23rd Nov 2008, 12:30

OK, I guess I am not worth a nickel, because I do not agree with you.

And I thought not being "qualified" to make comments on this site was bad enough...

Again, you are just speculating, but providing no facts. If you have any knowledge of the subject, why don't YOU explain it instead of ASSUMING what others think?

For example, explain why so many Toyota engines are developing sludge and seizing due to improper thermodynamic design. Specifically, explain why measured data indicates temperature differentials between the head(s) and block in Toyota engines as high as 60-70, while the accepted industry design standard is between 10-15 degrees. It is known that high temperature differentials such as those in Toyota engines are known to cause sludge. If they followed proper design procedure, the problem could have been avoided.

Do you honestly still think all the accounts of Toyota engine failures on Consumer Affairs and the PARTIAL list of examples below on CarSurvey are made up?

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_6536.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_22516.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_21861.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_82050.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_85237.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_23139.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_23244.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_10591.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_25332.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_40999.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_33044.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_28023.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_15901.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_33248.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_73957.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_41126.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_70471.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_26098.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_37987.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_38217.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_67466.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_28054.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_107525.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_85094.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_21502.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_48643.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_49621.html

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_97335.html

I have just provided you with a specific design defect that has likely contributed to the many Toyota engine failures that have been occurring recently. I am still waiting for you to provide some specific facts on why Toyota engines are superior, not subjective media articles and pompous assertions that "everybody knows" (paraphrasing) your opinion is true.

I know all domestics are not perfect and I could cite you examples of domestic models with serious design flaws too. But, Toyota is no way the standard bearer for quality over domestics; they are quite the opposite in actuality. The percentage of Toyota's having SERIOUS problems (e.g., ENGINE FAILURES) far exceeds the percentage of domestics having similar problems. The only thing truly remarkable about Toyota, notwithstanding their major quality problems, is the cult following they have in light of these problems.

24th Nov 2008, 10:19

Really? I'm a mechanic with over 40 years of experience. I can assure you that there are basically NO differences between modern domestic engine designs and new Japanese engine designs except for the defects in Japanese engines that are so clearly detailed in comment 12:30.

Here again, we have to look at new models, not dwell on a minor problem someone had with a 20-year-old domestic with 200,000 miles on it. All modern engine designs are very similar. Any mechanical engineer worth a nickel will agree. All modern engines are basically the same, except that in some cases domestics (such as the one I drive) have more expensive, sturdy chains (or gears in some cases) driving the overhead cams instead of flimsy rubber belts such as those used by Toyota that break every 50,000 miles and require expensive repairs.

24th Nov 2008, 14:18

I spent all day Sunday at the SF international auto show. It's good to go to things like these because you can carefully look at and even sit in all the cars from all the manufacturers. I've never done this before, but it gave me a Birdseye view as to why the Big 3 are doing so badly. People arguing here should do the same. Here's what I observed:

I looked at the GM, Ford, and Chrysler brands. All-in-all, the quality, fit and finish, and design seemed fairly solid. I was able to spend a lot of time sitting inside the interiors, looking under the hood, and basically looking each and every car over very carefully. But what was interesting is that there were not many people at any of these manufacturers. There were a few - and most of these were older guys, looking at the New Mustang, Challenger, and Corvettes.

The situation was totally different at the Honda, Acura, Lexus, Audi, and VW sections. These places were overflowing with people. I had a hard time getting close to the cars in these sections. What was very clear was that these brands were much more appealing for some reason to younger adults and families.

After looking at all of the brands, what I can tell you from observation that the Big Three aren't getting and what many of the other brands get is that being 'good' simply isn't good enough anymore. While the interior and design of almost all of the Big three's cars and trucks were all-in-all good, with the one exception of the upper end Cadillacs, which were a step above, there was nothing that really stood out in the cars as being memorable. They were just that - plain and uninspiring. The other car makers took it just a few steps further with attention paid to small details like the interior materials, lighting, and gadgets. A GM car might have had a nice looking interior, but there were lots of places where corners had been cut. There wasn't a lot of texture or tactile qualities to their layouts. It was just there to hold door handles, switches, and so forth. But in brands like Honda, Infiniti, and Audi, there was careful attention paid to tactile touches.

The Big Three simply must come up with cars that are a step ahead of the others. As it is now, they just made so-so, uninspiring, uninteresting cars. If what I saw with the level of interest at this car show is any indicator, then the Big three need to pay attention.

24th Nov 2008, 15:52

While we are on the topic, add transmission issues, undersized brakes and remove the tailgate on Tundras. I have yet to see one comment from the import fanatic about consumeraffairs.com. Not one. They will jump over to a domestic comment immediately. If you claim perfection, then address the Tundra's engine, trans and undersized brakes. Better yet, look at today's comments on other Tundra owner's brake rotor issues... Has your Tundra been immune to all of these issues?

24th Nov 2008, 19:16

14:18 That's exactly what separates Toyota, Honda... even Hyundai now from the domestics. Attention to detail and quality without cutting corners. From the engine design and build right down to the door handles.