22nd Aug 2009, 20:29

All you Ford and Chevy fans like to talk about people and companies switching from Toyota's to domestics and having less repairs/saving money. The first big problem I see with all of that is that I don't believe that any of it is true.

And to answer the question about "why don't we see more 70's and 80's imports": how many imports were sold in this country and how many domestic cars and trucks were sold? There's the obvious answer. OF COURSE you're going to see less imports from 30 years ago.

However, those few imports sold here that long ago were FAR better than any rattling, squeaking, domestic junk. Just like today. That was a few years before people started to finally lose the same prejudice I see on this thread, and began to simply look for the best automobile regardless of what country it's from. Which, as we all know, is when the 'Big 3' realized they were in trouble and started their downhill slide, while Toyota and Honda kept embarrassing them and gaining market share; putting them at the very top, where they both remain today.

The Big 3 are nothing. Sad remnants of three companies that sold people garbage for too long and are now paying the price in sales and reputation. They deserve it, and Toyota and Honda deserve the number one spots for keeping quality in mind and following through with it year after year. I'll never buy domestic junk again, and neither will anyone else I can convince not too. Most intelligent car buyers stopped buying big 3 junk years ago and don't need convincing...

22nd Aug 2009, 21:11

I could choose to argue with the comment 20:56, but I won't. If he truly believes he is going to get a better car by buying a domestic when he could purchase a well-built, reliable Honda Accord or Civic or anything Honda or Toyota, so be it. All my imports have lasted well over 200,000 miles. The most mileage I was ever able to get on a domestic was 140,000. I service all my cars properly. In my experience, the imports are better. Let him buy his domestic. I'm gonna stay with what I know works for me, and that's Honda and Toyota.

23rd Aug 2009, 08:04

Where are any of the 70s Celicas, Corollas SR5 Civics -I see none again none now. I was there and there were a lot around new. The 77 I had was the best looking Celica ever. I had one and knew others with them. They were common. Would think at least a few survived seeing none. I think they were disposable and went to junkyards when the bodies went and repairs mounted. I sold mine for a Olds Cutlass and they are everywhere.

23rd Aug 2009, 09:52

I just saw hundreds of British and Italian 60 and 70s at a car show. Zero Toyotas, zero. What's the comment only 20 or 30 year olds had them or want them today. Does not follow; I see a lot of low production models import wise from years ago. Again I see Toyotas and Honda Civics as a disposable cheaper appliances to get only from A to B.

In a bad economy, basic plain seems to sell as long as you turn the key and point it. It's nice having a nice quality of life to enjoy and drive. I hope I never feel I have a car that is like a toaster. Gas got high and people seem to have to manage with less. Sad.

23rd Aug 2009, 19:28

There were 2 million Toyotas made by 1976...maybe they are all heading to the next Barrett Jackson secluded where they cannot be seen til they magically appear. You would think some 70s Celicas models that made car of the year (s) would perhaps remain.

24th Aug 2009, 19:41

I made the comment in question and know a little about Hondas. Ours began falling apart at 40,000 miles and was sold as junk just before 100,000. Our 1975 Ford was driven 325,000 miles over 17 years with less than $500 in total repairs. Our 1977 Buick was driven 277,000 with ZERO repairs, and our Dodge was sold in mint condition at 240,000 miles. It had had only 1 hose replaced, and routine maintenance. Based on my experience no one will ever convince me to waste my money on a Japanese car again.

24th Aug 2009, 19:44

I saw a beautiful 1971 Olds 98 sedan in our parking garage. As the owner was getting out I commented on what a great restoration job it had had. He gave me a funny look and said "It's never BEEN restored."

25th Aug 2009, 08:59

Our Honda Acura had its first automatic trans shot at under 30,000 miles-mature driven. Then another and we sold immediately. Old Japanese imports should not be from the 90's as import commenters feel that's old?? And acting like ground up restorations need performed. Well maybe many imports need it.

25th Aug 2009, 21:03

Blah, blah, blah... more stories about Hondas that blew up and domestics that lasted forever, all impossible to prove and in contrast to reality, which is the complete opposite of those claims.

Sorry, Ford and Chevy guys, not buying a word of it because I (like most people), know better.

GM and Dodge are finished, and Ford will be next. They sold people junk for too long and were out-worked, out-classed, and out-done by better auto manufacturers -- Toyota and Honda. Write whatever you like, I'll never buy that junk again, which is the same decision millions of others have made.

25th Aug 2009, 21:06

"There were 2 million Toyotas made by 1976"

I saw a pre-80's Toyota on the freeway. It was during the Jimmy Carter presidency.

27th Aug 2009, 21:46

"There were 2 million Toyotas made by 1976"

Yes, and 1,800,000 of them are now in junk yards.

29th Aug 2009, 13:19

These kind of comments are GOLD to our "buy from American Industry" guys. Each time one of these anti-American, anti-U.S. Industry comments appears it is forwarded to thousands of prospective car buyers who don't want to destroy our economy, jobs and way of life. Please. Keep the venom coming. It probably sells more Fords and Chevys than their ads do!!

30th Aug 2009, 10:50

In prosperous great economic times, why wasn't Toyota or Honda number 1? It's very telling when gas got high and job losses; people buy cheap.

31st Aug 2009, 20:32

13:19 Right! Which "buy American" cars from Ford and the (bankrupt and pathetic) GM are you talking about? The ones made in Mexico or Korea, by the way? They're selling like hotcakes, right? Maybe if Toyota and Honda drop their standard of quality 7 notches on a scale of ten, they too can have the great fortune of begging for millions of dollars, then wasting it by changing nothing and STILL building junk, then going bankrupt again. You guys crack me up. I'll stick with Toyota, thanks.

1st Sep 2009, 18:52

I like the 10000 Corvettes that drove in all over the country to the GM Bowling Green Corvette plant museum this week personally. Beats the boring Toyota models that I see.

Again, no answer in a great economy why wasn't Toyota number 1? High gas and job loss is my answer now. Why is Lexus dropping pricing down 900 dollars and a cheaper Prius coming out? High quality to me is raising pricing for the added worth. Not going cheap