Seven Toyota vehicles took the top spot in IntelliChoice’s “2011 Best Overall Value of the Year Awards” at the 2011 National Automobile Dealers Association convention.

“Dominating the IntelliChoice’s 2011 Best Overall Value Awards is another example of how Toyota and Lexus continue to produce vehicles that retain their outstanding value,” said Don Esmond, senior vice president of Automotive Operations for Toyota Motor Sales, USA in a recent press release.  “In a tough economy, finding a dependable vehicle that also holds its value over an extended period is one of the most important aspects of buying a new car.”

IntelliChoice determines the winners of the BOVY Awards based on the top vehicles in 21 categories that represent the best overall value.  Each winner is determined by analysis of ownership costs, including depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing and insurance.

Toyota Segment Winners
Passenger Car – Prius
Premium Passenger Car – Avalon
Compact Crossover/Wagon – RAV4 four-cylinder
Minivan – Sienna
SUV – 4Runner
Compact Pickup – Tacoma
Full-Size Pickup – Tundra

Toyota recently unveiled its Entune  multimedia system at the Consumer Electronics Show.  Toyota Entune allows drivers to use voice recognition technology to use features within the car.

Toyota expects to begin having the Entune system available on some models this year.

As promised, Toyota recently revealed its entire family of Prius vehicles at the North American International Auto Show.  Besides the latest generation Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Toyota also revealed the new Prius v midsize hybrid-electric vehicle and the Prius c Concept vehicle.

The Prius v fits the lifestyle of young, active families that need a bit more room in their vehicles – 50 percent more room in fact than the current Prius.

“This is no ordinary family.  It’s a modern family with a Prius for everyone,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager in a recent press release.  “The Prius v is an all-new dedicated hybrid vehicle, and all future Prius family members will be as well.  They will all share common Prius attributes but will be unique, with a special appeal to different buyers.”

The “c” in the Prius c Concept vehicle stands for city – what the car is designed for. The Prius c is directed at city-living singles and young professionals who want the environmentally friendly hybrid at a more entry-level price point and size that fits their needs. Now there is a Prius for every stage of your life.

Whether you’ve just purchased a shiny new Toyota or have one of the millions of older Toyotas still on the road, you want to protect your investment. Thanks to Toyota’s engineering, you know that the company has taken care of a lot of factors, but you can help your Toyota to continue to look great by following a few tips from AAA.

First, whatever maintenance you perform on your car, keep a maintenance log. You can track what you’ve done and, more importantly, know when it’s probably time to check replaceable items like the air filter and the belts.

Does your car feature a fuel injection system? Then make sure you keep the gas tank at least one-quarter full. If not, you may experience fuel line interruptions when you take a corner.

Before you jump in that car and blast the air conditioner, wipers or other accessories, let the engine run for just a few minutes first.

Take a look under the hood once in a while. Look at your engine belts for cracking or looseness.

Of course, get the oil changed once every few thousand miles.

Lastly, take a look at your owner’s manual. It will tell you when to perform checkups and other maintenance appointments. If you take the preventative steps to make sure your car runs properly, you’ll be happy with your car for decades to come.

Do you have a teen driver, or a teen that’s about to become a driver? Are you worried? New drivers have a lot to learn. Processing all that information while driving a vehicle is difficult when you’re not accustomed to it. In recognition of that, Toyota and Discovery Education have launched a new program aimed at teen drivers, their parents and educators.

The program is accessible through a website where teens, teachers and parents can access information that will help keep teens safe on the road. Content includes lesson plans for teachers, interactive driving tests for teens and resources for parents.

“Educating teens about the hazards they face behind the wheel and actions that teens and parents can take to minimize crash risks are important steps in preventing crashes involving young drivers,” said, Janet Froetscher, president and CEO, National Safety Council in the announcement. “We believe Toyota and Discovery Education’s program will help accomplish those objectives.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently announced its Top Safety Pick awards for 2011 and five of Toyota’s vehicles made the list.

The Toyota Avalon was named on the large car list and the Corolla appeared on the small car list. There was only one vehicle on the minivan list and that was the Toyota Sienna. Finally, on the midsize SUV list was both the Toyota Venza and Toyota Highlander.

Toyota announced that it will reveal its newest offering, the Prius Family, during a press conference on January 10 during the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Models expected to debut include the Prius Family and Prius concept car along with the latest Prius and Prius Plug-in.

A Prius Family Sneak Peak video featuring X Games champion skateboarder Bob Burnquist reveals very little about the new Prius Family other than it contains 50 percent more cargo room than previous versions without giving up any of its eco-friendly features.

Toyota first announced it would develop the Prius Family last January and the big reveal has been much anticipated. Not much is known about the Prius Family, other than that it is bigger, but it is likely to be another popular offering by Toyota. Stay tuned.