Toyota now

[Rattler]

With all the driving my wife does ('04 Ford Escape, 180k+, very few trouble but I don't think that will go on much longer), I would love to see her pick up a Corolla but she hates the look of them. She would throw rocks at me if I suggested a Prius. I would probably throw them at myself too as a matter of fact. Those things are hideous!

 

[Corey]

I am pro Toyota, so that is all I will drive, on my 5th one now.
This will pass for them quickly.

 

[Scott Brady]

Do you currently own a Toyota?

We have many in the fleet

 

[Martinjmpr]

Not worried a bit.

Couple of points:

First, when you're on top, people love to try and knock you down. Right now a lot of the domestic-lovers have been indulging in Toyota Schadenfruede and relishing every bad report. But when all is said and done, this is going to turn out to be a blip, a bump in the road.

Second, remember that the domestics didn't destroy their reputations and their market share with one bad vehicle or one bad batch of vehicles. They did it incrementally over decades with poorly designed, poorly built products, sleazy dealerships that went out of their way to deny legitimate warranty claims, and a general attitude that they "owned" a share of the market and therefore didn't have any responsibility to the customers that buy their products.

If anything, Toyota's pro-active recall stance is the exact opposite of the domestic approach to similar problems which is: deny, delay, obfuscate, and when all else fails, start waving the American flag.

Third, one reason Americans got so hostile towards the big 3 is because for years people bought American vehicles for emotional reasons. They say you can't really hate someone unless you once loved them, and I think this was the attitude of many former buyers of domestic vehicles.

After all, why do people buy a Chevy? Or a Dodge? Or a Ford? Well, people buy a Chevy because everyone knows Fords are junk. And people buy a Ford because their daddy bought Fords, and his daddy bought Fords and his daddy bought Fords. People buy Dodges because they make the hottest muscle cars, and besides, Chevy and Ford suck, right?

On the other hand, why does a person buy a Honda? Why does a person buy a Subaru or a Toyota? They buy them because the vehicles are reliable, comfortable, and well made - IOW, completely logical, left-brain reasons. People may love their Toyotas (I've loved all of mine) but it's not the same kind of burning, first-teenage-love affection that people feel towards the domestic brands.

But when that love turned to anger and then hate, it manifested itself in millions of former domestic buyers turning their backs on the domestic producers for good. And even the old patriotic, flag-waving, "buy American" pitch didn't carry much weight after all of the "import" brands started building North American market cars here in North America.

So ultimately I don't think this is going to damage Toyota's rep in the US. Actually, I think Toyotas have become somewhat overvalued in the market (try comparing the price for a 1997 4runner and a 1997 Trooper or Montero - vehicles that are nearly equal in capability, build quality and reputation, and you'll see what I mean.) So in a way this could benefit Toyota by making them more affordable in the long run.

And as to who will benefit from Toyota's fall from grace, it sure as hell won't be the domestics. Most likely it will be the likes of Honda and Subaru, and also the "lesser" import brands like Nissan and the up-and-coming Korean brands like Kia and Hyundai.

 

[Scott Brady]

I am convinced that this issue is 90% consumer incompetence. Remember the surging issues with Audi, that many years later were proven to be the consumer? Toyota makes a lot of cars - huge volumes. Much greater opportunity for the worst variables to coincide.

I have been driving, abusing, racing and modifying Toyotas for a long time now. They make an absolutely safe and superior quality product. This is always the case when someone rises to the top. Americans love the underdog and are quick to slaughter those who have been at the top too long - that is a fact.

I do not currently drive a Toyota because their current products do not turn me on. I have a test scheduled for the new 4Runner- I like that truck.

Overland Journal has an FJ-40, FJ-60, 2nd Gen and Tacoma in the motor pool (i.e., owned by employees or members and accessorized by Overland Journal).

I have owned a 4-Runner, SFA Truck, FJ-40, FJ-60 and a 2004 Tacoma.

Like I said. The culture of Toyota is exceptional. I have had the great pleasure of working closely with that company from the manufacturing side. They will rise above this because they are driven to make the best quality cars possible.

 

[EricBirk]

I worked for Ford and saw how they handle recalls... Let alone just their vehicles, and they jsut dont compare. Mind you this was a few years ago now, and "apparently" they have gotten better. Dont even get me started on Chev, they ******** around for years, then decide to turn things around after they get bailed out...
Toyota has had some issues in the last few months and they are dealing with them quite well.

Yes this is a HUGE bump in the road for them, and I hope that they people behind the screen @ Toyota will see this and realize that they need to bump up the quality again. Right now I am in the process of picking up an '02 DCab Taco and have absolutely no doubts that it is the right truck for me, there isnt anything else that even comes close.

 

[Larry]

I am not concerned at all. I would love to have a new Tacoma, FJ or Venza tomorrow. This entire mess has much more to do about politics and the media have a story rather than automotive safety. Unfortunately, the general public isn’t smart enough to separate the straw from the manure to see that.

I work for an automotive manufacturer (not Toyota) and just feel Toyota is getting totally screwed with this debacle. I am not saying Toyota may not have issues….ALL manufacturers have issues and not forthcoming with these issues until they absolutley have to.

Watch the hearings on C-SPAN live if you have time…. http://www.c-span.org/Watch/C-SPAN3.aspx

 

[Viggen]

If Toyota had a press release announcing a 4 cyl. diesel crewcab Hilux straight-axle f&r 4x4 with only PW, PL, cruise & air I would be at the dealer ordering.

You and about 5 other people. Besides, that would kill the sales of their FJ and they wouldnt do that. Then the other 4 would walk away because the cost would be astronomical. I would love something like a Tacoma 4 door with TRD package but Ill be damned if I pay $22k for a truck with 40k+ miles on it. This will possibly make them more affordable. I was looking at the new 4Runners with a buddy of mine who was looking into buying one. We ended up walking out because their base SR5 was starting at $34k.

I think that this is just a hiccup and theyll come back. People love their Toyotas and will still buy them. VW products are plagued with electrical and mechanical issues (trust mean, I have personal experience with 4 VAG products) that people know about but they still buy them.

 

[Wonderland]

and let us not forget explosions and fire upon a rear end collision....that was back in the day, if your long enough in yer tooth to remember that one!

That still happens.

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-85942092.html/':

 

[Wonderland]

I do not currently drive a Toyota because their current products do not turn me on.

.

That is biggest grip from "core" Toyota guys. Me included.

I just need to buy a stock pile of 01-04 Tacoma's...:elkgrin:

Or figure out how to get a HiLux or a 70 Series here. I see Mexico plated NEW Hiluxes often, there is even one in my neighborhood.

 

[Mr. Leary]

I can even recall several years back of another company's problem with sudden acceleration. There's also been bad tires, rollover problems, and let us not forget explosions and fire upon a rear end collision....that was back in the day, if your long enough in yer tooth to remember that one!

Talked about that in my Marketing class. How many people have to die before it becomes a "problem." In the past with the domestic manufacturers, it has been a few hundred or a few thousand, and even then, blame was finally shared after bitter court battles. In Toyota's recent case, 6 deaths, 100 incidents, out of 20 million cars. Problem is, Toyota knew about the "problem," fixed in their factories, but did not tell their customers who were driving the problem cars. The media did, and they did so with scare tactics and all the "no news like bad news" gusto that so typical of today. Toyota customers feel lied to, and they have been.

This is where the cultural aspect comes in. I have no doubt that the corporate giants of Toyota are good people and would like to fix every one of the cars that have faulty components. Problem is, things are just not done like that in Japan. You NEVER question your superior's authority. If you fail at something, you do NOT go waving it around in public, for fear of dishonoring the organization. When you combine the two, you get what has happened here, but on American soil, where everyone lives in bubbles. Safety is always a hot topic, and so is the blame game. Everyone wants to blame somebody else for their problems. I mean, go out and ask someone who recently got in a car accident if it was their fault. I'm sure you will find that at least 95% of them have someone to blame. Enter Toyota who has let QC slip, at a huge scope. Disaster.

Bump in the road... I think it will be more than that. I think heads need to roll in order for Toyota to regain its image. One happy customer tells five people, one upset customer tells twenty people.

Toyota's corporate culture of secrecy has to change if they hope to continue massive operations here in the U.S. Toyota will have to find ways to re-assert its image of quality on the mind of the American (and European) consumer.

I hope Toyota makes a swift recover here, for a number of reasons. I am a Toyota guy, so I'm rootin' for 'em. I also think the recovering American economy can ill afford another auto manufacturer laying of workers after production grinds to a halt.

My words to the American public and Congress, and Government Motors. "Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it." Toyota IS big enough operate solely outside of the U.S. I don't think it has ever crossed anyone's mind, and Toyota would hurt badly for it, but the biggest bargaining chip you can have is the ability to walk away... and they can. If things get too ugly they may end up pulling a large section of their product offering from the U.S.



Martinjmpr, I think you summed it up well.


Another recent develpment, Honda is now the largest engine manufacturer in the world, and if you watch Hyundai commercials, they are making a serious grab for market share that has always been Toyota's bread and butter.

 

[Larry]

That is biggest grip from "core" Toyota guys. Me included.

I just need to buy a stock pile of 01-04 Tacoma's...:elkgrin:

Or figure out how to get a HiLux or a 70 Series here. I see Mexico plated NEW Hiluxes often, there is even one in my neighborhood.

Hey, it could be worse! You could be a loyal GM guy like me and have ABSOLUTELY nothing available in GM’s the new product stable that is worth two cents (especially 4wd’s). I can only lust over new Toyota’s offerings, Dodge Rams and Jeeps or keep building old GM’s.

My only grip with the 2005 and later Tacomas is the standard equipment electronic shift transfercase. I hate that crap but see no reason why an FJ tcase couldn’t be swapped in. That might be my next project.

I agree with the 01-04 Taco's. Those are my favs!

 

[Wonderland]

My only grip with the 2005 and later Tacomas is the standard equipment electronic shift transfercase. I hate that crap but see no reason why an FJ tcase couldn’t be swapped in. That might be my next project.

That and they should have a V8, or at least that new V6 that the 4Runner received.

4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve EFI dual independent VVT-i V6 270 hp @ 5600 rpm/278 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

Or a diesel, of course I am dreaming now...since why I own a first generation Tacoma, I have been eyeballing the first generation Tundra's with the 4.7 V8, but no manual transmission, damn!:smiley_drive:

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

My Toyota story...

I will be a loyal Toyota customer for life despite of all of the current events and this is why.

I owned a 1990 Toyota p/u (V6) and got 225,000 miles on it. As some of you know there was a problem with the head gaskets blowing on these v6s due to the incompatible metals used in this early design. Anyway, head gasket blew in 1994 and cost $1300 to repair it. In 1996, I had a Toyota exec. as a patient in my dental practice, and he told me to submit the receipt for the repair done in 1994. 6 weeks later, I got a check for the entire amount with an apology from the regional manager. Totally exceeded my expectations about customer service. Needless to say, all of the vehicles in our family are all Toyotas and will remain that way for good. I don't think that you would find a story like this from any of the big 3.

The only problem is that these vehicles last so long, I will not be looking for a replacement for a long time...:victory:

Regards,

BWJ

 

[Wonderland]

Overland Journal has an FJ-40, FJ-60, 2nd Gen and Tacoma in the motor pool (i.e., owned by employees or members and accessorized by Overland Journal).

That is only supporting the parts department, I am guilty of that too. I am not there very often though!

Would be nice to support the company with buying a new vehicle, but like you said the current models aren't that exciting for the Overland crowd.