Cruiser is available as either a rear-wheel 2WD or part-time 4WD for automatic transmission models or full-time 4WD for manual transmission models coupled with hydraulic rack and pinion steering.  The transition from two-wheel to four-low or four-high is quite easy, even for a novice.  Just engage the A-trac system (offroad traction control) and throw the shifter into gear and you’re off. (I preferred the manual for offroad driving as it provided more control, but the automatic was fine for highway driving.

Safety features include dual stage and front driver and passenger airbags with side airbags optional.  Toyota’s Star Safety System includes anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic brake force distribution and traction control and vehicle skid control.   Towing capacity is 5,000 lbs.

Details

The FJ Cruiser will be on sale the last ten days of March 2006 as a 2007 model. The FJ Cruiser 4×2 with a five-speed automatic transmission will carry a base MSRP of $21,710.  Pricing for the FJ Cruiser 4×4 with a six-speed manual will be priced at $22,890 while the 4×4 with a five-speed automatic will start at $23,300.  

Toyota has come up with a honest design in the FJ, something you don’t have to explain or interpret.

Toyota thinks their buyers will be mostly male, 70% single and one third will be under 30. They’ve made overtures to many aftermarket companies so there’ll be opportunity for customization.

 They say this vehicle is one for the beer drinkers. Perhaps this explains their marketing photo of single shirtless sociopaths (my interpretation). But I don’t drink at all and almost always wear a shirt and I’d buy the FJ Cruiser in a heartbeat.

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Ever Greener

by Scott Corlett

Toyota practically pioneered the hybrid movement in the United States. The Prius—Toyota’s high-mileage golden egg—was not only the first hybrid vehicle to gain widespread acceptance among drivers, but it’s now the de rigueur transport to red carpets for Hollywood’s eco-set. For 2007, with gasoline prices sure to remain high and global warming ever more on American minds, the engineers at Toyota have mated hybrid technology to the best-selling sedan in all the land, the Camry. The only question is, will the Camry Hybrid be a category-killing combo or a cannibal that eats away at Prius sales?

In early fall, a 2007 Camry Hybrid arrived in our driveway in San Francisco, the heart of hybrid country. Before drives in some tanker-like test vehicles—which will remain nameless—we don a ball cap and dark shades. San Franciscans aren’t shy to make their feelings known about those that hog tight roads and dwindling hydrocarbon resources. The Camry Hybrid required no such costume. As we drove around the city, the badges that proclaim the Camry’s eco-creds and the near-silent whir of the sedan’s electric motor brought only approving glances.

The Camry Hybrid, like its Prius cousin, is a full-fledged hybrid, which can operate under power from an electric motor, a gasoline engine, or both (for a fuller discussion of how hybrid technology works, see our review of the Prius). Unlike the super-aerodynamic, gently powered Prius, the Camry Hybrid merely sees good mileage for a sedan of its size. According to the folks at Toyota, the Camry Hybrid makes 43 mpg city/37 mpg highway. As in the Prius, we experienced significantly lower mileage during our test drive—closer to an average of 30 mpg for the Camry Hybrid. This is only slightly better than the fuel economy of a Camry equipped with the available 158-hp, four-cylinder gasoline engine. So, you ask, what’s the upside? In the Camry Hybrid, the proposition is fuel efficiency without the sacrifice of power—you get the go of a six-cylinder engine with the fuel economy of a four-banger.

First and foremost, she’s a Camry. Aside from the powertrain, the Camry Hybrid is just a well-equipped Camry—which is to say, a perfectly good, all-purpose sedan. For 2007, the team at Toyota fully redesigned the Camry. Compared to the previous iteration, the metal is sharper and the interior is outfitted with more pleasing materials. This new, edgier (for a Camry) look is just right for the introduction of futuristic hybrid technology into this, the most traditional of family sedans. The hybrid model features much of same standard equipment as the top-end Camry XLE: you get premium JBL audio with Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and many other goodies. This makes the Camry Hybrid a great value as its base price of $25,900 falls between that of the four- and six-cylinder XLEs.

The Camry Hybrid, like all Camrys, is just fine on the freeway and perfectly adept around town, but never will the adjectives nimble or rocking refer to the handling dynamics of this sedan. That is OK with us, as the Camry’s mandate is to provide safe, comfortable, spacious transport. The Camry Hybrid succeeds on all fronts: as in all 2007 Camrys, seven airbags are standard; there is plenty of leg-, hip-, and headroom; and a capacious trunk awaits your bags.

The Camry Hybrid is the eco-friendly alternative to the top-of-the-line, six-cylinder Camry XLE—with little sacrifice, you’ll save big on fuel and greenhouse-gas emissions. But, if you really want to go deep green, you’ll have to stick with the similarly sized, but ovoid-shaped Prius sedan, which easily makes 15 mpg more than the hybrid Camry. Either way, with the introduction of the 2007 Camry Hybrid, the automotive universe—and Toyota’s bottom line—just got a little greener.

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Echoes from the ‘70s

by Scott Corlett

Toyota’s unloved ECHO will be heard no more. For 2007, the cute-as-a-bug Yaris replaces the ECHO as Toyota’s entry-level subcompact offering. Toyota already successfully targets the tiny mover market with its Scion division vehicles, so the Yaris is a bit of a double-dip. Fortunately for Toyota, with gasoline prices set to stay high, fuel-efficient econo cars are enjoying popularity unseen in the US since the last oil crunch. Therein lies the real echo, the one that presently causes a lot of heartburn in Detroit boardrooms: it was during the fuel shortages of the 1970s that Japanese car companies happened to have small, low-cost, high-mileage vehicles ready to sell, while Detroit’s manufacturers were still churning out big, gas-guzzling boats, which, today, are called SUVs and minivans.

Just in time for Labor Day weekend, a Toyota Yaris test vehicle arrived at our home in San Francisco. Living in a city where parking is tighter Kathy Griffin’s face the day after a lift, a small runabout like the Yaris always brings a smile to our own unadulterated, if imperfect mug. The Yaris is available in two configurations: a 150-inch-long, three-door liftback, which was designed in Toyota’s European studio, and a slightly longer, four-door sedan, which was inked in Japan. We mention the difference in design shops because there is something about the hatchback’s metal that is more whimsical and animated—and therefore more loveable in our book—than that of the sedan, which hews more closely to the Toyota aesthetic mandate to be, first and foremost, unoffending.

We dumped our duffle bag into the rear cargo space, which is good for a load of groceries or a weekend’s worth of luggage, and closed the hatch. After climbing onto the driver’s seat, we pushed in the clutch, cranked the ignition, and slid the five-speed manual transmission into first. We set off, and, as we shifted into third, we checked our speed—after turning our head to the right, that is. The Yaris, like the old ECHO and the Scion cousins, has a center-dash instrument cluster. While this arrangement definitely takes some getting used, it does leave the driver a less-obstructed field of vision and room for a handy, over-steering-wheel storage bin. The rest of the Yaris’s interior finishes are more conventional, in a simple, well-put-together way.

As we drove along the hilly San Francisco streets, the Yaris’s solely offered, 106-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine provided adequate juice; and, if we kept the rpms north of 5000, the Yaris’s performance was downright econo-peppy. The payoff for this kind of performance is the Yaris’s fuel economy, which is an easy-on-the-pump 34 city/40 highway mpg according to Toyota’s engineers. Once we reached the open highway north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Yaris continued to handle well despite being buffeted by winds from passing semis and speeding cars. This fact surprised us, since, on the freeway, many vehicles in this class drive like fallen leaves in a November storm.

We exited and then cruised along a twisty road through alternating patches of fall sun and shadows from overhanging Eucalyptus trees. At a rock-bottom base price of $10,950, the Yaris—with its Toyota quality, good fuel economy, and fun drive and design—is a steal any way that you slice or dice it. That said, in a vehicle of this size, we wish that Toyota had made the full armament of airbags (front, front-side, and curtain) standard; instead, the basic kit offers just the front two bags and you’ll have to spring for the “optional” protection. We eased off the gas and downshifted as we approached an SUV that lumbered up the curvy route. We sighed, looked over at the Yaris’s gas gauge, whose needle had barely budged from the full mark, and shrugged. Doubtlessly, we thought, the SUV will soon pull off to refuel and our little Yaris will zip right on by.

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It’s Beautiful! There, I said it.

by Steve Siler

Camry, the country’s best-selling car, has also been one of the least compelling to gay people. And for only one reason: style. Or rather, the lack thereof.

Now, it’s not that Toyota couldn’t build a good looking car. It just didn’t. Clearly, Toyota achieved plenty of success selling cars that are inoffensive, uncomplicated and almost always painted some shade of beige. After all, vanilla is America’s favorite flavor if ice cream. But it’s not like the talent in Toyota’s design department wasn’t there. It was just dormant; somewhat of a sleeping giant.

Well, that giant has just snapped out of its slumber. The new 2007 Camry is beautiful. And yes, I am just as surprised to write this as you are to read it. But chances are, if you’ve even clicked on this page, something about the Camry’s newfound swagger piqued your interest. With a bit of Mercedes-Benz in the front, and a whole lotta Lexus GS300 in the back, the Camry successfully scavenges proven upscale design elements for a look that aspires, successfully, to appear more substantial than your ordinary mid-size sedan.

If you expect it to get any uglier inside, you’ll be wrong (but not disappointed). The same carefully balanced aesthetic of inoffensive yet freshly modern style of the sheetmetal has been applied to the dashboard and door trim, all the while upholding the ergonomics correctness that Toyota has worked for years to perfect. As usual, all the switches and controls fall right where they should, only this time they’re surrounded by cool shapes and forms, including a glowing “plasmacluster” trim piece around the radio (or optional navigation/radio combo) that glows at night in a rather otherworldly—and distinctly un-Toyota—way.

Dimensionally, the new model is similar to last year’s, which itself was a relatively large vehicle by “mid-size” standards. As such, there is puh-lenty of space inside for five adults, making the larger Avalon—or anything larger, for that matter—seem excessive for most any gay household. And in terms of luxury, there’s plenty of that, too, with available glove-soft leather upholstery, simu-wood trim, a JBL audio system (with some 440 watts!), heated seats and the aforementioned navigation system, which is accessed via a very easy-to-use touch-screen interface.

The Camry is available with a choice of three powertrains, including a 158-hp four-cylinder engine, a velvety, gutsy 268-hp V-6 and, for the first time, a hybrid four-cylinder/electric system. All achieve impressive fuel economy, regardless of which of the four transmissions you end up with. Our tester came with the V-6, which is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission with (gasp) manual shift control! It was slick. And fast. And capable of setting the front tires a-smokin when released from the traction control nannies in no time.

But such antics would be unseemly for this luxury-car-in-training. Especially because the soft suspension would give away this car’s true intentions once the road started to turn. Not that it would roll over and play dead or anything; its steering and brakes are communicative enough to keep things interesting. It’s just not one of the playful puppies that the similarly powerful Nissan Altima SE-R or MazdaSpeed 6 sedans are, for example.

There was a time (we’ll just call it the last 20 years) when the Camry commanded about the same amount of attention as a Sara Lee delivery truck, and had about the same amount of sex appeal. But after driving the new Camry, I can’t help but think that it’s poised to make its way into a good number of our gay garages in coming years. Makes you wonder what they’ve been putting in their rice cakes.

2007 Toyota Camry

• Base Price (incl. destination): $18,850
• Fuel economy range, EPA city/hwy (est.):
• 2.4-liter: 25/34 (manual), 24/33 (auto)
• 3.5-liter: 22/31
• Hybrid: 43/37

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Absolutely Avalon

By Scott Corlett

The folks at Toyota offer something for everyone: The young and hip have the Scions, soccer moms and dads have the Siennas and Camrys, and graying boomers have the Avalon, Toyota’s flagship sedan. The third-generation Avalon is the first Toyota engineered, styled, and built right here in the USA. Uh-oh, you say, there goes Toyota’s sparkling record of delivering quality-perfect vehicles. Not so fast, my friend—the Avalon proves once and for all that the quality gap between American and Japanese cars results not from American engineering, design, or manufacture, but from … oh, never mind, that’s just too long a story for this piece.

During the last days of winter, we spent a week in the 2006 Avalon Touring Sedan. This big sedan appeals (quite rightly so) to the driver who regards his car more as an appliance that facilitates his journey from point A to point B than as a machine that thrills. Longer than a Ford Explorer, the Avalon offers nearly as much front-seat legroom and four inches more of rear-seat legroom than the SUV. The Avalon easily accommodates five, full-sized guys or gals on rides around town; if you are heading much beyond the city limits, best stick to four riders or whomever is sandwiched on the rear bench is apt to get crabby.

We threw our gym bag in the trunk (it looked very, very lonely), jumped in the Avalon, and cranked the optional 360-watt, twelve-speaker JBL stereo. That system, we think, is a tad bit overkill for the target demographic’s Barry Manilow CDs. A center-dash LCD display—with bright, blue screen and white, stick-figure graphical representations—provided information about key systems, such as the stereo and dual-zone, automatic climate control. We pulled out of our driveway and the Avalon glided along the hilly streets of San Francisco en route to our gym in the Castro—the handling and braking were perfectly adequate, if not exactly awe-inspiring.

The steep streets proved no challenge to the Avalon’s 3.5-liter 268-horsepower 24-valve V-6 engine. This is the most powerful V-6 ever offered in Toyota’s US lineup and we expect to see it in many future Toyota and Lexus vehicles. According to Toyota’s engineers, the V-6 mated to the five-speed automatic transmission can shoot the Avalon from zero to 60 mph in a mere 6.6 seconds—leave it to the executives at Toyota to put out a sedan that you can smoke off the line with “Mandy” blasting from the pipes.

Before the Chrysler 300 and Ford Five Hundred came along, the Avalon easily competed with the likes of the bygone Buick LeSabre and the Ford Crown Vic and its Mercury twin, the Grand Marquis. Both the Chrysler and the new Ford are more fun on the twisty bits; but for a base price of $27-grand, you cannot beat the reliability of the American-made 2006 Toyota Avalon. We finished our workout and climbed back onto the optional heated seats, which were dialed high to sooth our tight, aching muscles. As the Avalon left the gym’s lot, a hottie looked our way—he probably just heard our muffled, atonal, “Her name was Lola …”

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Simply RAVaging

By Scott Corlett

The RAV4 is all grown up. In 1996, the folks at Toyota broke new ground when they introduced the original RAV4—the first, small, car-based, cute-ute. Other manufacturers soon caught the c-ute bug, and the RAV4 couldn’t keep up with the roomier Honda CR-V or the V-6-powered domestics. A decade on, the designers at Toyota have upped the ante with the launch of the all-new RAV4, which is available with a V-6 for the first time and is fourteen inches longer and 400 pounds heavier than its previous iteration.

Recently, we spent a week with the 2006 Toyota RAV4 in San Francisco. During winter, we like to drive north, over the Golden Gate Bridge, to Point Reyes and watch big Alaskan rollers break onto battered, cold sand. But before leaving civilization behind, we like to be fully stocked with provisions. We gave silent thanks as we slid the RAV’s 181 inches into a parking space right in front of Tartine, the best French bakery west of the Seine. Laden with lattes and finely crusted confections whose carbohydrate content would have Dr. Atkins spinning in his grave, we cranked the MP3-ready, six-speaker stereo, shifted the four-speed automatic (the V-6 gets five gears) into big D, and pulled out into traffic en route to pickup a load less-sweet, but no-less-loved.

The guys jumped in the RAV4, and between the new generation’s increased legroom (41.8 inches front/38.3 rear—more, mind you, than the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee) and the saliva-inducing smell of freshly baked pain-au-chocolat, there was nary a complaint from the crew of three, hiking-boot-clad six-footers on the way north. As we followed Tippi Hedren’s route from The Birds, the switchbacks of coastal Highway 1 proved no problem for the RAV’s communicative steering or its car-like, four-wheel, independent suspension.

Maybe it was our load of big boys and pastries, but as the RAV climbed the seaside hills, we yearned for the 269 horsepower of the optional, class-leading, 3.5-liter V-6. The standard 2.4-liter 166-horsepower four-cylinder will keep you moving down the freeway; for upgrade driving or fast-off-the-line acceleration, the V-6 is worth the extra $2000 (the base price of the four-cylinder is a modest $21,000). The guys in back guzzled their coffee drinks faster than the RAV did its fuel; for SUVs, both engines are sippers—with, according to Toyota’s engineers, combined fuel-economies in the mid-20s.

We arrived at the shore and without worry pulled onto the wet sand that lined the road—the RAV’s on-demand four-wheel-drive system stood ready to pull us out of any slippery situations. As we looked out at the huddled gulls, and enormous, gray and white waves, we decided against a walk on the beach. We watched the surf as we chowed on still-warm, chocolaty treats and listened to tunes. Once the brown paper sack, which smelled so sweetly of its former sugary contents that you wanted to eat it, was empty, we turned the RAV around and headed back the City. It was Saturday and we needed to work off those carbs before we took the RAV4 out for a night on the town.

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Pretty in Prius

By Scott Corlett

In 2004, Toyota gave its Prius sedan an extreme makeover. At the unveiling of the overhauled Prius, the previously plain-Jane hybrid emerged a sleek sheet metal vision of the future. Prior to transformation, the sedan hardly received a second glance from either buyers or the press, but since the redesign, the Prius has held the media’s attention – and has brought buyers to Toyota’s showrooms. The Prius’s now distinctive ovoid design proudly proclaims its driver’s eco-friendly credentials, whereas competitors’ hybrids are in the automotive closet – you really have to hunt for that little ‘h’ on the rear end of a Honda Civic to know if it is a fuel-sipper.

We recently spent a week in a 2005 Toyota Prius in San Francisco. We were in good company – it seems every other car in Oz is a Prius. With added power but few cosmetic changes from 2004, the five-door Prius ferried us with economy to the beach, around town on errands, and down wide California freeways.

The heart of the Prius is its Hybrid Synergy Drive system which mainly consists of a gasoline engine, an electric motor that doubles as a generator, and a storage battery. Depending on the car’s power requirements, the Prius draws energy from the electric motor, the gasoline engine, or a combination of the two. During stops and times of low power consumption, the gasoline engine shuts off.  This intermittent fuel usage greatly improves the mileage. Further boosting efficiency is the energy captured during braking and coasting which is stored in the battery for use by the electric motor.

Futuristic gadgetry and quirky-but-loveable mannerisms help set the Prius apart from other cars. The optional Smart Key System garners oohs-and-ahs – just leave the key fob in your pocket or purse and the car, sensing your approach, unlocks as you reach for the door handle. Climb into the driver seat and push the ‘Power’ button and the Prius, aware of the key’s presence, is quietly ready to go. The dashboard schematic readout illustrates the flow of power between the hybrid system’s components and the drivetrain.  The gasoline engine’s slight shudder when cycling on and off provides a gentle, idiosyncratic reminder of its presence. The near-silent whir as you are propelled by electricity alone is the sound of dollars, otherwise spent on gasoline, adding to your bank account. At journey’s end, press the ‘Power’ button again and the Prius is off.

Interior dimensions such as headroom, legroom, and cargo space are similar to those of other midsize sedans like the Toyota Camry. The Prius also handles like a Camry – the steering is too uncommunicative and the suspension is too soft. With 76 horsepower coming from the 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and 67 hp from the electric motor, acceleration is adequate but uninspiring with, according to Toyota, a zero-to-60 mph time of just over 10 seconds. The silky smooth automatic transmission is continuously variable – meaning no fixed gear ratios and no hard shifts.

Many of us would happily haul Leonardo DiCaprio to the Oscars. Unfortunately, that duty is assigned to the Prius. Hollywood royalty’s obsession with the Prius and the resulting media exposure have helped make it a cultural phenomenon akin to the Volkswagen Beetle in the 1970s. To the delight of Toyota’s executives, the sedan is seen as more than another trendy celebrity accessory – the Prius is synonymous with fuel efficiency in the minds of many car buyers. The 2005 model earned an EPA fuel economy rating of 60 miles per gallon in the city and 51 mpg on the highway. Stop-and-go city driving when compared to steady freeway cruising allows greater down time for the Prius’s gasoline engine – hence the unusual higher city mileage figure. While we found the EPA’s numbers overly optimistic, the average mid-40s mpg we experienced is a relief to wallets strained by current fuel prices. For comparison, a four-cylinder Toyota Camry has an average fuel economy of less than 30 mpg.

You do need to invest some of that fuel-cost savings in additional crash protection. With only two air bags standard, you can bet Leo sprang for the optional front-seat side air bags and the two-row, side curtain air bags. While the cabin is spacious, keep the six footers in front where headroom is more generous.  Oddly, if you ever wish to pretend you are driving a garbage truck, the Prius’s annoying beeping reverse gear indicator is there to help.

Conservation does not come cheaply for the buyer or for Toyota. A base price of $20,875 plus delivery charges and options like added bags easily push the bottom line to $25K. Even at that price, the Prius generates little profit for its maker because of the cost of the added components and the complex electronics. Nor does the Prius come quickly – waitlists at some dealers run upward of six months. For 2006, Toyota will freshen the exterior, add MP3 capacity, and tweak the performance of the standard air bags. We say—instead of fiddling with the standard bags—make more bags standard.

Looking for a car more futuristic than fast? Just be ready to give your best movie-star smile as the Prius’s fuel gauge drifts so, so slowly toward empty while you drive past gas stations busy with motorists fueling their ordinary cars.

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