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Toyota recently announced that its February sales were up 4.3 percent versus the same month in 2012. A key player in this ongoing success was the 2013 Toyota Avalon, which saw its best month since 2007 with a 63.1 percent increase in total sales. more Once you get to know the new Toyota Avalon like we have, it’s not hard to see why this model performed so well in February. The new Avalon features a refreshed, modern design that is both attractive and functional. Inside, the Avalon features high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship that set the mood for contemporary drivers, from families to daily commuters. Key Features: 3.5-Liter V6 powers Avalon, producing an impressive 268 hp Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification Electric Power Steering gives you two steering modes: Normal and Sport Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) Backup Camera Blind Spot Monitor Automatic High Beam It’s clear that Toyota has this model headed in an exciting direction, one that gives a nod to modern luxuries without compromising on safety and longevity (nor style!). If you’re in the market for a 2013 Toyota Avalon in Chicago, Toyota dealers like us will be happy to introduce you this popular model. Be sure to head over the Classic Toyota new inventory page to see what we have in stock, see vehicle-specific information and set up a test drive. We’ll show you the line of vehicles that has Toyota headed in the right direction in 2013.

On a recent trip to the mountain for some snowboarding, I had the opportunity to ride in the passenger seat for once. During this time away from the wheel, I was able to observe all of the vehicles that people depend on to handle mountain conditions. To be brief, most of what I saw was trucks and SUVs. Which led me to an interesting question: are there mountain-ready hatchbacks out there for the drivers who don’t want an SUV or truck? And I immediately thought about the 2013 Toyota Matrix S AWD. more This year’s iteration of the popular Toyota hatchback is specifically designed to meet the active lifestyle. The interior can be adjusted to accommodate cargo of all sizes, the six-speaker sound system bumps just fine and the All-Wheel Drive system keeps you in control no matter what the conditions. 2.4L 4-Cylinder Engine good for 158 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with active torque-control Toyota Care: Complimentary maintenance plan and roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first Cargo area: 20 cubic feet, water-resistant 60/40 split fold-down rear seat and Fold-down front passenger seat Star Safety System™: Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and Smart Stop Technology® Extreme, ever-changing weather conditions are nothing new to the Midwest. Wouldn't it be nice to know that, no matter what the jet stream throws at you, you’ll be safe on the road? Plus, when you do head out for that weekend adventure to the mountains like I did, you’ll know that your Matrix is equipped with all that you need to get up and down safely. If you’re in the market for a 2013 Toyota Matrix in Kenosha, Toyota dealerships like us have it in stock and ready to drive. So come in today and find out all of the innovative ways that the Matrix meets the challenges of an active lifestyle.

While we don’t have an exhaustive list of everything that the 2013 Toyota Tundra can do, we know one immense thing it is capable of: On October 12, 2012, the Toyota Tundra towed the retired Space Shuttle Endeavour across the freeway in Los Angeles. Yet along with impressive towing capacity, the Toyota Tundra brings a wide range of dynamic capability to the everyday driver, the kind of things one looks for when they are ready to get it done in 2013. more Let’s start with performance. There are three engine choices available in the Tundra: 5.7-liter V8 engine good for 381 horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine good for 310 horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine good for 270 horsepower It’s clear that no matter which engine you choose, you’ll have the power you need to push through even the toughest of jobs. Yet in addition to impressive power, the Tundra comes equipped with plenty of other elements engineered to make it worthy of any test you might throw at it. Available integrated towing hitch receiver 10.5-inch ring gear to accommodate high stress transfers of weight to the rear axle TOW/HAUL Mode for optimal performance while towing/hauling Available navigation system including a 6.1-inch to 7-inch, high-resolution touch-screen display Available Entune® multimedia system 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick Star Safety System ™ including eight standard airbags Few would argue that the Tundra is a tough, well-rounded truck. If you’re in the market for a 2013 Toyota Tundra in Kenosha, be sure to check out what we have in stock. We keep our online inventory up to date so that you can easily read up on all of the ways that our flagship truck can help you and your family get it done this year.

Hello everyone! Fred Marks here continuing my monthly blog series dedicated to the latest news from Toyota. As you know, I’m inclined toward writing about all of the good philanthropic work that our nameplate does in communities across the country. Already this year, Toyota has collaborated with the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center to donate 10,000 child car seats to families in need. The donation is part of a broader, nationwide campaign to raise awareness about child passenger safety. As one of many Waukegan car dealers, we here at Classic Toyota understand the importance of such campaigns, as well as some key points about child car safety that are often overlooked. more This campaign is in response to an alarming trend: motor vehicle crashes are still a leading cause of death for 1-12 year-olds. This statistic can perhaps be attributed to the fact that, in the United States, three out of every four child car seats are not installed correctly. The trend is even worse when you consider that 50 percent of child victims to fatal car accidents are not restrained at all. By educating families and donating car seats to those in need, Toyota hopes to curb this trend and reinforce the importance of securing children each and every time you take them for a ride. While I am certainly behind the importance of this initiative, it is not the only thing that Toyota does to keep drivers safe. Nearly every new Toyota comes equipped with the Star Safety System™ and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), standard features that have helped cars like the 2013 Toyota Camry earn 5-star overall safety ratings from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. So, whether it is in the community or out on the roads, you can count on Toyota to remain committed to driver safety. See you next month!

Now that glow of the new year is beginning to wear off, it's time to make good on some resolutions. If you're anything like me, then perhaps you vowed to be more efficient in 2013, whether it be at work or out on the asphalt. In the latter regard, the 2013 Toyota Yaris has you covered. This fun little subcompact has established itself as a leader in the category thanks to practical features, strong fuel economy and a hip, modern design. Read on to find out how the Yaris can help you do 2013 right. more On-the-go drivers need an on-the-go car, and the 2013 Toyota Yaris delivers. Whether you are zooming around the city doing errands or stowing bags for a weekend trip, you can count on innovative design to get you through. The Yaris surmounts its subcompact label with an impressive list of features that make every square inch count. Overview: 1.5-Liter 4-cylinder good for 106 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 37 mpg highway Rear spoiler, 16-inch alloy wheels Eight colors to choose from, including Absolutely Red and Waveline Pearl Steering wheel-mounted audio controls Six-speaker audio system with SiriusXM Radio, an auxiliary audio jack, hands-free phone capability and iPod interfacing Lift-back access for convenient storage capability Available 60/40 Split Fold-Down Rear Seat Standard safety: Nine standard airbags, Star Safety System™, Whiplash-Injury-Lessening Front Seats, Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Lower Anchors and Tether for Children (LATCH) As a Waukegan new car dealer, we're proud to call the Toyota Yaris part of our line this year. Our customers love it for its versatility, the kind of pocket-sized dynamism that is geared toward the modern, practical driver. Add to the mix an affordable price tag and you've got a strong formula to help you achieve all of your goals this new year.

December figures are in for Toyota and, apart from the steady performance of the Corolla, the Prius family made a considerable splash last month. Overall, the Prius family saw a sales increase of over 73 percent compared to December 2011. The introduction of the 2013 Toyota Prius v certainly played an important role in the family’s December momentum. Here is an overview of this exciting, fuel-efficient addition to the Toyota line. more What’s unique about the Prius v is its combination of passenger, payload versatility and the kind of fuel efficiency that has put the Prius family on the map. Think of it as a hybrid crossover, bringing you the best of both worlds. Highlights: Ample space: With rear seatbacks down, you get 67.3 cubic feet of cargo space (34.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats with seatbacks up). The 60/40 split sliding reclining fold-down rear seats give you many options Stay connected: The Entune ® system, a collection of popular mobile applications and data services, lets you do it al Panoramic View Moonroof Hybrid Synergy Drive ® It’s easy to see why the Prius v is playing such an active role in the ongoing success of the Toyota nameplate. As of late, the success has been significant: Toyota’s overall December sales were up 13.2 percent compared to December of 2011. Look for the upward trend to continue as more and more people discover all that the 2013 Prius family has to offer. If you’re in the market for a Toyota Prius in Gurnee, be sure to check out our online inventory for the most up-to-date information. When you find something you like, give us a ring—we’ll be happy to answer all any questions

Hello and happy holidays from Classic Toyota. There has been plenty of good news to report from Toyota lately, from strong sales numbers to new releases. I am pleased to add more exciting news to the mix: the 2013 Toyota Avalon has been released. The Avalon, already a leader in the sedan category, has been refreshed and redesigned, making it the perfect choice for a broad range of drivers. What's more, the production of the Avalon makes it the 25 millionth vehicle manufactured by Toyota in North America. more It is also the first car from Toyota that is designed, engineered and built exclusively in North America. The results is a streamlined, attractive exterior update, as well as modern interior updates. Here are some of the key features that will help launch the Avalon into the future of sedans. Key Features 3.5-liter V6 engine, EPA-estimated 40 mpg EPA-rating (40 city/39 hwy) Quadrabeam halogen headlights with auto on/off feature Leather-trimmed, multi-stage heated front seats Dual zone automatic climate control Smart Key System with Push Button Start Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) eBin™ provides a non-slip surface for mobile devices IntelliTouch™ controls use no mechanical parts, only input from your touch It's clear that our engineers and designers put a lot of stock into a refined look. The 2013 Toyota Avalon has a sportier feel to it, without losing the form and functionality that it is known for. Toyota dealerships in Kenosha and Gurnee have already welcomed the new Avalon. As one of them, we're thrilled to be able to offer you such an exciting new addition to the Toyota line.

Toyota recently announced some very strong sales numbers for November 2012. The nameplate’s American division saw sales of over 161,000 unites, a 17.2 percent increase compared to November of last year. Passenger car sales, which saw a 16.5 percent increase compared to November 2011, were led by the ever-popular 2013 Toyota Corolla, which posted its best November to date, with a 40.3 percent increase in sales compared to November 2011. more One of the key reasons that the Corolla continues to excel in the passenger car market is its longevity. For example, did you know that over 80% of Toyota Corolla models sold in the last 20 years are still on the road? It’s true. And though there are likely many explanations, we like to think that drivers continue to choose the Corolla because of the well-rounded, family-friendly driving experience that it provides them. Key Features Available in three trims: L, LE and S 1.8-Liter, 4-Cylinder engine good for 132 horsepower Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV-II) Available Entune ® multimedia system that integrates with mobile devices 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick Six standard airbags 60/40 split fold-down rear seat Strong November sales are always a good indicator of what is in store for the holiday season. Not only does it indicate the forward direction of the Toyota nameplate, but it also indicates our commitment to providing our customers a superb line of vehicles. The continued prevalence of the Toyota Corolla is a testament to that. In Waukegan, Corolla is part of a full-line of highly dependable Toyota vehicles. No matter what your driving needs are, we’re confident that we have the right vehicle for you and your family, just in time for the holiday season.

There are plenty of Toyota initiatives that demonstrate its commitment to the community. Few of these initiatives hit closer to home than Toyota’s Toyota Driving Expectations program which, since 2004, has educated about 20,000 parents and teenagers on safe teen driving. Toyota has now extended this nationwide program to Southern California with The Road Ahead, a program designed to teach teens in Southern California how to drive safer. more There are plenty of safety features in teen-friendly cars like the 2012 Toyota Yaris. Yet the folks at Toyota know that the way to encourage safe driving among teenagers is to educate them about the habits that every driver should develop. By way of video, live presentations and distracted driving demonstrations, The Road Ahead program focuses on the fundamental habits that will keep teenagers focused and safe when they get behind the wheel. The beautiful thing about this program is that, for high school students in South Bay, Los Angeles and Orange County, it is free and takes place during school hours. What’s more, The Road Ahead features famed professional driver Erica Enders, giving it added appeal for the younger crowd. This kind of education isn’t limited to Southern California. As I mentioned before, The Road Ahead is part of a larger nationwide program, Toyota Driving Expectations, which is at work across the country. As a new car dealer in Waukegan, we’re proud of our company’s focus on teaching our young people the importance of safe driving. We believe that when you match proper driver education with a well-designed, safety-oriented line of vehicles, you get a generation of safer, smarter drivers.

At Classic Toyota, we’ve been getting a lot of questions about the 2012 Toyota Prius c. Our customers are taking notice of this ingenious take on the hybrid concept, where efficiency and practical driving meet. Here is a brief overview of one of the newest additions to the impressive Prius family. more It’s hard to describe the 2012 Prius c as anything else but hip. Yes, it’s fuel-efficient and, yes, it’s equipped with the latest safety features that give the Toyota nameplate its strong reputation. But it’s also equipped with modern features like the available Entune multimedia system that keeps you connected, informed and entertained all at once. And with 9 available colors, you can make your Prius c yours. Vehicle highlights: Smallest in the Prius family Four doors and a rear liftgate for dynamic functionality 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick 1.5L 4-Cyl. ECVT Hybrid Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) EPA-estimated 53 mpg city / 46 highway The Prius c is perfect for the on-the-go driver with a broad range of driving needs. Whether it’s packed to the brim with people, or packed tightly with groceries and gear, the Prius c is up to any challenge. And with unbelievable fuel economy, the Prius c lets you stay on the go and away from the pump. If you’re looking for the 2012 Toyota Prius c in Gurnee, be sure to check out our online inventory for the most up-to-date information about what we have in stock. Once you’re there, you’ll be able to get to know the Prius c a little better and even set up a test drive if you feel so inclined.

Though few details have been released about the 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV, what we do know is enough to create some excitement about things to come. Logic tells us that the zero emission version of one of the most popular Toyota SUVs will be an exciting addition to our line, one that gives our customers the added option of adventurous driving capability without stress at the pump. With nationwide gas prices steadily rising, this is welcome news. more The 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV will achieve Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) status with the help of an innovative new lithium-ion battery. These days, favorable charge times and sufficient driving range are paramount to a successful electric vehicle. It looks like the RAV4 EV will achieve both. The RAV4 EV will also be fit for adventure. This is thanks to an output of 154 horsepower and 2 drive modes: Normal and Sport. The availability of two driving modes gives you the option to maximize your vehicle's capability depending on conditions and terrain. All signs point to the 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV being the ultra low-emissions iteration of the Toyota SUV that our customers have come to like so much. The idea of an adventure-oriented zero-emission SUV is an exciting one that is garnering a lot of attention around the country. We’re confident that the 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV won’t disappoint. If you’re looking for a Toyota in Gurnee, or surrounding areas, be sure to check out our inventory at Classic Toyota. We keep our inventory up to date with the latest low-emission vehicles from Toyota, including the 2012 Toyota RAV4 and the entire Prius family. Come in today and find out how Toyota can help you meet your driving needs in an efficient and affordable way.

Here at Classic Toyota, we'd like to take this month's post far, far out into outer space. The Space Shuttle Endeavour has been there many times. This year, the Endeavour is to be retired and put on permanent display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Towing the Endeavour on the last part of its trip will be the 2012 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 1/2–ton pickup.   The Tundra will tow the Endeavour approximately 12 miles to its final resting place outside of Los Angeles. Though extensive testing was carried out to make sure the Tundra is ready for such a task, no enhancements were made to the model used. It's the same 2012 Toyota Tundra that you will find at Classic Toyota. What makes the Toyota Tundra ready to face such a challenge? you ask.   Space-grade power   5.7L V8 engine 381 horsepower 401 lb-ft. of torque Maximum tow capacity of 10,000 pounds   Once the Tundra has helped the Space Shuttle Endeavour to reach the California Science Center, preparations will be made to get the shuttle ready for the display's opening later in the fall. Apart from giving people a spectacular view of this historic spacecraft, the exhibit will also provide the public an opportunity to learn more about the shuttle's important role in developing modern space travel.   Naturally, I'm excited to see one of our trucks playing such an important role in retiring this important piece of American history. There is no question that the Tundra is up to the task. And if you're looking for trucks in Waukegan, then you can count on the same kind of power and dependability that made the Tundra such a clear choice for the Endeavour's last voyage.