1985 Toyota Sr5 Marty Mcfly Truck on 2040-cars

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J.D. Power study sees new car dependability problems increase for first time since 1998

For the first time since 1998, J.D. Power and Associates says its data shows that the average number of problems per 100 cars has increased. The finding is the result of the firm's much-touted annual Vehicle Dependability Study, which charts incidents of problems in new vehicle purchases over three years from 41,000 respondents.
Looking at first-owner cars from the 2011 model year, the study found an average of 133 problems per 100 cars (PP100, for short), up 6 percent from 126 PP100 in last year's study, which covered 2010 model-year vehicles. Disturbingly, the bulk of the increase is being attributed to engine and transmission problems, with a 6 PP100 boost.
Interestingly, JDP notes that "the decline in quality is particularly acute for vehicles with four-cylinder engines, where problem levels increase by nearly 10 PP100." Its findings also noticed that large diesel engines also tended to be more problematic than most five- and six-cylinder engines.

Japanese automakers ramping production for renewed American sales

The 2011 earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan took quite the toll on the automotive industry in that nation. Not content to lean on that tragedy as excuse for slagging sales, the Japanese automakers are planning on a major production expansion in North America. The aim is to reclaim the market share lost from the Tsunami-based dip, and overcome a dollar/yen exchange rate that makes exporting to America unprofitable.
Following the Tsunami, Japanese automakers ramped up production in their North American facilities to compensate, but according to Automotive News, Nissan, Honda and others have all reported plans for still-further increased production in the year ahead. As part of this ramp-up, Mazda will open a facility in Salamnca, Mexico before March of 2014. Part of that increase in output is 50,000 units of a Toyota-badged compact car, which Mazda will produce.
Other Mexican production facilities opening include a Honda plant, which will open in Spring 2014 in Celaya, and a Nissan plant, set to open later this year in Aguascalientes. Nissan also said that it will need another plant in North America within the next five years. According to Nissan Boss Carlos Ghosn, the company aims to raise its stake in the US market from 8 percent to 10, and adding production will help achieve that goal. Even Mitsubishi is aiming to boost production at its Normal, Illinois plant. Production of the Outlander Sport is currently at 50,000, which Mitsubishi wants to raise to 70,000.

2014 Toyota 4Runner priced at $32,820*

Toyota has announced pricing on its facelifted 2014 4Runner. The rough-and-tumble SUV will be available in three grades: base SR5, upmarket Limited and off-road-ready Trail. Depending on the trim level, buyers will have the choice of rear-drive or one of two different four-wheel drive systems. The sole engine is Toyota's 4.0-liter, 270-horsepower V6.
Entry-level buyers can get an SR5 for $32,820. That includes 17-inch wheels, fabric seats and Toyota's Entune infotainment system. Adding four-wheel drive bumps the price by $2,920, while the Premium Package (SofTex faux leather seats, navigation, sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors and power passenger seat) adds $1,875. All model prices listed do not include $860 for destination and tax.
The Trail starts at $35,725, while the Trail Premium bumps the price to $38,645, adding the same suite of equipment found on the SR5. While it boasts the same standard equipment as the SR5, the Trail is better suited for going off road. A multi-terrain response system comes standard, as does hill-start assist and Toyota's Crawl Control. For an extra sum, buyers can opt for the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which automatically disconnects the sway bars for better articulation and trail holding.