Any rumors on when the heck Toyota is going to provide a hybrid Minivan for the USA? I know they have had one available in Japan for many years (since 2001, I think). I am totally sold on the Toyota hybrid technology in our Prius and would love for our next vehicle to be a hybrid minivan.
First, welcome to PriusChat! This question has already been asked before, but I can't remember the thread of the top of my head. You can always use the search feature, don't forget. Anyways I might as well share that a sales person at Hanlees Toyota of Davis told me that a hybrid minivan would come in the 2008 model year, but I dobut it. Orion
I went to visit Toyota Motor Corp last 3 weeks ago. I was going to post my experience & share pics, but got too lazy. Here are the ESTIMA hybrid minivan pics I took from the Exhibition Hall. Plus, pics of cool vehicle, they are developing.
Looks like they've shrunk the Estima since some of the pix I found of it back in early '05. Looks like a slightly inflated Prius. . The personal-mobility thing is like *right* out of "Tron" ... . _H*
They should just bring the Estima hybrid and forget about marketing a regular Estima. (i.e. bring it as a stand-alone hybrid model). That way, it shouldn't interfere too much with the Sienna (unless people start complaining it's too small. In that case, they should pack lighter)
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(siliconhybrid @ Jun 25 2007, 05:13 PM) [snapback]467839[/snapback]</div> Did you try out the lazy-boy second row seats in the Estima?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eberrong @ Jun 26 2007, 03:39 AM) [snapback]468163[/snapback]</div> Very cool van, I know a couple people that would buy that baby!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zenMachine @ Jun 25 2007, 09:42 PM) [snapback]468016[/snapback]</div> I did sit on each seats, I wasn't aware the lazy-boy comfort but they sure were quite comfortable. I would buy this in a heart beat. As I recall, estima is a liiittle bit smaller than Oddeseys/Siennas. Size, looks, comforts, mpgs, I think estimas are just the perfect for a minivan
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hobbit @ Jun 25 2007, 05:26 PM) [snapback]467942[/snapback]</div> I read somewhere the all the Toyota Hybrid models were going to have a distinctive look so that people knew they were part of the Toyota hybrid line.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(siliconhybrid @ Jun 26 2007, 10:25 AM) [snapback]468275[/snapback]</div> The Estima Japan website has some really cool pictures of the various interior seat configurations. I tried grabbing them from the website to post them here but couldn't. Also, for some reason I can't post photos to this thread; there's no "Add into post" option. How weird. Anyhow, if anyone's interested, you can go to http://toyota.jp/estimahybrid/interior/index.html and click on some of the buttons on the bottom row (below the main photo). All the labels are in Japanese so you'll have to do a bit of fishing, but it's worth it. As far as I'm concerned, this is the ULTIMATE minivan (until a plug-in version arrives, that is.)
whats the MPG on that thing? i dont like the grill but everything else looks fine. probably nicer looking in person.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(R1200GS @ Jun 26 2007, 12:13 PM) [snapback]468366[/snapback]</div> Around 40mpg, from what I've read. Of course, your mileage may vary. About the grill, good thing is you wouldn't see it if you're driving. I doubt many folks would buy a minivan for its look though...
Man I agree, that they should bring the Estima minivan here as a stand alone product. It's a GREAT looking mini-van, just what we need. I think it's foolish to have one model hybrid and one model regular like the camry. I think people will always balk at paying more for a hybrid version of the same model.
Has anyone checked into importing one from Japan? Is it feasible? Probably cost prohibitive. Also looks like the driver's side is on the right.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(paprius4030 @ Jun 26 2007, 02:44 PM) [snapback]468437[/snapback]</div> I think so too. Evidence already would be the Accord being discontinued. Especially since the Hybrid image is extra money for better gas mileage. People look at it like do I want to pay for it now? Or Pay for it as I go. Plus I think alot of people have a hard enough time realizing the savings in other consumer products such that in the long run you are better off buying the big tub of butter that has twice the amount of product for an extra 75 cents then the small one. And the assumption also is that Higher Gas Mileage equals no power, no performance, and no fun.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eberrong @ Jun 26 2007, 04:02 PM) [snapback]468509[/snapback]</div> http://www.batfa.com/new_car_toyota_estima_hybrid.htm
Thanks for sharing those great pictures and do you know when this model might be released in US? I am also trying to explore whether it will have cool features like Blue tooth, rear end camera etc.,
