At this year’s convention, the 2011 Best Overall Value of the Year awards were given away for 21 different classes of vehicles.  Out those 21, Toyota models topped 7 categories.  The award-winners were chosen by IntelliChoice, based on in-depth analysis of the vehicles’ ownership costs, including depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing and insurance.  Let’s see which classes Toyota models swept:

1. Minivan- Sienna
2. Full-Size Pickup – Tundra
3. Compact Pickup – Tacoma
4. Compact Crossover/Wagon – RAV4 four-cylinder
5. SUV – 4Runner
6. Premium Passenger Car – Avalon
7. Passenger Car – Prius

This is really good news for Toyota, especially if you are in the market for a new car.  When you purchase an auto, you truly want to get the most for your money and you have to factor in the overall value to make sure you are making a good decision.  These models can be test driven right now at O’Brien Toyota of Urbana, the Toyota dealer Danville drivers trust the most.

What is nice about the categories Toyota’s topped is that they are a good selection of autos to appeal to all different interests of drivers.  If you are a family, a Sienna minivan or a RAV4 might be something you’d consider purchasing to accommodate all your stuff, along with ample passenger room.  The 4Runner seems to cater to drivers who also like some off-road adventure here and there.

The Tacoma or Tundra are powerful trucks, each offered in different sizes and trims capable of transporting very large items, boats, work needs, and much more.  If you are looking for a nice sedan with plenty of features, but don’t want the luxury car price tag, the Toyota Avalon is a great choice.  The Prius is another four-door car option that does very well on gas mileage, like the used Corolla Champaign residents can buy now at our store.

The Motorist Choice Awards are a funny thing. You can look at it like the Oscars. My girlfriend has a big party with people who come for the free food and then cheer for their actors and movies like it’s the most important thing in the world. People get incredibly excited for awards.

The bottom line is, it does not matter what some award says or what a group of critics says as long as you’re happy with what you have. Toyota has a stellar record for both sales and retention. In other words, once a consumer gets a Toyota, they keep it a long time.

If you’re looking for something flashy and need to show off and appease the ego a little bit, lucky for you Toyota makes Lexus. Problem solved! For those of you rocking it on a budget, Toyota has a long line of affordable vehicles for any cost or lifestyle.

Things have changed, but for several years now the quality and affordability that we have come to expect from Toyota has not. Toyota has found a welcome home here in the U.S. for their product and with any luck are here to stay. A Champaign Toyota dealer in Central Illinois might not be what you expect to succeed here in the heartland, but Toyota has a great place in these hearts as well.

If you’re looking for a used Corolla, Champaign owners are most likely not going to give up on theirs unless they’re trading up. Models like this are going to go faster than you can imagine, so you’d better be ready.

In the end, the best award a company could ask for is people continuing to buy their product. However, in the shorter scheme, I supposed a bunch of shiny trophies are cool too.

1) You should always be aware when driving your vehicle. Remember to look in your rear-view and side-view mirrors when you are stopped or parked. This can help you to notice approaching persons ahead of time.

2) Avoid stopping at a light or stop sign directly behind another car. Carjackers are waiting for this to happen so you don’t have any room to drive away. They may seize this opportunity to force you out of the car as the light turns green.

3) Alter your priorities. Instead of parking in a spot closest to the door, park in a spot that is well lit. A few extra steps won’t hurt anybody.

4) Make sure that you are constantly looking around as you enter and exit your car. Take notice of your surrounding. Once again, use those mirrors before exiting the car.

5) Always lock your doors. It is important to lock your doors as soon as you enter your car. Also, make sure that your car does not automatically unlock your doors when you park. If it does, you should have this setting turned off. Carjackers are familiar of this feature and will make sure to use it to their advantage. Carjackers may take advantage of child passengers as well. Therefore, it is especially important to have your child’s locks set to child-proof.

So the next time you are driving in your used corolla, Champaign drivers, please remember these tips.

The engine on the Toyota Avalon is a perfect fit for this model. This engine has enough power to work very well on the road but is quiet and smooth. The 2011 has a front wheel drive, 3.5 liter V6 engine with a 6 speed automatic transmission. The 2011 Avalon puts out 268 horsepower, the same as previous Avalon models. Drivers of the Avalon will never be disturbed or jerked by this engine, a trait widely admired by current Avalon owners.

The 2011 Avalon continues to target a mature audience with an updated interior featuring textured plastic and fake wood trim. It has an extremely large interior, roomy enough for five to fit comfortably. The seats are very comfortable and the 2011 Avalon sports large windows allowing for an airy outdoor feel. Your used Corolla Champaign driver confirms riding in the backseat of the 2011 Avalon is a real treat.

The 2011 Avalon has many safety features to keep both driver and passengers secure while going for a ride. This automobile has everything from antilock brakes to standard airbags. The 2011 also has traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. This Avalon also boasts other features including a power moonroof, a rear power sunshade and memory seats.

Toyota has gone to great lengths to make the 2011 Avalon an incredible, peaceful experience. The Avalon has additional packages available to add even more luxury to the original design. Drivers can add a GPS navigation system and an upgraded sound system for an additional price. The Avalon is designed to be easy to operate and easy to ride in. For more information on how to make the 2011 Avalon part of your family, visit your local Champaign Toyota dealer.

So far, this calendar year, sales for the Toyota Camry have gone up. This is a pretty impressive fact taking into consideration that this model has always sold like hot cakes. Sales this calendar year total 190,000 and are up 2.8 percent for the first seven months of 2010 when compared to the first seven months of 2009.

The Camry continues to remain popular for a number of reasons. First off, it is an attractive ride, but not to the point where it is overly flashy. On the interior, the Camry is very comfortable. The Camry is also effectively priced, which makes it accessible for a wide range of drivers. Included in this low price comes standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, 16-inch wheels, traction control, electronic stability control and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Starting at $20,155 the 2010 Camry was given the “smart buy” label. The Camry offers more at a lower price than some of its main competitors. The 2010 Ford Fusion has a starting price of $20,420. The Camry’s main competitor, the Honda Accord starts at $21,805.

For those looking for a vehicle similar to the Camry, but smaller in size, the Corolla would be a perfect fit. There is a large selection of available Corollas for Champaign drivers to view at O’Brien. For drivers preferring to purchase used Corollas, Champaign car dealer O’Brien Toyota can provide those as well. Regardless of what you are looking for, O’Brien Toyota is the perfect place to go.

New vehicles give you two options of watching your cars operational performance besides the horrific feeling you get when a warning light comes on. You can either trust the temperature gauge to tell you there is a slight problem, or the rollercoaster ride that is watching your rpm gauge.

Here is the problem with the latter. New vehicles, though computer driven, are still powered by the engine. Certain functions of the car can increase strain on the engine forcing it to work harder. It doesn’t hurt the car, but if you’re like me and try to use the rpm’s to tell yourself something is amuck, then it can play with your head a bit.

Everyone should know that when you kick on the air conditioner that your engine has to work harder to compensate. That little fact is no big deal. What most people don’t know, myself included until recently, is that functions like your power steering or lower speed gear function can also change or affect your engine’s function. I bought a used Corolla, Champaign was a great place to shop, and was back in a week asking questions. The Champaign Toyota dealer, O’Brien Toyota, was able to reassure me that my random increase in rpm’s was to be expected.

I am currently in the market for a new Toyota, because of their durability. My best friend has had her Corolla for over 7 years. She drove it back and forth to college and has racked up about 215,000 miles, but this car still purrs like a kitten.  We met for lunch a couple weeks ago, and I asked her if it was the same car.  She looked at me like I was crazy and said, “Yeah! You think I’m ever giving up this car…Too many memories and too few problems.”  Memories we definitely had.  The Corolla took us to spring breaks, tailgates, and everywhere in between. I can remember one year we were driving down to Florida, and we actually had to stop to pick up a car full of our friends whose car broke down. We just crammed in and pumped up the AC and Kenny Chesney. If you are looking for a great deal on a used Corolla, Champaign, Illinois’ O’Brien Toyota has a great selection.

Another Toyota vehicle that has helped to keep them in the elite top 5 is the Toyota Sienna and the “Swagger Wagon” campaign.  I cannot help but to laugh out loud at the diaper bag commercial when the mom thinks the two police are hitting on her, but there is actually just a diaper bag on the roof- hilarious! That is so something I would do. Minivans have such a bad reputation, and this campaign really positioned Toyota as the hip not-so-minivan minivan.  Please do yourself a favor and watch the rap video Toyota put on Youtube with both of the parents spitting rhymes in front of their “swagger wagon”.  One of my many favorite lines is “straight ownin’ bake sales with my cupcake skills.”

For cars with more swagger, head to your Champaign Toyota Dealer, O’Brien Toyota, and get your swag on.

Families need space, no doubt about it. The RAV-4 does a great job of making everyone feel like they have their own space within the constrained confines of an automobile. This car has a lot of space, second row seats that slide back and forth so parents can always reach the kids but kids still feel like they can run away. The second row seats also recline for nap time or time out. The RAV-4 is the only crossover with an optional third row of seating allowing a seating capacity of seven.

The RAV-4 also has incredible cargo space. Even with seven passengers the RAV-4 gives you plenty of room for luggage. This car will never get messy with all of the compartments located throughout. No more searching all over the floor while speeding down the highway, the RAV-4 will always stay organized with several places for cleaning supplies, wipes, tissues , toys or anything else parents and kids will ever need.

The RAV-4 is not just four wheels meant to move your family from A to B, although it will do that well. This automobile is also a blast to drive. Used Corolla Champaign drivers often see the RAV-4 on the road and admit it looks like a fun ride. This car has great performance and handling so the driver can have fun on the road while still keeping passengers safe. The RAV-4 also has a spare tire, something many SUVs omit, to guarantee a sure fix if a blow out were to occur.

Toyota has inspected the RAV-4 and is certain this automobile is performing well and safely. For a base price of only $21,675 and an astounding 28 miles per gallon highway fuel economy the RAV-4 is almost a steal. Visit your local Champaign Toyota dealer for more information on this great family vehicle.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has yet to release any information on the subject and declined to make any comment in the Journal’s report.

This year has been unfortunate for Toyota who is related to a string of high-profile accidents and lawsuits involving its cars and trucks and has had to institute many recalls, most of which were related to stuck accelerators and floor mats. Also, there were a few recalls relating to electronic issues such as the antilock brake issue with the Toyota Prius.

The United States Department of Transportation has not finalized any decisions yet, so for Toyota there is still some uncertainty in the air. However, Toyota has denied any electronic related issues that may have resulted in sudden unintended acceleration. The Journal’s report seems to be backing Toyota’s position in some ways.  Members of Toyota’s internal investigation commented, “The Toyota findings appear to support Toyota’s position that sudden-acceleration reports involving its vehicles weren’t caused by electronic glitches in computer-controlled throttle systems, as some safety advocates and plaintiffs’ attorneys have alleged.”

In Illinois, there are still many great Toyota vehicles available for purchase.  At Champaign Toyota dealers there are many unbelievable sales going on.  One of the best buys is the used Corolla, Champaign car shoppers would be foolish to not at least test drive this quality and affordable sedan.  The Corolla is actually one of the top economy cars on the market today.  Most buyers have no trouble putting over 100,000 miles on this car and still report the car to be running smoothly.  The current Corolla comes in five trim levels.  The base level is well-equipped but lacks some power accessories that the higher trim levels feature.  Test drive one today!

If your vehicle is crowned the victor, not only will you win a trip to the 2010 Nascar Sprint All-Star Race, but you’ll have a chance to ride shotgun in your very own customized car. No need to settle for pre-gaming with boys and then settling down into some uncomfortable seats at the track, you could be cruising around the pavement like the pros. Regardless of whether you own a preowned Prius in Champaign or a used Corolla it might be nice to see what if feels like to get behind the dashboard of a real racing car.

The way it works: Contestants are allowed to enter in as many designs as they feel necessary, following their vehicles design approval that contestant will have 15 days to rally up as many votes as possible. Ten finalists will be selected on April 1, who will then move on to the next round. This involves a second round of voting which is open to the public. After the second round of voting and a review by Toyota team owners, drivers and media personalities there will be a collective decision for a single winner.

How would one go about designing a car? Not to worry, no previous experience needed, simply log onto sponsafier.com, from there you are placed into a fully interactive design center where you can upload images, customize your paint colors and essential personalize your vehicle to a T.

Aside from winning tickets to the Nascar Sprint All-Star Race and riding shotgun in your very own designed car, the victor will be awarded a five night’s hotel accommodation, a pocketful of cash, entry to several events and 15 minutes of fame that will forever be instilled in your memories. Don’t worry, the runner-ups do not go home empty handed, each of the finalists will receive a real and custom designed racing helmet, decorated with the designs and elements from your entry. Wear the helmet to work, while riding a bike, basically anywhere where it will get solid face time, because making it into the top ten is an accomplishment worth bragging about.

So indulge your creative mind, let loose, get the juices flowing because who knows, maybe that could be you with a pocket full of cash, cruising at over 100 mph on the track, just like the pros.