Cars, brands

[Aubrey 10]

Given the economic meltdown of U.S. automakers, selling off of Euro brands, and recall wazooland: Has your opinion of automakers changed recently? I know mine has.

I've owned a used Mazda, used Geo metro (Suzuki), and now a Toyota Corolla.

The Mazda went through an alternator and two transmissions before the crusher. It burned oil for years. It was my first car, so I didn't get to pick it (in my defense).

Geo Metro was the replacement (again, I didn't pick it). I called it a pregnant rollerskate, a go kart, and "Bob" (a palendrome). I sold it to some illegal Mexican workers on my ex-husband's family farm, and found out the engine dropped out a week later when they were driving it to Mexico. I guess I got lucky with my timing?

So I thought, I want something RELIABLE. My parents had good experiences with their Toyotas. I read Consumer Reports. Positive reviews everywhere.

My 04 Toyota Corolla has been a PAIN! The paint is pathetic -- under warranty I made them replace the bumper when a huge chunk of paint came off when I hand washed it with the sprayer. Then there was the window bolt recall. Then air conditioner problems (a $400 fix), and replacing the serpentine belt. The back automatic window stopped working. The gas system had a leak. And now it's getting oddly low gas mileage (~26mpg when it used to get 32-36, even in heavy traffic). And my car only has 60K miles.

I will never buy an American car. Ever. But I'm not impressed with my Toyota, and definitely not impressed with the huge recall disaster with their braking systems in the news lately. I'm strongly considering other auto makers for my next car purchase, but pretty unsure of where to turn.

What do you all think?

[Rhiannercakes 14]

I've never owned a car, but I've only driven Toyotas.

That's all my parents own, seeing as my dad works for them n all.

My husband also owns a Toyota, 14 years old and still runs wonderfully. He's had to replace something for it to pass the car exhaust testing, my automatic window doesn't work anymore and the seatbelt sometimes locks when I try to buckle it, but.... it's 14 years old so I understand some things eventually breaking down. Just little things though.

The recalls have had no effect on the way I see Toyota. Every car company goes through this, it's just a matter of how they handle it and fix what happened. I'm still planning to get one as my first car. I would like to have a Yaris at first, but I really want a Venza one day(even though they're on recall for the floor mats).

Would never buy an "American" car, personally.

Edited February 10, 2010 by Rhiannercakes

[웃 910]

I like GM. I had a Ford Mystique but it broke down too many times. That was 1998 so maybe Ford has gotten their act together.

Currently drive a 2005 Grand Prix

[Saddle Bronc 124]

I've owned Chrysler (and found out the hard way that Chrysler auto-shift trannys should not be started in "P"), Ford (leased actually--huge mistake), VW, GM (branded--manufactured by Daewoo) and Hyundai (though not a model sold in US). Next car would likely be VW (the short European-style shift, and the fact that the seats can be put bolt-upright--difficult to do in non-European makes) or Volvo. My opinion of Toyota--unchanged, as I have only used some rentals or been passenger.

[Kenza 1]

Have a Subaru right now and love it!

Next purchase most likely Mazda, Acura, Subaru, or Nissan

Thought about a Toyota until the recent ordeal

Looking for a car for my hubby so thanks for the post, I look forward to other's opinions!

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I've owned two big Fords (first cars bought cheap 2nd hand), a used Plymouth, and 4 Hyundais. I have loved all of my Hyundais. I bought a Pony new, an Xcel used, an Accent used and an Elantra used. All of them have been great cars and I would, without doubt, buy another Hyundai either new or used. My favourite was my Accent that I sold before I moved to the States as it would take too much to make it US compliant. I drive an Elantra now and am perfectly happy with it in all ways.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

1. GM, Hyundai, Toyota

2. Hyundai

3. The same

[kaffy 2]

I drive a VW, he drives a Honda

For our next car we're probably considering the Subaru Outback (The 2010 model is a huge improvement from the prior year models which I dislike immensely)

Am not a fan of Toyotas. Had one back in 07 and don't plan to own one again

[redglasses 1]

I've had Ford and Toyota. Ford was a pain. I will never own Ford again.

I am now driving Corolla and had no problem so far.

My whole family owns Toyota and has never had a problem for 30+ years.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

I've owned two big Fords (first cars bought cheap 2nd hand), a used Plymouth, and 4 Hyundais. I have loved all of my Hyundais. I bought a Pony new, an Xcel used, an Accent used and an Elantra used. All of them have been great cars and I would, without doubt, buy another Hyundai either new or used. My favourite was my Accent that I sold before I moved to the States as it would take too much to make it US compliant. I drive an Elantra now and am perfectly happy with it in all ways.

How did you like your Pony when you had it? I found mine ok as a basic transport (and it actually had seats that could be set bolt-upright, albeit not quite as comfortable as those in a Jetta).

[kev_n_jena 89]

Previous cars and trucks: Mercury, Chevy, Dodge, Pontiac, Pontiac, Ford, Buick, Ford, Ford, Ford, Hyundai

Current cars and trucks: Hyundai<(daily driver 100 miles/day), Ford, Ford, Ford

Next Car: Whatever I consider to be the best buy for my situation. I'd like a diesel car but they're few and far between as are the qualified mechanics to work on them.

Toyota Opinion: They have problems not only with their cars but also with their business model in the USA. They have a lot of employees at retirement age like the "big 3". It could catch up with them if they're not careful.

Kevin

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Previous cars and trucks: Mercury, Chevy, Dodge, Pontiac, Pontiac, Ford, Buick, Ford, Ford, Ford, Hyundai

Current cars and trucks: Hyundai<(daily driver 100 miles/day), Ford, Ford, Ford

Next Car: Whatever I consider to be the best buy for my situation. I'd like a diesel car but they're few and far between as are the qualified mechanics to work on them.

Toyota Opinion: They have problems not only with their cars but also with their business model in the USA. They have a lot of employees at retirement age like the "big 3". It could catch up with them if they're not careful.

Kevin

Maybe the Xenon (made by Tata--it's more of a 4-door pickup than a car, but...) will be available in US soon?

[Ladylethal 12]

Well, I'm the foreigner so in Brasil the cars I've had were a Ford sedan, a small chevy (corsa, never seen it in US), a couple of Fiats (I love them and if I lived there it'd be my brand of choice), and I've always driven the pick up trucks we have in the farm, which are a Mitsubishi one and a Toyota one (both are diesel).

Here I have a Mitsubishi, really old crappy falling apart car.

Here in PR Toyotas are popular and I'd probably buy one myself.

Recalls happen and I doubt the ones now will affect my next car, unless there's something bigger happening by the time I decide to buy a new one.

Edited February 11, 2010 by Ladylethal

[Jason-Sasha 1]

Love bigger American made SUVs. Weakness. But sometimes I really miss my old Mitsubishi 3000GT.

[William33 110]

Despite the "issues" with Japanese cars as of late, I still support the durability of the product overall. Like anything else, long term results matter the most.

Cars owned:

Ford: 6

Chevrolet: 3

Toyota: 2

Honda/Acura: 2

I like Japanese cars, because they last without major issues.... The best one I owned was a Toyota Corona, while living in Japan. Sold it for the same price I paid, after three years of use.

Making payments on a Ford or Chevy and making repairs outside of the warranty gets old real fast.....

Edit to add: I am still contemplating a BMW or Audi....Although history suggests issues as well....

Edited February 12, 2010 by William33