Affordable technology, dynamic design are key qualities that define the new Nissan Note.

Ford F-150 returns to top of 'Most American' list

Propelled by strong sales, the Ford F-150 has been named Cars.com‘s “Most American” vehicle. It’s the first time in four years that a Detroit manufacturer topped the auto website’s American-made index.

The Toyota Camry — made domestically in Georgetown, Ky., and Lafayette, Ind. — led the list from 2009-12.

Cars.com grades the vehicles by domestic-parts content — percentage of vehicle's parts produced in the U.S. — final vehicle assembly point and vehicle sales.

“Strong sales and 75% domestic-parts content propelled Ford's popular F-150 to the top of the index for 2013, a rank it held from 2006 to 2008,” said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com's editor-in-chief. “Ford's top ranking this year is a good indicator of how pickup trucks are dominating auto sales so far in 2013, and how the domestic automakers are bouncing back. While the assembly point and domestic parts content of the F-150 didn't change from 2012-13, vehicle sales are responsible for bumping the F-150 to the top spot."

Toyota still has the most number of ranked vehicles with four, followed by General Motors with three.

Rank Make/Model U.S. Assembly Location(s) Rank in 2012 1. Ford F-150 Dearborn; Claycomo, Mo. 2 2. Toyota Camry Georgetown, Ky,; Lafayette, Ind. 1 3. Dodge Avenger Sterling Heights -- 4. Honda Odyssey Lincoln, Ala. -- 5. Toyota Sienna Princeton, Ind. 4 6. Chevrolet Traverse Lansing 6 7. Toyota Tundra San Antonio, Texas 7 8. GMC Acadia Lansing 9 9. Buick Enclave Lansing 10 10. Toyota Avalon Georgetown, Ky. --

Great job to Ricky and Brent for earning 5-stars on DealerRater!

5 star review on DealerRater!

"We always feel we receive top rated service at Heartland Toyota. Both Ricky Saly and Brent Baird have gone above and beyond "standard" customer service. They are efficient, friendly and knowledgeable . We've had several recent visits to Heartland service in addition to our regular maintenance. Ricky Saly was able to get repairs done on our Sienna through our extended warranty, he did all the footwork and paperwork and we didn't have to worry about approvals or phone calls, etc. Brent Baird recently helped us with some mechanical issues we had with our Ford F150, yes I said Ford.........we trust Heartland Toyota SO MUCH, and they have proven themselves over and over, that we bring all of our vehicles to them for service no matter what make they are. We have ventured to the dark side(service department of Ford) and trust me, they do not even come close to Heartland's service. We weren't even acknowledged for 15 minutes, no lattes there!, they don't wash your vehicle and we just didn't feel like they were too concerned about great customer service. We will not go anywhere other than Heartland for service! Thank you Ricky and Brent!"-birkenfeld

Great job to the Gulf Coast team for earning FOUR positive reviews!

Positive reviews on DealerRater! 

"Mr.Cory McPartland, Is a wonder sales representative. Very friendly, and I like his attitude, as well, very professional. I tell you what, that if I come into some money the whole family is getting new vehicles, that's about 8 adults. Cory, would be the only sales person too, even if it takes a day or two for all of us to get service. This is my second time buying a vehicle from: Gulf Coast Nissan in Angleton Tx., Also my son has bought a vehicle from: Gulf Coast Auto Park. Sincerely, and Warmly Mary" 

"The whole staff was very friendly throughout the entire process. I explained what kind of vehicle that I was looking for and they provided numerous reasonable options. They gave me a great deal for my trade in and Martin even stayed late to clean the new vehicle I purchased. We've always had a great experience with Gulf Coast and we will definitely return there for future purchases."

"We visited the dealership two times to shop for a new car for my son, my daughter and my wife.
Cory was very helpful and courteous and efficient each time. We have purchased a new Sentra for my son and are very pleased with the vehicle and the features we selected with Cory's help. Some of the other things we remember about our Sentra experience with Cory was he guided us professionally and quickly with his personal recommendations for options to consider; he explained the details of financing options very well, he identified availability of non-standard options- particularly the backup sensors which we highly valued. Once the car the ordered he did an excellent job of communicating when, what, how the car would be brought to the dealership, prepped, and fully ready for us to receive. He wouldn't let us leave until he was satisifed that we knew the layout of the automobile and how to use the most important features on the car.  Thanks, Cory!!And, yes, we want to come back to this dealership when my wife and daughter are ready to purchase a Nissan." 

5 star review on Edmunds! 

"I am a 20 year old man I recently leased my second vehicle from gulf coast Toyota dealership, with this being my second vehicle to be leased I had some experience with them. the first of which paid off now, yes a 20 year old who paid off his own vehicle rare right, I had gone in knowing what I was searching for but was keeping my options open. right off the bat the salesman (and women) were very courteous, very attentive and quick to assist, polite, friendly and patient. on top of being eager to help in informing me of different options they had in stock, they also informed me very well of the vehicles that caught my eye. explained different options I had in detail making sure I understood completely, answering questions thoroughly and clearly. I felt no pressure and the feeling of talking to a "car shark" was nowhere to be found, they retained a feeling of friendliness as though they where a friend or neighbor. from start to end the process was smoother than anticipated and seemed to breeze by. to sum it all up these men and women are some of the nicest car salesmen you'll ever meet, I am very happy with my experience with them and will 100% recommend to friends and family."

2014 Toyota Corolla Sheds Demure Image With Daring Redesign

True to its word, Toyota has transformed the plain-Jane Corolla.

For 2014, the popular compact sedan gets expressive new styling inspired by the Corolla Furia Concept that Toyota unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January. And some of what lies beneath the flashy body is also impressively different.

The Japanese automaker listened to consumer feedback when rethinking the design of its 2014 Toyota Corolla. The intent is to attract younger buyers, who put a high priority on style, as well as efficiency and function.

The new Corolla, which goes on sale this fall, is bigger than the car it replaces, making it roomier inside. Though less than an inch wider and taller, it is nearly four inches longer. The front and rear wheels have been stretched apart to give the car a more aggressive stance. The corners of the Corolla have also been tapered to help make the car look leaner and meaner than before.

 

 Among the plethora of features on the 2014 Toyota Corolla, two stand out as particularly interesting: Headlights that use light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, and a new continuously variable transmission that mimics a conventional seven-speed automatic.

LED headlights, prized for their energy efficiency and compactness, are found mostly on luxury cars. In less expensive vehicles, they are usually only used in daytime running lights, turn signals and taillights. The 2014 Corolla is the first compact car in its segment to use them for the low beams in the headlights, too.

Just as unique is a new continuously variable transmission. This type of transmission is becoming increasingly popular among automakers because it’s lighter, smaller and more efficient than a conventional automatic transmission. Continuously variable transmissions eschew fixed gears for a pulley system with an infinitely variable ratio.

Toyota’s new twist is that it has baked in seven fixed ratios so the transmission will always feel like it’s shifting gears, just like a conventional automatic does. This is opposed to just winding up seamlessly as the car accelerates with no sense of gear changes, which Toyota says some drivers find annoying or disconcerting. The new transmission has an Eco mode to enhance fuel economy and a Sport mode for better acceleration and throttle response.

This is the first time Toyota will offer a continuously variable transmission in the United States. It will be an option on the new Corolla. A conventional six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic will be standard, depending on the model. The six-speed manual has one more gear than last year’s stick shift. The four-speed automatic carries over unchanged from the outgoing Corolla.

Like the exterior, the interior gets a whole new look that is sportier and feels more premium in its design and materials. Even base models will be loaded with creature comforts, from standard Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones to pollen filters (a feature people with allergies will no doubt appreciate).

Toyota went out of its way to improve rear-seat comfort in the Corolla by expanding legroom, beefing up seat cushions and making the floor flatter by rerouting the exhaust pipes underneath it. More sound insulation throughout the cabin also makes the interior quieter.

The base engine on the new Corolla carries over from the 2013 model. It is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 132 horsepower and 128 pounds-feet of torque in the L, LE and S trims. A new LE Eco model gets an enhanced four-cylinder with added Valvematic technology that boosts efficiency and increases horsepower to 140 hp. Torque in the Eco engine, however, drops slightly to 126 lb-ft.
The redesign also makes the car more aerodynamic to improve fuel efficiency. Special flat covers on the underside of all 2014 Corollas help smooth airflow. The Eco model boasts even more aerodynamic enhancements, including a small spoiler on the rear edge of the trunk and special wheels with low-roll-resistance tires. Toyota expects the 2014 Corolla LE Eco to achieve 40 miles per gallon or more on the highway. Official mileage estimates have not been announced.

The new Corolla uses lighter, high-strength steel to save weight, and added reinforcements to make the body stiffer for a better ride. Toyota paid particular attention to the steering and suspension to make the car feel sportier. One of the knocks against the current Corolla is that it’s as boring to drive as it is to look at. The 2014 Corolla will be a different story, with sharper reflexes and better steering feel, Toyota says.

Though Toyota just unveiled the newly redesigned Corolla on Thursday in Santa Monica, Calif., it hinted at the changes before, with the Furia concept that made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The overall shape of the 2014 Corolla and the angular body panels echo the Furia. The last time the Corolla had a makeover was in 2009.

Official pricing and full specs will be announced closer to the car’s on-sale date this fall. But it’s clear the 2014 Corolla represents a big change for Toyota—bigger, perhaps, than the recently redesigned Avalon, Camry and RAV4.

As one of the automaker’s best sellers, and a cornerstone of its reputation for superior function, efficiency and reliability, it’s important that Toyota get this one right. The company is counting on the 2014 Corolla to invigorate its image and attract new customers without alienating existing ones.

*Courtesy of Forbes

2014 Toyota Corolla

The excitement for the 2014 Toyota Corolla is far from dying down. Take your first look at the Corolla here! 

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Next Generation Toyota Corolla Unveiled With Extravaganza of Experiential Events

• More than 750 people attended evening gala at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif.
• Celebrity chef Richard Blais, performance group Fuerza Bruta and comedian Adam Carolla part of the celebration for the  iconic American-made compact
• 2014 Corolla lowered from ceiling above to surprise guests

Dramatic sights, sounds and tastes helped introduce the strikingly re-styled 11^th generation Toyota Corolla at a packed celebration inside Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. on Thursday night.

More than 750 consumers, journalists and Toyota guests took in a captivating theatrical performance by Fuerza Bruta, fog clouds from celebrity chef Richard Blais’s liquid nitrogen cocktails, and the capstone reveal of the 2014 Corolla lowered from the rafters with a surprise visit from comedian Adam Carolla.

The multi-sensory experiences celebrated an iconic compact vehicle with nearly 50 years of success and almost 40 million global sales. The sleeker, more advanced 2014 Corolla features chiseled, modern character lines, a more premium interior, improved fuel economy and an enhanced driving performance. Each trim level (L, LE, LE Eco, and S) will offer a range of popular features designed to delight current Toyota customers and attract new, youthful buyers.

“Full of surprises and unexpected features, this global reveal event captured the new era and elevated experience of the redesigned Corolla,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “As our second best-selling vehicle and a familiar sight on American roadways, the new Corolla retains its trusted quality and reliability while adding an exciting new look and energy.”

At the beginning of the evening, guests sampled innovative culinary creations including roasted pork belly with licorice grits and pickled peaches from Blais’s custom menu. Blais, who recently published his first cookbook, Try This at Home, is perhaps best known from his appearance on Season 4 of Bravo’s hit show “Top Chef” and his winning run on “Top Chef All-Stars,” for which he received his own Corolla among other prizes. Partnering with Los Angeles gourmet catering company Along Came Mary, Blais prepared items in front of guests, including the fog-inducing liquid nitrogen margaritas.

After tasting from each culinary station, guests were ushered into a newly revealed second space where the first of three viscerally stimulating Fuerza Bruta acts began. Fuerza Bruta (“brute force” in Spanish) is a critically acclaimed, live experience show first founded in Argentina then introduced in New York City in 2007. Elevated above the guests, some in tanks of water, the performers put on a 30-minute, high-energy acrobatic show.

As a finale to the spectacular performance, a 2014 Corolla descended from the ceiling while three additional new Corollas appeared from a hidden space, surprising and delighting guests with their new design. With a new longer wheelbase and  roomier premium interior, the new Corolla offers a collection of enhanced features including standard LED headlamps and Bluetooth^® connectivity, along with available touchscreen audio, backup monitor, Smart Key, paddle shifters and Entune^®, Toyota’s multimedia app suite.

During Fay’s brief remarks about the Corolla, car enthusiast and comedian Carolla interrupted from the side of the stage and joined to joke about being the “oldest Corolla in the room,” referring the similarities of the vehicle name and the comedian’s own last name . Carolla further described growing up in a working class community in the 1970s and 1980s and the value of the Corolla to many friends and families. Representing that era was a 1969 Corolla, from the Toyota Museum in Torrance, Calif.  In addition, three other vintage Corollas from the museum were on display, including models from 1971, 1983 and 1987.

At the conclusion of the presentation, DJs The Hood Internet kicked off music while guests were encouraged to explore and view the 2014 Corolla models.


*Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Personalize Your Dad's Vehicle!

Father's Day is fast approaching! Have you gotten your dad the perfect gift? What about personalizing your dads vehicle? Check out our accessories tab for all of our brands! Click here! 

Built Ford Tough!

Fords are strong vehicles. They can withstand time. They're built Ford tough! What has your Ford been through? #throwbackthursday

Scion's Pure Price Program

Have you heard about Scion's Pure Price Program? Scion is unique because both the products and buying process are designed to create a whole new culture that will change the consumer's car buying experience. Why haggle? Check it out! 

 

Toyota RAV4- Baby Translator

We could all stand to have a few more wishes granted! This family wished to know what their baby was babbling about! What would you wish for? 

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