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While vehicle safety has improved greatly over the past few decades, many automakers continue to pour money into research and development to make cars even safer. Toyota is perhaps at the forefront of modern safety technology. The Toyota Safety Sense system is the latest safety program from Toyota that provides preventive collision technology. It gives drivers three key safety elements, including crash mitigation, lane warnings, and nighttime driving enhancement. If you're looking for a car to keep you and your family free from harm, there's none better than one with Toyota Safety Sense. Here's a more in-depth look at some of its amenities. Pre-Collision System Toyota Safety Sense helps keep drivers safe by providing proactive measures rather than reactive. That's why Toyota created a Pre-Collision System, or PCS. Using an in-vehicle camera and a laser, this system detects obstructions in the road, be it a barricade, pedestrian, or another motorist. When it senses these obstacles, it alerts the driver through a series of aural and visual cues. If the driver still doesn't slow down, the system starts to brake automatically, averting a potential collision. Lane Departure Warning When you have kids in the car or if you're fiddling with the radio, you stand the chance of veering ever so slightly out of your lane. However, with the Lane Departure Warning system, this problem is a thing of the past. While there's no substitute for attentive driving, Lane Departure Warning uses cameras to see the lines on the road. If the car starts to drift too far out of the lane, the warning system kicks in. Like the Pre-Collision System, it uses sights and sounds to tell the driver to return to his or her lane. The only caveat is that the vehicle has to reach speeds of up to 32 mph before the system activates. Automatic High Beams If you've ever driven at night on a pitch-black road, you know just how dangerous it can be. While the Automatic High Beam system doesn't engage your brights automatically, it does provide an innovative way to keep yourself and other motorists safe. Using cameras, it "sees" cars coming from the opposite direction and switches from high-beam to low-beam lights when the car closes to a distance of about 500 feet. Once the car passes, the high beams return, leaving you with excellent visibility, but without all the extra work. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Another awesome safety feature of the Toyota Safety Sense system is Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. It functions similarly to traditional cruise control, but it also offers an extra layer of safety. Using the onboard radar, this "smart" cruise control detects other motorists in the roadway. If you get too close to the car in front of you, the system applies the brakes automatically, keeping a safe distance between vehicles. With these systems in place, Toyota takes the upper hand when it comes to vehicle safety. When you're behind the wheel with Toyota Safety Sense, you'll have peace of mind knowing you're going to make it to your destination in one piece. https://www.flickr.com/photos/toyota-europe/18721462194/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Toyota Motor Europe

If you haven't already heard the news, Scion is going the way of the dodo. 2016 marks the last year of production for this Toyota-owned brand, although it experienced considerable success over the past 13 years and gave the Japanese automakers feedback on how to market new cars to the Millennial generation. However, if you're a Scion fan, you shouldn't stress. Toyota plans to carry on several Scion models under the Toyota name. Here's a list of the ones that made the cut and what you should know heading forward. 1. Scion FR-S It's been several years since Toyota had a true sports car in its lineup, with the Celica finally leaving showrooms in 2005-2006. That's why it's a pleasant surprise that Toyota keeps the FR-S, although it will officially become the Toyota 86. On the outside, this car is nothing short of gorgeous, showcasing sleek curves. Under the hood, the 86 rocks a 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder capable of churning out speeds of up to 136 mph and a zero-to-60 time of just 6.4 seconds. If you're in the market for an affordable sports car, the Toyota 86 is a solid choice. 2. Scion iA Toyota couldn't move on from Scion without taking perhaps its highest rated model with it. The Scion iA, which is an economical yet attractive four-door compact, will move over to Toyota as the Yaris iA. What makes this car stand out from the rest is its standard amenities, which usually come at an additional cost. This includes a slow-speed pre-collision braking system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system. While it's not exactly the swiftest car, it's 106-horsepower four-cylinder gives you ample fuel economy, going up 41 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway and 31 mpg in the city. The only thing that's uncertain is if the new version will have the same after-market customization, which was a selling point for several Scion models, including the iA. 3. Scion iM If you love everything about the iA, but you want a little more space, the Scion iM is a spectacular choice. This attractive little hatchback with ample cargo space is moving to Toyota under the Corolla iM name. Standard features include a six-speaker Pioneer premium audio system, and a 7-inch touch-screen to easily navigate through your favorite tunes. With a 137-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, the iM offers excellent fuel economy with 37 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city. 4. Scion CH-R In 2015 Toyota unveiled the Scion CH-R at several auto shows throughout the country. This subcompact crossover will keep the same name under the Toyota logo, and it's expected to hit dealerships sometime in 2017. What makes this car interesting is its flashy exterior that looks almost like it's out of a sci-fi movie. Other details are scant, but it appears as though it's the perfect fit for younger drivers. While Scion officially will come to a close at the end of 2016, don't sing a requiem. The brand will continue to live on in these four exceptional models. Image via Flickr by Toyota Motor Europe under use of CC BY-ND 2.0

If you love the beauty of autumn, few states offer such gorgeous fall foliage as Massachusetts. Whether you live there or plan to visit this fall, you have plenty of options around the state for viewing the orange, red, and golden leaves. Here's a list of the top four places to see fall foliage in Massachusetts this year. 1. An Autumn Tour by the Coast You may not think driving by the coast is the best way to see autumn leaves, but it's a great way to enjoy scenic views of the season's best foliage. Start your trip at Maudslay State Park near Newburyport and head south on Route 1A. Along the way, you'll pass several charming towns including Newbury and Rowley. At Ipswich, head southeast on Route 133 to Essex. You'll eventually take the Route 127 loop, beginning and ending near Gloucester. Along these roadways, you're sure to see a wide range of trees blazing with a variety of brilliant colors. To wrap up, head west on Route 127, passing Manchester-by-the-Sea and ending in Salem. If you take this drive in the weeks leading up to Halloween, be sure to spend some time in Salem, the most popular spot in the state for spooky celebrations. 2. Stroll Around the Bryant Homestead If you'd prefer to do most of your leaf viewing by foot, take a drive to western Massachusetts and visit the William Cullen Bryant Homestead in Cummington. Known for its birches with their yellow leaves, the homestead has well-kept grounds that are ideal for an autumn stroll. Though their colors don't change, the towering evergreens make for an impressive site, soaring as high as 150 feet. The most popular sight at the homestead is the maple tree-lined entryway. Through the fall, they change to a deep scarlet, creating a memorable entrance to the grounds. 3. Drive the Mohawk Trail Popular and beloved, the Mohawk Trail can become crowded during the height of autumn. It's no wonder so many people turn west on Route 2. Along the way, they see more than fall foliage. They also pass through small towns that are so picturesque and welcoming you'll want to stop and stay a while. The conclusion of this trail takes you through the Berkshires, a mountainous region that's renowned for trees that produce vibrant fall colors. 4. See an Explosion of Color in Walpole Bird Park is located in Walpole, which is about a 35-minute drive southwest of Boston. Take a walk through the three miles of trails and explore the various features of this park. Frog ponds, streams, stone bridges, and groves of trees in full fall colors make this park a special attraction in autumn. At the park's entrance, orange-red birches provide a visual pop. Inside Bird Park, you'll find red and sugar maple trees. There are plenty of benches if you want to sit and soak in the glory of fall. To increase the chances that you'll have a pleasant time viewing the fall foliage in Massachusetts, avoid driving on the more popular routes during the weekends. Instead, opt for a drive on a weekday afternoon. Image via Flickr by tweber1 under use of CC BY-SA 2.0

With the 2017 Toyota Camry, you get a roomy cabin, a smooth ride, and a powerful engine. While it works well as a midsize sedan to get you around town, the Camry is also an engaging car to drive. The four trims range from basic to luxurious. Here's a guide to help you decide which one is right for you. The LE: The Most Affordable Camry Even though the LE is the base model for the 2017 Camry, it has plenty of attractive features, making it ideal for the value shopper. On the inside, a 6.1-inch Entune touchscreen is your portal to hands-free phone, music streaming with Bluetooth, and iPod connection and compatibility. Whatever audio you select plays through a six-speaker system. For added safety, a rearview camera provides visibility when you put the Camry in reverse. To create a better driving experience, this trim includes cruise control, a driver's seat with an eight-way adjustment control, air conditioning, and automatic headlights. The SE: A Camry That's Sporty Anyone who wants a sporty look and ride for an affordable price should opt for the SE trim. It has sport-tuned suspension, and the exterior has contemporary design elements such as daytime running lights, color-keyed rear spoiler, and chrome-tipped exhaust. On the interior, the steering wheel has leather trim and paddle shifters, which let drivers draw more power from the engine. In terms of entertainment and connectivity, the SE trim builds on the features included with the LE. The XSE: Sporty and Luxurious This amped up version of the SE boasts synthetic suede and sport leather-trimmed upholstery, rear-seat vents to assist with climate control, heated front seats, and a premium audio system consisting of 10 speakers. This trim is meant to appeal to drivers who want both a sporty look and touches of luxury. Included as a standard feature, the Entune audio package comes with a free three-month trial of SiriusXM All Access. As a bonus, this trim offers wireless charging for smartphones. You're sure to enjoy the comfort of dual-zone automatic climate control. Measuring 18 inches, this trim offers the largest wheels. The XSE is easy to spot on the highway because it's equipped with daytime running lights that use LED technology. An exterior accent that's exclusive to the XSE trim is the sport mesh lower grille in piano black. The XLE: Top of the Line Features With features that are similar to the XSE, the top-of-line trim comes with the comfort suspension rather than the sport-tuned version. The seats get a luxurious upgrade with full leather upholstery. Only with the XLE do you get projector-beam halogen headlights that turn on and off automatically. Another exclusive feature is the leather-trimmed steering wheel with tilt-and-telescoping capabilities. It also has built-in Bluetooth hands-free technology to let you access your phone's features using voice commands. The XLE gives you the option to add Safety Connect, a comprehensive emergency assistance package. When your car is in an accident, the technology system sends an automatic crash notification to the Safety Connect response center. Depending on your tastes, budget, and preferred driving experience, there's a 2017 Toyota Camry trim that's right for you. Image via Flickr by nox-AM-ruit under use of CC BY 2.0

Whether you travel with your pets regularly or only give them a ride to the vet, it's important to know how to pet-proof your vehicle. Equally important is knowing how to clean up after your furry friend has joined you for a road trip. Here's some guidance on how to adapt and clean your car so that you and your beloved animal are comfortable during and after the ride. Make Sure You Properly Restrain Your Pet Allowing a pet to roam in your vehicle creates a serious distraction for the driver and puts your pet's life at risk. Even if you aren't in a crash, but stop suddenly, an unrestrained dog or cat could go hurtling in the cabin, potentially breaking bones. In addition, a crate or other animal restraint system confines any messes your animal might make. It also limits the amount of hair and dander that gets spread around your vehicle. It's a good idea to put a towel, sheet, or blanket underneath the pet carrier to further protect your seat. Don't Delay Clean Up While it might be tempting to let vomit, spilled food, or other messes sit after transporting your pet, it's important to clean up stains and soils immediately. Caked on and dried soils become much more challenging to remove. A small, handheld vacuum works well to remove hair left behind in the car. If you don't have a vacuum handy, put on a rubber glove you wear to do dishes. Pull it across the seat in one direction, collecting hair as you go. This is a quick, cheap, and effective way to remove hair from your car. Protect Your Windows When dogs sit by car windows, they want to look out. This results in moisture from their nose and mouth smudging onto the glass. To protect your clean windows, apply a single sheet of plastic wrap to the glass. After you remove your pet, remove the wrap to reveal a shiny, smudge-free window. Get Rid of the Smell One of the biggest challenges for pet owners is dealing with an odor that lingers in your car after the animal has been in it. You can shake out some baking soda onto your seat and floor mats, let it sit overnight, and then vacuum it out the following day. Another idea is to place charcoal briquettes in tin foil and leave them in your car overnight. Because of their chemical properties, the briquettes absorb odors. If you feel heavy duty cleaning is necessary, you can use a steam cleaner to remove scents and debris from your car's cloth upholstery. Invest in Durable Floor Mats The liquid in a car runs downhill, so the floor mats bear the brunt of many pet messes. To pet-proof your floorboards, get rubber mats. Durable, if not fashionable, these mats are ideal for catching liquids before they reach the carpet. The mats are especially valuable on longer trips when an animal might get carsick or need to have access to food and water in the car. With the right steps to pet-proof your vehicle, you and your furry companion can both enjoy a pleasant ride. Image via Flickr by John M under use of CC BY-SA 2.0

For American history buffs, Massachusetts is an ideal place to visit. You can explore sites that connect to the country's earliest days. There are also natural preserves and parks with connections to historical events. If you're near Springfield, check out this list of four historic sites in the area. 1. Hike, Fish, and Learn the History of Wells State Park Only a 40-minute drive east on I-90 from Springfield, Wells State Park consists of 1,400 acres. Visitors who want to learn local history should plan to attend an interpretive program such as a guided walk or an evening campfire. One trail in the park leads you to Carpenter Rocks with their beautiful cliffs. The natural landmark was named to memorialize John Carpenter, a local man who built and ran a sawmill in the area. Hiking on the 10 miles of paths is a good way to enjoy your time at this park. 2. Experience the 1830s at Old Sturbridge Village After visiting Wells State Park, hop in your Scion and drive five miles to visit Old Sturbridge Village. Spread across 200 acres is a museum and rural town recreated to capture the look and feel of the 1830s. Roam around the countryside area, mills section, and central village. Among the more than 40 buildings included in the village are restored structures that came from all over New England. Daily activities provide a glimpse into life in early America. Watch demonstrations of muskets, the carding mill, milking, and broom making. A non-profit organization runs this attraction, which is dedicated to keeping a slice of American history alive. 3. See Where Early Settlers Lived at Mount Holyoke Range State Park Covering 3,000 acres and rising more than 1,000 feet in elevation, Mount Holyoke Range State Park near Amherst is majestic. Take I-91 north from Springfield to head toward this park. Geologists believe the mountains formed millions of years ago when lava rose from the valley and was upended after it had cooled. The earliest settlers set up pastures on what is now parkland. Experience the same terrain, forests, and wildlife as the settlers by walking on the more than 30 miles of trails. You'll see ponds, creeks, wetlands, and hardwood forests as you explore this park. 4. Visit Early American Sites in Boston It's worth driving an hour and a half to Boston on I-90 if you love history. Stop in the Old North Church, the site where Paul Revere famously arranged for the signal lanterns that warned the colonists that the British were arriving by sea in April, 1775. If you want to retrace history, walk the 2.5-mile path from Boston Common to Bunker Hill. The starting point, Boston Common, is the oldest public park in America, having been established in 1634. The park features a manmade pond where you can ride the swan boats, a fixture since 1877. The Freedom Trail takes you to Bunker Hill, the site of the Revolutionary War's first major battle. Though the British won this skirmish, it demonstrated the colonists' ability to defend themselves. When you're ready to experience history, take a drive to any of these historical sites near Springfield, Massachusetts. Image via Flickr by Doug Kerr under use of CC BY-SA 2.0

Fans of the Toyota Scion received some disheartening news in early 2016: the car maker is no longer going to keep it as a separate brand. It launched in 2002 to revive Toyota's appeal to younger car buyers. Now, Toyota believes the brand has achieved its goal and is going to bring Scion models into its regular lineup. To honor the brand as it ends, here's a look at the four best Scion models of all time. 1. The First Scion tC Earned Love With a cabin that looked like a bubble in silhouette, the first-generation Scion tC worked well as a sports car for the masses. Affordable with a clean, uncluttered appearance, this vehicle earned appreciation both as a brand new car and on the aftermarket. In fact, people who modify sports vehicles liked the Scion tC so much, they souped it up for drag racing. Variations of the tC made a strong showing at local racetracks across the country. This model earns even more appreciation because the second-generation tC had a new exterior that wasn't received well. It made the earlier model look even better. 2. The Scion Fuse Concept Embraced Tuners In 2006, Scion introduced the Fuse concept car at the New York Auto Show. The car had a somewhat plain front fascia and an unusual silhouette for a sports coupe. What the front of the car lacked in eye-catching details, the upward opening doors more than made up for. Toyota designers came up with the concept, but Five Axis built it. Embracing the tuner culture, the Scion Fuse concept incorporated headlights that you could program to change colors. Unfortunately, Scion never manufactured a vehicle from this concept car. It also never used any of the unique design elements anywhere in its line. 3. The 2015 Scion FR-S Is All About Performance Exceptional handling, a retuned suspension, and elegant exterior styling make the 2015 Scion FR-S one of the best Scions of all time. Even though it has very little space in the back seat and trunk, this coupe earns high marks for its classic sports car attributes. This model debuted new exhaust tips and the Release Series 1.0 trim. With this premium trim, the FR-S gets a yellow exterior, performance exhaust, and a lower ride height. Don't forget the FR-S has a shift knob, a timeless feature, as well as an aerodynamic body kit. 4. The 2016 Scion iM Exudes a Sporty Feel Aggressive styling and rear double-wishbone suspension make the 2016 Scion a powerful sports car inside and out. With a seven-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and rearview camera, the iM is packed with high-tech features to make your drives safe and comfortable. This vehicle is based on an earlier concept car that received a warm reception within the industry. In terms of keeping Scion's models, Toyota will bring under its brand the Scion iA, iM, and FR-S vehicles starting in 2017. In addition, the Scion CH-R concept car will arrive in 2017 under the Toyota brand. The Scion brand is officially slated to go away in August 2016. Image via Flickr by Michel Curi under use of CC BY 2.0

During the summer months, Springfield, Massachusetts, offers an array of fun events. If you live in the area or plan to visit Springfield, you have no shortage of places to go and activities to do. To help you plan the rest of your summer, here's a look at the top four summer events you may want to attend. 1. Cool Tunes in the Summer Heat The Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival takes place August 6 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Springfield's Court Square, located downtown at 2 Court Street. It's easily accessible from Interstate 91. Visitors have access to paid parking at the Civic Center and 91 South Garage. Once you're at the festival, expect to see large crowds enjoying the music at this free event. This year's mainstage lineup includes Taj Mahal, the Eric Krasno Band, and the Joey DeFrancesco Trio. With so many food and drink vendors on hand, there's no need to pack a lunch. Instead, you can sample ethnic food from local restaurants. 2. Just for Laughs The MassMutual Center at 1277 Main Street in downtown Springfield hosts Louis C.K. on August 6 at 8 p.m. For $50 per ticket, you can hear the six-time Emmy Award-winning comedian deliver his best material. Described as honest, blunt, and sharp, Louis C.K.'s comedy takes aim at many areas of society. His comedy is best-suited for adults who are not easily offended. Louis C.K. came to fame through his stand-up comedy as well as his self-titled television show on FX. The versatile performing artist's latest project is a drama he wrote and directed. In addition to his other accolades, Louis C.K. has two Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album. 3. See Marionettes Perform Head to the Springfield Museums on August 12 at 11 a.m. for the Tanglewood Marionettes' performance of "An Arabian Adventure." The drama moves quickly, but it's targeted to older children and adults. With a beautiful storybook set, the marionettes tell the story of a Persian prince who winds up imprisoned for falling in love with a princess. Reminiscent of Disney's "Aladdin," the story is an adventure that's sure to please. To visit the Springfield Museums for this program, head to 21 Edwards Street in downtown Springfield. Admission is $18 for adults and $9.50 for youth ages three to 17. Once you pay, not only can you see the marionette performance, but you can visit the entire complex, which consists of four museums under one roof. 4. Watch Rowers Race On September 10, head to North Riverfront Park at 121 West Street next to the Connecticut River in downtown Springfield for the Rockrimmon Regatta. As an annual event, this competition brings in rowers from all over the Northeastern United States. It's also become an event that attracts many spectators. The race covers a total of three miles; rowers travel one and a half miles downstream and then return by the same route for the finish. As a challenging but fun race, this event puts rowers' speed and overall fitness to the test. With such a variety of events in Springfield, Massachusetts, you can have fun closing out the summer months. Image via Flickr by Rusty Clark under use of CC BY 2.0

Boston is a historic city and a single day in this New England seaport can be a day well spent. Although you will not be able to immerse yourself in all that Boston has to offer, thanks to its compact nature you can see some of the sites that should not be missed by any visitor with a little time on their hands. Many of Boston's most important cultural centers and historic sites are clustered near enough together to make taking a self-guided tour an easy affair. Freedom Trail Laid down to guide visitors on a tour of some of Boston's most historic places is the red-brick path known as the Freedom Trail. Running for 2.5 miles from Boston Commons to Bunker Hill, the Freedom Trail passes by no less than 16 historic sites in American history. Historic Sites Visit the Old State House, the site of the incendiary Boston Massacre, where British Redcoats fired into a crowd of protesting American colonists, killing five and fueling the start of the American Revolution. Pass by the Old North Church, the spire made famous for the warning provided by the hanging of two lanterns to notify minutemen of a seaward approach by the British army. Henry Longfellow's subsequent poem, "Paul Revere's Ride" would immortalize the line "One if by land, two if by sea," which has come to be memorized by American schoolchildren ever since. Visit Bunker Hill The Freedom trail continues on to Bunker Hill, a Revolutionary War battlefield that affords a panoramic view of the city. It was on this site, and nearby Breeds Hill, on a June day in 1775 that an American commander gave the order to his inexperienced militia to "not fire until they could see the whites of their eyes." The resulting battle gave the young American Army the confidence to fight on for independence, despite the death of their General, the Patriot Dr. Joseph Warren. Visit the 221-foot-tall granite monument erected in 1842 to his sacrifice and that of hundreds of other patriots who fell during the battle. Harvard Square Visit the Campus of Harvard University for a glimpse into the life of this bohemian section of the Boston area. Bookshops and quirky stores line Harvard Square, and tours of the campus and surrounding area are available. Photograph some of the spires and towers that make up the famous architecture of this historic campus. Waterfront Much of Boston's character and place in history have been a result of its lying on a large natural harbor. Tour Boston's waterfront by meandering some of the over 40 miles of pedestrian- and bike-friendly pathways. Visit the U.S.S. Constitution, a historic sailing frigate that defied the British during the War of 1812, earning the nickname of "Old Ironsides" along the way. Now, it is a first rate museum of naval history. This area is also home to Boston's food truck scene, so something good to eat is always at hand. A day in Boston can give a visitor a sense of the unique place the city holds in American history, as well as its current identity as a busy and modern world city. Image via Flickr by Jeff Gunn under use of CC BY 2.0

Toyota vehicles are ubiquitous on today's roads and have earned a reputation for enduring quality, rugged durability, and innovation. The vehicles coming out of Toyota plants cover a spectrum of types, from burly full-size pickup trucks to eco-friendly electric hybrids like the Prius. Toyota's Scion line of vehicles have established new ways for a car company to involve its customers in the ownership process, but these and other innovations come on the back of a long history of automotive achievements, milestones, and little-known facts. Read on to discover some fun and surprising facts about Toyota and Scion. 1. Toyota first began production of vehicles in 1937 and have operated continually despite such interruptions as war, earthquakes, and tsunamis. It would be 20 years before the company began to do business in America in 1957. 2. Over 350,000 Americans work for Toyota in various capacities and at multiple sites across the country. 3. There are more than 1,500 Toyota, Lexus, and Scion dealerships in the United States, making finding somewhere to buy or service Toyotas an easy affair. 4. The Toyota Prius, a gasoline electric hybrid sedan, is now available in over 70 countries and is the most successful hybrid to be offered to date. 5. Despite the fact that the company is called Toyota, the company's founder actually spelled his name Toyoda. 6. Toyota has earned a reputation for dependability. In 2012, eight different Toyota vehicles won honors in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study. 7. Scion, a unique division of Toyota that produces efficient, value-oriented vehicles was founded in 2002. 8. By some estimates, 80 percent of Toyotas produced in the last 20 years are still in service today. 9. Torrance, California, is the site for the North American headquarters for Toyota. 10. The Toyota Tundra, the automaker's full-size pickup truck, comes off of assembly lines in Texas. 11. Toyota is the third largest automotive manufacturer in the world. 12. Toyota leads the world in the production of hybrid vehicles, with well over 1.5 million vehicles on the road today. 13. Toyota's daily budget for research and development operations worldwide is over $20 million a day. 14. Toyota is the 12 th largest corporation on the planet when ranked by revenue. 15. Toyota was the first automaker to produce more than 10 million vehicles in a single year, achieving that mark in 2013. 16. There are over 100 different Toyota-produced vehicles sold in different markets around the world. 17. The Toyota Corolla has been through 12 different generations in its production run. With over 30 million vehicles on the road, it is the single best-selling nameplate in automotive history. 18. Toyota manufactures and sells a Corolla every 27 seconds. 19. Since 1991, Toyota has donated over half a billion dollars in grants, donations, and community development programs. 20. Toyota holds over 1,000 global patents. 21. Toyota developed a "Pure Price" technique to make purchasing a Scion a transparent and simple transaction. 22. Scion vehicles do not have traditional trim levels, but rather begin as a standard model to which each buyer can add features that they desire.   Image via Flickr by Daniel under use of CC BY 2.0

As an independent brand, Scion isn't going to be around for much longer, so while you can still count on regular support and service from Toyota dealerships, the Class of 2016 is your last chance to buy a new car with Scion's sensibilities. The Mazda2 Is Staying Overseas The Scion iA is the brand's smallest offering, and it'll soon turn into the Mazda2 sedan. However, by all indications it seems that the 2017 Mazda2 won't be coming to American shores. Therefore, if you want to experience the surprising power and fun driving experience of the iA, you may have a long time to wait before you'll get another chance. One Trim, With Everything Instead of dividing all the available features into different trim levels, Scion offers only one trim and allows customers to customize their vehicles with different options and packages. This also means that the iA comes standard with features like a rearview camera with a seven-inch touchscreen, cruise control, air conditioning, a push-button ignition, and 16-inch wheels, all for $16,500-$17,500 depending on whether you choose the manual or the automatic transmission. Optional features include a navigation system that only costs an extra $419. An Engine that Punches Up You probably wouldn't expect much from a four-cylinder engine which produces just 106 horsepower, but you don't need a lot of power to move a car frame whose weight stands at just over one ton. With a design meant for sport performance, the 2016 iA is as maneuverable as a small car ought to be, and the engine's power is plenty when it comes to enjoying the curves of a country road. The small engine also means that the iA is extremely efficient, getting 33 city and 42 highway mpg. An Unforgettably Fun Performance The 2016 iA doesn't get by on good looks alone. The engineers who designed the sedan's suspension and steering emphasized responsiveness and the driver's connection to the road, and while this means that the ride can be somewhat uncomfortable to some drivers, others would say it's exactly what the doctor ordered. The iA also comes standard with a Traction Control System and Dynamic Stability Control, both of which help keep the car under control when it otherwise might slip. A Comfortable Interior Mazda is well-known for its comfortable interiors, composed of high-quality cloth seats and sturdy plastic panels, and those are things the 2016 Scion iA shares. The rear seats have a surprising amount of spare room for a subcompact vehicle, and while the trunk has a class-average 13.5 cubic feet of room, its cleverly designed shape offers plenty of room for large, bulky items. Scion may be going away soon, but its unusual philosophy of consumer choice may yet live on. Unfortunately, while the iA will also live on as the Mazda2 Sedan, with Mazda refusing to sell the vehicle in the United States, this will be your last chance for a potentially long time to test drive a new Scion iA. Image via Dealeron

All sport-utility vehicles have some ability to go off-roading, although for some it's nothing more than an all-wheel drive option that allows drivers to get more traction in slippery conditions. However, the 4Runner goes above and beyond what you might expect from an off-road vehicle, making it the best Toyota vehicle for dirt trails and other unpaved conditions. Here are a few of the features that make the 2016 4Runner shine where the pavement ends. HAC/DAC Hill Start Assist Control comes standard on every 4Runner, and it works by holding the brake in place for a second when it senses that the SUV might otherwise roll. This allows the driver to move his or her foot from the brake to the accelerator without having to worry about bumping into anything in the instant it takes to switch. The available Downhill Assist Control makes it easier to drive and park on hills. When active, the DAC system will automatically engage the brakes to maintain a consistent speed on steep and slippery descents. Eight Air Bags In addition to the six standard air bags that come on every new vehicle (front, side, curtain), the 2016 4Runner also comes with two front knee air bags. Not every vehicle comes with knee air bags, since the more immediate concern is usually to protect the more vital parts of the upper body, but knee air bags can protect both the driver and the front passenger's legs from potentially crippling injuries. Full-Size Spare Tire Many automakers have switched to smaller spare tires or even tire repair kits which only last long enough to get you to a repair shop without a tow truck. They do so to save weight and improve the mileage, but when you're out in the middle of nowhere you need something more durable than a temporary fix. That's why every 4Runner comes standard with a full-size spare. Fuel Efficiency The 2016 4Runner's EPA-estimated gas mileage is 17 city and 22 highway miles per gallon, which is efficient for a large, off-road-capable SUV. Off-Road Controls Off-road controls are standard on the Trail and TDR Pro trims. They include Crawl Control, which puts the 4Runner into a special extremely low gear which allows you to carefully control your SUV's speed over very rough terrain. Another button locks the rear differential, which makes both rear wheels spin at the same rate, even if one of them has no traction. A third switch controls Multi-Terrain Select, which adjusts the 4Runner's automatic traction systems to account for different kinds of rough and slippery conditions, including snow, mud, and rocks. More so than any car, and even most SUVs, the 4Runner's home begins where the pavement ends. With standard features like a full-size spare tire and a powerful 270-horsepower V6 engine, the 4Runner can go where few four-wheel vehicles have gone before. And with optional features like Downhill Assist Control and the off-road controls on the Trail and TDR Pro, you'll enjoy every minute of your adventure. Image via Flickr by _joshuaBENTLEY under use of CC BY-ND 2.0