Tag: Toyota

Junkyard Find: 1980 Toyota Celica Supra

<img data-attachment-id=”1776294″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-supra/00-1980-toyota-supra-in-california-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/00-1980-Toyota-Supra-in-California-Junkyard-Photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1624627556″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”50″,”shutter_speed”:”0.00097087378640777″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, LH front view” data-image-description=”

1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, LH front view – ©2021 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-9.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1776294″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra.jpg” alt=”1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, LH front view – ©2021 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-8.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-9.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-10.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-11.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-12.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>In 1970, Toyota introduced the world to a pair of cars based on a new platform: The Carina sedan and the Celica sports coupe. The Carina was sold in the United States for just the 1972-73 model years and disappeared without a trace, but its Mustang-resembling Celica sibling proved to be a big sales hit on this side of the Pacific. With their truck-appropriate four-cylinder R engines, though, those U.S.-market Celicas of the 1970s were slow and tended to sound like a Hilux groaning up a mountain pass in Waziristan with a load of 15 Red Army-battling mujahideen fighters. So, Toyota widened and lengthened the second-generation Celica, yanked out the truck mill, and dropped in a straight-six. Thus was the Celica XX born in 1978, and when it arrived on our shores in the following year, it had a new name: Celica Supra!

<img data-attachment-id=”1776316″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-supra/29-1980-toyota-supra-in-california-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/29-1980-Toyota-Supra-in-California-Junkyard-Photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1624627546″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”50″,”shutter_speed”:”0.0011709601873536″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, front view” data-image-description=”

1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, front view – ©2021 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-14.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-1.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1776316″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-1.jpg” alt=”1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, front view – ©2021 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-1.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-13.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-14.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-15.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-16.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-17.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>These cars could keep up with the Datsun Zs and Chevy Camaros of the period (more or less), they looked cool, and they sold well. They sold especially well in California, which is where I found this beat-to-hell ’80 last summer.

The Celica resemblance was unmistakable, and so Toyota called these cars Celica Supras until 1986 (when the Celica went to a new front-wheel-drive platform and the Supra got a lot more evil-looking). At least the Celica Supra really was a member of the Celica family, so that name wasn’t as silly as the Corolla badges Toyota glued on the early Tercels.

<img data-attachment-id=”1776312″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-supra/22-1980-toyota-supra-in-california-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/22-1980-Toyota-Supra-in-California-Junkyard-Photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1624627525″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”100″,”shutter_speed”:”0.01″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, 4M-E engine” data-image-description=”

1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, 4M-E engine – ©2021 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-23.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-3.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1776312″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-3.jpg” alt=”1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, 4M-E engine – ©2021 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-3.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-22.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-23.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-24.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-25.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-26.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>The 2.6-liter 4M-E engine in this car could trace its ancestry back to the legendary 2000GT of a decade earlier (actually, the M engine was developed for the 1962 Toyopet Crown, but I thought I’d give the 2000GT a shout-out). In 1980, the U.S.-spec 4M-E made 116 horsepower and also went into the Cressida.

<img data-attachment-id=”1776318″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-supra/30-1980-toyota-supra-in-california-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/30-1980-Toyota-Supra-in-California-Junkyard-Photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1624627550″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”80″,”shutter_speed”:”0.02″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, EFI badge” data-image-description=”

1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, EFI badge – ©2021 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-28.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-4.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1776318″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-4.jpg” alt=”1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, EFI badge – ©2021 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-4.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-27.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-28.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-29.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-30.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-31.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>Electronic fuel injection was a big futuristic deal in 1980, so Toyota stuck these badges on cars so equipped.

<img data-attachment-id=”1776302″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-supra/10-1980-toyota-supra-in-california-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/10-1980-Toyota-Supra-in-California-Junkyard-Photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1624627487″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”50″,”shutter_speed”:”0.0056497175141243″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, gearshift” data-image-description=”

1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, gearshift – ©2021 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-33.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-5.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1776302″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-5.jpg” alt=”1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, gearshift – ©2021 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-5.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-32.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-33.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-34.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-35.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-36.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>Five-speed manual transmissions were the choice of the real gone cats at the time, too, and this car has one. A four-speed Aisin automatic was available as well (for an extra 425 bucks, about $1,500 today), but most Celica Supra buyers craved three-pedal action.

<img data-attachment-id=”1776310″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-supra/19-1980-toyota-supra-in-california-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/19-1980-Toyota-Supra-in-California-Junkyard-Photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1624627515″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”64″,”shutter_speed”:”0.01″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, sunroof” data-image-description=”

1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, sunroof – ©2021 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-38.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-6.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1776310″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-6.jpg” alt=”1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, sunroof – ©2021 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-6.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-37.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-38.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-39.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-40.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-41.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>If you wanted to be seriously cool in 1980, you needed a sunroof in your car. This one added $280 to the $9,568 MSRP (that’s about $990 on a $33,735 car when reckoned in 2021‘s bones or clams).

<img data-attachment-id=”1776296″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-supra/05-1980-toyota-supra-in-california-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/05-1980-Toyota-Supra-in-California-Junkyard-Photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1624627472″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”50″,”shutter_speed”:”0.005524861878453″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, interior” data-image-description=”

1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, interior – ©2021 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-43.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-7.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1776296″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-7.jpg” alt=”1980 Toyota Celica Supra in California junkyard, interior – ©2021 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-7.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-42.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-43.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-44.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-45.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/junkyard-find-1980-toyota-celica-supra-46.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>Being a Bay Area resident, this car isn’t rusty. However, the body is good and crinkled and the interior spent quite a few years getting alternately nuked by the summer sun and soaked by the winter rain, and nobody felt like rescuing it from its fate.

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And now the drama begins again. Celica Double-X!

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Want a sports car but don’t want to suffer?

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Want a car that’s as fast as your open-wheeled track monster and as luxurious as your chauffeured Roller? Suspend some disbelief and buy a new Celica Supra!

For links to more than 2,100 additional Junkyard Finds, please visit the Junkyard Home of the Murilee Martin Lifestyle Brand™.

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Buy/Drive/Burn: Basic Japanese Compacts From 2008

Today’s Buy/Drive/Burn trio are the 2008 versions of the same Japanese compacts from last time. Many of you were split on the relative goodness of 1998’s Civic versus Corolla, but agreed Sentra should burn. Do those views change when the cars are from 2008?

Honda Civic

The eighth-gen Civic is in its third model year in North America, where it’s available in sedan and coupe formats. Civic is a bit edgier and serious-looking than its older Nineties sibling but promises the same overall value. In 2008 there are seven total trims That range in price from $14,800 to over $23,000. The most affordable sedan is a DX trim with a five-speed manual transmission. DX uses a 1.8-liter inline-four good for 140 horses and asks $15,010.

Nissan Sentra

Sentra entered its sixth generation in 2007 and continues unchanged for the 2008 model year. Sentra is available only as a sedan and rides on the same C platform as the Rogue. Unlike Civic which offers standard automatic transmissions, Sentra is offered only with a six-speed manual or a CVT. Five trims are available that range in price from $16,140 to $20,570. The base 2.0 has a CVT, so we upgrade to the 2.0 S for its six-speed manual. 140 horses arrive via the 2.0-liter engine. Nissan asks $16,370.

Toyota Corolla

The Corolla is in its ninth generation, and its final model year; it’s been on sale since 2003. Not to worry, Corolla was refreshed for 2005 to keep with the times! North America receives only the Corolla sedan, though wagons and hatchbacks are available elsewhere. Trims are three and have a narrow price range of $14,405 to $16,250. The cheapest CE with a five-speed manual asks $14,405. A trailing 126 horses arrive at the front wheels from the 1.8-liter engine.

Three late 2000s economy sedans, all of which are arguably build with less care and concern than their Nineties counterparts. Which one is worth buying?

[Images: Toyota, Honda, Nissan]

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Parts Parade: Toyota Releases Heavily Modified GR 86 Concepts

<img data-attachment-id=”1770034″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts/toyota-gr-86-gazoo-concept-front-clip/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Toyota-GR-86-Gazoo-Concept-front-clip.jpg” data-orig-size=”1920,1080″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”0″,”credit”:””,”camera”:””,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”0″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”0″,”iso”:”0″,”shutter_speed”:”0″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”Toyota GR 86 Gazoo Concept front clip” data-image-description=”

Toyota

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-8.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1770034″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-7.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-8.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-9.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-10.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-11.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

Gazoo Racing (GR) has earned itself quite a bit of cachet since Akio Toyoda decided to make it the de facto performance arm of Toyota in 2009. It’s slowly supplanting Toyota Racing Development (TRD), which is still technically running the show but currently feels more like the manufacturer’s North American off-road racing division. GR has been producing global, models that actually provide enhanced performance and output from the factory while TRD has basically become the company’s in-house parts catalog.

However, Gazoo has some performance parts of its own and Toyota has been eagerly modifying the crap out of its vehicles as a way to tease them. The brand is now ready to start selling them and has re-released last month’s dual GR 86 concepts — designed to tickle the enthusiast community — with the relevant details. <img data-attachment-id=”1770032″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts/toyota-gr-86-gazoo-parts-hero/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Toyota-GR-86-Gazoo-Parts-hero.jpg” data-orig-size=”1920,1085″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”0″,”credit”:””,”camera”:””,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”0″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”0″,”iso”:”0″,”shutter_speed”:”0″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”Toyota GR 86 Gazoo Parts hero” data-image-description=”

Toyota

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-13.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-1.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1770032″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-1.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”345″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-1.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-12.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-13.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-14.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-15.jpg 120w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

The more understated model comes with aftermarket bumpers, side skirts, fender ducking, window cowlings, and an understated lip spoiler on the rear deck. It’s also been given forged, 19-inch TRD wheels and a snazzier fuel cap — the latter of which isn’t supposed to offer any performance advantage and looks bad. Beneath the body panels, GR has given the 86 new shocks and springs, upgraded and monoblock brake calipers (with ventilated rotors), and a more sporting exhaust system.

Dubbed the “Toyota GR 86 GR Parts,” the model is supposed to represent what can be done with a wad of cash and some time spent with the new catalog. The model is designed to represent what’s possible while still keeping things street legal.

<img data-attachment-id=”1770042″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts/toyota-gr-86-gazoo-parts-rear/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Toyota-GR-86-Gazoo-Parts-rear.jpg” data-orig-size=”1920,1085″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”0″,”credit”:””,”camera”:””,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”0″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”0″,”iso”:”0″,”shutter_speed”:”0″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”Toyota GR 86 Gazoo Parts rear” data-image-description=”

Toyota

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-17.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-2.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1770042″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-2.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”345″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-2.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-16.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-17.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-18.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-19.jpg 120w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

Though if you want something truly maniacal and features GR parts more overtly, allow me to direct you to the “Toyota GR 86 GR Parts Concept.” Starting from the same, tastefully understated canvas, the manufacturer went bananas as a way to test the latest components under development. This one never needed to remain street legal and certainly doesn’t look like it could last long in most states without getting some unwanted attention from local authorities.

Exterior upgrades include a wildly aggressive front fascia equipped with a ram-air intake and seemingly as many canards as Toyota could make fit. There’s also a frontal lip to encourage additional downforce, which is one of the main themes of the vehicle. At the rear, the 86 has been issued a massive GT wing and there are ventilation points along the widened rear fenders to help keep any unwanted air from sneaking under the vehicle and mucking up the aerodynamic design Toyota clearly prioritized with the chosen components. Carbon fiber side skirts further help here, with a large diffuser finishing things off at the rear.

<img data-attachment-id=”1770038″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts/toyota-gr-86-gazoo-concept-hero/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Toyota-GR-86-Gazoo-Concept-hero.jpg” data-orig-size=”1920,1080″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”0″,”credit”:””,”camera”:””,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”0″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”0″,”iso”:”0″,”shutter_speed”:”0″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”Toyota GR 86 Gazoo Concept hero” data-image-description=”

Toyota

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-21.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-3.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1770038″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-3.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-3.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-20.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-21.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-22.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-23.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-24.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

While the 19-inch forged aluminum wheels look familiar, they’re substantially wider to accommodate the additional space allotted by the fenders that have 1.7 inches of girth over the standard model.

Toyota also alluded to enhanced rigidity and meaningful weight reduction on the concept model. But there aren’t enough specifics to explain where and how that’s taking place. Similarly left to our imagination are any modifications made to the engine, which is a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine (sourced from Subaru) that makes 228 horsepower in the current generation 86. While slightly beefier than the 2.0-liter unit that was equipped to the first-generation car, a lack of power is often cited as the vehicle’s main shortcoming.

<img data-attachment-id=”1770036″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts/toyota-gr-86-gazoo-concept-rear/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Toyota-GR-86-Gazoo-Concept-rear.jpg” data-orig-size=”1920,1080″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”0″,”credit”:””,”camera”:””,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”0″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”0″,”iso”:”0″,”shutter_speed”:”0″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”Toyota GR 86 Gazoo Concept rear” data-image-description=”

Toyota

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-26.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-4.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1770036″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-4.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-4.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-25.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-26.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-27.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-28.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-29.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

Frankly, I think this comes primarily from people that haven’t driven one. While not blisteringly fast, the older 86 and Subaru BRZ could breeze past 60 mph in just over 6 seconds. This turned out to be totally acceptable for enjoying oneself on a twisty backroad and allows drivers to actually push the vehicle’s limitations while still operating within the confines of the law. By contrast, more powerful vehicles sometimes have a problem maximizing driving enjoyment without breaking the speed limit. But Toyota has obviously built up this particular 86 to be track-focused, so why not have it pushing 300 horsepower?

We’re guessing the Concept is preoccupied with assessing its existing aerodynamic enhancements so they can be sold to customers. Manufacturers also don’t typically provide insane performance packages that could place undue strain on the powertrain. While TRD and GR may offer horsepower-boosting options in the future, it’s probably wise to leave the truly risky stuff to aftermarket tuning firms. Factory warranties can only be stretched so far and these models are already uncharacteristically wild for a company like Toyota — not that we’re displeased to be seeing this side of the automaker.

<img data-attachment-id=”1770040″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts/toyota-gr-86-gazoo-parts-profile/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Toyota-GR-86-Gazoo-Parts-profile.jpg” data-orig-size=”1920,1084″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”0″,”credit”:””,”camera”:””,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”0″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”0″,”iso”:”0″,”shutter_speed”:”0″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”Toyota GR 86 Gazoo Parts profile” data-image-description=”

Toyota

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-31.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-5.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1770040″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-5.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”344″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-5.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-30.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-31.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-32.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-33.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-34.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

<img data-attachment-id=”1770046″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts/toyota-gr-86-gazoo-parts-detail-2/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Toyota-GR-86-Gazoo-Parts-detail-2.jpg” data-orig-size=”1920,1280″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”0″,”credit”:””,”camera”:””,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”0″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”0″,”iso”:”0″,”shutter_speed”:”0″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”0″}” data-image-title=”Toyota GR 86 Gazoo Parts detail 2″ data-image-description=”

Toyota

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-36.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-6.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1770046″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-6.jpg” alt width=”610″ height=”407″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-6.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-35.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-36.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-37.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/parts-parade-toyota-releases-heavily-modified-gr-86-concepts-38.jpg 120w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

[Images: Toyota]

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Lexus Finally Gets Charged Up Over EVs

The first Lexus electric vehicle will be a rapid, five-passenger SUV with a dramatic shape that previews the future of the Japanese luxury brand. As The Detroit Bureau has previously noted, Lexus and its parent company, Toyota, have not always been enamored by EVs. Toyota’s President and CEO, Akio Toyoda, called BEVs overhyped late last year, and he’s questioned their environmental benefits as countries plan to phase out sales of gas and diesel-powered automobiles.

Akio Toyoda

While the debut of the Lexus LF-Z Concept and Toyota bZ4X show the two brands are moving ahead with full-electric models, their ambitions for EV models is far more muted than rivals like Volkswagen and General Motors. In total, Lexus will have 10 “electrified” vehicles in its lineup by 2025. 

Keep in mind that Toyota and Lexus count hybrid models, even those without any electric-only range, as falling into the electrified category. This being said, Lexus’ first dedicated EV will be part of this grouping and promises to have the performance to match competing model like the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace, and Tesla Model X.

What you see is what you’ll get

In terms of design, the production version of the LF-Z should remain close to the concept. This includes highly sculpted sides, tapering tail, and a grille-less version of Lexus’ signature (and still controversial) spindle grille. The gaping maw found on current Lexus vehicles has been blanked off on the LF-Z Concept – and arguably looks better for it. Similar to today’s Jaguar I-Pace, the LF-Z seeks to bridge the gap between swept-back sedan and high-riding 

2021 Lexus LF-Z concept rear

The 2021 LF-Z concept is just the latest LF concept car shown by Lexus.

The cabin of the LF-Z Concept offers fewer hints about what to expect when Lexus’ electric SUV rolls into dealerships within the next 3 years. The driver sits in a pod-like enclosure in which the right-side bottom of the seat sweeps upward and connects to the dash. 

No big surprise, the dashboard consists of touch screens, three of them to be exact. And true to concept car norms, the end result looks extremely futuristic, mostly unfeasible for production, and incredibly uncomfortable. Why do concept car seats never have cushions of any sort?

What we know so far

Details like pricing, performance, and range are still under lock and key. While the Lexus EV will be based on the same platform as the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, very few specifics about these joint-venture-engineered vehicles has been released up till now. 

All three ride on versions of the jointly developed e-TNGA platform, and the Lexus variant will certainly have the upper hand when it comes to outright performance. While the LF-Z Concept boasted in excess of 500 horsepower and a range of nearly 400 miles, we expect those figures to float slightly back to Earth in the production model.

2021 Lexus LF-Z concept cockpit

The LF-Z’s battery-electric concept interior

A range of 250 to 350 miles sounds realistic, as does a 0-60 mph time of roughly 4.0 seconds – the LF-Z supposedly needed only 3.0 seconds for the same acceleration run. Lexus has stated its electric SUV will feature an advanced all-wheel drive system capable of shuttling power and grip extremely fast from wheel to wheel.

Lexus has said even less about pricing than it has any mechanical aspects of its first dedicated EV (the brand presently sells an electrified version of the UX crossover in Europe). An educated guess would put the production version of the LF-Z around $60,000-$70,000, which is right on point with rivals from Audi, Jaguar, and Tesla. 

America’s Top 10: the bestselling vehicles in the United States

If America’s favorite flavor is vanilla, it’s a preference that can be seen in its 10 most popular vehicles. With the first half of the year now in the history books, it’s interesting to note that while the Pandemic changed much in Americans’ lives, it did little to change their automotive preferences.

Toyota nabbed four of the ten most popular vehicles, Honda two. Nissan, GM, Ford and Stellantis round out the list. Notably, the list mirrors the current new car market, with cars accounting for 30% of the slots, with the remainder consisting of trucks and SUVs. 

10. Toyota Highlander: 144,380 units

Now in its fourth generation, the Toyota Highlander continues to please with its practicality, comfortable nature, impressive safety, and frugality with fuel. Boring? Perhaps. But it excites those who needs a stellar family hauler. Prices start at $35,085.

9. Honda Civic: 152,956 units

A perennial favorite now in its 10th generation, the newest version reached dealer showrooms in June. The combination of clearance pricing on the old Civic and the arrival of a new model contributed to a 19.6% sales increase. Prices start at $21,700.

8. Toyota Corolla: 155,531 units

Given that the Corolla sedan and hatchback’s sales rose nearly 42% this year, Toyota’s decision to continue producing passenger cars when Detroit automakers dropped them seems like a winning idea. Prices start at $20,025.

7. Toyota Camry: 177,671 units 

It’s no surprise that the Camry remains America’s most popular passenger car, a position it’s held since 1997 – with the exception of 2001. Sales rose 41% this year, a gift handed to them by GM, Ford and Chrysler. Prices start at $25,045.

6. Nissan Rogue: 182,289 units

When it comes to nomenclature, there’s nothing rogue about the redesigned 2021 Nissan Rogue. Yet its boxy new wardrobe, roomy cabin, and vast range of capabilities make it far more competitive. No wonder sales rose 70% this year. Prices start at $25,850.

5. Honda CR-V: 213,199 units

The CR-V has long proven adept at serving middle America on its virtues: a spacious cabin, lot of space to stash stuff, great fuel economy and the choice of a turbocharged or hybrid driveline. Demand rose 54% in 2021. Prices start at $25,350.

4. Toyota RAV4: 221,195 units 

With the addition of a plug-in hybrid model, the Toyota RAV4 remains the most popular crossover SUV in the country, with year over year sales up 20.6%. Credit its dynamic design, which is no longer a stylistic sleep aid. Prices start at $26,250.

3. Chevrolet Silverado: 286,410 units

If there’s any sign that the Silverado’s redesign missed the mark, it can be seen in its decline to third place behind its competitors from Ram and Ford. Sales were up 8.3%, although light-duty model demand rose only 3%. Prices start at $29,300.

2. Ram Pickup: 313,068 units

Boldly styled with a sophisticated well-thought out cabin, Ram pickup sales have risen 27.5% this year on the strength of a constant flow of special edition models, including the new high-performance TRX edition. Prices start at $33,250.

1. Ford F-Series: 362,032 units

Entering the year with an all-new look, a new hybrid model, in addition to its high-performance and forthcoming all-electric variants, the F-150 remains America’s best-selling vehicle for 39 consecutive years for good reason. Yet microchip shortages has contributed to a 1.5% sales decline this year, with Ram outselling it in the second quarter. Prices start at $29,290.

Toyota’s Akio Toyoda Chosen 2021 World Car Person of the Year

Toyoda

Selected 2021 World Car Awards Person of the Year was Akio Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) president and CEO.

Toyoda

“Akio Toyoda is the charismatic President and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation. He has spent years successfully remaking his company. In 2020 despite COVID-19, under his leadership Toyota remained profitable, protecting jobs worldwide. He has maintained Toyota’s steady pace of development in the connected, autonomous, shared and electric (CASE) era. He has also initiated construction of the Woven City, an exciting, real-life prototype city of the future. All while actively participating in motorsports himself, as a driver,” said the World Car Awards in a statement.

Toyoda said, “At Toyota, we are very fortunate that we were able to protect the employment of our team members during COVID-19 and continue our work to meet the future challenge of our industry. Creating new ways to support the well-being of our planet and people everywhere is our commitment. This has been a difficult period in the history of the world. But it has also reminded us that people are what matters most. And if we at Toyota can contribute some measure of happiness to their lives, it will be my never-ending goal to do just that.”

Toyoda

Toyota joined the company in 1984, after graduating with a law degree from Keio University. He also received a masters in business administration from Wellesley, Massachusetts’ Babson College. Toyoda served in different areas of the business in Japan and overseas, before becoming a member of the TMC board of directors in 2000. He held other senior and executive vice-presidential roles until becoming TMC president in 2009.

Toyoda The World Car Person of the Year award was established in 2018 to acknowledge the contributions made by an individual in the auto industry during the previous year. The World Car Awards program hands out six awards annually, which they started doing in 2003. A group of more than 90 journalists, none of whom are a part of TheTruthAboutCars.com, made the selection.

[Images: Toyota, Babson College]

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Junkyard Find: 2002 Toyota Corolla CE, Last of the 3-Speed Automatics

<img data-attachment-id=”1739186″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics/00-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-in-colorado-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/00-2002-Toyota-Corolla-CE-in-Colorado-junkyard-photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1603458546″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”50″,”shutter_speed”:”0.0013071895424837″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, LH front view” data-image-description=”

2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, LH front view – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-12.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1739186″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics.jpg” alt=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, LH front view – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-11.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-12.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-13.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-14.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-15.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>
Not long ago, I became curious about the production longevity of the good old three-speed automatic transmission in North America. The first really successful true automatic had four forward speeds and the two-speed Powerglide delivered the slushbox to the masses, but the three-speed Detroit automatics of the 1960s truly converted the continent to the two-pedal religion. During the last couple of decades of the 20th century, the three-speed got sidelined by more sophisticated transmissions. What was the final new car you could buy with a three-speed transmission in North America? That’s today’s Junkyard Find: a 2002 Toyota Corolla CE, found in Denver last week.

<img data-attachment-id=”1739216″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics/47-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-in-colorado-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/47-2002-Toyota-Corolla-CE-in-Colorado-junkyard-photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1603458513″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”50″,”shutter_speed”:”0.001727115716753″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, rear view” data-image-description=”

2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, rear view – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-17.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-1.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1739216″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-1.jpg” alt=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, rear view – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-1.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-16.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-17.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-18.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-19.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-20.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>My search for the last three-speed-equipped new car (yes, car — three-speeds stayed in trucks a bit longer here, and that’s a story we’ll discuss later) took months of poring over sales brochures, EPA data, reference books, and online comments from your enraged uncle who clearly remembers his neighbor buying a 2005 Cavalier with a three-speed. In the end, the winner of the Keep That Reliable Hardware In Service Forever trophy goes to — of course — Toyota. The 2002 Corolla CE and the base version of its NUMMI-built twin, the Chevrolet Prizm, had three-speeds, a year after Chrysler went to four-speed automatics in the Neon and Caravan and GM abandoned the three-speed in the Metro and Cavalier.

<img data-attachment-id=”1739202″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics/20-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-in-colorado-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20-2002-Toyota-Corolla-CE-in-Colorado-junkyard-photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1603458423″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”50″,”shutter_speed”:”0.016666666666667″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, automatic gearshift” data-image-description=”

2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, automatic gearshift – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-22.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-2.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1739202″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-2.jpg” alt=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, automatic gearshift – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-2.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-21.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-22.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-23.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-24.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-25.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>Toyota believes in selling stuff that works, regardless of current fashions and/or the derision of automotive journalists, which is why you’ll see that near-identical cruise-control stalk in so many Toyotas and Lexuses from the early 1990s through a few years ago. It’s also the reason that Toyota was the last holdout selling new cars with four-on-the-floor manual transmissions here (the 1996 Tercel). I’m working on pieces about the final three-on-the-tree and three-on-the-floor cars you could buy new, so check in later for those.

<img data-attachment-id=”1739188″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics/04-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-in-colorado-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/04-2002-Toyota-Corolla-CE-in-Colorado-junkyard-photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1603458331″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”50″,”shutter_speed”:”0.0053763440860215″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, decklid badge” data-image-description=”

2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, decklid badge – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-27.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-3.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1739188″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-3.jpg” alt=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, decklid badge – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-3.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-26.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-27.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-28.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-29.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-30.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>Toyota USA probably says “CE” stood for “Cheerful Edition” or “Competitive Edition,” but I’ve always believed that the C in this badge stands for Cheap. The CE-badged Toyotas lacked the luxury features of their upscale brethren, but they were Toyotas and they would do that Point-A-to-Point-B thing like no-hassle clockwork, for decades. Sure, you could get an ’02 Daewoo Nubira for much less than a Corolla CE, but then you’d have a Daewoo.

<img data-attachment-id=”1739200″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics/17-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-in-colorado-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/17-2002-Toyota-Corolla-CE-in-Colorado-junkyard-photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1603458419″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”125″,”shutter_speed”:”0.016666666666667″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, overdrive switch block-off plate” data-image-description=”

2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, overdrive switch block-off plate – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-32.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-4.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1739200″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-4.jpg” alt=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, overdrive switch block-off plate – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-4.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-31.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-32.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-33.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-34.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-35.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>That said, the fact that the CE got a 200-yen block-off plate in the spot where the overdrive button lived on the higher-end Corollas … well, it must have been a depressing sight when coupled with the view of that grim, forklift-seat-grade upholstery. Note the little rectangular indentation where the OVERDRIVE label would have gone in a Corolla S or LE or Prizm LSi.

<img data-attachment-id=”1739210″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics/29-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-in-colorado-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/29-2002-Toyota-Corolla-CE-in-Colorado-junkyard-photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1603458444″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”50″,”shutter_speed”:”0.0033783783783784″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, interior” data-image-description=”

2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, interior – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-37.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-5.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1739210″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-5.jpg” alt=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, interior – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-5.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-36.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-37.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-38.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-39.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-40.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>I think most of these cars were sold to fleet operators, not individual buyers torn between the Nubira CDX and the Corolla CE, and so the Super Indestruct-O gray interior was a strong selling point.

<img data-attachment-id=”1739190″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics/05-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-in-colorado-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/05-2002-Toyota-Corolla-CE-in-Colorado-junkyard-photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1603458333″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”50″,”shutter_speed”:”0.0064516129032258″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, decklid badge” data-image-description=”

2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, decklid badge – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-42.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-6.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1739190″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-6.jpg” alt=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, decklid badge – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-6.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-41.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-42.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-43.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-44.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-45.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>Maybe a few years operating out of the Budget counter at DIA, then auctioned-off to a commuter who just wanted cheap, dependable wheels.

<img data-attachment-id=”1739192″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics/08-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-in-colorado-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/08-2002-Toyota-Corolla-CE-in-Colorado-junkyard-photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1603458347″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”50″,”shutter_speed”:”0.0071428571428571″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, wheel” data-image-description=”

2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, wheel – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-47.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-7.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1739192″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-7.jpg” alt=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, wheel – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-7.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-46.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-47.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-48.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-49.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-50.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>Speaking of wheels, dig these Nissan rims! Thanks to the magic of the ubiquitous 4x100mm bolt pattern, every junkyard offers dozens of affordable aluminum wheel choices to Corolla CE owners tired of their grimly utilitarian steelies.

<img data-attachment-id=”1739194″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics/10-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-in-colorado-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/10-2002-Toyota-Corolla-CE-in-Colorado-junkyard-photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1603458355″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”50″,”shutter_speed”:”0.0079365079365079″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, broken door handle” data-image-description=”

2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, broken door handle – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-52.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-8.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1739194″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-8.jpg” alt=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, broken door handle – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-8.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-51.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-52.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-53.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-54.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-55.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>The most annoying failure on the low-end Corollas and Prizms of this era was the finger-slicin’ busted door handle. Always the driver’s door, of course, and I’ve seen some innovative field-expedient repairs of this problem in junkyards.

<img data-attachment-id=”1739204″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics/23-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-in-colorado-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/23-2002-Toyota-Corolla-CE-in-Colorado-junkyard-photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1603458430″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”250″,”shutter_speed”:”0.016666666666667″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, HVAC controls” data-image-description=”

2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, HVAC controls – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-57.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-9.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1739204″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-9.jpg” alt=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, HVAC controls – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-9.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-56.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-57.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-58.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-59.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-60.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>What’s this? Air conditioning? 2002 Corolla CE buyers could get the “Extra Value Package,” which added A/C, a cassette deck, and a digital clock. Since rental-car customers were getting soft by the early 2000s, Budget Rent-a-Car must have felt compelled to fork over a few extra bucks on this car.

<img data-attachment-id=”1739196″ data-permalink=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics/11-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-in-colorado-junkyard-photo-by-murilee-martin/” data-orig-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/11-2002-Toyota-Corolla-CE-in-Colorado-junkyard-photo-by-Murilee-Martin.jpg” data-orig-size=”3000,1688″ data-comments-opened=”1″ data-image-meta=”{“aperture”:”2.4″,”credit”:””,”camera”:”SM-G960U1″,”caption”:””,”created_timestamp”:”1603458404″,”copyright”:””,”focal_length”:”4.3″,”iso”:”50″,”shutter_speed”:”0.016666666666667″,”title”:””,”orientation”:”1″}” data-image-title=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, window crank” data-image-description=”

2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, window crank – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars

” data-medium-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-62.jpg” data-large-file=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-10.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1739196″ src=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-10.jpg” alt=”2002 Toyota Corolla CE in Colorado junkyard, window crank – ©2020 Murilee Martin – The Truth About Cars” width=”610″ height=”343″ srcset=”http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-10.jpg 610w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-61.jpg 75w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-62.jpg 450w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-63.jpg 768w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-64.jpg 120w, http://greatoldtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/junkyard-find-2002-toyota-corolla-ce-last-of-the-3-speed-automatics-65.jpg 800w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>Even with its gray-on-grey-on-gray interior and 1965-technology transmission, this bargain-basement car got the job done for 18 years before getting discarded.

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My fingers are stuck together!

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Drive your dreams.

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I’m pretty sure only the Budget Town Cars got the aromatherapy candles.

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They had good drugs in those late-1990s Budget brainstorming sessions.

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You sure this high roller wouldn’t prefer the Corolla CE and its bulletproof three-speed, rather than risking a Jaguar breakdown?

For links to 2,000+ additional Junkyard Finds, visit the Junkyard Home of the Murilee Martin Lifestyle Brand™.

For GREAT deals on a new or used INFINITI check out Infiniti of Kearny Mesa TODAY!

U.S. New Car Sales Continue Rebounding – But the Industry Isn’t Yet Out of the Woods

Pickups like the Ford F-150 have been the industry’s heavy haulers during the pandemic lockdown.

Two months after much of the United States began entering lockdown there are clear signs of recovery by the U.S. auto industry – though the American market still could end 2020 down nearly 25% from last year’s levels.

Automakers hoping for a rebound have been flooding the market with hefty incentives, such as 84-month, no-interest loans. But the risk is that these profit-eating givebacks could become “the new normal,” warned a senior analyst with J.D. Power.

After hitting bottom at the end of March, the new car market has now posted five weeks in a row of improving sales, said Power analyst Tyson Jominy, In the latest in a series of weekly briefings on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. For the week ending May 10, sales were off 26%, said Jominy. By comparison, the market was off by nearly half for the full month of April.

“We absolutely could see a step back in the second half” of this year, warns J.D. Power.

As has been the case since most of the country went into lockdown in March, results varied widely from one market to another. Sales in Tampa were down a mere 1% from where they had been expected to come in pre-pandemic. Among major cities, New York remained one of the hardest hit – surprising few since it has been one of the pandemic’s epicenters. But while demand was off by 48% from original forecasts, that was still a big improvement from the week ending May 3, when sales were down 63%.

Detroit was another market in rebound, according to data Power collects directly from dealers using its PIN network. Another epicenter, the Motor City was off by 98% in mid-April but saw demand last week climb to “just” 29% below forecasts made before the pandemic struck.

Inventories are beginning to be stretched, especially for pickups. But manufacturers are only beginning to start production back up.

(Toyota production to be down a third through October.)

On the other hand, Dallas, which was virtually back to normal at the beginning of May saw sales slide to 10% below forecast last week – something that appears to reflect one of the industry’s big concerns, a mounting shortage of inventory, said Tyson, particularly in the segments of the new car market that remained relatively viable during the depths of pandemic downturn, full-size pickup trucks, in particular.

“Inventory will be a big concern,” Jominy warned, until automakers can get factories running anywhere near to normal.

By the end of March, the entire U.S. automotive manufacturing network was idled. Only a small handful of plants have now come back online, starting late last week with those run by Hyundai, Kia and Mercedes-Benz. Several more manufacturers, including Honda, Tesla and Toyota, fired up this week, and Detroit’s Big Three, General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler, are planning to relaunch operations on the 18th.

(GM sees no COVID cases at plants worldwide, wants production back to normal by mid-June.)

But production schedules are expected to be limited for at least a month, in part, to get everyone used to the many steps taken to reduce the risk of new outbreaks of COVID-19 within those plants. So, if anything, “It’s going to be very disruptive” from an inventory standpoint, said Thomas King, Power’s chief data officer.

Inventory issues will vary by product segment and region of the country. Motorists in southern states, such as Texas, could find pickup pickings grow slim in the coming weeks. But there remains a glut of sedans and other passenger cars that were already selling slowly ahead of the pandemic.

Dealers have been racing to adapt to new ways of doing business, such as online sales, during the pandemic.

Expect to see manufacturers rethink some of the hefty incentives they began offering as the pandemic struck. They’re already trimming back the typical giveback by about $300, according to Power data, especially on big trucks. But buyers still will find some of the most lavish deals ever, incentives still averaging $4,700 a vehicle. By comparison, the figure was around $4,100 in January.

The industry has been expanding the availability of low and no-interest loans – and not just on new vehicles but also on “nearly new” Certified Pre-Owned models. During the most recent week, fully 17% of new vehicle buyers went with 84-month, zero-interest loans, double the rate at the beginning of the year.

The problem is that every $1,000 of incentives adds up to a $1 billion cut in industry profits, noted King who warned that, “The longer these programs remain in the market the greater the risk they become the new normal,” consumers holding back when these deals are withdrawn.

(Nissan looking at nearly $3B in spending cuts as its balance sheet crumbles.)

The industry may have no choice but to keep up the level of incentives. With so many variables and unknowns, Power officials warned that it is difficult to make clear forecasts for year ahead. At best, it will likely be mid to late summer before demand returns to pre-pandemic trend lines and the full year could see sales slip as low as 13 million, down from 17.1 million in 2019.

That doesn’t even account for the widely feared prospect of another major outbreak of the coronavirus late this year, or an even bigger slide in the economy. If any of a number of troubling scenarios play out, said King, “We absolutely could see a step back in the second half” of this year.

Toyota Cutting NA Production by a Third Through October

Toyota expects to cut production at its North American plants by about a third through October.

Toyota is just gearing up to reopen its sprawling North American production network – but the automaker expects to assemble nearly a third fewer vehicles from April through the end of October than originally scheduled, according to a Reuters report.

Some of the lost production can be accounted for by the ongoing shutdown of virtually all vehicle operations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico due to the coronavirus pandemic. But it also appears to reflect both the challenges of restarting production and the anticipated slow recovery of the regional new car market.

From April through the end of October Toyota plans to build about 800,000 cars, trucks and crossovers in North America, down 29% from what it produced during the same seven-month period a year ago. Prior to the pandemic, Toyota actually had hoped to increase North American output, so the new numbers come in about 32% below that plan.

(Toyota marks 20th anniversary of “the car that changed the world” with special edition Prius.)

“The general direction of it seems accurate,” a senior company executive told TheDetroitBureau.com, asking for anonymity due to the nature of the subject.

Despite putting together an extensive playbook to restart its North American operations, it’s going to take some time to get back to normal.

Some cuts would seem impossible to avoid considering Toyota’s North American plants will have been shuttered for close to two months. They’re now just gearing up and the restart process won’t be quick or easy, Chris Reynolds, Toyota’s Chief Administrative Officer for North American manufacturing operations, said during a media webinar in late April.

The automaker has put together and extensive playbook that calls for social distancing wherever possible, the use of masks and other personal protection equipment, and other steps that will take time, said Reynolds, to adapt to.

“There is no going back to the normal for the foreseeable future,” said Reynolds. “We have to adjust to the new normal.”

(Toyota becomes latest to delay reopening of plants.)

At least initially, he and other Toyota officials said, production will ramp up slowly, starting with single shifts, even in plants that were previously struggling to meet demand running 24 hours a day.

According to the source who spoke to Reuters, Toyota expects to produce only about 10% as many vehicles in May as it had originally planned for. The automaker wants to be approaching normal levels of production by July.

Toyota’s Chris Reynolds said earlier this year that there’s “no going back to normal for the foreseeable future.”

That could leave the automaker struggling for product in some key market segments. Demand for full-size pickups, such as the Toyota Tundra, remained strong even during the worst of the pandemic lockdown, according to J.D. Power data, the research firm’s analysts warning during their own webinar last Wednesday that there could be shortages pop up in some product niches as sales begin to recover. The automaker’s RAV-4 SUV, it’s best-selling model in the U.S., has also retained relatively strong ales during the pandemic.

For now, though, U.S. dealers generally have solid supplies of most product lines, and Power data chief Thomas King last week said he did not see the American new car market getting anywhere close to pre-pandemic levels until July, at the earliest. He also warned that sales for the year could dip as low as 13 million compared to the 17.1 new vehicles sold in 2019.

(Toyota reveals “flexible” plan aimed at safely starting to re-open U.S. plants.)

How the pandemic-led production shutdown and sales slump have impacted Toyota should begin to become apparent when it releases its earnings report for the January-March quarter on Tuesday. But the broader effects likely won’t become clear until the books are closed on the following quarter.