[Go Flames Go]

I had a Toyota Cressida, it was my first car, before my Ford Ranger (which I bought new). I just recently bought a 5.7 crewmax. My Cressida was used, I bought it with 220,000km on it and drove it until it had 380,000km before I SOLD it (137,000 miles to 240,000 miles). I did not do any maintance; plus it was my first car, I beat the hell out of it. Then I bought my Ranger new. I liked it, hell, I still like it. But it had problems, it was missing bolts that hold the drivetrain to the body from the factory. As well as other problems. Thus I went back to Toyota.
Once I saw this thread I decided to do some research. I bought a subscription to Consumer Reports to analyze the difference between the domestics and the imports before I bought my Tundra. The differences CR found between Toyota and every other major truck manufactuer for the past 5 years was striking. Toyota vehicles were, and still are leagues ahead of the domestics in major mechanical categories. I think (hope) we would all agree that CR is independent and unbiased so to argue with these results would be a waste of time. CR is basing their reports on their own analysis of the vehicles and from surveys sent out to tens of thousands of people. There sample size is much greater than mine, or anyone elses on this forum. Currenlty, Toyota produces a superior product. There problems per 100 vehicles is under 10 and for mojor mechanical parts it is under 5. The domestics are currently in double digits for both categories. One thing the reports did show however, was the domestics are getting A LOT better; which is a positive sign. I as a Toyota owner (again) wold like nothing more than to see the "big" three rise again. It would mean more competition and thus better products for the consumer. Consumer reports may report 2 years from now that the domestics have reached a quality level that suprasses Toyota. Lastly there is consumer data; generally, the consumer will always buy what they percieve to be the best option. Again the numbers stand up; Toyota has overtaken GM.
The domestic manufacures have their work cut out. Their overall business models have become strained, to the point of bankruptcy. Now their number one priority will be to take back market share and try and get back to their feet. (I know someone is going to try and say that none of the big 3 are close to bankrupt; look at the stock trends, income statements, balance sheets, cashflows and write downs/buyouts) Over time Toyota my become complacent and GM/Ford… may once again overtake them. What I am saying is, brand loyalty to the point of buying a subpar product hurts no one but the purchaser. If Toyota slips, and keeps slipping, you will see a trend change back to the big three; I will be one of them. But right now Toyota is the 500 pound gorilla in the room that everyone else is trying to work around.