Volkswagen replaces Toyota's Crown as World's Largest Automaker

The people want an empire, apparently, with that unassuming little black VW bug at the head of it.

The U.K.’s Guardian explains, "Volkswagen-Porsche has overtaken Toyota to become the world's largest car manufacturer as the German group benefits from state-backed stimulus packages around the globe." VW has "produced 4.4 million vehicles so far this year, outstripping its Japanese rival which has seen four million cars roll off production lines since January."

Ironically, VW reached the milestone in part by taking over Porsche – which it was forced to do after Porsche failed in an attempt to take over VW earlier this year.

"Of course," Autoblog notes, there is "some number play involved" in the Guardian’s numbers. "We're talking about the combined entity VW-Porsche, which has built 4.4 million cars to date, which is roughly 400,000 beyond Toyota's mark. However, Toyota halved its production earlier this year and shut down all its plants in February." VW also "benefited much more than Toyota from the European cash-for-clunkers programs," though Toyota saw more sales than VW spurred by the U.S. version of the car-swap program.

The news doesn’t just push Toyota down a notch. Jalopnik notes that VW has "passed Toyota and GM at the top of the heap." America’s largest automaker – the world’s largest just three years ago – now sits in third globally.

The change may not be permanent. The Guardian notes that Toyota "has the capacity to make 10 million vehicles a year but it expects to make seven million vehicles in 2009" as production picks back up. VW, however, may see its production increase long-term enough to stay ahead, or at least to take the title again even if it loses it later this year.

After all, Autoblog notes, "VW's also got the edge on Toyota" in the huge Chinese market, "where it has spent years introducing models."

Free Reviews - 10 cheapest car to own

You've read it on Bankrate.com and heard it elsewhere: A well-informed consumer will get a better deal when buying a vehicle.

Research is the key. Every additional piece of information you have increases the likelihood that you will negotiate a fair price, lock in the best financing available and drive away in a car or truck you can afford. The emphasis here is on "afford." Affordability involves much more than down payment and monthly installments. It encompasses other costs such as insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs and depreciation. You must factor these costs into your annual vehicle-ownership budget as well as into that magical dollar amount you feel you can afford monthly.

All of these factors, of course, may vary depending on the way you use and maintain your car.

Edmunds.com, a leading automotive Web site, features an interactive tool it calls its True Cost to Own calculator, which computes an estimated total five-year cost and the cost per mile based on driving 15,000 miles per year.

Here are the 10 cars that top Edmunds' current list of the most frugal cars to own and operate:

Hyundai Accent GS:

Starting price: $10,690
5-year total cost: $25,958
Cost per mile: 35 cents

As basic transportation, the Accent GS three-door isn't so basic. Its 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivers decent fuel economy with an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The interior is relatively roomy and comes with power accessories and air conditioning.

Nissan Versa Base

Starting price: $10,710
5-year total cost: $27,196
Cost per mile: 36 cents

Nissan Versa: A sedan for the frugal, Versa's stingy fuel consumption earns it an EPA rating of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. A five-speed manual transmission ushers the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine's 107 horsepower to the front wheels. Its relatively roomy back seat is a major attraction in this segment; otherwise, its cabin is devoid of frills.

Chevrolet Aveo5 LS

Starting price: $12,685
5-year total cost: $28,360
Cost per mile: 38 cents

Chevrolet Aveo5 LS: Chevy beefed up the Aveo's 1.6-liter four-cylinder for 2009 and it now produces 107 horsepower. EPA estimated fuel economy is a very respectable 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Among its short list of standard features is a four-speaker audio system with an auxiliary input jack.

Suzuki SX4 Sedan

Starting price: $13,994
5-year total cost: $28,965
Cost per mile: 39 cents

Suzuki SX4 Sedan: A number of trim levels let consumers increase content in smallish dollar increments. In its base form, though, the SX4 offers full-power accessories and a tilt steering wheel. EPA fuel economy estimates are 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway earned by a 143-horsepower, 2-liter four-cylinder engine.

Pontiac G3

Starting price: $15,055
5-year total cost: $29,049
Cost per mile: 39 cents

Pontiac G3: Compared to the first four entries on this list, the G3 is positively loaded with standard equipment. Air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack, and a tilt steering wheel are all standard. A 106-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated with a five-speed manual transmission earns it an EPA rating of 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway.

Mazda3 iSport

Starting price: $15,360
5-year total cost: $29,271
Cost per mile: 39 cents

Mazda3 iSport: Six airbags, anti-lock brakes and a four-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary audio jack are all standard in this sedan. A 148-horsepower, 2-liter four-cylinder engine collaborates with a five-speed manual transmission to earn EPA estimates of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Honda Fit

Starting price: $15,460
5-year total cost: $29,420
Cost per mile: 39 cents

Honda Fit: Nicely appointed, even the base Fit has air conditioning, full-power accessories and a four-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack. Its performance is on par with this group and is provided by a 117-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Its fuel economy is among the best with EPA estimates of 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway.

Pontiac Vibe

Starting price: $16,735
5-year total cost: $29,512
Cost per mile: 39 cents

Pontiac Vibe: Fraternal twin to the Toyota Matrix, the Vibe in its base form is fairly Spartan. It does come with a four-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Power arrives via a 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy is acceptable, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Toyota Yaris

Starting price: $12,955
5-year total cost: $29,595
Cost per mile: 39 cents

Toyota Yaris: You have to step up a trim level to get an audio system, but the base Yaris three-door hatchback does have air conditioning and a tilt steering column. Its power comes from a 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. With an EPA rating of 29 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, its outstanding fuel economy earned it a spot on our list of top 10 fuel misers.

Nissan Sentra

Starting price: $16,070
5-year total cost: $29,623
Cost per mile: 39 cents

Nissan Sentra: With the most standard equipment of any entry on this list, the Sentra sedan comes with air conditioning, a four-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack, and power windows and locks. Its 2-liter four-cylinder engine generates 140 horsepower. Its EPA rating is 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Top 5 luxury Cars to Drive

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom

Ah, the Phantom. This Rolls-Royce is an attention-getter if there ever was one, a gigantic 5800-lb. sedan that has become the ride of choice for pro athletes, celebrities and pop stars, not your typical old-school Rolls buyers. These nouveau riche folks must be on to something, because beneath the aluminum skin the Phantom truly is a great car, tuned with a magic carpet ride that's not the least bit wallowy when the road starts to turn left and right. Powering this lavishly appointed sedan is a huge V-12 engine that's perfect for the part — the Phantom always has power in reserve, as any dignified car should.

That dignified nature carries over inside the Phantom, where this English 5-seat sedan is covered in the finest hides and veneers, and those in back will want to take off their shoes, just so they can feel the softness of the lamb's wool carpeting.

With its mix of bold in-your-face styling and a classically hand-crafted interior that has a thoroughly modern multifunction controller for the navigation system, stereo and climate control, the Rolls-Royce Phantom is an artful blend of the then and now. Simply put, there is no other car quite like it.

Five Reasons To Buy:

1. It's a Rolls

2. Serenely smooth V-12

3. Quiet

4. Makes a bold statement

5. Opulent interior

2009 Lexus LS 460 L

The LS model put Lexus on the map in the late 1980s, back when it was a brash newcomer trying to prove it could compete with large sedans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It did so, with ease. And now, roughly 20 years later, the LS remains the company's flagship, with the 460 L long-wheelbase model doing a great job of competing with the Germans and keeping the cruel world at bay.

That's right, this Lexus is an isolation chamber, incredibly quiet inside and smoothing out all but the harshest bumps in the road. What's more, it's a spacious car, especially in the back seat, where three adults can sit in good comfort, all while being treated to some rich sounds from the Mark Levinson audio system, which is way better than the stereo in most homes. This car exudes quality inside, and the powerful V-8 is strong yet silent, just the type of engine you want in a luxury ride.

The Levinson sound system is part of a $4630 option package that includes the "Advance Parking Guidance System." Yes, this Lexus will parallel park itself, provided you line the car up correctly and operate the brakes as instructed. We think it's a bit gimmicky, but that's the only aspect of this incredibly opulent Lexus that makes us furl our brow.

Five Reasons To Buy:

1. Lexus quality

2. Extremely quiet

3. Mark Levinson sound

4. Lexus Link communications

5. Power rear seats with optional Luxury Package

2009 Audi A8 L

Audi's long-wheebase A8 L model is for the guy in the know, that person who wants a big luxury sedan but wants to be a little different. So what makes the A8 so different? For starters, its whole chassis is made of aluminum, which saves weight and greatly adds to the car's agility. Moreover, it has Quattro all-wheel drive, which makes this sedan your best friend in areas such as the Northeast, where there's real weather, and on that ski trip you're planning to Vail.

This German-built sedan also has plenty of power, thanks to a direct-injected V-8 with 350 bhp. And when you order the optional $4300 Sport package, the A8 is fitted with 20-in. wheels and a leather-covered sport steering wheel whose shift paddles help keep the driver's hands on the steering wheel, where they should always be. Other options worth considering are the $6400 Leather Appointment upgrade, which makes an already handsome interior that much richer, and the Bang & Olufsen sound system. At $6300, the system is not cheap, but it turns your A8 into a concert hall on wheels, and it's especially fun to watch the tweeters pop up out of the dash.

What's perhaps most special about the A8 is its rarity. You won't see yourself coming and going in the Audi A8, and that's exactly how owners like it to be.

Five Reasons To Buy:

1. High technology

2. Quattro all-wheel drive

3. Beautiful interior

4. Bred on the Autobahn

5. Exclusivity

2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed

So, you're in love with the Bentley Continental GT but practical concerns mean that you need a pair of rear doors? Well, the Continental Flying Spur Speed is your answer, a decadently luxurious sedan that's among the fastest cars in the world, with a top speed of 200 mph.

That kind of speed is possible only with a powerful engine, and the twin-turbo W-12 in this all-wheel-drive Bentley is just that, a smooth gem that puts out 600 bhp. But contrary to what you might think, this Bentley is a gentle beast around town, aided by a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission.

As you'd expect of this expensive British ride, the interior is as rich and warm as an old English study, replete with lots of burl walnut trim and the finest leather hides. Of note, it takes 11 hides to do the interior of a Flying Spur sedan, and the leather comes from Scandinavia where barbed wire that might scar the product is not used.

That's indicative of the attention to detail that goes into this Bentley, which blends the engineering might of Volkswagen (Bentley's owner) with the finest in English hand-craftsmanship. Indeed, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed is one of the world's finest (and fastest) sedans.

Five Reasons To Buy:

1. Beautiful styling

2. Sumptuous interior

3. Fast, Fast, Fast

4. Unique W-12 engine

5. Available radar cruise control

2009 BMW 750Li

For years, perhaps decades now, BMW's slogan has been "The Ultimate Driving Machine." For the most part, the Bavarian company has been true to its word. And even though this new 7 Series sedan has a softer, more comfortable ride than the outgoing 7, this new BMW still has an agility that belies its ubstantial 4735-lb. weight.

And beneath the more conservative skin, the new 7 Series is a technological tour de force, with electronic controls that monitor and adjust several aspects of the car, such as throttle response, power-steering assist and even how quickly the standard stability control system kicks in to keep the car on its desired path. Let's just say it all works very well, and the Munich-based company has managed to this without removing the mechanical feel so cherished by BMW drivers.

On duty under the aluminum hood is a twin-turbo V-8, an engine that propels the 750Li to a limited top speed of 150, which this car could manage all day, provided you're in Germany and traveling on the Autobahn. An option worth considering is the $4900 Sport package, which actually steers the rear wheels a tiny amount in corners for added stability. And if you're a tech-head, the $2600 Night Vision camera will provide hours of fun. But with this being a BMW, the sporty overall driving experience is what's most impressive about this large sedan.

Five Reasons To Buy:

1. Still a driver's car

2. Potent twin-turbo V-8

3. Loaded with technology

4. Optional Rear and side-view cameras

5. Available head-up display

2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid Free Previews

Introduction

The last Toyota Prius flipped the automotive world on its head, changing the purchasing priorities of American car buyers seemingly overnight. Attracted to its sky-high fuel economy, practical body style and green image, consumers came to the Prius for many new car searches (regardless of their actual motoring needs). What was once an automotive oddity relegated to hemp-wearing greenies, the Prius grew to become the country's 13th-best-selling vehicle in 2008. Now there is the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius. It's poised to keep the hybrid revolution going, but with key changes to make it more appealing to an even wider audience.

A quick look at the 2010 Prius will reveal a familiar shape, but it's a little sleeker and a tad (dare we say) sportier than its predecessor. Visually, it looks smaller, but it's an optical illusion that creates a more streamlined appearance. Indeed, the 2010 Prius is less than an inch longer and wider than last year's model. The interior is a different story, as headroom has been reduced by a fraction of an inch. This wouldn't seem to be a big deal, but in our testing we found that taller rear seat occupants had their hair grazing the roof, and that wasn't the case before.

Under the hood resides a revised version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. There's a larger and more powerful gasoline engine now, but instead of providing quicker off-the-line acceleration, it allows more effortless highway cruising. A smaller electric motor contributes less torque to the overall powertrain dance, but it improves efficiency. There are other mechanical changes, too, but the end result is a jump in fuel economy, from last year's EPA-estimated 48 mpg city/45 mpg highway to this year's 51/48 mpg.

Toyota has also addressed other previous Prius faults. A more rigid chassis and a revised electric-assist steering system help to improve steering feel and driver confidence -- the old Prius' steering had a disconnected, video-gamelike feel. While the Prius still isn't exactly fun to drive, its straight-line stability is a lot better now, and in general it feels more like a normal car.

The latest Prius might even seem like a small, ultra-efficient luxury sedan depending on how you equip it. Luxury-themed items like heated leather seats, a solar-powered sunroof (cools the interior when parked), a navigation system, radar-based adaptive cruise control (matches your speed to the car ahead), a pre-collision system (retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes if a crash is unavoidable) and a lane-departure warning system for inattentive drivers are all available. Also, the automated self-parking system you've seen in Lexus commercials makes its way onto the Prius' options sheet.

The Prius has been a huge success, and with such success comes added competition. The all-new Honda Insight looks similar to the Prius, has similar fuel efficiency and costs less, but it's smaller and less sophisticated. The Ford Fusion Hybrid's more traditional body style and more involving driving dynamics should appeal to those who want their hybrid to be a little more like a normal car. The Camry Hybrid is another possibility, as is the limited-availability Altima Hybrid. Regardless, when it comes to an ultra-practical, ultra-efficient automotive choice that, depending on equipment, can be anything from an economy car to a luxury car, the 2010 Toyota Prius cannot be beat.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2010 Toyota Prius is available in four trim levels that should appeal to an ancient Roman's sensibilities: Prius II, Prius III, Prius IV and Prius V. The Prius I will be released later at a lower base price. Standard equipment on Prius II includes 15-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, keyless ignition/entry, auto on/off headlights, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-telescoping steering column, a hybrid system display and a six-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The Prius III adds Bluetooth and an eight-speaker upgraded stereo with six-CD changer. The Prius IV has this equipment plus additional exterior locking buttons for keyless entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver lumbar adjustment and an auto-dimming mirror. The loaded-up Prius V comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps and LED headlamps with auto-leveling and washers.

The Navigation package available on all but the Prius II includes a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system with real-time traffic, a back-up camera, a four-disc CD changer (replacing the six-slot) and Bluetooth music streaming. The Solar Roof package can be added to the Navigation package and includes a sunroof with a solar-powered ventilation system that cools the car when it's parked. The Advanced Technology package when added to the Navigation package includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision alert system, a lane departure warning system and automated self parking.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2010 Toyota Prius is powered by Toyota's advanced gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine combines with a pair of electric motors (one for propulsion, the other an electrical systems generator) through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission (CVT). The result is a total system output of 134 horsepower. In track testing, we clocked the Prius going from zero to 60 mph in 10.1 seconds, which is roughly the same as the old car and a few ticks quicker than the Honda Insight. The most important number, however, is fuel economy. The EPA estimates the 2010 Prius will return 51 mpg city/48 highway and 50 mpg combined. That's the best fuel efficiency of any mass-market vehicle sold with an internal combustion engine.

Safety

Every 2010 Toyota Prius comes standard with antilock disc brakes (the old car had rear drums), stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. Optional equipment includes a pre-collision warning system and a lane-departure warning system. In brake testing, the Prius stopped from 60 mph in a short 118 feet, with less fade than the previous rear-drum-equipped car.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2010 Prius features straightforward climate and audio controls that jut out toward the driver in a "floating console" that provides a storage area underneath. This is an improvement over the convoluted touchscreen controls of the old Prius. Unfortunately, the materials used in the 2010 version are a step down, with harder and cheaper plastics throughout. The corduroy-like texturing on the climate and audio controls seems nice at first, but after only a few days, finger oils cause circular dark spots on most buttons. Another issue is the off-center digital gauge setup that buries the speedometer and fuel meter amidst a sea of less vital information.

In terms of versatility, though, the Prius is still a champ. The hatchback body style provides more cargo capacity than a typical midsize sedan, while its backseat provides lots of space (although headroom is a bit less now). The rear also seems to have less legroom than before, but that's because the front seats thankfully have more legroom. As for the front seats, the addition of driver height adjustment is a benefit for both short and tall drivers. Sadly, the latter still have to contend with a steering wheel that's placed too far away -- there's a telescoping column now, but it doesn't come out nearly far enough.

Driving Impressions

The 2010 Toyota Prius retains its hyper-quiet cabin, made possible by its part-time electric motivation and plenty of sound-deadening materials. The ride is also quite comfortable, and for 2010, the Prius' structure is tauter, resulting in a less flimsy feel when the car is driven over road imperfections. Another pleasant improvement is the electric steering system, which feels more substantial and better connected to the front tires while still being user-friendly in parking lots.

In regard to its hybrid powertrain, new driving modes (EV, eco, power and normal) allow the driver to decide how the car's powertrain should be configured for the driving scenario at hand. Eco is decidedly sluggish, but certainly gets the best fuel economy. You'll want to select power for freeway on-ramps or driving in hilly environments. The EV mode locks out the gasoline engine, but only up to 25 mph with at least a half-charged battery pack.

The 2009 Lexus IS

The latest 2009 Lexus IS ranks 8 out of 17 Upscale Midsize Cars. The ranking is based on our analysis of 57 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus IS, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
While most luxury automakers produce one midsize car, Lexus makes two. The ES is its sedate, comfortable cruiser. The IS, however, is the athlete. Clearly the performance-oriented Lexus midsize sedan, it's meant to do battle with canyon carvers like the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. It falls short of that standard in terms of performance, but sharp looks and a Lexus interior make it worth a look.

For 2009, the IS has been updated with new interior and exterior styling, and a few performance tweaks. Late in the year, a convertible edition will join the lineup. But the press still considers the car an upstart -- it may try to run with the best in this class, but it falls just a little short on the track and on the commute.
It's also a tight fit for many. The exterior dimensions make this a midsize car, but inside, 6-footers will find headroom and legroom tight at every seating position.

The New York Times explains, "The Lexus is like the perennial A student who has yet to declare a major. The car shows perfection in individual disciplines. Its creators have done their homework assignments well. But the better-rounded BMW remains the class valedictorian." Drivers interested in a serious performance car would do well to look at the 3-Series, or the Infiniti G37, which many reviewers now say is actually a tighter handler.
Lexus dealers treat the IS as two separate cars -- an entry-level IS 250 for commuters who want something a little energetic, and a more athletic IS 350 that is a flat-out hot rod. But the two share the same body, chassis, interior, and many parts of their drivetrains. They are essentially trim levels of the same car. A high-performance F-type is available, which we review separately.
For 2009, the IS has been slightly re-shaped, front and rear. The suspension of both models has been re-tuned, adding firmness to improve the car's sport sedan credentials. The already sumptuous interior has seen minor tweaks, and stability control is now standard on all trim levels.
IS 250 sedans are available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, while the IS 350 comes only as a rear-wheel drive sedan.

Toyota Latest 2009 Scion tc

For the 2008 model year, Toyota announced a number of enhancements and changes. The 2008 tC is distinguished by the new Scion family front fascia, including a new upper mesh grille, lattice lower grille and projector-type low beam headlights with black trim.The tC also receives new rear tail lights similar in style to the headlights with round combination lamps. Inside, the tC receives a deep orange combination meter on the instrument panel, silver-colored accents on the door assist grips and center cluster, updated seat fabric and Pioneer subwoofer.Azure Pearl and Black Cherry Pearl exterior colors were replaced with Sizzling Crimson Mica and Wave Line Pearl.Apple iPod connectivity is standard across the Scion lineup for 2008. Scion's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system features a head unit with iPod control. This head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and steering wheel audio controls. A standard mini-jack port also allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the tC's Pioneer speakers.Standard features include the panorama glass power moonroof (a first in this segment), air conditioning, cruise control, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal lights, power door locks and mirrors, rear cargo tonneau cover, auto up/down power windows with jam protection, in-key remote keyless entry, rolling-code engine immobilizer security system, auto-off headlamps, electronic hatch release, chrome-plated exhaust tip and a unique audio unit cover.

Pricing

The tC Spec Package - a blank canvas for the tuner community - will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $15,300 for a manual transmission and $16,100 for an automatic transmission, an increase of $300, or 2.0 percent and 1.9 percent respectively.With the additional standard equipment, the base MSRP for the core model tC is $17,000 for the manual transmission and $17,800 for the automatic transmission, an increase of $600, or 3.7 percent and 3.5 percent respectively.