Editor's Note: Five Things I Am Thankful For This Year

As we take a moment this holiday season to slow things down and pump the brakes, I wanted to reflect upon the top five things I am truly thankful for this year.

1. Attended the Black Enterprise Entrepreneur Conference And Expo. On the same day that Oprah wrapped-up her 25 year-old daytime talk show, I had an opportunity to witness history, attending a one-on-one personal conservation with Earl G. Graves Sr., the founder of Black Enterprise Magazine, and his son, Earl G. Graves Jr., president and CEO of the magazine. The intimate conversation, which revealed both their professional and personal lives, was led by President Obama's (and Michelle's) Harvard law professor, Charles Ogletree. I was just glad to be in the house to witness history. This is the first time that the Graves held a forum such as this. It was spell bounding to witness the respect interaction between a black father and his son. ( As a side note, I periodically provide auto content to the magazine.)
2. First Published Car-Buying Feature Story In Essence Magazine. Earlier this year a good friend of mine, who happens to be a senior editor at Essence, gave me a once in the lifetime opportunity to write a feature story for the magazine. Unlike my other published articles, I wasn't required to quote other experts in the article. I was allowed to write the article from my point of view, sharing my own personal experiences and referencing my website. I guess this seals the deal and truly makes me an expert (LOL).
3. Having the Opportunity to Review A New-Vehicle Weekly. In many ways, I still feel like a big kid. Every week I have an opportunity to review a different ride. I no longer have to depend upon the opinion of others in the industry regarding today's hottest (or not so hot) rides.
4. Attended the American Black Film Festival in Miami. During the fourth of July holiday weekend, GM provided me a front row seat to the American Black Film Festival. Not only did I get a chance to have lunch with the founder of the festival, but to also hang out with some of the movers and shakers in the film industry, while at the same time getting a chance to kick-up my hills and chill on Miami's infamous South Beach. All I can say is what an experience. This once in a lifetime experience rated right up there with being a VIP guest of Toyota at last year's Soul Train Music Award where I was caught on tape dancing. I still marvel at the fact that I was in attendance for both events.
5. Of Course, I Am Thankful for Family and Friends. Just a few months ago my independent mom, who is in her early seventies, had major eye surgery to restore her failing sight. I thought my aging parents were going to become dependent upon me for everything, since I am the youngest in the family for all of their errands plus more. Thank God due to the miracle of modern medicine she now has 20/20 vision and she no longer needs me (or my brothers) to take her to the store (or run other errands). She actually has her independence back again, allowing her the ability to tool around town in her Ford Mustang convertible. Since eye surgery, I think her vision is actually better than mine. And, I am extremely thankful for everyone who continues to use my website as a point of reference, before buying or servicing a vehicle. You just don't know how much I truly appreciate you.

Toyota to Giveaway 1 Car-A-Day For 100 Days

TORRANCE, CALIF. (March 1, 2011) – Toyota today announced its “100 Cars for Good” program, which will award 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 deserving nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public.

Beginning March 7, 2011, registered 501c(3) non-profit organizations can apply online through Toyota’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/toyota for a chance to win a Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander Hybrid, Sienna, or Sienna Mobility. A six-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle awarded. Applications submitted by March 21, 2011 will be reduced to 500 finalist organizations that will be in the running to win a vehicle. These final organizations will be selected by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and social responsibility. Finalists can submit videos, create their own online profiles and rally their friends and supporters to encourage voting for their organization.

Public voting begins on May 9 and will take place for 100 consecutive days. Each day, five organizations will be profiled on Toyota’s Facebook page and voters may vote for the charity they feel is most deserving of the vehicle. A vehicle will be awarded each day through August 16 for a total of 100 vehicles. Voters may place one vote per day, each day, over the course of the program.

100 Cars for Good is the first Toyota initiative that engages the public to determine how corporate philanthropic donations will be awarded.


     100 Nonprofits from Across the Country to Receive a Toyota Vehicle Based on Public Votes


• 100 vehicles will be given away over 100 days based on daily voting on Toyota’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/toyota

• Registered 501c(3) organizations are invited to apply online and tell us how they plan to use the vehicle to do good in their community

• Applications will be accepted beginning March 7, 2011

Toyota to Recall 2 Million Vehicles to Readdress Floormats And Gas Pedals

TORRANCE, Calif., [February 24], 2011 -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 20,000 2006 and early 2007 Model Year GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles to modify the shape of the plastic pad embedded in the driver’s side floor carpet. In the event that the floor carpet around the accelerator pedal is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, there is a possibility that the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet may interfere with the operation of the accelerator pedal. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.

Owners of the involved GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles will receive a notification by first class mail beginning in early March 2011.

Toyota will also voluntarily recall approximately 372,000 2004 through 2006 and early 2007 RX 330, RX 350, and RX 400h vehicles, and approximately 397,000 2004 through 2006 Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles to replace the driver’s side floor carpet cover and its two retention clips. If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.

Owners of the involved RX and Highlander vehicles will receive an interim notification by first class mail beginning in the near future, explaining how to inspect for this condition or that they may contact their local dealer to perform the inspection.

Owners will receive a second notification once the replacement covers are available.

Separately, Toyota has amended its recall from November 2009, adding three models to address the potential for unsecured or incompatible floor mat entrapment of the accelerator pedal. The models added include:

• Approximately 603,000 2003 through 2009 4Runner
• Approximately 17,000 2008 through 2011 Lexus LX 570; and
• Approximately 761,000 2006 through 2010 RAV4

Owners of the involved 4Runner, LX 570, and RAV4 vehicles will receive an interim notification by first class mail beginning in the near future, informing them of the condition. Owners will receive a second notification once the recall preparations are complete.

Toyota and Lexus dealers will implement the newly announced and amended recall remedies at no charge to the vehicle owners.

To see if your vehicle qualifies for a Toyota recall, click here.

Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall or www.lexus.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.

Toyota Adds More Hybrids to the Prius Family

Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter will unveil the Prius family of vehicles at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit today. In addition to the current third-generation Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicle, the first all-new addition to the Prius family (the station wagon) will debut along with a Prius concept vehicle.

2011 Toyota Avalon: The Automaker's Answer to the Big American Family Sedan

What’s New:

Toyota’s large, front-wheel drive luxury family sedan, the Avalon, has been reworked for the 2011 model year. As opposed to Toyota offering three trim levels in the Avalon this model-year, the line up has been simplified to two. In addition to dropping down to two trims, a laser cruise control system is no longer an available option on the Avalon.

In addition to a modification in the trim levels, the Avalon includes a new grille and tail lamps, a new six-speed automatic transmission, a standard sunroof, redesigned leather trim seats, reclining rear seats and a back-up camera integrated into the rearview mirror   (or the navigation system).

Also like with the majority of Toyota products, the Avalon is now available with a touch-screen navigation system and the capability to connect with Bluetooth phones. Furthermore, music can now stream to the audio system.

Must-Have Goodies:

Since the Avalon has been simplified to two well-equipped models, there are just a few features that separate the vehicle. The Limited model is the model of choice for those yearning for such luxury features as a leather woodgrain steering-wheel, air conditioned front seats, memory seats and exterior mirrors, a rear power sunshade blind and a keyless push-button ignition starter.

Besides the features noted, the only major option available on the Avalon is the voice-activated navigation system with the high-end 12-speaker, 660-watt JBL audio system.

What Rocked:

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The MacPherson suspension in the Avalon easily reminds us of driving a big American vehicle like the Buick Lucerne or Ford Taurus. Unlike most imports, the Avalon has great road manners, wide comfortable front (and rear) seats that can easily accommodate five passengers.

And since the Avalon targets more mature drivers, they’ll be enamored with the large gauges on the redesigned instrument panel, which are easy-to-read, due to the white illuminated numbers.

Also the leather steering-wheel provides illuminated controls, which is extremely useful for the driver at night, to adjust the audio system, ventilation system, the cruise control and vehicle information system. Oh yes, we can’t forget about the adjustable sliding front-center armrest with all of the usable storage space.

Moreover, rear passengers will find the Avalon now includes partially reclining rear split seats. This is great for road trips.