By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The optional V-6 engine is gone. The third-row seat is history. The iconic spare tire enclosure and the side-hinged rear door have been scrapped. What remains with the 2013 Toyota RAV4 is a modern compact crossover with an adequate, fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, updated styling and a roomy passenger-friendly interior.

By Al Vinikour
MotorwayAmerica.com

Look up the word “iconic” in the dictionary and you’re liable to see a picture of the Toyota Prius, arguably the vehicle that started the hybrid revolution that’s become so prevalent in the battle against high fuel prices.

Since Prius’ first generation almost 15 years ago over two million units have been sold worldwide. Through the years the company has developed a number of Prius models — the latest being the Prius c (the “c” is lower case and represents the word “city”).

By Al Vinikour
MotorwayAmerica.com

There are many descriptions used to describe Toyotas: bulletproof, dependable, trouble-free, vanilla, et al. One word one never hears is “underappreciated.” Well add it to the stack because I’ve recently tested one of the best-looking vehicles Toyota currently builds — the 2013 Venza…and it’s underappreciated.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

For the budget-conscience car buyer who would rather purchase new than used and who desires the exceptional fuel economy of a hybrid vehicle, the all-new Toyota Prius c hatchback may be just the ticket. The sub-compact c starts at under $19,000 and delivers a combined city/highway EPA rating of 50 miles to the gallon.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

If you like the styling of the last-generation Toyota Camry you will probably adore the looks of the all-new 2012 model. It has been updated with small changes — a few new creases here and squarer edges there — but the current Camry’s styling remains for the most part unchanged. You might need to see the old and the new side by side to readily tell the difference.