Fort's Toyota of Pekin

CNET test drives the new Prius Plug-in.

2011-09-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a good article about the new Prius plug-in.

Toyota's for less.
Fort's Toyota of Pekin

Once again Toyota Camry is named "Most American Made" car sold in the US.

2011-04-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a website that lists details on Toyota's US production and employement numbers. The Toyota Camry is the number 1 car sold in the US when in comes to domestic content. Click here for the website www.whatisanamericancar.com. Toyota's for less. Fort's Toyota of Pekin

Scion Giveaway

2011-03-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

This is the actual Scion we are giving away. You can see it at St. Josephs Church right now.

Win a 2011 Scion Tc and Help St. Josephs School

2011-03-03T09:58:00.000-08:00

Win a brand new car!

Only 1000 tickets to be sold!

Forts Toyota-Scion of Pekin has donated a brand new 2011 Scion TC to St. Josephs Elementary School in Pekin.

Tickets are 50.00 each.

Drawing will be held, Friday, May 13th
See Eric Stahl, Pat Fort, Jim Olt or Chris Durand for tickets

Official rules: Ticket must be in one name only, must be 18 years old to participate, make checks available to St. Joseph School.

“St. Joseph School, following the mission of Christ were we learn our faith, live our faith and prepare for the future.”

NASA says no problesm found in Toyota electronics

2011-02-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

One year after Toyota was forced into the largest automobile recall in history NASA has announced that they were not able to find any problems in Toyota's electronic throttle control system. Click here for the article

Ford spokesman Mike Rowe from the Discovery channel's Dirty Jobs talks about what kind of car he drives.

2010-12-09T08:03:00.000-08:00

Every time you turn a TV on you see Mike Rowe talking about Ford and more recently pretending like he is talking Toyota owners into trading their Toyota's in on a Ford. Below there is a link to a Discover channel interview where he fielded questions from fans. The second to last question on the page they ask Mike what kind of car he drives. Read his answer. Click here for the interview.

Fort's Toyota of Pekin
Just South of I474 on Rt 29

Consumer reports finds that recalls did not hurt Toyota reliablity

2010-10-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Toyota win's four segments for most reliable vehicle and has more non-luxury segments than any other manufacture. Click here to see the article.

Fort's Toyota of Pekin
Just south of I474 on Rt 29

Tacoma with over 500hp to be shown at SEMA.

2010-10-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

TRD (Toyota Racing Development) used all off the shelf parts to make a 2011 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner into a 500 hp monster. Click here to read the whole article on Truck Trends.

Fort's Toyota of Pekin
Toyota's for Less!!!

Toyota announces 6 new hybrid and electric models coming soon!!!

2010-09-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

Toyota has just announced it will be launch 6 new hybrid and electric models in the US. Click here to read the article from CNN.

Toyota's for Less
Fort's Toyota of Pekin
Just south of Peoria off I474 on Rt29

Customers Win at Fort's Toyota!

2010-08-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

Don't believe anybody ever wins those contests we advertise on our service coupons??? People really do! And we have proof! Just ask Vicki Shields.

If you are one of our regular service customers... Then you are familiar with the mailers and coupons books that we send out every 2 months or so. This summer, Toyota advertised contests ranging from a free Prius, a vacation or up to $5000 in dealership credit.

Vicki entered one of those contests at the dealership when she was in for service to her car. A few weeks later, we were happy to hear that Toyota's Chicago region had picked her for a 500.00 prize.

Congratulations to Vicki! Thank you for entrusting Fort's to maintain your Toyota!

Toyota reviews trademark on Supra name.

2010-07-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

For the first time since its trademark lapsed in 2006 Toyota renewed trademark name on the Supra. Click here for the Car and Drive article.

Fort's Toyota of Pekin
Toyota's for less!!!

Forbes posts article about the media avoiding the facts in the Toyota recall

2010-07-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

Forbes just posted an article about how the media wouldn't let the facts get in the way of a good anti-Toyota story. Click here to view the article.

Fort's Toyota of Pekin
Toyota's for less!!!

Article from the Huffington Post about NHTSA findings on UIA in Toyota vehilces

2010-07-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

The Huffington Post just released this article about the Toyota recall. In this article the reporter from WSJ states that his contact at the NHTSA told him that they had found that 100% of the vehicles they have tested were free of defects and that driver error was to blame in all of the accidents. Click here to view this article.

Fort's Toyota of Pekin
Your Toyota Truck dealer

Businessweek reports that Toyota and Tesla are working on an electric RAV4

2010-07-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Businessweek is reporting that Toyota and Tesla are working together on a electric RAV4 prototype. Click here for the article.

Toyota's for less
Fort's Toyota of Pekin

Hybrid sports car rumors circulating

2010-07-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

Several internet auto blogs have began to circulate rumors that Toyota has revived its previously delayed plans to produce a hybrid sports car. One website even talked about bringing back two discontinued names: Supra and MR2. Here is the link to the article.

Please remember so far these are just rumors. None of this has been confirmed or denied by Toyota yet.

Fort's Toyota of Pekin
Central Illinois Toyota Truck Dealer

Toyota wins more JD Power Initial Quality awards in 2010 than any other manufacture!

2010-06-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Toyota won a total of 6 JD Power Initial Quality Segmant awards for 2010. More than any other manufacture. Click here for the press release.

Fort's Toyota of Pekin
Toyota's for less!!

2011 Toyota Sienna Fort's Toyota of Pekin

2010-05-20T08:36:00.001-07:00

We are easy to find from Peoria or Bloomington. Just south of I474 on IL RT 29.

WEEK Channel 25 story on Toyota Sales

2010-05-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

Click here for the story

Tundra Deconstructed Part III

2010-03-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

Fort's Toyota of Pekin

We are proud to be your Peoria area Toyota Truck dealer.
Fort's Toyota of Pekin

Ed Wallace compares the Toyota scare to the swine flu scare in his article "How Toyota Can Hurt the Media"

2010-03-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

Click here for the article

JD Power says Toyota won more segments than any other manufacture in 2010

2010-03-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

Click here for the article on CNN

Tundra Deconstructed Part II

2010-03-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Fort's Toyota of Pekin brings you Tundra deconstructed Part II

Proving why Tunda is better that Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F150.

Motor Trend ranks the Camry #1!!!

2010-03-16T09:04:00.001-07:00

Despite competing against some newly remodeled competitors, Motor Trend ranks the Camry number one 1 in a head to head comparison against 7 other midside cars. Click here for the full article.

Tundra Deconstructed Part I

2010-03-14T15:41:00.000-07:00

Fort's is you Peoria and Bloomington area Toyota Tundra dealer.

Forbes posted this article about the most recent out of control Prius hoax in California

2010-03-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

Toyota Hybrid Horror Hoax Click here

Fox news article about man who claimed he had a runaway Prius

2010-03-12T10:50:00.000-08:00

Truth starts to come out about runaway Prius. Click Here

Corolla Commercial from ?

2010-03-12T07:15:00.000-08:00

5 Reasons that the time to buy a Toyota is NOW!!

2010-03-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

Article on Yahoo finance about the 5 reasons why you should buy a Toyota. Click here.

Business week article Toyota Witch Hunt

2010-02-26T08:38:00.000-08:00

This is a MUST READ article for anyone that has any concern about the safety of a Toyota. Click here for the article.

Ben Weaver talks with the Peoria Journal Star about the weather.

2010-02-23T07:40:00.001-08:00

Click here for the article

4 Toyota's make top 10 list for Most American cars. Camry is #1 on list!!!

2010-02-22T19:56:00.001-08:00

Cars.com has listed 4 Toyota models in thier top 10 list for most American cars. The Camry ranked number 1. Click here to see the list.

Good article about the recall

2010-02-20T07:55:00.000-08:00

Click here to read Obama vs Toyota the California Connection

More proof that the Toyota recall was more politics that safety.

2010-02-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

How to kill a Toyota.

2010-02-18T15:55:00.000-08:00

2011 Toyota Sienna KBB video

2010-02-18T08:33:00.000-08:00

Edmunds releases statistics from NHTSA on consumer complaints

2010-02-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

Click here to view the Edmunds.com complied complaint statistics from the NHTSA

Business Week article about the Toyota recall

2010-02-15T13:47:00.001-08:00

This is a must read article about the Toyota recall. Anyone in worried about the resale value of their Toyota should read the last page of this article! CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

New video on Camry recall

2010-02-13T10:31:00.000-08:00

President of Autotrader talks about the Toyota brand on CNN

2010-02-10T14:26:00.000-08:00

Great article in the Journal Star about recalls

2010-02-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

Peoria Journal Star Click here

Director of automotive testing from Consumer Reports is quoted in this article about the recall

2010-02-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some quotes from this article made by the director of automotive testing at Consumer Reports

"David Champion, director of automobile testing for Consumer Reports magazine, said the reaction to the recall was overblown."

"a congressional investigation was an "overreaction" and noted that the "sticky" pedal problem that caused Toyota to halt production and sales of eight models last month was not linked to any accidents or injuries."

Here is a link to the full article.

Car and Drive article on the accelerator recall

2010-02-05T15:56:00.001-08:00

Click here for the Car and Driver article

Accelerator being repaired at Fort's Toyota of Pekin

2010-02-05T15:45:00.001-08:00

Here is an interesting article that was emailed to us by one of our customers

2010-02-04T07:46:00.000-08:00

US Government attacks Toyota

Toyota has just announced that NHTSA has approved the repair on the CTS accelorator pedals.

2010-02-01T16:53:00.000-08:00

He is the official news-press release from Toyota. We have also added a toll free hotline for Central Illinois owners to call with questions and to schedule their repairs as soon as the parts become available. The hotline number is: 1-877-308-8958.

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-announces-comprehensive-153311.aspx

Important info on Toyota recall

2010-01-28T11:00:00.001-08:00

Info on the recent Toyota recall

2010-01-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

Effective immediately Toyota has put a stop sale and recall on several domestically built models:
2009-2010 Toyota Rav4
2009-2010 Toyota Corolla
2009-2010 Toyota Matrix
2005-2010 Toyota Avalon
Certain 2007-2010 Toyota Camry
2010 Highlander
2007-2010 Tundra
2008-2010 Sequoia

This recall is for domestic built vehicles only. The way to tell if your vehicle was domestic built is to simply look at your VIN number on your vehicle. If your VIN numbers start with a "J" it was built in Japan and is not included in the recall. Most RAV4 and Highlanders should not be included in the recall because the majority of them have been built in Japan until just recently.

Certain 2007-2010 Camry's have a Denso pedal. These cars are not included in this recall. The Denso petals are made in Japan and are not affected. All of the vehicles in this recall have a "CTS" pedal. The "CTS" pedals are made by CTS corp in Indiana. The way to check your vehicle for the "CTS" pedal is to first look at the VIN number. If your 2007-2010 Camry has a VIN number that begins with "4T4" it has a CTS pedal and is involved in the recall. If your VIN number begins with "4T1" in may or may not have the CTS pedal and needs to be inspected by a Toyota dealer.

All vehicles that are involved in this recall will need to have their CTS pedals modified. Toyota has currently developed a fix for this problem and is waiting for the NHTSA to approve it. Toyota expects the NHTSA to approve this fix within the next 48 hours. Upon approval Toyota expects to have the parts necessary to modify all of these vehicles at the dealers within 2-3 weeks.

I know that there are a lot of people concerned about the safety of their vehicles. I want you to know that most of our employees and their families drive Toyota vehicles and will continue to drive them while we wait for this repair. The likely hood of this accelerator problem happening in your vehicle is very very rare. If you do feel uncomfortable about driving your vehicle or notice accelerator problems please call us immediately at 309-382-4000. In the event that your accelerator would ever stick, the best way to stop your vehicle is to shift it into neutral.

2010-01-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

If your are thinking about a bike we now have several very nice Harley-Davidson motorcycles in our used car showroom. Call Ben Weaver for details. 309-382-4000.

Coupons are now available online!!!

2010-01-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

Click here to print coupons for use in our service department

Toys for Tots 2009

2009-12-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

Come in and bring a new unwrapped toy with a value of $10.00 or more and get a $12.95 oil change. All toys will be donated to Toys for Tots. (Excludes synthetic)

2009-11-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

First 2010 FJ Crusier Trail Team Edition has arrived. The 2010 FJ Cruiser is the first FJ to come with Dual VVT-i. This allows the vehicle to adjust both the intake and exhaust valve timing to optimize fuel economy and performance. The 2010 FJ can now run on regular 87 octane gas, has 19 more hp than 2007-2009 FJ's, and gets better gas mileage!!!

Stay Dry with our new service drive

2009-08-04T07:11:00.001-07:00

Today, the big storms came rolling in. (See the up-the-minute storm map on the right)

But, unlike the old days of coming to Fort's for service... Our customers stayed nice and dry!

With our new service drive, you can pull inside on a sunny day. Or, on days when its raining or snowing (Cant believe I am thinking about snow already) you can give a honk to the horn, and we will open the garage doors to let you drive in!

Below: Picture of the service drive this morning during the rain storm

Grand Opening this weekend!

2009-07-31T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Kurt Busch Camry is here! 2 Days only! Friday and Saturday.

Stop in and check out the new store... See the NASCAR gear and equipment brought in for the event... Have a Hot-dog on us!

Toyota of Pekin Grand Opening event prize

2009-07-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

To celebrate our grand opening at the new store... We will give Fort's customers a chance to win an authentic NASCAR run race tire.

But not just any tire...

Its a tire from the Kyle Busch M&M's Toyota.

More than that... This tire was used when Kyle won the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Shelby 427 in March of 2009.

If that were not enough! This tire was one of the 4 that were on the car when Kyle crossed the finish line! This tire was also part of Kyles famous smoke-show after winning that race.

We have a certificate of Authenticity from the race team that backs up all those facts.

Forts service customers will have a chance to win the tire with a 25.00 service or parts transaction. Or get an entry by taking a test drive in a new Toyota with our sales department.

Good luck!

News, Interesting Article and Video Ideas PLEASE!

2009-07-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

Lots of things are going on at Forts over the next month. Look for info on our upcoming Grand Opening event later this month.

Interesting article:

I was reading the Journal Star this weekend and found an article on do-it-yourself service.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ijCM-dEuoBHz-1Uztz1goJfS7A4QD999PKKG0

Now, I don't want to scare anyone from working on their own car. We are happy to try and help our customers when they have a question about doing something themselves... But, we all have to know our limits! There are many times I start to fix something for a customer... Only to realize that a technician needs to be involved before I break something!

Videos:

I need your feedback on what you would like to see videos of. If there is something that we do in service that you would like more details on... Please email me and let me know. Sometimes as employees of a dealership, we forget that not everyone knows what a CV Boot or Distributor is.

Drop me a line at service@toyota-pekin.com and let me know what you would like to see. Our crack team of videographers is waiting!

Installation of the Toyota Logo at the new store.

2009-07-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

One of the final touches to the new building! The "punch list" is coming to a close!

Finishing Touches

2009-06-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

We have lots to show off at the new store... The most recent of which is our the Toyota emblem on the new building front.

Stop by and check out the new store... See us in the new service drive-in area!

I've taken some videos... Look for that here in the next few days.

January 2009 Construction Update

2009-01-13T06:47:00.000-08:00

Toys for Tot's 2008

2008-12-15T19:52:00.000-08:00

Over the past few years... Fort's Service department has run a service promotion that is tied in with the Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tot's program.

The drive ended today, and we are very happy to show off the generous donations of our service customers.

Construction "Video" Update - October 2008

2008-10-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

The Store has come a long way since last months short video... Marvel as Eric shows off the new service entance and new car delivery area.

Renovation Update

2008-10-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

Concrete is finished up during construction of the new service entrance. Hopefully, we can get in there and take a video in the next few days.

In other news... Employees were discouraged from writing their names in the new floor. Bummer!

2008-09-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

Ground Breaking

2008-08-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

Over the past year, hardly a day has gone by that someone has not asked: "When are you guys moving?"

I am glad to announce that we are one step closer!

Over the past 2 weeks, work crews have been busy excavating the parking lot on the north side of the store. A footer has been laid that shows the outline of the new service area. Next, the sill will be place for pre-engineered walls.

I have recorded a few bits of video... Look for those REAL soon!

Anti-lock brakes on snow and ice

2008-02-12T08:44:00.000-08:00

We had a nice snow storm last week that created ideal conditions for sliding down the road... So, I took the opportunity to show you what the ABS controller does when you are stopping on a slick surface.

Winter car tips with Eric in Service

2007-12-31T07:37:00.000-08:00

Eric runs through some key areas of your car that will keep it running and driving smooth during these winter months.

Its a one man show here this time... So, if you have a weak stomach, or are afraid of roller coasters... You may want to look away.

2007-12-15T07:29:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder if a balloon can float in the snow? They do! (Though some of them look to be held up by frozen string!)

Winter weather is here... Next week, I will be posting a new video that will show some of the key inspection points that your car need this time of year. Check back soon!

2007 Tundra Clearance is here!

2007-11-13T13:52:00.000-08:00

Clearance pricing is now available on all remaining 2007 Tundra's. Rebates on remaining 07 Tundra's range from $2000-4000 and will add up to total savings of up to $6500 on certain Tundra models. Please act fast because popular models are selling out fast.

Service Vidcast #1 - Nitrogen Tire Service

2007-11-06T06:51:00.000-08:00

You've heard all the talk about inflating your tires with Nitrogen...

???Still don't know what its all about???

Check out our first service video. Its all about Nitrogen!

Also, the $50.00 gas card offer on the purchase of 4 new tires is still running. Get in before November 30th to be eligable.

Tire Promotion

2007-11-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

Though the end of November, if you buy 4 tires here at Fort's, you are eligible for a 50.00 gift card. (Its a VISA gift card)

Stop in, or call us on pricing for your Toyota car.

Remember, all tires purchased at Forts come with 2 years limited road-hazard and lifetime free rotation. (Some limitations apply, see Eric or Heather for details)

Message from the General Sales Manager

2007-10-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

Hurry, offer ends Wednesday, October 31st.

Welcome!

2007-10-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the new Fort's Toyota blog!

My name is Eric Stahl, I am one of the Service Representatives at the dealership. Soon, this blog will be the location for news and updates from the sales and service department.

From the service department, you can expect news about specials and promotions that Toyota is running... I will also try and keep informed about anything new going on in our area, or during the construction of the new building. In the near future, you might even see a vidcast showing off some new equipment.

Keep checking back!