Toyota's truck-based mid-size sport-utility vehicle receives a number of powertrain and cosmetic updates for 2005. A new five-speed automatic transmission is now teamed with the standard 4.0-liter V-6 engine that comes with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for improved shift quality. The available 4.7-liter V-8 powerplant is updated with VVT-I and now generates 270 horsepower, which is an increase of 35 over the 2004 model, and a slightly higher 330 lb-ft of torque. The V-8 remains mated to the five-speed automatic gearbox. In addition, exterior enhancements are added to differentiate each of the 4Runner's three trim levels: SR5 models receive a chrome grille, color-keyed front and rear bumpers, and black running boards. Sport Edition models get a color-keyed grille, black running boards, and silver-painted roof rails and crossbars. Meanwhile, Limited versions now come with color-keyed front and rear bumpers, black illuminated running boards, and black roof rails and crossbars. Rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, and four-wheel-drive models remain available. Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution and hill control, skid control and traction control, A third-row seat is among the vehicle's many options.
2003 Toyota 4Runner by John Pearley Huffman (9/23/2002) Sort of old school, sort of new school.
Avalon
The Avalon continues for 2005 with only minor updates as Toyota's larger, roomier and more luxurious counterpart to the Camry. In addition to richer styling and a smoother and quieter ride, the Avalon offers something no other import sedan (and few domestics, for that matter) can match - an available front bench seat for six-passenger capability. The Camry's 3.0-liter V-6 engine provides an adequate 210 horsepower, and it works well with the car's four-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes, front-side airbags, dual-zone air conditioning, a cassette/CD stereo, cruise control, and alloy wheels. The top XLS trim level adds such amenities as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated outside mirrors, a garage-door opener, keyless entry, a premium audio system, and power seats. Vehicle Stability Control and a rear DVD entertainment system are optional.
Camry
2005 Toyota Camry XLE V-6 |
Toyota's top-selling front-drive mid-size sedan continues to offer good value and solid overall performance and long-term reliability, with a choice of a four- or six-cylinder engine and a wide range of available features across the line. A fuel-efficient 157-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine powers the base model, which provides the choice of either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The LE and XLE trim levels receive a stronger 210-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6, while the SE version offers a 225-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 powerplant; both V-6s come with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic gearbox. Standard equipment includes a cassette/CD stereo, air conditioning, power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control and keyless entry. Options include anti-lock brakes, brake assist, Vehicle Stability Control, front-side and side-curtain airbags, power adjustable pedals, and a satellite navigation system.
Camry Solara
2005 Toyota Solara Convertible SE V-6 |
Restyled last year with stunning new sheetmetal to distinguish itself from the Camry sedan, the two-door Solara recently added convertible versions to the line for open-air enjoyment. Little is changed for 2005. As in the Camry, the base engine remains a 157-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder that can be mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. Also available is the 225-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 that otherwise powers the Lexus ES 330, that can be fitted to a five-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. For the performance minded, an SE Sport version includes stiffer front and rear springs, as well as sport-tuned front and rear shock absorbers and larger 17-inch wheels and tires for more-tenacious handling. Side-impact airbags are standard, and a generous selection of optional features includes side-curtain airbags, a navigation system, and XM satellite radio.
In its final model year before being discontinued in the U.S., the 2005 Celica sport coupe adds a CD changer on GT-S models as standard equipment. A 140-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine come standard with a five-speed manual transmission in the GT version; a 180-horsepower version is offered with a six-speed gearbox in the top GT-S model. A four-speed automatic is optional with both versions. Air conditioning, a cassette/CD stereo, power mirrors, tilt steering wheel and a rear defogger are included on the GT, while the GT-S further offers standard four-wheel disc brakes, power windows and locks, fog lights, a premium stereo, rear wiper/washer, and alloy wheels.
Corolla
2004 Toyota Corolla XRS |
For those compact-sedan buyers who desire a bit more fun behind the wheel than the typical economy car usually affords, the Toyota Corolla is newly offered in a sportier XRS edition for 2005. It comes powered by a 170-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that's mated to a six-speed-manual transmission. The other versions in the Corolla line continue for 2005 with a 130-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder powerplant and the choice of either a standard five-speed manual gearbox or an optional four-speed automatic. Air conditioning, a CD stereo, power mirrors, a rear defogger, and a tilt steering wheel are among the car's standard features, with front-side airbags, anti-lock brakes, leather upholstery, a sunroof and various audio-system upgrades optional.
2004 Toyota Corolla XRS by John Pearley Huffman (6/14/2004) Finally, a Corolla that doesn't drive like every other Corolla.
Echo
2005 Toyota Echo |
This tall-roofed subcompact coupe and sedan combo remains as Toyota's entry-level vehicle for 2005 with relatively few changes. Styling is a bit out of the ordinary inside and out - its instrument panel, for example, is located at the top-center of the dashboard. Still, it's fuel-frugal and performs adequately with its 108-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard, and is recommended to wring full power out of the car's diminutive engine, while a four-speed automatic gearbox is optional. Standard equipment is sparse, given its rock-bottom starting price, though features like front-side airbags, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, a CD stereo, and power locks and windows are all available as options.
Highlander
2005 Toyota Highlander |
For 2005, Toyota's crossover mid-size sport-utility vehicle includes a roof rack with crossbars, remote keyless entry, and a cargo cover as standard equipment. The Highlander shares platforms and certain components with the Lexus RX330. Here, though, a fuel-efficient 160-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is the standard powerplant, while the RX's 3.3-liter 230-horsepower V-6 is optional. An automatic transmission is standard across the line, and all-wheel drive is available for added grip on wet or snowy roads, or for light-duty off-roading. Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control system, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and brakeforce distribution come standard. A third-row seat is available to expand the Highlander's seating capacity to seven riders. Like its Lexus equivalent, a hybrid-powered gas-electric version of the Highlander is expected sometime during 2005.
The long-running and off-road capable full-size Land Cruiser sport-utility vehicle newly offers 18-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment for 2005; otherwise it remains unchanged. A 235-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8 and a five-speed-automatic transmission continues as the standard powertrain, Four-wheel drive and a host of sophisticated chassis control systems - including four-wheel-disc anti-lock power brakes, vehicle skid control, traction control, and a locking center differential - are standard. A long list of features includes automatic air conditioning, a CD changer, a DVD entertainment system, leather upholstery, power moonroof and heated power seats and mirrors. A became optional on 2004 models. Front-side and side-curtain airbags, a satellite navigation system and front-side and side-curtain airbags and a backup video monitor are optional.
Matrix
2005 Toyota Matrix XRS |
While the sporty and versatile compact Matrix wagon shares platforms, powertrains, and components with the Pontiac Vibe, it includes its own distinctive exterior and interior styling treatments. Available in either front- or all-wheel drive, the Matrix's comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower in the base model and 123 horses in XR trim, and can be fitted to either a five-speed manual (with front-drive models) or a four-speed automatic transmission. The top XRS model comes with a more-satisfying 173-horsepower version of the 1.8-liter engine and offers a six-speed manual transmission. Split-folding rear seats with ample tie-down locations and assorted storage areas and bins add to the Matrix's inherent utility. Standard features include anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution, air conditioning, and a CD stereo; a satellite navigation system is among the vehicle's many options. Few alterations are expected for 2005.
MR2 Spyder
2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder |
In its final model year in the U.S., the low-slung rear-engine MR2 Spyder two-seat roadster adds a standard six-disc CD changer as standard equipment. This remains a highly enjoyable sports car, provided you can live with what amounts to a toy with little to no practicality or cargo room. Its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine provides an ample 138 horsepower, and drives the rear wheels via either a five-speed manual or a six-speed sequential-shift transmission. The Spyder includes a manual folding top, four-wheel-disc anti-lock power brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, power locks, mirrors and windows, a CD stereo, and a tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel. Carbon fiber trim can be specified to dress up the dashboard, and leather seats are among the car's few options.
Prius
2005 Toyota Prius |
For 2005 the Prius gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan adds a rear intermittent wiper as standard equipment. Toyota reports that the demand for the car is such that it will increase worldwide production by 50 percent for 2005. To be sure, the Prius is the darling of the environmentally conscious Hollywood set, and sparks interest nearly everywhere it's driven. Toyota's " Hybrid Synergy Drive" system delivers exceptional fuel economy and ultra-low emissions. An onboard electric motor works separately or in tandem, as conditions warrant, with a 1.5-liter gas engine that comes with an electronic "drive by wire" throttle to maximize power while it minimizes fuel consumption. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard and is operated via a small joystick mounted on the dashboard. A large electronic display shows from which source or sources the vehicle is currently drawing power; while it's interesting, especially to novice passengers, it can get distracting to the driver. Anti-lock brakes, power windows, locks and mirrors, and an electrically operated air conditioning system come standard, with a keyless entry and startup feature among the Prius's optional features.
2004 Toyota Prius by John Pearley Huffman (8/25/2003) As close as Toyota comes to making a Ferrari.
RAV4
2005 Toyota RAV4 |
Toyota's smallest crossover sport-utility vehicle continues for 2005 with only minor enhancements. Its stylish exterior is complemented by a roomy and functional interior that includes a back seat that can move fore and aft to maximize either passenger room or cargo space. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generates a stout 161 horsepower, and it's available with a choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Both front- and all-wheel-drive versions are offered. Anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, air conditioning and power accessories are standard, with front-side and side-curtain airbags optional.
2003 Toyota RAV4 by Bengt Halvorson (7/28/2003) The RAV4 is no longer a fresh face, but it's still a standout among compact SUVs.
Sequoia
2005 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4WD |
For 2005, the full-size Tundra pickup-based Sequoia SUV is freshened with a new color-keyed exterior, a revised front fascia and grille, standard overfenders and redesigned taillamps with clear lens covers. An in-glass antenna replaces the exterior mast antenna this year. Meanwhile, the vehicle's 4.7-liter V-8 engine receives a power boost, with a host of tweaks raising its output from 240 to 282 horsepower. The 2005 Sequoia also gets a new standard five-speed automatic transmission for smoother performance. The base SR5 version includes four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes w/load sensing proportioning and brakeforce distribution, skid control, traction control, automatic front and rear air conditioning, a CD stereo, and power seats. The upscale Limited model includes a premium JBL stereo and leather heated seats, among other upgrades. A DVD rear-seat entertainment system and a rear load-leveling suspension are among the vehicle's many optional features.
Sienna
2005 Toyota Sienna XLE AWD |
An all-new Sienna minivan debuted for 2004, and as such continues for 2005 with only minor alterations. It comes wrapped in sleek, but not excessively penned, exterior styling, includes a comfortable and highly functional interior and a long list of standard and available features you might otherwise find offered in a luxury sedan. These include a rear-view camera, front/rear proximity warnings, laser-guided cruise control, a DVD entertainment system, satellite navigation, and surround-sound audio. A 3.3-liter V-6 produces a peppy 230 horsepower and drives either the front or all four wheels (in AWD versions) via a five-speed automatic transmission. Anti-lock power brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist come standard, with Vehicle Stability Control optional. Front side and side-curtain airbags are included on the top model, and are optional elsewhere in the line.
2004 Toyota Sienna by John Pearley Huffman (3/17/2003) One step beyond the Odyssey?
Tacoma
2005 Toyota Tacoma |
Redesigned for 2005, the compact Tacoma pickup grows both in size and stature, with more-aggressive styling, expanded passenger room, greater towing capacities and improved cargo carrying abilities that enable it to compete with mid-size models like the Dodge Dakota and Chevrolet Colorado. A more powerful lineup of four- and six-cylinder engines delivers improved fuel economy, and a wide array of newly offered safety features includes standard anti-lock brakes, available side-curtain airbags, and Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control system. A new AccessCab configured X-Runner version rides on a separate platform than the rest of the line, with a longer wheelbase, a wider track and lower ride height. An "X-braced" reinforced frame promises enhanced torsional rigidity, while a new 240-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 engine comes mated to a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission. An available Toyota Racing Development supercharger boosts this powerplant's output by about 60 additional horses. Handling benefits from firmer and shorter springs at all four wheels and specially tuned Bilstein gas shocks.
Toyota's full-size Tundra pickup is invigorated with a transfusion of power for 2005, with a new base V-6 engine and added muscle for the optional V-8. The newly standard 4.0-liter V-6 uses variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to generate 245 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque, while the 4.7-liter V-8 now produces a generous 282 horses and 325 lb-ft of toque at 3400 rpm. The V-8 models also gain a new standard five-speed automatic transmission, while a new six-speed manual transmission replaces the five-speed manual with the V-6 (here, a five-speed automatic remains available). The SR5 trim level now includes power windows, door locks, and mirrors, dual vanity mirrors, a lighting package, rear sliding window with privacy glass, cruise control on the V-6 model and remote keyless entry. A tow package is newly standard on the extended Double Cab version, which includes full rear seating area with conventional rear-hinged doors.
;)
2005 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V-8 | ;)
2005 Toyota Camry XLE V-6 | ;)
2005 Toyota Solara Convertible SE V-6 | ;)
2005 Toyota Celica GT-S | ;)
2004 Toyota Corolla XRS | ;)
2005 Toyota Echo | ;)
2005 Toyota Highlander | ;)
2005 Toyota Land Cruiser | ;)
2005 Toyota Matrix XRS | ;)
2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder | ;)
2005 Toyota Prius | ;)
2005 Toyota RAV4 | ;)
2005 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4WD | ;)
2005 Toyota Sienna XLE AWD | ;)
2005 Toyota Tacoma | ;)
2005 Toyota Tundra Limited | 
