Innovative automaker Toyota won't put up with its overweight vehicles any longer; it's time for a diet. Though new powertrain developments like Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive have increased fuel efficiency, these technologies can only impact it so much, as reducing a vehicle's weight is a huge part of seeing increasing in fuel economy.

Edmunds.com andParents magazine have joined forces for the fifth consecutive year to craft their annual list of Best Family Cars. This year's 2012 model picks are certainly impressive, especially when it comes to the Toyota models that are listed!

Here at Toyota of Charleston, located at 2100 Savannah Hwy Charleston, SC 29414, we've talked a lot about Toyota happenings, new models, concepts, and initiatives, but we also have to think about our other new inventory: Scion vehicles. If you don't know much about Scion, it's Toyota's youthful brand that was constructed in 2002 to build fuel-efficient, "purely-priced," vehicles with funky designs and a whole lot of personality.

With the price of gas staying high, hybrid models are becoming more popular among dollar-conscious consumers. However, with emerging technologies (like hybrid power) comes an increased price. While the Toyota Prius family is affordable for most, Toyota decided to offer an even more cost-efficient vehicle to its drivers- the 2012 Toyota Yaris, which starts under or around $15k for the 3-door. The SE 5-door hatchback starts right at $18k.

Like the rest of us, you've probably been hearing a lot about the amazing Toyota Prius for several years now. What you might not have heard about is one of the newest Prius Models, the Toyota Prius v. The 2012 Toyota Prius v is a family-friendly version of the original Prius. It has more legroom and cargo space, making it the perfect choice for busy families with lots of "stuff." The v's fuel economy is only slightly diminished compared to the standard Prius. It still gets an impressive 44 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the…