Made in US made in Japan ...a difference???

[Fishy1]

Is there any difference if your 4 runner was made in Japan as opposed to the US??????

 

[dingo]

US?!? As far as I know 4runners are still made exclusively and only in Japan. Either from the Tahara or Hino factories.

 

[<<<<]

Thats right, all 4 Runners are container ship delivered from Japan to the US.

 

[Even Steven]

Yes, all 4Runners have always been made in Japan as far as I know.

Also, I've heard people say that Japanese Toyotas are superior to American-made Toyotas, but I've never seen a single shred of evidence to support that.

Until someone can come up with some hard numbers (and a legitimate source), it's all just speculation to me.

 

[Pirate VI]

Yes, all 4Runners have always been made in Japan as far as I know.

Also, I've heard people say that Japanese Toyotas are superior to American-made Toyotas, but I've never seen a single shred of evidence to support that.

Until someone can come up with some hard numbers (and a legitimate source), it's all just speculation to me.

If they are all engineered by the same people, and I am sure Toyota makes sure the standards at the factories are kept up to par, then I would see no reason why it would matter where they are made anyways. It is the engineering and TOYOTA that sets toyota apart, not the fact that they happen to be made in Japan.

 

[bsl888]

Just a "biased" personal opinion, there is a difference. The only non Japanese made Toyota, a 2000 Solara, was the worst Toyota I have ever owned. I have owned 6 Toyota/Lexus in total and the Solara is the only one I was disappointed with. FWIW, Solara was built in Canada. If Toyota start building all 4Runners in North America, I will look for another model, probably a Lexus. BTW, all Lexus are built in Japan except some RX's.

Like I said I am totally biased.

 

[Even Steven]

Just a "biased" personal opinion, there is a difference. The only non Japanese made Toyota, a 2000 Solara, was the worst Toyota I have ever owned. I have owned 6 Toyota/Lexus in total and the Solara is the only one I was disappointed with. FWIW, Solara was built in Canada. If Toyota start building all 4Runners in North America, I will look for another model, probably a Lexus. BTW, all Lexus are built in Japan except some RX's.

Like I said I am totally biased.

So you're basing that on just one car? What if, by chance, you experienced the opposite? If the Solara was the best Toyota you ever owned, and one of your "made in Japan" Toyotas was a disappointment?

The point is that one negative experience shouldn't make you so judgmental.

 

[JungleJim]

If Toyota start building all 4Runners in North America, I will look for another model, probably a Lexus. [/B]

You'd better begin looking now. The 5th generation 4Runner will be built in Texas (which is in North America, by the way...)

 

[alaskaman]

There is something very RIGHT about the 4Runner hard to put a finger on it but the "swiss watch" quote did it best. it is a very nice precision vehicle...if that is due to it's Japanese heritage.......raise a glass of unfiltered Sake..!!

 

[toto]

There was no difference between the 2004 Lexus RX 330 units made in Japan and those made in Canada - they both had the same first-model-year rattles and other irritating bugs. In other words, they were equally bad, proving that both plants turned out the same product. The country of manufacture is irrelevant; the Canadian Lexus plant is up to the same standards as the plants in Japan. Most RX's sold in North America are now made in Canada.

I believe that it's not the country of manufacture that matters, but rather the company culture, the engineers' attention to detail when they design it, and the ability to repeat manufacturing processes that lead to quality products.

 

[Cornfed]

Aren't the new Tundras and Camrys, the vehicles that dropped Toyota out of the #1 in quality slot, made in North America?

 

[alaskaman]

Until someone can come up with some hard numbers (and a legitimate source), it's all just speculation to me.

I agree. probably repair records for vehicles produced by Toyota in other locations and then eliminate a couple variables. would be interesting also to see which problems are associated with US build vs. Japan build. no idea where to get those figures of the top of my head. any stat geeks out there?

 

[The Dude]

Just a "biased" personal opinion, there is a difference. The only non Japanese made Toyota, a 2000 Solara, was the worst Toyota I have ever owned. I have owned 6 Toyota/Lexus in total and the Solara is the only one I was disappointed with. FWIW, Solara was built in Canada. If Toyota start building all 4Runners in North America, I will look for another model, probably a Lexus. BTW, all Lexus are built in Japan except some RX's.

Like I said I am totally biased.

What was wrong with your solara? My sisters both drive solaras, 2000, and a 2005, and they both seem like good solid cars to me. As far as I know, they haven't had any major problems with either of them.

 

[pat161]

I have had 2 Tacomas and 2 4Runners, Tacomas are all made in CA and the 4Runners come from Japan. All my vehicles have been great, but they have all had similar little issues. I would not shy away from a vehicle that was built in America. If they start building them in Mexico or China I will look elsewhere.

 

[Kmvreter]

You'd better begin looking now. The 5th generation 4Runner will be built in Texas (which is in North America, by the way...)

Can you reveal your source for this info? And what MY? As far as I know the only new vehicle for TMMTX is the dually Tundra in MY'10. This new plant is focusing to use all it's capacity on the Tundra as the market share grows. Not sure how they would integrate a relatively low volume 4Runner in the line. I think if they do move T4R production to NA that the Indiana plant would be a good fit.

 

[jwyshrek]

I believe that Americans can build cars just as good as anyone else in the world...probably better than many.

There are reasons 'American brand' cars get a bad rap for quality...and it all starts at the top.

Engineering and design...you start with a sound design with good parts and materials.

Not to start a war, but in GM, FORD, and Chrysler case...it starts higher than that...management...allow the engineers/designers to do their jobs, listen to the customer, etc.

If you design crap...I don't care who 'builds' or 'assembles' it...it is still going to be crap...

 

[Uneek]

IMO, an American made Toyota is at least a notch above the competition's vehicles and Japan made ones are perceived better. Owning two American made Toyotas and two Japanese made Toyotas, the US built ones haven't had a dealer visit once for any issues. The 1990 truck made in Japan, went back to the dealer for a busted thermostat and had the overhead gasket service campaign done on it. The 4Runner hasn't had a dealer visit yet either.

Knock on wood, the last three Toyotas, two being US made hasn't had any problems yet.

Unfortunately, Toyota produces some the finest vehicles in the world. I can't upgrade because they're broke, only because I want to.

 

[T?@\7]

i think toyota starts going foul once they start building in the US. Arent the newer model tundras built here now? The design, inside and out, shows it.
Keep that shit in japan!

 

[snowbomber]

My first post

I have an American made Tacoma (Fremont, CA, USA).

255xxx on my 98 4x4 TRD (Purchased 6/15/98) and it is running...the truck has been great...here is a list of maint.:

1. New Radiator - 150k
2. New Drive Shaft - 200k
3. New shocks - 250k never changed them in the first place and the truck was handling kind of squirrelly.
4. 1 Clutch

 

[alaskaman]

welcome. impressive stats...