I recently saw a Nissan commercial that was touting it had a "push button starter".
What's the big deal about that?

I hope Toyota continues to realize that there are better ways to improve a vehicle than going backwards to 1920s technology.

JP

you can always add a push button start to any car, but still, you have to put the key in ON position. at least this is what i experienced on my civic (sold). it just cool to have one.

Actually, Push Button Start is really an old technology. They had this back in the 1960's and 70's. You had to put the key in the ignition, then push a button on the dash to start the engine. So really Toyota isn't going backwards they are innovators, Nissan is outdated LOL! But seriously I am sure that if anyone is up to date with technology it is Toyota! I have actually heard whispers of fingerprint Identification Ignitions coming soon on Toyota's, but probably not for a few more years and most likely they will only be on the Land Cruiser in the beginning!!!

Push button start is plain pointless untill proximity key (such as special fob in your pocket) is used. I wouldn't pay extra for stupid system that doesnt improve anything. I'd rather see some usefull upgrades to engine, suspension and drivetrain.

I drove a tractor-trailer today (Sterling tractor), and even that old tub has a 'push button' starter. You must first turn the key to the "on" position and then push the button to crank over the big diesel engine.

It does not have a push-button stop, however. You just turn the key to "off" and the engine stops running.

There are quite a few big rigs out there which are set up like this.



"Government is not eloquence; it is force. Like fire, it can be both a dangerous servant and a fearful master." -- George Washington

It's part of the new key system, which sounds pretty neat

Intelligent Key
Pocket-size innovation. Consider your typical keyless remote system. In the hands of our engineers, it has become so much more, a virtual transmitter of incredible intelligence. Just imagine the convenience of starting the engine without taking the key out of your pocket. Automatically activate the Driver

I see no point or advantage of a push button start on a vehicle if you also need to insert a key and turn it to the "on" position. Why stop there? Would it really kill anyone to turn that same key you just inserted several more degrees to start the engine? Our 4runners have a slightly different take on the push button starter in a sense that we can just flick the key to the "start" position and not even have to hold it there anymore to wait for turnover.

Although, I have to admit I would not mind having a shaft-less key. There have been numerous times I've almost impaled myself with my 4runner keys while in my pocket. Toyota keys can double as cork openers or prison weapons.

I just recently was given an Avalon while my 4Runner was being inspected and I loved its' push button start and unlocking feature. As long as the key was in your pocket you can go to your car and just grab the handle and it will open even if it was locked and then just get in and push the button without ever taking the key out of your pocket. I really liked it!

That's what my wife's 2007 Camry V6 XLE has. We didn't necessarily want this feature, but it was included on all the XLE models in our area.

I can't get used to it, but then again I regularly drive my 4Runner.

It is nice not to have to look for your key when you approach your car and your hands are full, etc.

its funny that you mentnion proximity keys!!!! when i was in japan in february i went to a nissan dealership to look at skylines and their skyline show car had proximity keys!!! They werent for ignition just door locks and alarm. He gave me the key i put it in my pocket and when i walked toward the door i heard it unlock without me doing anything else. it was pretty neat.

If you think about it the new 4runners have push button start without prox keys. The starter engages until the engine starts after you turn the key to start. You don't have to hold the key at "start" to crank the engine anymore and the starter won't engage if you turn the key to start after the engine is running which is a great plus.

So the button is just integrated into the key switch.

(Like dingo said, just read his entire post.)

I agree ! R&D money could be better spent.

The finger print thing is coming , stupid IMO. I really dont see any purpose in that. Good God !! another option for the land Crusier to make it more of a posh mall queen. I like them but really hate to see it get away from it tough roots and reputation.

Only the completely keyless system is handy, like in the Camry, Prius, Avalon and Lexus cars. It's great when your hands are full and you can just walk up, get in and go.

Having a push button along with a key is pointless and another car that comes to mind is the S2000. I asked a few who's test driven the car and they don't recall if the push button must be used to start the S2k or it can be done by key (making the button a gimmick).

Another cornball feature is those combination pads that some Fords and Mercurys have. Funny that Nissan didn't reinvent the wheel again (late 80's Maximas had it). I saw this woman in the parking lot fiddle with the pad for a good two minutes trying to unlock her SUV. A friend of mine who had a Ford with it, said the combination is printed on the trunklid lip.

My 1959 MGA had a push button starter, turn the key, push the button. Part of the "charm" of driving an old english sportscar, along with barely adequate cooling, questionable (Lucas) electrical system, wooden floorboards, and side curtains instead of roll up windows.

I did have a 2007 Camry XLE V6 loaner for a day, and it was nice not to have to fumble for the key.

The proximity keys are cool but to just have a push button starter to look cool is stupid.