Article Comments - 2009 Toyota Venza V6 Full Test

52 messages, Last post on Oct 27, 2009 at 3:45 AM

You are in the Toyota Venza Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester

What is this discussion about? Toyota Venza, SUV

2009 Toyota Venza V6 Full Test and Video - Bottom Line: Pure people-packing utility in a package that's more practical than an SUV, though with less character.(more)

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#30 of 52 Re: Ford Edge OR Chevy Malibu Maxx? [troy1969] by typesix Apr 29, 2009 (7:30 am)
Replying to: troy1969 (Apr 25, 2009 6:29 pm) If the Maxx had a 4 cyl and made the V6 optional like the sedan, they would have sold more.
#31 of 52 Re: Calling a spade a spade [6sptl] by halwick Apr 29, 2009 (5:32 pm)
Replying to: 6sptl (Apr 27, 2009 12:01 pm) I have no problem driving a "STATION WAGON", although the 19" wheels on my Venza do look out of proportion (read oversize) in relation to the body. Nevetheless I bought the car because I wanted a car-based hatchback or station wagon design for more flexible utility and comfort. Was seriously considering the Malibu MAXX but it was AXED by the time I was ready to buy. Not a bad design except for typical unquality GM issues. The other alternate was the Mazda 6 Hatchback and Wagon, but it too small and later discontinued in 2008. Just to see how image-conscious brainwashed people are, I did a little experiement: I described the Venza to one group at work as a "crossover" and got "oohs-and-aahs." To another group I described the car as a "station wagon" and got "ugh" reactions. The women (30-40ish) in the first group couldn't wait to have a ride, whereas the women in the second group (approx same age) "wouldn't be caught dead in a station wagon." So much for my popularity and status but I could care less; the Venza fits MY needs. Hal Replies to this message: 6sptl (May 01, 2009 7:52 am) anry555 (May 01, 2009 5:12 pm) 6sptl (May 01, 2009 6:43 pm) and 6 more... kingfish4 (May 06, 2009 2:41 pm) lal_clt (May 07, 2009 10:14 am) hrtbrkcafe (Sep 04, 2009 8:07 am) halwick (May 07, 2009 5:10 pm) qs933 (May 09, 2009 1:52 pm)
#32 of 52 Re: Calling a spade a spade [halwick] by 6sptl May 01, 2009 (7:52 am)
Replying to: halwick (Apr 29, 2009 5:32 pm) Exactly!!! BTW, those big wheels are a definite visual asset, however, they will be a pain when replacements are due. Not only will they be very expensive, there will also be a very small selection. Replies to this message: anry555 (May 01, 2009 5:12 pm) 6sptl (May 01, 2009 6:43 pm) anry555 (May 02, 2009 3:58 pm) and 5 more...
#33 of 52 Re: Calling a spade a spade [6sptl] by anry555 May 01, 2009 (5:12 pm)
Replying to: 6sptl (May 01, 2009 7:52 am) 130$ per wheel not that expensive. Replies to this message: 6sptl (May 01, 2009 6:43 pm) anry555 (May 02, 2009 3:58 pm) halwick (May 03, 2009 3:23 am) and 4 more...
#34 of 52 Re: Calling a spade a spade [anry555] by 6sptl May 01, 2009 (6:43 pm)
Replying to: anry555 (May 01, 2009 5:12 pm) The only tire for this vehicle around 100 is the goodyear RSA a mediocre tire. The michelin latitude 20" in costs 270 bucks! And that is a less then excelent tire too! Replies to this message: anry555 (May 02, 2009 3:58 pm) halwick (May 03, 2009 3:23 am) kharris (May 03, 2009 6:27 am) md_outback (May 03, 2009 11:20 am) and 2 more...
#35 of 52 Re: Calling a spade a spade [6sptl] by anry555 May 02, 2009 (3:58 pm)
Replying to: 6sptl (May 01, 2009 6:43 pm) Really? Check tirerack.com Pirelli and Yokohama in a good price range too. Also by time you need to change the tires there will be more choices for sure. And it's not a 15k car. Replies to this message: halwick (May 03, 2009 3:23 am) kharris (May 03, 2009 6:27 am) md_outback (May 03, 2009 11:20 am) halwick (May 04, 2009 10:52 am) and 1 more...
#36 of 52 Re: Calling a spade a spade [anry555] by halwick May 03, 2009 (3:23 am)
Replying to: anry555 (May 02, 2009 3:58 pm) I've got the 19" wheels and the tires are P245/55R19. Last time I checked with my local tire dealer (I live in Los Angeles) there were only two choices: Bridgestone and Toyo and they were around $300 EACH, mounted & balanced. If you check tirerack.com, there are no choices listed. Interestingly enough, there are more selections available in the 20" tire size. For some reason, Toyota picked an oddball 19" size for the 4-cylinder models. I bought the car knowing the limited choices and high price but hope within a few years there'll be more selections at reasonble prices. Those 19" wheels are the only thing that bugs me about the car; otherwise I'm happy with the rest of the car. On the other hand, tirerack.com lists 12 tires in the P235/55R19 from $149 (Hankook) to $248 (Pirelli). Can you put slightly narrower tires than originally equipped? Replies to this message: kharris (May 03, 2009 6:27 am) md_outback (May 03, 2009 11:20 am) halwick (May 04, 2009 10:52 am) md_outback (May 04, 2009 11:51 am)
#37 of 52 Re: Calling a spade a spade [halwick] by kharris May 03, 2009 (6:27 am)
Replying to: halwick (May 03, 2009 3:23 am) I don't think it's a good idea to put on a smaller size(p235/55R/19) to replace the original larger size(p245/55R/19) because it reduces the load index (the car's load capacity). The 235 size (load index 101)is rated for 1819 lbs while the 245 size(load index 103) is rated for 1929 lbs. This assumes the other 2 dimensions remain the same.
#38 of 52 Re: Calling a spade a spade [halwick] by md_outback May 03, 2009 (11:20 am)
Replying to: halwick (May 03, 2009 3:23 am) Hi halwick, The smaller, 235 tire will have a slightly shorter radius and will reduce ground clearance from 8.1 inches to 7.9 inches. Also, the overall circumference of the tire will be reduced from 93 inches to 91.7 inches, about a 1.4% difference. That difference in size will affect your speedometer, odometer, cruise control and possibly other sensors that monitor vehicle speed related to tire/wheel revolutions (such as ABS, traction control, etc.). It is not a huge size difference, but you should get professional advice (ask the folks at tirerack) before changing. MD Replies to this message: halwick (May 04, 2009 10:52 am) md_outback (May 04, 2009 11:51 am)
#39 of 52 Consumer Reports Venza review by tomd May 04, 2009 (8:27 am)
The June CR did a review of the Venza. They liked it overall but had a few comments: 1. They complained about the ride and blamed the big 20 inch wheels. Is the ride really that bad? How would it compare to my '07 Higlander Limited? Some other reviews have said that the interior noise levels are higher than expected. Can anyone comment on this? 2. They said that several interior trim panels were misaligned and that some grains didn't match. I am surprised to read about misaligned trim panels. How do owners feel about the workmanship? After the initial problems the Camry and other models had a few years ago, I read that Toyota had this big push to get quality back to where is used to be. They said that they were going to hire more Engineers and take more time to "get it right" before releasing a new model. Replies to this message: lal_clt (May 04, 2009 11:15 am) halwick (May 04, 2009 9:24 pm) qs933 (May 04, 2009 10:55 pm) md_outback (May 09, 2009 6:08 am) petl (May 09, 2009 1:47 pm)