Toyota changes over the years

[edwardh1]

Comparing 1994 Camry with 2004 Highlander (I like my Highlander a lot, but I think Toyota has cheapened the product)– build differences to me are:

1. Factory Front Floor mats – weigh 3.5 pounds each in the 94. Weigh 2.25 pounds in the 04 – very thin in the 04.
2. Rear view mirror is on a metal post on the 94. It is glued onto the W/S in the 04. Will probably fall off in 5 years.
3. Gas cap only has two lugs on it such that to put it in the door holder, you have to line up the two lugs with the holder(dumb) the 1994 gas cap fits in the holder any which way. Toyota probably saved all of 10 cents on this one.
4. Fuel release lever is 1/2 the size of the 94 (smaller on 2040)
5. Passenger side window switches are smaller.
6. I did not have a keyless remote in the 1994 but the 2004 remote is very sensitive, when I put it in my pocket it frequently beeps the lock or unlock function. Toyota screwed that up – very little button movement will set it off. My mom’s Buick you have to push it down almost 1/8 inch. Least the Toy has a chirp noise – the Buick and most Fords blow the horn. Bad in a city.
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[peid]

Originally Posted by edwardh1

1. Factory Front Floor mats – weigh 3.5 pounds each in the 94. Weigh 2.25 pounds in the 04 – very thin in the 04.

Maybe you have 1.25 pounds of dirt in your 94 Camry mats?

[Brklyndriver]

Lets not forget that the bumpers are easyer to dent and the paint very easy to scratch. (As for all japanese recent made cars)

[TundrastruckDave]

Originally Posted by Brklyndriver

Lets not forget that the bumpers are easyer to dent and the paint very easy to scratch. (As for all japanese recent made cars)

I kinda think that's pretty much the standard for all auto makers now-a-days...

Athough... it sure is good to know... Toyota/Lexus STILL hold the top spot for RELIABILITY ratings!

[Brklyndriver]

Originally Posted by TundrastruckDave

Athough... it sure is good to know... Toyota/Lexus STILL hold the top spot for RELIABILITY ratings!

Can't argue with that.

[tomhan]

You're comparing cars that are 10 years apart. I agree, my 1997 Camry was without question the best built, most reliable car that I have ever owned, and I have owned many cars in my 53 years. The body metal was of a thicker guage, the door seals were interlocking which made the car quieter than the Highlander. I drove it for 7.5 years and never had an issue. But Toyota is on par with all the other manufacturers and constantly fights rising labor and materials costs. Considering the degree of inflation that has occured in the past 10 years I think it is amazing that Toyota can offer the degree of quality features at this price point. Look at the advancements in technology that have taken place. Todays cars are far more complex in comparison. My Highlander is some 1200 lbs heavier than the Camry, has a larger V6 engine and carries a larger payload, yet it yields roughly the same gas mileage. It also polutes far less than the Camry. All automobiles have plastic bumpers these days because manufactures have strict mandates for continuously improving fuel comsumption. Steel adds weight. All cars have paint that is easier to chip and scratch because EPA regulations require the manufactures to use water based paints.
I think all the manufacturers and Toyota in particular are performing pretty darn good considering the tremendous obsticles that have to be overcome. Just my .02

[Buzzard]

Originally Posted by Brklyndriver

Lets not forget that the bumpers are easyer to dent

I burnt up 4 drill bits trying to drill a hole in a 46 Ford bumper--- a couple of years ago ----Buzz