15th Aug 2011, 14:43

I think we can all agree on one thing, and that is that there are people who love Fords and Chevys, and people who like Toyotas and Hondas. They drive them for various reasons. Trying to convince others not to drive or buy what they like is a waste of time. Nobody is going to change their minds, and throwing in negative comments about such and such brand will only strengthen the resolve of those who buy and enjoy those products.

So if you're a import-hater... then stop posting anti-import comments on Toyota reviews.

If you don't like domestic cars... then don't post anti-domestic comments on those reviews.

Its really simple. Everyone has heard their fair share of back and forth arguments, and hardly any are original or constructive.

Let the products - regardless of where they come from - speak for themselves.

15th Aug 2011, 20:12

It's easy to check the facts on most of the Toyota comments that (correctly) point out flaws in the "imports can do no wrong myth".

First of all, you'd have to be living on Mars for the past two years to not be aware of the 22 million+ recalls, three Grand Jury subpoenas and countless newspaper articles regarding tons of defects in Toyota and Lexus.

In addition, just looking at the 2006 Camry reviews on this site alone should also be enlightening. The vast majority won't be buying another Toyota.

Going to Google and typing in "Toyota engine problems" will keep you in reading for quite a long time.

Then you can check out Motor Trend's compact car comparison test and read what they had to say about the antiquated Corolla (and it isn't good, the car finished dead last).

Or you can check out the last month's issue of Car and Driver where they rate the Ford Focus ahead of ALL compacts, and don't even bother to look at the Corolla.

Or perhaps you might want to look up the comparison of compacts done by a family chosen by USA Today to rate compacts. They OWNED a Toyota, and still rated the Hyundai Elantra 1st.

It is not "hating Toyota" to confront some of the blatant myths that seem to surround these cars. There are so many sources out there pointing out the flaws in these vehicles that they can't be perfect. Promoting a myth just because you have owned a Toyota that made over 100,000 miles does a great disservice to car buyers looking for facts in helping them make a decision. Simply saying "My mind is made up and nothing will ever change it" is not a very realistic way to look at the world. Facts change every day. Toyota was once the world's best selling car (which still didn't mean it was the BEST), but it no longer is. Now both GM and VW outsell Toyota worldwide.

16th Aug 2011, 10:35

Again - nobody on here is about the change their minds in regards to what they drive or whether what they drive is good or bad, just because they read something on a car review site. End of story.

17th Aug 2011, 06:48

You have some valid points, but still you are not hitting the target. Regarding the recalls; manufacturers have different policies related to this. As a previous Ford owner I know this, since my Ford Focus was in a production series with a known serious brake defect where the ABS/traction control unit can fail at any time. I actually demanded that Ford changing this unit, especially since the cost is in the $2,500 region for this unit. The Ford representative said there was no way they would cover any repair like this, unless I took them to court, and that was the last of it.

So I actually think it's reassuring that Toyota are doing recalls, even for minor things like a loose floor mat. To me that tells me that Toyota is taking safety seriously, unlike Ford that doesn't do recalls even for know, serious defects. Talking about loose door mats, I actually had one in my Focus too, since both mountings for the driver side mat are made of flimsy plastics. I asked Ford to cover that too, but they claimed I broke those myself.

Relating to what you can read on the Internet: Internet is quickly becoming a junk yard of information where you simply can find any fact that will support your point of view. Toyota sells tens of millions of vehicles worldwide, so finding someone that are unhappy should be easy. But that really doesn't tell you anything.

Hard statistics from sources like JD Power is more interesting, as well as personal experiences from people actually owning a Camry (and not people claiming that they own one, bad mouthing everything from Toyota and Honda).

17th Aug 2011, 09:54

There were less than 1.5 million Camrys sold in America last year. I wish I knew of this site before I bought my high end Honda, as I would never bought mine; reviews loaded with similar trans failures. If you buy blindly, it's pretty much what you deserve. Sure, my 90, 92 and 95 Hondas were great. The ones after really dropped in quality for us.

17th Aug 2011, 16:20

And again - nobody on here is trying to convince others to change their minds, if you prefer to drive Toyota. The whole point that everybody is missing is that Toyota nowadays has it's share of technical problems. I just don't understand why this is so confusing.

17th Aug 2011, 18:06

I have worked for Ford, and have never known them to refuse to repair any safety defect or for that matter ANY defect in their cars.

We had one customer who was told emphatically that if he did certain modifications to his new truck, it would void the warranty. He did it anyway, had trouble, and Ford fixed it free of charge. Their reasoning was "Our customers are important. We take care of them." That was the attitude I saw all the time I was employed by Ford. It was one reason I now drive Fords. Ford recalls vehicles voluntarily for ANYTHING that might possibly go wrong. They don't wait for a Grand Jury to make them.

One of my personal Ford vehicles was recalled at 105,000 miles for a POSSIBLY defective ignition part that was not remotely involved in the safe operation of the car. I was told that if I had already had a problem with that part, Ford would reimburse me not only for the repair bill, but for towing, rental car expense and food or lodging required by the failed part on a trip. I had not had any problems, but I took the car to a Ford dealer, and in 15 minutes they had installed the part at no charge and I was on my way. That on a car with 105,000 miles on it.

About the same time I got a another recall notice from Ford for the same car. It was for a piece of interior trim that MIGHT warp in the hot Sun. Mine hadn't, and I ignored that recall notice. Just try to imagine any Japanese car company recalling a car AT THEIR EXPENSE that had over 100,000 miles on it. Not without a court order.

When I see people pointing to lots of recalls for domestics, it is obvious that they are not aware of the policy of domestic auto makers. The Big Three recall cars VOLUNTARILY for ANY DEFECT. Japanese car companies recall only under threat of legal action and only for safety-related issues. Without legal intervention, Toyota would never have recalled 22 million defective vehicles, and hundreds of people would still be risking their lives driving them.

Any time I see a comment that Ford does not honor their warranty or make necessary recalls, I am pretty certain there is far more to the story than is being told. If a driver abuses and damages a vehicle, then no, the manufacturer should NOT be required to fix it. If I smash a headlight out hitting a tree, I certainly don't expect it to be fixed under warranty or recalled, whether the car is a domestic or an import.