27th Jan 2009, 12:33
In 2008 Consumer Reports had enough data on the NEW MODEL (07) to stop recommending it. There WAS an explanation in the annual auto issue and no apology was necessary unless it came from Toyota. They explained that the 07 Camry has a 6 speed automatic (unlike the 4 cylinder) that has been troublesome -- something about the shift program if I remember right. Remember there is a lag between the introduction of a new model and Consumer Reports having enough data to either recommend or criticize it. Pay attention to the data section. It's broken down by model year, so your 2006 and 2007 Buying Guides wouldn't have data on 07 Camrys yet. In fact I have the 07 Buying Guide open in front of me and they only have ratings up to 05.
They released early info on 07 Camrys, Tundras, and a Lexus model last year (because they had compiled enough data already to be concerned and thought readers should be aware of the large scale problems). According to Consumer Reports, all of these vehicles' problems are being addressed by Toyota, but their overall rating is still only about average -- significant teething problems for Toyotas.
The truth is that there is no way to know for sure that a new model will be reliable no matter what its source is. If you want to be more sure, wait a year or two until Consumer Reports has data on it. Then their predicted reliability is likely to be accurate. Again, I hope this helps to clarify things.
27th Jan 2009, 12:49
"Camry: Total No. affected: Less than 1/2 of 1% of the total production for the V6, 6 speed automatic models. The problem was a faulty snap ring. problem solved.
Tundra: 20 TOTAL engines affected with faulty cams. 20 out of 30,000. Problem remedied, trucks affected repaired if owners chooses to do so".
I've read that before too. Odd, though, because that doesn't account for Consumer Reports' negative rating. Their sample would have had to include some of those faulty engines and transmissions -- unlikely if there were so few. Plus the Tundra also had some faulty propeller shafts as well. I'd like to know what other problems have come up in the sample that concerned them so much. Anyway... I'm not arguing with you; I'm just adding some questions that Consumer Reports could probably easily answer. I can't ask them, though, because I'm not a member anymore. Oh well...
27th Jan 2009, 15:41
Tundra is not for small minded individuals. In fact I tested one and considered acquiring a new one.
If you read the previous post, it seems that comments pertaining to full size trucks that lack utility or function of a full size... seem like they are emanating from a small truck "Tacoma" owner and individuals applying small car like analogies on a full size truck review.
Mechanically it can be A-1 if that's the point you are addressing however... you seem to forget why individuals buy larger full size vehicles to begin with. It seems all that is lost.
Sure the Tundra has power, but I found it in a straight line. I feel the handling, room, comfort, capability as far as load handling and towing characteristics are far better in my new domestic.
Have you driven both lately, meaning 2 or 3 new full size ones at least? If you take it a step forward and own and live with a full size truck, it gives even better insight.
I am not seeing any issues anyway... but again function, utility aspect comes first. So again a Tundra is a larger truck... I highly recommend buying a brand new full size after owning small trucks, if you are so devoted with much time and space enamored with these full size vehicles. Gets tiring reading about Camrys and small trucks on here though.
27th Jan 2009, 17:11
If the only problem with the Camry was just the blip with the 1/2 of 1% snap ring in the transmission, they would have a better rating than the "average predicted reliability" that is now showing in the January 2009 Consumer Reports magazine for both the V6 and 4 cylinder.
27th Jan 2009, 18:28
17:45 I wish I could take you in a ride in a Dodge Viper or a GM Vette C5 or a Z06, and then rave on about your Toyotas. Toyota V6 0-60 in 9 seconds must be utterly fantastic?
I also drove an NSX when they first came out; nicely balanced but overpriced.
Other than the Toyota Supra, great in a straight line but poor handling... I have yet to ever gotten excited whatsover over any relatively recent Toyota.
Sorry your exposure is limited to Chevettes, you must be kidding. The generalization of brands by bottom end comparisons is such a shame. Maybe I bore easily reading bland boring basic car comments.
Even full size trucks can be tastefully upgraded with nice performance features to make them fun to drive. But maybe fun to drive isn't necessary, it seems just a vehicle and Consumer Reports that chooses what you buy vs. what you enjoy and like.
27th Jan 2009, 19:20
Why not continue the Tundra conversation after reading....
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/toyota_ball_joints.html
And then go down to the 3-4 million Toyotas with sludging engine issues next.
Selective reading is why I insist on personal first hand ownership, bought new, and my own personal repairs monitored since inception.
If it happens 2-3 times in a row, I look at maybe stronger elements lacking in my previous vehicle and try yet again. I am not personally locked into a nameplate, only best service and less issues to buy yet again the next one.
28th Jan 2009, 00:10
It's hilarious how the thousands of seriously defective Toyota engines has magically dropped to "20". It never ceases to amaze me how import fans continue to grasp at straws to try and salvage a myth that Japanese vehicles are better. They have never yet provided a shred of hard evidence to back up their claims, and several thousand bad engines becomes "20".
As for Consumer Reports, I hate to burst your bubble, but Ford is rated HIGHER than either Camry OR Accord. If you're going to cite magazines, at least try to pick one that actually backs up your claims.
The Tundra is pretty much a thing of the past now anyway. Toyota has halted production and due to virtually no sales they will probably not resume production of it or the gas-guzzling and equally unreliable Sequoia.
Motor Trend wisely washed its hands of the Tundra and chose the Ford F-150 (once again) as Truck of the Year. Almost every day I see one or more new F-150's, Silverados or Rams with a new vehicle drive-out tag. I haven't seen a new Tundra in several months. All I can say is "Good riddance".
27th Jan 2009, 11:42
Again... when discussing the 'problems' of Toyota, the arguments here are basically making mountains out of ant hills. Nobody seemed to read my previous statement on this- but I'll simplify them:
Camry: Total No. affected: Less than 1/2 of 1% of the total production for the V6, 6 speed automatic models. The problem was a faulty snap ring. problem solved.
Tundra: 20 TOTAL engines affected with faulty cams. 20 out of 30,000. Problem remedied, trucks affected repaired if owners chooses to do so.
Lastly, to the guy mentioning that the Tundra is for "small car minded people", well that's rather interesting considering the Tundra has more HP, more torque, more towing capacity, plus it's overall larger than the equivalent F-150 or Silverado.