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Car-based vehicles for Toyota's 2008 collection include sedans in three sizes — sporty, two-door coupes and convertibles, crossover hatchback wagons, and two hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), which earn high fuel economy scores. Additionally, there is an eensy-weensy, econo-car masked, three-door liftbacks or four-door notchbacks.

Avalon
Toyota's full-size flagship sedan is not only big and powerful, but also exceptionally quiet and plush in appointments. A 3.5-liter, V6 engine motivates Avalon with 268 horsepower through a new six-speed automatic with sequential shifting. The spacious cabin contains buckets up front and a bench for three in back. For 2008, Toyota casts the Avalon in four trims including the Touring grade with an optional navigation system. Dark wood grain and chrome shine come in the Avalon XLS and Limited editions, as the sleek body reveals fresh styling with a new bumper, grille and headlamps.

Camry
Toyota's best-selling, mid-size sedan was restructured and expanded last year, and continues the look for 2008. The Camry is grand in scale, keen in style and invigorated with power. Laced with numerous luxuries, the Camry closes in on Lexus, Toyota's elite line. The exterior package appears sleek and shapely, yet it reflects the subtle lines and subdued paint shades of sophisticated and expensive vehicles. The powertrains includes a standard 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a 3.5-liter, V6 option rated at 268 horsepower. Trim tiers available are the CE, LE, SE and deluxe XLE.

Camry Hybrid
The Camry's HEV version applies Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) powertrain with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine worth 147 horsepower and a high-torque electric motor that makes 40 horsepower with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel scores are high for the hybrid, certifying the vehicle to the strict AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) standard. The Camry Hybrid stocks extensive features including power controls for windows and door locks and mirrors, eight-way power for the driver's seat, Optitron gauges, twin-zone climate controls and a premium audio kit with six-disc CD changer.

Solara
Toyota's slinky, mid-sizesports coupes and convertibles ride on the Camry platform, and show stunning shapes highlighted by an aggressive face and sensuous body lines. The Solara's powertrains include a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder plant at 155 horsepower and a 3.3-liter V6 for 210 horsepower. The Sport Grade rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels and sets a spoiler on the tail. The Solara's cabin adds Optitron meters in the instrument panel, a mini-jack to the audio system and — for the coupe — curtain-style side air bags.

Prius
Toyota's best-seller HEV ranks among the most aerodynamic of production vehicles. The mid-size Pruis sedan is generous with space, offering comfortable seating for five. The Prius contains Toyota's high-voltage and high-powered HSD powertrain, which employs a thrifty, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and a battery-powered electric motor. The HSD controls all the energy produced by the two plants, applying it to turn the front wheels through a CVT. The Prius Touring Edition has 16-inch alloy wheels, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and tight suspension tuning. The new Standard Package becomes a price-beater entry edition for 2008.

Yaris
Small is good for the Yaris, Toyota's subcompact split as a three-door hatchback or four-door notchback. The hatch — tall and stubby with an arching beltline — has surprising space inside with seating for five. Power for the Yaris stems from an efficient, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder plant pumping 106 horsepower with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. Fuel economy scores run high for the small car. Additionally, standard features for the Yaris include air conditioning and popular gear groups in packages. Stand-alone options include alloy wheels and curtain-style air bags concealed in the headliners. The new Sport Grade applies spoilers, Optitron gauges and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Corolla
Toyota's compact Corolla sedan comes out of plants in California Toyota's Canadian factory in Ontario. The model's exterior styling looks slick, yet has athletic build with muscular airs. For action, a 1.8-liter, in-line-four engine hits 126 horsepower in Corolla's entry-level CE, upgraded S and deluxe LE trims. The transmissions include a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. Even the base CE Corolla provides significant content ranging from power mirrors, to a tilting steering wheel, to remote releases for the trunk, hood and fuel door. Intermittent wipers, a tachometer in the instrument cluster and a nice stereo kit are also available.

Matrix
The five-door Matrix hatchback is a crossover vehicle that blends the sleek lines and nimble manners of a sporty car with the practicality of a boxy SUV. It may an economic vehicle, but brings big space inside. The model's layout shows two rows of seats for five, plus a rear bay for cargo and gear. The standard edition and XR grade employ front-wheel-drive (FWD) traction and a thrifty four-cylinder engine which generates 130 horsepower. The M-Theory special issue sports 17-inch Caldina alloy wheels, Speedway Blue paint and a spoiler.

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