Koz
New member
http://money.cnn.com/2006/12/22/news/companies/toyota_gm.reut/index.htm
It was only a matter of time!
Koz
It was only a matter of time!
Koz
#1 in 2007
- Thread starter Koz
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overtaking GM and Ford
Speaking of American auto makers I was a Ford fan for years. But my last two Fords began to fail mechanically by 50,000 miles. Ford kept saying they were trying to build the models people wanted. I liked the models Ford made such as the Explorer - more space and decent features. It wasn't the lack of models or features, it was and always has been, QUALITY.
I might still be driving American vehicles if it weren't for the lack of quality control. Toyota beats them on all fronts and I'm sure I'll be with Toyota for many years to come (maybe German for my sedans). My wife won't consider anything except Toyota now after our Ford experiences (she has 04 4-Run and I have an 06). Our 2001 MB E-class has been trouble free but with only 37,000 mi. on it.
Speaking of American auto makers I was a Ford fan for years. But my last two Fords began to fail mechanically by 50,000 miles. Ford kept saying they were trying to build the models people wanted. I liked the models Ford made such as the Explorer - more space and decent features. It wasn't the lack of models or features, it was and always has been, QUALITY.
I might still be driving American vehicles if it weren't for the lack of quality control. Toyota beats them on all fronts and I'm sure I'll be with Toyota for many years to come (maybe German for my sedans). My wife won't consider anything except Toyota now after our Ford experiences (she has 04 4-Run and I have an 06). Our 2001 MB E-class has been trouble free but with only 37,000 mi. on it.
Thai
Elite Member
Mark86 said:With the new Tundra coming out, I think GM is in more hot water. I think Americans know what a good quality brand is!
FINALLY!! It took Americans long enought to realize it. 4runners have been finely built for ages, yet the damn Explorer was still #1 in sales. Now, hopefully, Toyota can avoid the pitfalls for being a big auto manufacturer (aka overexpanding too quickly with quality decreasing).
That's the secret, and I think Toyota has been having a tough time in this area. The good thing is that they realize it; they put a renewed emphasis on quality a few months ago. They've had a lot of first-model-year issues lately... '03 4Runner, '04 Sienna, '04 Lexus RX330, even the '07 Camry. (There have been a lot of TSB's for the 07 Camry already!)Thai said:
I don't care if Toyota is #1 or not... like they said, that's a result. Keep building a quality product and customers will come.
What kills me is that government entities are still frowned upon for buying "foreign cars". From local to federal agencies, we're still buying pickups and cars from the U.S. Big 3, despite the fact that companies like Toyota make a superior product that would be cheaper to own in the long run. Maybe this mindset will change if Toyota becomes # 1.
Mark86
Super Moderator
Actually, I notice a difference in quality between the Toyota models today and the ones from around 10 years ago. As already mentioned, look at the new Avalon, ES350, and Camry. A Camry loaner that the dealer gave us had a transmission problem where it wouldn't switch out of 2nd. In addition, I have seen too many Avalons on the lift in Toyota with the transmission being ripped apart.
These last 2 posts
kinda scare me .
Wonder why this is happening and if its because of using american workers ? Hate to say that , but just wondering why this would be . Are they having the same problems overseas in japan with these cars that are stricken with these problems.
kinda scare me .
Wonder why this is happening and if its because of using american workers ? Hate to say that , but just wondering why this would be . Are they having the same problems overseas in japan with these cars that are stricken with these problems.
I don't blame the American workers. It's the greedy pseudo-aristocrats who control the megacorporations. They still try to utilize outdated top-down management methods. They really don't believe in free enterprise, fair competition, or democracy. They feather their own nests with outrageous bonuses and golden parachutes.
On the workers' side, many of them have been sold down the river by corrupt, equally greedy union bosses.
American industry is badly in need of serious reform, or we'll become merely merchants, buying and selling goods produced in other countries.
JP
On the workers' side, many of them have been sold down the river by corrupt, equally greedy union bosses.
American industry is badly in need of serious reform, or we'll become merely merchants, buying and selling goods produced in other countries.
JP
I have owned 6 4runners and one celica. I also remember long ago when Toyota was known to make a good car but the interior seating would fall apart after 60k. They fixed that in the late 70's or early 80's. From there moved on to a higher level. But recently there have been reports of more problems coming in and sounds like QA is slipping. This has happened to all car makers given enough time (history). Still I always viewed competition as a win situation for everyone. I sure hope american car companies can make a turn around.
I still own a 2003 4runner.
I still own a 2003 4runner.
Re: overtaking GM and Ford
I totally agree. My first pickup truck was a 93 F-150. It is still on the road with 338,000 miles and still going strong. I bought a 02 F-250 and then a 03 F-350. The F-250's transmission started leaking at the seal at 30,000 miles and kept having issues after that, till I finally got rid of it when Ford said it needed a new tranny at 80,000 miles. My F-150 didn't need a tranny rebuild till it had 250,000 miles. Thank goodness the F-350 has 80,000 and has been fine (knock on wood), but it is a diesel. I think Ford quality had really taken a downturn. That is why I bought a Toyota this time. It will be my first Toyota when it arrives (can't wait).
My 2 cents
Marj
Toyboomer said:
I totally agree. My first pickup truck was a 93 F-150. It is still on the road with 338,000 miles and still going strong. I bought a 02 F-250 and then a 03 F-350. The F-250's transmission started leaking at the seal at 30,000 miles and kept having issues after that, till I finally got rid of it when Ford said it needed a new tranny at 80,000 miles. My F-150 didn't need a tranny rebuild till it had 250,000 miles. Thank goodness the F-350 has 80,000 and has been fine (knock on wood), but it is a diesel. I think Ford quality had really taken a downturn. That is why I bought a Toyota this time. It will be my first Toyota when it arrives (can't wait).
My 2 cents
Marj
