Goodbye Scion iM, Hello Toyota Corolla iM!

With the unfortunate (but relatively foreseen) death of the Scion brand, Toyota has taken the viable contenders from the lineup under its wing and has converted them into Toyota cars. The Scion FR-S becomes the Toyota 86, the Scion iA becomes the Toyota Yaris iA, and the iM becomes the Toyota Corolla iM. The iM in particular has been bestowed some really choice enhancements that greatly enhance the appeal. The Toyota Corolla iM weighs less and has better handling, is much safer, and offers a lot more connectivity than the previous rendition.

The 2017 Toyota Corolla iM comes in a single, well-equipped model, and comes with a surprisingly hefty amount of standard features for the class. The iM offers many small item bins and storage areas throughout its cabin, premium quality sound from the Corolla iM’s Pioneer stereo, and user-friendly controls for audio, climate control, and standard feature navigation. On top of these features and a lengthy list of standard convenience features, Toyota adds Toyota Safety Sense C, which includes pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. The inclusion of this safety gear in every Corolla iM is impressive, especially considering the economy class starting price of $18,750.

The iM is powered by a seven-speed automatic synergy transmission paired to a four-cylinder 1.8 L engine produces 137 horsepower and offers electrifying acceleration. More still, this combination makes for seamless handling and gets 36 mpg on the highway. There are two drive modes, Eco and Sport, which can supplement even better fuel economy or improved power.

Overall, Toyota has nicely flipped the Scion iM into a very attractive front-wheel-drive car that has above-average performance and impressive fuel economy. This would be an excellent car for anyone looking for withstanding practicality and reliable performance. Interested in seeing the new iM? Check out our inventory here or schedule a test drive with us!

Toyotas Celica

The Toyota Celica is a sports car that was produced by Toyota from 1970 to 2006. The Celicas name was derived from the Latin word coeliac, meaning “heavenly”, or “celestial”. The car was a move by Toyota to become more integrated with the American market, which at the time was running rampant with muscle cars and high gas prices. An economical Japanese muscle car was an apt contestant; Toyota just needed a thoughtful design that would appeal to Americans.

The Celica evidently took inspiration from Fords Mustang- perceivably the reigning champ of American muscle cars in the 70’s. After being denied a partnership with Ford, Toyota analyzed what about the Mustang was so well liked and made a sports car of their own in that image.

The second generation of the Celica was the most striking and memorable of the various alterations through the years. 1977 gave the Celica the option of an incredibly slick lift-back shape, that was again similar to Fords Mustang, but was fitting enough on the Celica to still be really cool. This generation was also bestowed with an informative gauge cluster, a blacked out grille, a prominent hood and an aesthetic pose.

The Celica was a fun, sporty car that appealed to young buyers in the mid-’70s, but is quite a rarity to see one these days. Interestingly enough, if you happen to find one for sale, it will likely be hilariously underpriced. Although the powertrain is simple and withstanding, the bodies are prone to rust and the sheet metal for them isn’t available. Many of the parts are now becoming more and more scarce as well. Because of this, it would be extremely wise to buy one of these with original mechanicals and a refurbished exterior. Alas what you will likely find out there, if anything, would be a modified shell of a Celica.