Be a smart and safe consumer when it comes to making those big purchases. How vigilant are you of car recalls?
I’m one of those people who finds it hard to trust again. Once I find that the credibility of something (or someone) is shot, I start giving it (him/her) a wide berth. Especially when it comes to safety. Given that I’m a big ball of paranoia, as people I know will attest, then my following reactions to the latest news about a beleaguered car company is pretty understandable and expected.
I think Toyota is toast. At least for my family. I actually have relatives who work at Toyota, but even if I’m extended a friend or family discount (which I’m not), I wouldn’t touch their products with a ten foot pole. The Toyota safety recalls have done a lot of damage to this company and if my sentiments are any indication of what general consumers feel, then it’s not going to bode well for the company for a while.
I am a big fan of Japanese imports. My car purchase record will show that. Aside from our beloved Hondas, we’ve strongly considered Toyota models in the past, given their then good name and record. Sad to hear all the flak they’ve been receiving, but the obvious question here is: how much damage has been done and would YOU buy a new Toyota today?
Of course, Consumer Reports put more fuel to the fire with their safety risk assessment of the Lexus GX 460. The basic problem:
The SUV’s electronic stability control program failed to keep the vehicle in line during a severe handling maneuver, allowing it to slide almost completely sideways, said Douglas Love, Consumer Reports spokesman. That situation could lead to a rollover.
The problem with the Lexus’ ESC (electronic stability control) became apparent during tests designed to detect a specific emergency handling problem. The GX’s ESC system did not become active until the SUV had already skidded dangerously.
While there are Toyota fans who may remain skeptical of these criticisms, probably even claiming that Toyota is under unparalleled scrutiny, the rest of the car buying public may have more than just second thoughts. It’s a shame, since I wanted to own a Lexus one day!
So how about you, will you be buying a Toyota anytime soon?
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{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
I smell “recall” and I am not sure why.
I barely published this article when the news broke.
Wow. What a timely post. I’m not in the market for a new car, but I do think differently about Toyota than I did a year ago.
I have mixed feelings about the Lexus problem.
From the video, I wouldn’t expect an SUV NOT to slide at that speed and angle. I drive a Ford Explorer and there are simply things you can’t get away with like you can in a small car.
I would have liked to see a video from another SUV doing the same test to compare, one with ESC and without.
For me, the issue is that they advertise ESC, but it isn’t working correctly. But then again, you shouldn’t be operating a vehicle differently because you have ESC so what difference does it make?
I’ll buy a Toyota again in a heartbeat, actually given the incentives they have and what I’m sure will be coming up we are looking at moving up that time table.
I was considering a Prius, but no more. My 1988 Honda Prelude is still excellent, although I use it as a fun ride and a backup. My main drive is a used Volvo I bought from my brother. A friend bought a new Toyota made in Fremont, and it was junkier than any American car during the planned obsolescence phase (decades). I directed her to a used Honda, which served her well.
I will never buy a Toyota.
Oh PUH-LEASE! Enough with the Toyota bashing in the media already. As if other manufacturers don’t have unsafe models? As if no one else has the same problems — especially since many of the systems and parts that Toyota uses are also used by other major automotive companies?
I think we need to be smart about the cars we buy, and that involves not letting fear influence our decisions.
I’d consider buying a Toyota over GM or Chrysler. The Lexus brand is too pricey for a cheapskate like me. My first choice would be Honda. We’ve had very good luck with the Honda’s we’ve own, and not much luck with the GM cars.
This last year changed my total perspective on purchasing a car. Even the smallest issue with a vehicle is going to turn me off from even considering it because safety is the primary focus. First the Prius…. and now a Lexus? This is a snowball effect that is just getting started IMO.
I think the negative press that Toyota is getting now vastly understates the problems that multiple American car manufacturers have had for years. I have always driven Japanese cars, but my family hasn’t. My parents had a slew of Dodge’s, Plymouth’s, Chevrolet’s, and Ford’s before my dad finally bought a Honda in the late 90′s. It was his best decision ever.
I rarely meet anyone who is truly satisfied with their American made automobile, and those who are accept the fact that they are less reliable, require more maintenance, and break down well before their time. I remember my mom’s old Dodge Caravan – a 1995 model that was on its last legs by 2002, with only 110,000 miles!! I traded in my Nissan Pathfinder last year when it was 11 years old with 168,000 miles, but only because I was rear ended and the car was totalled. Otherwise, I have full confidence I would be driving it today.
Sure, my experience is anecdotal, but after driving a Toyota 4Runner for over a year now, I am completely satisfied with my Toyota. The general public is misinformed, has a relatively short term memory, and too easily submits to the opinions and blather of a visceral media. Seriously, do some research and you will be hard pressed to find a manufacturer with a more sterling LONG TERM record.
I love my Honda. It has lasted me 12 years so far without any major issues. I follow Consumer Reports very closely when I’m considering a large purchase and if there is even a slight warning, I’m instantly paranoid about the product. I don’t think I’ll buy a Toyota any time soon. I prefer safety to looks and even cost.
It amazes me how Toyota has managed to severely damage their sterling reputation. There are probably many people who used to tout the superiority of foreign (specifically Japanese) made vehicles–a perception which no doubt impacted the meltdown of the American automaker (Adieu, Detroit!). I bet they’re singing a different tune now…
(FWIW, I own a 17 year-old Mazda and I’d buy another in a heartbeat…)
Hopefully Toyota fix the problems. I think i’ll buy a Kia or a Chevy as my next car.
Honestly, I’d probably wait a couple of years before I buy a Toyota. I mean the ones that I’ve had don’t have many problems and are generally still pretty reliable compared to other cars but with all these recalls, I’d feel very unsafe driving a Toyota.
I currently own a 2009 Corolla that I bought new back in 2008. I’m the most disappointed with not the recalls itself, but the time it’s taking Toyota to recall my car. I just got a recall warning notice last week in the mail saying to expect my car to be recalled soon over the floor mat accelerator issue. This is the 3rd recall on the car. As I’m getting close to the parts warranty, I’m seriously considering getting a new ‘used’ car within the next year with someone other than Toyota. Hopefully years down the road they’ll regain my confidence, but I won’t buy one now.
I’ll probably look at Suburu, Honda, Nissan or Mazda next time. I’ve owned 2 Nissans and those were very reliable till they were well worn out. Even with all the Toyota recalls, the 94 Ford Mercury Sable by far was the worse and unsafe car I ever owned (ie. shutting off its engine at stop lights) and I’m still hesitant to buy another Ford.
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, so I would expect that any kind of negative coverage Toyota is receiving now must mean something is up and we need to be extra wary of them for a while. If any other car manufacturers are in this boat, I’d love to hear about it. Appreciate the feedback here (although I realize it’s all anecdotal).
I continue to hear, from many sources, to “be smart” about the cars we buy, and not to let fear influence our decisions. I’m still trying to discern exactly what ‘being smart’ means. Please elaborate.
I’m asking because my husband and I are in the market for a new car and after completing a mountain of research, we’ve choosen a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. It satisfies our main criteria but I don’t want to miss any critical selection factors.
a) The Santa Fe has easy access and egress for me. I need a vehicle with elevated seats because I have mobility issues. A car is not feasible; seats are too low and I have great difficulty getting in and out.
b) The safety rating is good and the safety features meet our standards.
c) Mileage is acceptable.
d) Handling is easy.
e) Features meet our crtieria.
f) There’s room in the back for our dog.
g) JDPower rates it well. Our neighbour has one and likes it because theirs has had no maintenance issues. Consumer Report just rated it as its #1 mid-size SUV.
The one drawback is that the visibility out the back is a bit difficult but it also is on our 6-year-old GMC Rendezvous.
Oh, and we can finance it, if we choose, at 0% interest over 60 months. (Ontario, Canada).
These are my opinions, only. I have no connection with the company.
I welcome any feedback. Are we missing important information?
I agree with Silicon Valley Blogger’s comment that where there is smoke there is fire, we need to be extra cautious. Toyota should be embarrassed for not addressing this problem sooner and being more proactive. I understand they did NOT have the financial incentive to do so even when lives were/are at stake, but its time for some company to act in the best interest of their customers and not themselves (I know this is idealistic and maybe unreasonable to expect, but I do believe it is possible). It’s a good thing that we have regulations, standards and reports like Consumer Reports to keep companies honest. We as consumers need to show that this is unacceptable. Toyota and other car companies need to feel it in the bottom line, but they should be informed that the main reason for shifting our hard earned money to other companies is not due just to the problems with their cars, but with how they addressed the problems with their cars and how they insulted us by not valuing our lives enough to communicate to us promptly and with transparency.
I am an owner of a GX 460. I am totally disgusted by Government motors secretive plot to sabotage the reputation of Japanese automakers. They obviously started from the top and chose the top manufacturer, Toyota. This is of course my humble opinion, however, I feel that the timing and coincidence of the top three Detroit losers that almost all needed bailouts because they made inferior products out of greed by lazy union workers and now currently OWNED by the government is obviously behind ALL of this.
They tried their hardest to roll it over and could not and labeled it unsafe? This is such a joke. If anything, I have MORE faith in the car’s abilities than before and I’m sure after the FIX it will be even better. Domestic cars could not hold a candle next to a Lexus, a car made with pride and meticulous care in a culture that values hard work and prides itself in the quality and craftsmanship of its products, whatever their nationality or skin color is.
30 years of a impeccable history of reliability and quality will not be so easily tarnished in my mind. The fact that so many people are so gullible and easily influenced is saddening. They might have made a few mistakes but the fact remains, they are STILL far more reliable and built far superior to most domestics.
I think Toyota will come out of this even better than before and this will benefit the loyal owners out here. They will be an even stronger ,superior company after they weather this storm of B.S.
I can imagine just how hard this development has been on Toyota owners and loyal supporters of this brand. But can’t take stock in these conspiracy theories given that Toyota itself will be recalling Toyota Siennas. They’re doing this on their own accord, thus taking accountability.
Also I doubt very much that the government is in cahoots with the private organization behind Consumer Reports with the express aim to bring down Japanese car manufacturers. Especially since a lot of models made by “import” manufacturers are actually made in American factories. I’ve seen a list of import models that are “made in America” (includes a number of Toyota models), but it’s unverified.
I’m pretty disappointed myself. The whole point in buying a Toyota is to get a safer, more reliable car than what you get with Detroit iron. My ten-year-old Sienna–which was my third Toyota–is among those in the latest recall. I don’t feel much concern because we don’t have ice and salt on the roads and so the cable in question probably is free of rust…but still…
It’s annoying. It’s alarming. Years ago Toyota allowed its service to turn into American-style service, and so I’ve used an independent mechanic forever. But now they’ve turned the product into American-style junk, too. If you can’t buy a decent car from foreign manufacturers known for building a superior product, you might as well pay less and drive a U.S. car engineered to fall apart in short order. {sigh}
I very much doubt that I’ll buy another Toyota. Next car may have four legs and hooves…
CR compares the GX460 to a 4runner which is actually 3 inches shorter. Are they kidding? In the video the GX460 does NOT rollover and ESC does kick in and prevents a rollover. Even a sports car will flip if it “hits a curb” at that speed. It’s actually impressive that a vehicle that high is able to just drift without even tipping. That is one SAFE SUV.
I have a 2007 Lexus ES350 that was recalled for a problem I never had. I never even had ONE little problem with that Lexus ever, while my previous brand new BMW 330 had all kinds of problems from DAY ONE. From all sorts of electronic sensor problems, to tires, to seat-belt chime that wouldn’t stop. And what a bummer a bimmer is when you get in your car after work to go home and your damn new BMW doesn’t even start.
The recall numbers are large because Toyota sells so many cars. Overall Toyota/Lexus are far more reliable cars compare to any other domestic or foreign brands out there. I will buy another Lexus soon.
It wasn’t going to be long before the Lexus GX 460 would be recalled as well. Here’s the latest on this. Can’t imagine how big a pain in the arse this is for Toyota owners.
Toyota is over as we know it.
I’ll drive any flip-a-dee-doo-da vehicle that Toyota makes and risk my life before I’m caught driving a Prius, those are for the douchebags who think they’re saving the world.