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Celebrating National American Beer Day With Local Area Breweries We love supporting our fellow local businesses, and on National American Beer Day, we thought it might be fun to highlight some local brewing businesses, taprooms, and microbreweries.  These fantastic food and beverage establishments not only provide income via taxes and sales, but also provide a valuable source of tourism for the area.  People love to eat and drink local but it also provides a great draw for tourism to the area.  Visitors come for the brews and stay for the local entertainment, shop local stores, book at nearby hotels, and do plenty of regional sightseeing!  It’s a win-win for everyone. more In addition to drawing outside support, many taprooms and breweries also encourage regional visitors by hosting fun local events. They may hold tasting events for seasonal releases, frequently host open mic nights, sponsor a showing for local artists and galleries or vendor markets, hire musicians to perform on a regular basis, and book small independent artists to create beautiful murals or public artworks.  It’s a great place for community gathering and socializing amongst not just casual visitors but tradesmen, local business folks, and networking groups. Brewery tasting events are also a great way to provide customers with new and interesting concepts in food and beverage, while also being mindful of responsible alcohol consumption and ensuring a customer’s safety on the road post-event.  Local taprooms and brewpubs often feature specialty brews made with locally sourced ingredients such as fresh local honey, local fruits and berries, or even partner with local catering companies and farms for joint events. So as you can see, small brewing companies and tasting rooms are a valuable part of our community.  So check out some of the options on our list and help support local businesses in the Southeastern Wisconsin region and the Greater Chicago Area! And remember, please drink responsibly. Always ensure you have a designated driver or set up a rideshare service to pick you up and bring you home. Buzzed driving is drunk driving, so drive sober if you don’t want to get pulled over! Notable Local Microbrew Pubs, Taprooms, and Breweries Venture Brew Co in Milwaukee, WI New Barons Brewing Cooperative in Milwaukee, WI Biloba Brewing Company in Brookfield, WI Driftless Brewing Company in Soldiers Grove, WI Rustic Road Brewing Company in Kenosha, WI Eagle Park Brewing and Distilling in Muskego, WI Racine BRewing Company in Racine, WI PUBLIC Craft Brewing Co in Kenosha, WI The Runaway Micropub & Nanobrewery in Burlington, WI R’Noggin Brewing Co in Kenosha, WI Harbor Brewing Co Lakefront Biergarten in Winthrop Harbor, IL Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing in Waukegan ZumBier in Waukegan, IL Only Child Brewing in Gurnee, IL Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville, IL Bosacki’s Brewery in Mundelein, IL Liquid Love Brewing in Buffalo Grove Il B eermiscuous in Highwood, IL Ravinia Brewing Company in Highland Park, IL Sketchbook Brewing Co in Evanston, IL Alarmist Brewing & Taproom in Chicago, IL Metropolitan Brewing in Chicago, IL Dovetail Brewery and Taproom in Chicago IL Pilot Project Brewing in Chicago, IL Haymarket Pub & Brewery in Chicago, IL Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom in Chicago, IL Alulu Brewery and Pub in Chicago, I L Before we go, we wish to also take another quick moment to remind you all that drinking and driving is never a good idea!  So we’d like to share some sobering facts to keep in mind and remember to always ensure your party has a Designated Driver when attending beer tastings or brewery event days. Drunk Driving causes more than 10,000 deaths every year and ⅓ of all traffic related deaths. Drinking and driving costs over $40 billion in deaths and damages every year. Drivers aged 21 to 24 account for 27% of alcohol related fatalities, followed by 25% for ages 25 through 34. The Blood Alcohol Content limit for Illinois and Wisconsin is anything greater than 0.079%, and may result in a DUI/DWI and fines if operating a motor vehicle while drunk or buzzed. Remember to assign a designated driver to your group or schedule a ride share service. Please drink responsibly, and if you or someone you know has an alcohol abuse or drinking problem there are services to support you.

A Halloween Inspired Road Trip from Illinois to Wisconsin That Will Surely Haunt Your Memories! Grab your best ghouls and goblins and let’s end October on an exciting note with some great suggestions for spooky road trips!  Hop on in your new car from Classic and let’s hit the road, because we’re going on an epic quest to find the most Haunted Places in Wisconsin and Illinois. more Travel Most Haunted Illinois up to Haunted Wisconsin Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, IL (345 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) This is a historic site once home to an ancient Native American village, and it is rumored to be home to a host of spirits of the Natives who used to reside here. There have been reports of orbs, strange shadows, and balls of floating light.  Remains of the Native Peoples have been found on site.  Archaeologists believe the location coordinated with a stellar event involving a supernova shining day and night for a three year duration. Peoria State Hospital Museum and Cemetery in Peoria, IL (199 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) In its prime, the mental illness institution campus contained 63 buildings on site.  Many of the buildings have since been demolished, but the Bowen Building was the last one standing.  The grounds are also home to four different cemeteries.   Some paranormal investigators have even reported tastes of blood in their mouths, or smelling the pine scent used in cough syrups for ill patients. There have been sightings of patients walking through walls, echoes of footsteps, banging on the walls, and pushing or shoving of the investigators. Peoria Public Downtown Library in Peoria (196 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) Legend has it that this library was built on cursed grounds!  Mrs. Andrew Gray lived in the house in the 1830s, and when financial troubles ultimately led to foreclosure, she allegedly cursed the grounds for future owners and residents.  The house was eventually demolished and the library was erected in its stead in 1894.  Shockingly, the first three directors of the library died under quite mysterious circumstances!  Eventually the old library was demolished and a new improved building was built in its place in 1966.  Staff have reported feeling cold drafts, seeing apparitions of former directors lurking in doorways, and even whispering their name amidst the stacks. Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur, IL (221 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) It is believed that prior to the 1820s this was the site of a Native American Burial Ground until colonizers took over the site and used it as a graveyard from the 1820s on, becoming an officially recognized cemetery in 1857.  Visitors to the site have reported hearing screams and strange lights from inside some of the mausoleums.  Visitors report seeing apparitions of confederate prisoners in tattered uniforms wandering in a daze.  You might even come across The Greenwood Bride, a lonely figure in a wedding gown searching for her beloved! Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery in Midlothian, IL (70 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) The local area was originally settled by English colonizers and homesteaders who relocated from New England in the 1830s.  It was originally named the Everden Cemetery after the original property owner Conrintha Everden, who bought the land in 1835.  There have been many reports of spooky phenomena such as floating orbs, strange lights, and even sightings of a phantom car!  If you are brave you may even witness a farmer with his horse, a white cloaked spirit of a woman with her infant, and a woman sitting atop a tombstone. Graceland Cemetery in Chicago, IL (41 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) From “The Eternal Silence” statue of a hooded cloaked monk to the isolated grave of Daniel Burnham to the imposing architecture of The Palmer Mausoleum, there is no shortage of haunts here!  You might hearcries of disembodied voices, or be overcome with an overwhelming sense of dread, or notice the eerie stillness and silence and cold spots.  You’ll just have to visit and see for yourself! Bloods Point Cemetery in Belvidere, I L (88 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) This graveyard was founded in 1935, and is famed for sightings of a nefarious woman buried on site named Beaula who murdered all of her children and now haunts the grounds for eternity.  Visitors have also reported the site has a very off putting stench. Kemper Hall in Kenosha, WI (18 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) Once used as a boarding school for young ladies it is now a recreation center, this is considered one of the most haunted destinations in Wisconsin!  Rumor has it that the grounds are haunted by the ghost of a headless nun who died when several students cornered her and shoved her down a stairway.  Some visitors have also reported apparitions of nuns peeking out of the windows. Fork in the Road Mukwonago, WI (60 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) We thought it might be nice to include a restaurant stop off on our trip, and what better than a haunted one!  Visitors to this establishment have reported seeing foggy apparitions out back, heard ghostly footsteps in the halls, and even heard the echoes of pool cues hitting pool balls and rolling across the floor. Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, WI (50 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) If you’re looking to take a break on your spooky road trip, why not spend the night here if you dare!  Spirits here are said to appear in your room and interfere with your television or radio. You may even hear a pounding or knocking on the walls at night, jangling your nerves and your wits.  Many MLB players refuse to stay in the hotel due to disturbances, yikes! Brumder Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Milwaukee, WI (51 Miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) If you prefer an even more frightening lodging experience, try this terrifying B&B.  Guests have reported disturbing nightmares, apparitions floating in the halls and in and out of rooms, and it’s even been said that blood was found in a bathtub that no one had been using.  Guests have been reporting hauntings in this four story building for nearly 100 years. You can read the reports and then decide from there, if you dare! Karsten Hotel in Kewaunee, WI (170 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) If you’re interested in strange spectral encounters, then this is the hotspot (or cold spot…) that ghost hunters like you are just dying to experience!  In fact, it’s so haunted that the owners have fully embraced the paranormal experience and accept it.  It has been in operation since 1912 and is home to at least three very active spectres.  Stay for the night, if you can make it that long... Maribel Caves in Maribel, WI (184 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) The grounds are the former site of the Maribel Caves Hotel aka Cherner Hotel, a site known for its wonderful activities and fine amenities, but which sadly burnt down to the ground with its guests still inside.  The hotel has had its fair share of notorious visitors from famed living gangsters and mobsters like John Dillinger to the spectral figure of the former owner’s ghost. High Cliff State Park in Sherwood, WI (182 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) If you like spending time in the great outdoors, you may enjoy the challenge of pitching a tent on one of the most haunted campgrounds in Wisconsin!  It’s considered a hotbed of supernatural and paranormal events, which some attribute to the fact that there are Native American burial grounds nearby the camping ground.  Some folks report strange figures and apparitions and otherworldly sounds in the dead of night. West Cove Lanes in Ladysmith, WI (341 miles from Classic Kia and Classic Toyota) Stop in for a bite to eat or explore the nearby campgrounds. But be on the lookout for the ghosts that frequent this bowling alley.  Folks have reported hearing footsteps with no figure in sight, and peals of laughter when no one is there.  Others have seen an apparition of a man in a flannel shirt.  Will you strike the big time and see a spirit or will you roll a gutterball and zero out? If you have been to any of these spooky locations and have a story to tell, let us know! We’d love to hear all about it in a comment! Have a safe and happy halloween!

We’re celebrating all things creative by highlighting some great reasons you should support The Arts in our local community!  Join us as we explore ways you can support local artists and arts councils, and why art is vital to our society. Why Should You Support The Arts? Artists and the arts are an integral part of society, helping us frame the world in creative ways so we can better understand humanity. more Our society does not exist without creativity and ingenuity provided by exploring the arts.  By enjoying freedom of self expression, we are encouraging people to think outside the box and create a sustainable future! And that’s something we’re very passionate about.  Encouraging exploration and experimentation in The Arts can absolutely lead society to a brighter, better future!  In fact, many industrial designers and engineers got their start as children experimenting with creativity. Artists and the arts are an integral part of society, helping us frame the world in creative ways so we can better understand humanity. Everything from industrial design to culinary arts to engineering and architecture revolves around Art.  The phones you use, the cars you drive, the tech gadgets you depend on, the movies you stream, the shows you binge...all of them were created by someone who was passionate about the arts!  The songs you listen to and music videos you stream are all created by performance artists and musicians who have a passion for self-expression and creativity. It’s no secret that the Arts invite people to become innovative thinkers and inspire others to do the same, fostering ingenuity and higher thinking.  It has been proven that participating in the arts can improve academic performance amongst students of all ages, and provide creative reasoning skills, and students achieve higher scores on standardized tests.  The act of creating can also provide an outlet for self expression which can promote better mental health, as well as physical health. Not to mention a thriving Arts program or district can improve any local community on multiple levels: aesthetically, via tourism, economically, and also socially!  Art can beautify and unify a community through public art installations, group art events, classes, and more.  Art provides citizens with a common ground to communicate and express themselves, and understand each other on a non-verbal level.  The Arts can also provide income via local tourism to view exhibits, installations, markets, and local businesses, galleries, and museums. Encouraging exploration and experimentation in The Arts can absolutely lead society to a brighter, better future.  Art is everywhere and Art is for everyone! So hop in your new car and let’s hit the road on an amazing quest to find the most interesting artwork around. Explore Public Arts programs and projects throughout Wisconsin! Explore Public Arts programs and projects in the Chicago Area! Museums, Studios and Galleries to Explore in Illinois and Wisconsin Robert T Wright Comm Gallery in Grayslake, IL Blue Moon Gallery in Grayslake, IL Jack Benny Center in Waukegan, IL Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County in Libertyville, IL The African American Museum at the England Manor in Waukegan, IL Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, IL Artpie Studio, Gallery and Art School in Waukegan National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago, IL DePaul Art Museum in Chicago, IL Design Museum of Chicago in Chicago, IL WNDR Museum in Chicago, IL The Art Institute of Chicago Kavi Gupta Gallery | Washington Blvd in Chicago, IL Hyde Park Art Center in Chicago, IL Addington Gallery in Chicago, IL Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art in Chicago, IL National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, IL Smart Museum of Art in Chicago, IL Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago, IL Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in Chicago, IL ECHT Gallery in Chicago, IL The Richard Driehaus Museum in Chicago, IL Latvian Folk Art Museum in Chicago, IL Masterworks Art Gallery & Studio in Vernon Hills, IL Aurora Public Art in Aurora, IL Gary Brown Art in Aurora, IL Schin Goethe Museum in Aurora, IL Seven Setting Suns Art Gallery in Aurora, IL Water Street Studios in Batavia, IL Du Page Art League Gallery, School and Gift Shop in Wheaton, IL Kenosha Public Museum in Kenosha, WI Lemon Street Gallery in Kenosha, WI Re:Vision Gallery & Artist Studios in Kenosha, WI Left of the Lake Gallery in Kenosha, WI Anderson Arts Center in Kenosha, WI Kenosha Art Association in Kenosha, WI Learn How to Draw A Car With These Simple Art Lessons: Learn a Little About Car Design and Industrial Design

Fall Travel Guide to Autumnal Wonders Abound: Southeast Wisconsin and Chicago Area We’re hitting the road in search of some of the best Fall Foliage views in the Southeast Wisconsin and Chicago areas.  Grab a pumpkin spice latte, a hot apple cider, your camera, some friends, and get on out there to enjoy the crisp autumn weather together!  Our Fall Foliage report has some of the best sites to see and visit for optimum seasonal content for your socials or your scrapbooks. more Here are some tips for photographing autumnal wonders with your smartphone: Charge your phone before you go! You don’t want to get to the top of the vista point only to find your prize-winning shot is a miss because you used your last 10% battery on one-to-many selfies! Bring a portable charging device with you. Pocket sized travel chargers and fast-charge cables will be your best friend on your trip into the wilderness. Shoot in horizontal orientation. Hold your phone between both hands, with your elbows near to your body for stability. Aim to shoot your vista points at sunrise or just before sunset. The “Golden Hour” provides the best light in the autumn, and creates truly spectacular imagery. Softer, waning light is better than the harsh direct light of midday. Use the “grid” feature to compose your image, and avoid using digital zoom. To avoid a pixelated picture, resist that digital zoom option on your phone. Move closer to your subject, or utilize the grid to frame the scene within squares to crop the image using a photo app like Snapseed after the fact instead. Now that you’re ready to go, let’s plan our leaf-peeping trail crawl! Wisconsin’s State Wide Fall Foliage Report Kenosha County peak leaf season is the 2nd week in October Racine Wisconsin area’s peak leaf season is 2nd week of October Pleasant Prairie area’s peak leaf season is 3rd week of October Lake Geneva peak leaf season is 3rd week of October Here are some great places to view fall foliage in the Kenosha, Racine, and Pleasant Prairie vicinities: Bristol Woods County Park Fox River Water Trail Brighton Dale Park Petrifying Springs Park Old Settler’s Park Pritchard Park Island Park Carre-Hogle Park Maple Grove Park Quarry Lake Park Gordon Tabor Woods River Bend Nature Center Ponderosa Pit Trail System Northern Trailhead for Donald Hackbarth Trail Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area Kenosha Sand Dunes Spring Bluff Forest Preserve Three of the Top Must See Destinations for Fall Foliage in Wisconsin Holy Hil; Hubertus, WI Located at 1525 Carmel Road in Hubertus, WI 53033 The church, shrine and grounds are open daily from 5AM through 5PM Over half-a-million visitors make the trek to come visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary at Holy Hill every year!  Although many visitors come to the site for prayer and meditation, it’s absolutely worth the visit for the breathtaking views of fall foliage and hilltop sunset views.  In addition, the gorgeous Romanesque architecture of the church is a truly spectacular site against the rich sunset hued treetops.  It’s truly a sight to behold. The Scenic Tower is open Sundays from 1:45PM to 4:30PM, and Monday-Saturday from 9AM to 4:30PM; please note that it is not possible to remain socially distanced in the tower due to space constraints, and it is advised you mask up and use caution and enter at your own risk. Lake Geneva between Milwaukee and Chicago Located at 201 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, WI 43147 Enjoy the spectacular fall foliage along the lakeside with a visit to Lake Geneva.  Stay at the Abbey Resort and you can snag a truly special view of the fall colours from the water on the Fall Colours Cruise.  Perhaps you’re looking for an up-close-and-personal view of the foliage, in which case the Lake Geneva Zipline Adventures will be right up your alley.  If you’re more interested in hiking or biking you can try any of the areas trails such as the Lake Geneva Shore Path, Big Foot Beach State Park, Bromley Woods, or the Four Seasons Nature Preserve. Seven Bridges Trail, Grant Park in South Milwaukee Located at S Lake Drive & Park Avenue in South Milwaukee, WI 53172 Grant Park, established in 1911, is one of the area’s oldest parks.  Seven Bridges Trail is a heavily wooded area that’s just perfect for all you “Autumn leaf peepers!”  In addition you’ll find plenty of local fall flora and foliage, including wildflowers and ferns.  The 2-mile trail features multiple scenic walkways and bridges along a series of ravines along the shores of Lake Michigan.  The forest has a truly enchanting appearance, and you’ll definitely find yourself lost in meditative repose amidst the glorious fall foliage hues. Fall Foliage in Chicago Area Get a little taste of the great outdoors in and around the bustling metropolis of Chicago!  That’s right, you can find some of the most iconic autumn views in and around the busy cityscape.  We’re highly recommending three in particular but we’ve also got a shortlist of additional sites to check out if you’re feeling adventurous. View the Illinois full fall foliage report here. Four of the Top Must See Places for Fall Foliage Chicago Chicago Botanic Garden Located at 1000 Lake-Cook Road in Glencoe, IL 60022 Walk the path between the Botanic Gardens’s visitor Center and Conservation Science Center and you’ll find a spectacular array of Japanese Maples, Sumac Trees, Fruit-bearing shrubbery, and ample selection of perennial flora.  The 285 acre grounds are free admission to roam, making it a great place to bring your family and friends for a group outing. Morton Arboretum Located at 4100 IL-53 on Lisle, IL 60532 Established in 1922 by Joy Morton of Morton Salt on just 175 acres, the property has expanded to 1,700 acres of woodland area with wetlands, botanical gardens, and outdoor activities for families.  In addition to hiking and outdoor fun, you can elect to sign up for workshops or visit the Museum with an expansive Library on site!  Admission ranges from Free for members to $8-14 per individual by age.  Interested in the arts? Explore some of the sculptures and art on the grounds, too!  There’s something for everyone to enjoy this Autumn! Graceland Cemetery Located at 4001 N. Clark Street in Chicago, IL 60613 What could be better for Halloween and October than a fall foliage tour in a graveyard?  The Graceland Cemetery is home to numerous local celebrities and notable citizens of Chicago area.  You can sign up for a group tour of the grounds via the Chicago Architecture Center, or opt instead for a self-guided tour of the statues and exquisite mausoleums. Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory Located at 300 N. Central Park Avenue in Chicago, IL 60624 One of the biggest facilities for botanical conservation and studies in the US, this indoor conservatory showcases exquisite botanical gardens and rare specimens up close and personal.  Step inside the tropical rainforest greenhouses, or explore the 10+ acres of outdoor gardens and recreational areas.  Tickets are currently available as timed-entry for COVID restrictions, but admission is free or a suggested donation.  Explore the gardens all day long or sign up for a special event, educational program, or urban agriculture workshop.  It’s a magical way to experience fall colours and autumnal activities! More Great Fall Foliage Destinations Just a Short Drive Away Humboldt Drive in Humboldt Park; Chicago, IL Winnemac Park; Chicago IL Schiller Woods along Des Plaines Trail; Chicago, IL Grandview Drive; Peoria Heights, IL Illinois River Road, National Scenic Byway; Peoria, IL Midway Plaisance between Jackson Park and Washington Park; Chicago, IL Prairie Sky Orchard; Union, IL Stade’s Farm and Market; McHenry, IL Got a favourite place for leaf peeping that we’ve left off the list? Let us know in the comments below, and your picks might just end up in a future post.

Three simple facts: Wisconsin winters are long and brutal, all-wheel drive helps when things get rough, and not everyone wants a bulky SUV just to get AWD. So how do you find something that ticks all the right boxes? You start by visiting Classic Toyota and checking out the 2020 Toyota Camry AWD, which puts all-wheel drive performance in a sleek, stylish, and feature-laden package that adds up to an exceptionally well-rounded car. more 2020 Toyota Camry AWD: Key Features The 2020 Toyota Camry AWD borrows its drivetrain from the Toyota RAV4 AWD. For now, the AWD system can only be selected on five trims, LE, SE, XLE, XSE, and Nightshade). Furthermore, it’s only available with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. So if you want the base L trim, or the top-tier V6-powered TRD, for instance, you might have to wait for the next level of the Toyota Camry. That said, there’s still a lot to love about the AWD Toyota Camry, because everything else that makes it popular is right where we left it, from standard TSS-P safety features and smartphone mirroring to a cabin that’s still as plush and hushed as ever. There’s still plenty of room for optional features, including a JBL sound system, a 10-inch color HUD, and a Cold Weather Package that adds heated seats, mirrors, and steering wheel to trims that don’t already have them. Is the 2020 Toyota Camry AWD Worth It? In a word, yes. An all-wheel drive sedan will be especially welcome to anyone buying or leasing a new Toyota car at our Toyota dealership serving Kenosha WI. The better traction helps with sloppy driving conditions, and they’re the ideal complement to the sedan’s smaller footprint and lower center of gravity that are already predisposed to better handling. You can call Classic Toyota to find out when we have a 2020 Toyota Camry AWD and we’ll be happy to schedule a test drive.

Spring has finally arrived in Illinois and we’re looking for a few ways to celebrate the start of a new season. One way to do so is to start taking better care of our planet with a more environmentally-friendly vehicle. Here at Classic Toyota we have an large inventory of eco-conscious and capable vehicles to choose from like the impressive new 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Details The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the perfect combination of ruggedness, comfort, and safety on the market. Not only will you be able to easily navigate tough terrain, the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is also a smarter, greener option. Not to mention, this year’s RAV4 features the newest in automotive engineering to be the fastest RAV4 yet. Designed with a high level of refinement in mind, the RAV4 Hybrid is tough enough for the outdoors but sleek enough for your daily commute. An array of entertainment and convenience features in the RAV4 Hybrid like Bluetooth® and adaptive cruise control, make driving a new Toyota SUV both safe and fun. Performance-wise you can expect the new RAV4 Hybrid to deliver thanks to its 2.5-liter Toyota Hybrid System II engine that produces a combined 219 horsepower. The customizable drive modes let you make the most of your vehicle by selecting the best option for your driving conditions. Select the Eco mode for increased fuel efficiency or Sport mode when you want to give a boost to your acceleration. Buy a New Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Today It’s clear to see that the 2020 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most impressive vehicles on the market right now. So don’t wait any longer to see it for yourself at our Illinois Toyota dealership. Visit us soon so you can drive off in a brand-new Toyota SUV today!

When you visit our Toyota dealership near Kenosha, WI, you’ll see that we have a full inventory of the latest Toyota models as well as a generous selection of pre-owned Toyota cars. If you want to shrink the size of your family’s carbon footprint, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll find hybrid vehicles in our new and pre-owned inventories. more Toyota Highlander Hybrid Details One hybrid automobile that’s gotten a lot of well-deserved attention since it arrived at our location is the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Like its gas-only sibling that we discussed in our last blog post, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a family-oriented, three-row SUV. Unlike its sibling, the new Toyota Highlander Hybrid is powered by a four-cylinder engine that works with two electric motors to produce a total system output of 243 horsepower. The SUV is equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid provides a smooth ride even when it’s covering uneven road surfaces. When it’s properly equipped, the SUV can tow a maximum of 3,500 pounds. If you travel with a lot of gear inside your vehicle, you’ll be happy with the SUV’s cargo capacity. Behind its third row, the SUV has 16 cubic feet of cargo room. When the second and third rows are folded, the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The new Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes with plenty of standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and road sign recognition, to name just a few. There isn’t a shortage of sought-after tech features in the vehicle, with four USB ports, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth™ connectivity, and Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa™ integration all standard. To shrink the size of your family’s carbon footprint, head over to Classic Toyota to buy or lease a new Toyota Highlander Hybrid today.

If you love the 2020 Toyota Camry and the new Toyota C-HR but need more space for passengers and cargo, we have a great suggestion for you – buy or lease a 2020 Toyota Highlander. With seating for up to eight passengers and as much as 84.3 cubic feet of cargo room with its rear rows folded down, the Toyota Highlander is a great pick for any driver who prioritizes passenger capacity, cargo space, or both. more Redesigned for the 2020 model-year, the new Toyota Highlander is kicking off its fourth generation with five available trims. No matter which trim you decide to buy or lease when you visit our Toyota dealership near Kenosha, WI, your three-row SUV will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. As you make your way through the SUV’s lineup, you’ll encounter a nice selection of sought-after features, such as a rearview camera and a super convenient, built-in cleaning system that makes it a breeze to maintain your SUV without having to break out the vacuum. In addition to those features, you’ll also discover a touchscreen, five USB ports, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, Bluetooth™, and Amazon Alexa™ integration in the SUV’s list of desirable features. Given the Toyota brand’s commitment to safety, it won’t surprise you to learn the new Toyota Highlander is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0™ suite of safety features. This suite includes traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control, among others. If you’re ready to see if the family-friendly, well-appointed Toyota Highlander is for you, we invite you to contact Classic Toyota to schedule a test drive in the roomy SUV. We look forward to seeing you in the driver’s seat of an all-new Toyota Highlander soon!

Having been a Toyota dealer serving Gurnee, IL and surrounding areas for so long, we know some motorists have a lot of questions about vehicles. One question you’ll never have to ask is, “Can I find a Toyota service center near me where I can learn how often I should have my car’s alignment checked?” more We’re always happy to shed light on automotive topics, including your car’s alignment. To begin with, a wheel alignment is also known as a suspension alignment. When your vehicle first rolls off the production line, the angles on its suspension were perfectly aligned, which ensured your wheels respond to your turns correctly. As time passes, and you accumulate miles and encounter obstacles on the road, your alignment might get thrown out of whack. Because so many factors influence your car’s alignment, there isn’t one set answer to when you should have it inspected regardless of whether you own a new or pre-owned car. Whenever you notice a sign that your alignment is off, such as rapid or uneven tire wear or your car pulling to one side or the other, you should have it inspected. If you hit an obstacle like a pothole or curb, or your vehicle is involved in an accident, it’s time for an alignment check. Even if those things don’t happen, you still need to schedule an appointment to bring your automobile into our Toyota service center near Kenosha, WI for an alignment inspection every 6,000 miles or every other time you have your oil changed. If that’s not feasible, you should have your car’s alignment checked at least once every year. To learn more about having your wheel alignment inspected, give us a call, contact Classic Toyota online, or visit our Toyota service center today!

When it made its debut, the 2018 Toyota C-HR turned a lot of heads. While it’s no longer a new entrant in the subcompact crossover class, the Toyota C-HR is still turning heads today. The crossover’s eye-catching appearance attracts attention in all the right ways. When you see the vehicle’s exterior, you’ll know why the Toyota C-HR is a standout that no motorist should overlook. more The interior of the 2020 Toyota C-HR is just as appealing as its outer appearance. The cabin is roomy and expertly made. If you slip into the driver’s seat or a passenger seat, you’ll immediately notice how supportive and comfortable the seat is. Being a Toyota dealer serving Kenosha, WI, and surrounding areas, we’re proud to tell you that the new Toyota C-HR is outfitted with some laudable advanced safety equipment. The crossover’s active safety equipment includes a forward collision warning and intervention system, dynamic cruise control, automatic headlights, and lane-keeping assist. We’re equally happy to let you know that the Toyota C-HR has a long list of comfort and convenience features. A rearview mirror that dims automatically, a USB port, automatic dual-zone climate control, an eight-inch infotainment interface, and Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration are some of the comfort and convenience features you’ll discover on the base trim alone. If you step up to the XLE model when you visit our Waukegan, WI Toyota dealership, your automobile will also have a blind spot monitor with a rear cross-traffic alert, a push-button start, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. The Limited trim adds leather upholstery and an adaptive lighting system up front that’s new for the 2020 model-year. To have a crossover that will turn heads wherever you go, make your way over to Classic Toyota to buy or lease a new Toyota C-HR today!

Whether you’re interested in buying one of our new or pre-owned Toyota cars, one thing is certain – you’ll need to care for your vehicle to make it last as long as possible. The best way to give your vehicle the TLC it needs is to follow the routine maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. As you’ll see, that schedule mentions your transmission from time to time. more While you don’t need to bring your vehicle in for service on your transmission as often as you’ll need to get your oil changed, that doesn’t mean you can neglect your transmission altogether. If your car is equipped with a manual transmission, you’ll typically need to replace your transmission fluid every 30,000 – 60,000. Motorists who use their automobile for heavy-duty tasks may have to get new transmission fluid more often, closer to every 15,000 miles. Cars outfitted with an automatic transmission may never have to have their transmission fluid replaced. If your owner’s manual says you’ll need to change this critical fluid, it’s likely it will prescribe service intervals between 60,000 – 100,000 miles or more. Because a lot of time can pass between service appointments for your transmission, you need to monitor the level of your transmission fluid between service intervals. Although you can do this yourself by checking the dipstick in the fluid’s reservoir, there’s no need to get your hands dirty. You can simply ask us to check it for you whenever you bring your vehicle in for another service, like an oil change or tire rotation. Is your transmission due for service, or does your vehicle need another type of routine maintenance or a repair? If so, schedule a Toyota service appointment with Classic Toyota now so we can take care of it for you!

With the holiday season in full swing, you might be going from store to store to find the perfect gifts for your friends and family members. If that’s the case, why don’t you make your holiday shopping even more fun by upgrading your ride to the 2020 Toyota RAV4? more Although the Toyota RAV4 was redesigned last year, the 2020 version of the SUV still boasts some noteworthy changes. For example, the SUV now has a TRD trim in its lineup. TRD is shorthand for Toyota Racing Development and the designation has historically been reserved for Toyota trucks and larger SUVs. Now, you can get a new Toyota RAV4 with the TRD badge for the first time ever. While the Toyota Prius is the most recognizable hybrid vehicle manufactured by the Toyota brand, the Toyota RAV4 and the 2020 Toyota Camry are also available in hybrid form. The new Toyota RAV4 is available in six trims. All the SUV’s trims are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Most of the trims come with standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive offered as an option. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models are only available with all-wheel drive. No matter which trim you decide to buy or lease when you visit our Toyota dealership near Kenosha, IL, your new Toyota RAV4 will be outfitted with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0™ suite of advanced safety equipment. This suite of features includes a forward collision warning that has pedestrian and daytime bicycle detection. It also includes dynamic cruise control, road sign assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and a lane departure warning. To see what else the 2020 Toyota RAV4 has to offer, visit Classic Toyota today!