We're still a ways away from knowing just how much the whole unintended-acceleration fiasco -- and the varied and numerous recalls that came in its wake -- cost Toyota in terms of cash.

What we do know is that the whole situation most certainly contributed to the world's largest automaker falling off as top brand for customer loyalty. According to Consumer Reports' National Research Center, Toyota has ceded that spot to another Japanese carmaker -- Honda -- and Ford, the sole domestic automaker that chose not to take federal bailout money. (Consumer Reports' research was conducted via 1,074 phone interviews of adults whose household accounted for at least one vehicle; the interviews were conducted among a representative probability sample of households.) 

Owners of a new Subaru Legacy or Outback might need to factor in some time for a trip to the dealership soon: About 29,000 vehicles are being recalled because of possible cracking in the cooler hose of the continuously variable transmission system. The crack could lead to a fluid leak, and while the company has thus far failed to explain the consequences of such a leak, a piece in Consumer Reports has said that a high-pressure hose leak might lead to a fire. 

Perhaps the most important vehicle to be launched by Chrysler this year, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, will start at a price that's a shade less than $33,000 for a four-wheel-drive model. The base model with two-wheel drive is $30,995.

This Jeep, shown in concept form for more than a year, is critical to refreshing the Detroit automaker's aging lineup and generating some much-needed product mojo.

The Grand Cherokee arrives in June and will be joined by updated versions of the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 300 later this year. These vehicles, along with the well-received Ram and the soon-to-be-refreshed Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring (or whatever it will be called), will form the basis of Chrysler's revitalization efforts.

 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has taken time from petitioning the government to mandate anti-lock brakes on motorcycles in order to hand out its Top Safety Pick awards to two large luxury sedans: the 2010 Hyundai Genesis and the 2010 Mercedes E-Class.

The IIHS takes into account front, side, rollover and rear crash protection ratings; vehicles must receive top marks in all four. In addition, the vehicles must have electronic stability control, which is a standard feature on both the Genesis and the E-Class. 

The European Union has taken a hard line against carbon dioxide emissions over the past few years, and according to one new study, the work is beginning to pay off. A Jato Dynamics report says that over the past six years, total CO2 emissions have dropped by as much as 12 percent in Europe. That’s a significant downturn in greenhouse gases, especially when you consider that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, from 2005 to 2008 the United States saw CO2 emissions from fossil fuel consumption in transportation grow by 6 percent. (U.S. data are not readily available for 2003-2009.) 

How do you say "Oops?" in Swedish?

That must have been what the PR folks at Volvo were thinking after trying to demonstrate to the media the company's collision-avoidance system, which uses forward-looking sensors to automatically slow a car before impact if the system reads that the brakes are not being applied correctly. They launched an SC60 out of a safety tunnel at 30 mph, piloted by only a safety dummy, aimed directly at the back of a parked truck.

Any guesses as to how the test turned out? Take a look for yourself, after the jump. 

We love how BMW describes the M3 GTS: perfect for the track yet “officially road legal.” How’s that for a wink and a nod? That’s OK. We can all grin.

 

Because the M3 GTS, the most powerful version of the M3 coupe, can hit 62 mph in 4.4 seconds and peaks at a top speed of 189.5 mph, according to figures released on Wednesday from Munich.

The M3 GTS is the race-bred version of the iconic two-door that makes about 450 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque from a high-revving V8 boosted from 3,999 cc to 4,361 cc. The cylinders are banked at 90 degrees, and BMW is billing this engine as V8 technology at its best. It’s hard to disagree.

 

Insurance.com has listed its top 10 most dangerous U.S. cities for drivers -- but I don't buy it. Check out the list:

1. Baltimore, Maryland
2. Johnstown, Pa.
3. Portland, Maine
4. Des Moines, Iowa
5. Erie, Pa.
6. Bangor, Maine
7. Birmingham, Ala.
8. Austin, Texas
9. Manchester, N.H.
10. Lincoln, Neb.