Toyota Venza...

[A/V1]

Well, tonight the wife & I were out shopping & running errands, and ended up by one of the Toyo stealerships here. So we decided to do a drive-by.

They had two of the new Toyota Venzas, which I'm finding difficult to classify. I'm sure it's a cross-over built on a car chassis, but it really doesn't look too terrible.

A few of the things I noticed was that the windows are auto up & down, and the SWITCHES ARE ILLUMINATED!!! Holy crap, they finally did it! I turned on the lights and noticed the illumination was green. Neither had a sunroof, but one of them had the nav system. It also had the Smart Key System.

The one without nav was priced at $35,400, the other didn't have a sticker in the window. They both seemed to be loaded, with windows, locks, leather, heated seats & mirrors, & both had nice wheels. Neither had a rear entertainment system.

Definitely not a replacement for the T4R, but I thought it looked better in person than it does in pictures. Then again, it was dark - LOL. My opinion may change when I see it in the daylight

 

[Uneek]

A fully loaded V6 AWD Venza with nav, but no panoramic roof is about $36k MSRP. I like the Venza, only disappointment is the fugly grille.

Motor Trend classifies the Venza as a SUV, since it has about 8" or so of ground clearance and wanted it entered in the SUV of the Year competition. Toyota said no, and insisted it be in the Car of the Year competition. MT refused since it's specs are SUV like. Rumors are saying the '10 MY Venza will be lowered by .8", but probably only the FWD models.

 

[Thai]

I agree with Toyota...it is a tall station wagon. Although you can say that it is most similar with Subaru Forrester (which is a small SUV), I think that it is more like the Infiniti EX35, which is a hatchback/SUV/station wagon hybrid.

The front grill is growing on me slowly...unique in the Toyota lineup. Hey, at least, it is better looking than Acura's new nose design, which is not saying much however.

 

[nated05]

I saw one a few weeks back at the dealer just from the outside (it was a sunday). I like the way they look and I would consider one for the wifes new car except for the price. The one I saw had a sticker for 35,xxx which is the same as my 4r. Maybe after I pay off my 4r I will get a used one for a DD.

 

[Rowan611]

Saw two at the dealer last Saturday; I really like the overall look but didn't get a chance to peek inside.

 

[peter78]

I agree with Toyota...it is a tall station wagon. Although you can say that it is most similar with Subaru Forrester (which is a small SUV), I think that it is more like the Infiniti EX35, which is a hatchback/SUV/station wagon hybrid.

The front grill is growing on me slowly...unique in the Toyota lineup. Hey, at least, it is better looking than Acura's new nose design, which is not saying much however.

What ever you do, don't call it a station wagon. Car compaines hate to the "station wagon" or "hatchback" name.

 

[Spider5]

Looks just like the old RX-300 with bigger wheels a little lower roof line and an ugly front end.

 

[peter78]

I got this e-mail from Toyota:



With the new Toyota VENZA hitting showrooms, we thought we'd give you a sneak peek into the interior, brought to you by the best man for the job: Benjamin Jimenez, Calty Design Research's very own project chief designer of the VENZA.

From concept to production, the VENZA was created primarily in North America in both the Newport Beach, California, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, studios.

As a clear representation of Toyota's future of design, the VENZA expresses a bold design move that sets itself apart not only from its competitors, but from its fellow Toyota cars as well. The VENZA's center console creates the illusion of floating free-form geometrics, while the entire dashboard exudes sweeping lines and an overall light feel. A unique blend of textures and materials were used to create a feeling of warmth and indulgence.

But we'll let the designer himself give you a detailed tour of the interior of the new Toyota VENZA. Come on in!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh-RYvN2IKE

 

[Spider5]

For anyone who hasn't found this link already

http://www.toyota.com/venza/photo-gallery.html

 

[Jeffrey_VB]

Pretty slick looking interior. I like the one touch fold flat rear seats.

 

[Uneek]

First drive review from MSN autos.

Thai,
Acura has no good looking or have decent looking, for that matter, sedans anymore. Everyone big or small are fugly as sin.

 

[peter78]

I am looking at the local paper this morning and one dealer has an ad for the Venza.

2009 Venza V6 FWD, automatic $27,888


2008 4Runner SR5 moonroof, 2WD $21,988
6 disc, V6



2008 Tundra dobule cab, 5.7 V8, 2WD $19,495


The BIGGER the cheaper. These prices are for the most basic model, although the 4Runner had a few options.

http://www.sandyspringstoyota.com/Specials-PrintAd.aspx

 

[cwest94]

When I was at the dealer three weeks ago getting my new tires put on, a white one had just come it. I never seen one before and seeing it in person, I'm not sure I liked it. I could not stand the looks of the front but the rest of it looked good and the 20" wheels looked nice. I really liked the inside. I wanna say the sticker was around 38k. I would never pay more then 28k for that, not worth it in my opinion.

 

[alaskaman]

from the vid "gives the passenger a feeling of serentity"

what are these guys smoking? certainly is not the old herb.