6th Jun 2012, 19:58

If the Toyota basher did some open-minded research, he/she might find that Ford has had more than their share of recalls, and as far as recalls go, I'd rather have a manufacturer recall a vehicle with a known defect than deny that a problem exists.

I believe Toyota builds a quality product (as does Honda), and these biased attacks against the imports are unwarranted.

I also can't help put wonder where the computer that the anti-Toyota "buy American" person uses was manufactured.

BTW - I own a Chrysler.

7th Jun 2012, 15:52

It's interesting that import fans ignore the fact that until Toyota had three Grand Jury subpoenas FORCING them to recall millions of cars, they followed a practice of simply refusing to recall their cars. Naturally a domestic car maker will have more recalls if they are voluntarily making recalls for even non-safety related issues, while Japanese car makers refuse to issue recalls until forced to by the courts.

8th Jun 2012, 13:26

Drawing attention to recalls (the big three AND Toyota have had them), doesn't really do much other than draw attention away from the facts at hand, which is that recalls or not, Toyota still builds an excellent product, and one that has for decades been at or near the top of the list, and well above the big three in terms of long-term reliability.

8th Jun 2012, 16:25

Unless you count a few years in which Lexus has topped J. D. Powers long-term reliability ratings, Buick and Lincoln have been rated best in long-term reliability. No Toyota vehicle has ever out-ranked Buick or Lincoln in these surveys. That is a widely spread myth.

30th May 2014, 09:53

How soon we forget! The Chevy Vega engines routinely failed with less than 30K miles on them! This was GM's most embarrassing product failure EVER.

30th May 2014, 10:03

Aluminum wheels get you wider and larger diameter RIMS for better handling, NOT taller tires which would lower the final gear ratios, lower performance slightly, and make it appear that more miles are being driven than actually are.

30th May 2014, 10:08

"Loaded" base model cars are mostly Asian models, not American and European.

30th May 2014, 10:13

The Ford Focus has a Mazda design, but uses Ford's materials and is built in the joint Ford-Mazda factory in California. GM has done the same thing with Toyota for a few compact and subcompact models over the years. However, GM has invariably used inferior quality materials in comparison to Toyota (paint, seat fabrics, etc.).

30th May 2014, 10:16

Both Car and Driver and Motor Trend make their profits from advertising. They are beholden to American car manufacturers for this reason. Consumer Reports has no car advertising and has clearly and strongly contradicted your conclusions for the last 30 years, at least.

30th May 2014, 10:21

To be fair, Toyota Camry and Sienna quality has severely slumped (2011-2013). All the other Asian company models have not. This thread concerns Honda Civics, NOT other brands and other models.

18th Dec 2015, 16:06

I am not trying to bash on anyone's car, because they are too damn expensive, and to have trouble is just sad. People always claim that they have one that went to Infinity and beyond, or know someone that owns said car. Even if that were true, the problem is that often those old cars are so removed from what currently is being sold. It isn't the same car, and by not cross shopping and researching, you are screwing yourselves. It takes years to change perception. In fact it has to lag reality.

19th Dec 2015, 12:41

I love reviewing brand new company cars I have had since 1984 with zero bias. Without any emotion or even justifying a large purchase. One driver since new, with long term usage, it's a very clean comparison. I have reviewed quite a few on here. And many brands as well. Absolutely zero brand loyalty. I could pick mid and later full sizes within price limitations set by my employer. In turn, ones I purchased myself for weekend fun I am quite biased about. Reason being it was out of my own pocket, and you do have strong likes and dislikes. Another flaw on reviews is purchasing used cars, lack of sufficient maintenance and driver influence. So reading numerous reviews is wise to determine quality, number of recalls etc. Cars cost a lot, so shop and compare multiple brands. Cars change a lot with features and even design elements. Good luck!