Japan vs. Canada help ease my mind

[tmag]

Hello All,
First of let me say that ever since I bought my 4-runner some 10 years ago (almost 170K and still strong) that I would never buy a car not belonging to the toyota family, and I may still keep my word. But here's my dilema, the wife and I need a to replace her ford (not my fault, she bought the car before I was in the picture ) and I think we've narrowed it down to the scion xD (going for the hat trick, my DD is and IS) the matrix 1.8, maybe the AWD (thinking about killing 2 birds with one stone and replace my beloved runner), and finally the subaru inpreza HB (getting a really attractive deal, Premium for 18K).
We both really like the matix ranks top on the looks list and most of the functionality, but if we go the AWD route I don't know if I can let the value of the subu down. But if I keep my runner we would probably go with the 1.8 matrix or scion xD. We do love all the standard package and like the look of the scion.
So here's my dilema, how do you guys feel about toyota now making these in Canada? Am I just being dumb even letting that worry me after all it's still a toyota and I assume they still follow the same standards. Or is toyota starting to just stand on their reputation and now trying to cut corners? Help I'm starting to really not enjoy this going back and forth . Sorry for the long post!

[Jeff Lange]

Toyota has been making the Corolla in Canada since 1988, and recently started making the Lexus RX350 there as well. It's a very decent plant, that's for sure.

The Matrix was always made in Canada, but if you get a Scion xD, it will be made in Japan...

I typically say that Toyotas made in Japan are slightly better, but that doesn't mean Canadian made ones are lacking really.

Jeff

[tmag]

Thanks Jeff, I didn't know that corolla's were built there for that long. Great sig by the way "wrong wheel drive" LOL

[dchev]

I used to have 2004 Toyota RAV4, and now I do have 2009 Toyota Matrix (auto, 1.8l engine).
I think that the Matrix has been built with superior quality! Good job Canadians!!!
This is the best car I have ever had.....concidering that for the last 5 years I have driven 2004 RAV$, 2005 Solara SLE, and 2007 Corolla LE.
2009 Toyota Matrix gives you excellent ride and incredible fuel economy (I average 36-39 MPG, driving 60-70 MPH).
Subaru is great company, but I would stick with the Toyota Matrix.

[thebarber]

xd = win

japanese toyota > canadian toyota

had matrix xrs - - lots of problems

have yaris - - few issues

[Zembonez]

It's easy to let our emotions tell us that the Japanese made model is better but it isn't usually the case. I've had a Honda Accord and a Nissan Altima that were both US made and never had any issues with either car. In fact, both were excellent cars.

Just the same, I get comfort from the fact that my xB was built in Japan... as irrational as that is.

[tmag]

So I guess I'm not alone, my rational side tells me it's still a toyota. But my heart still say go japanese.

[Zembonez]

It just seems logical that they could build them better at home than by remote control... but that hasn't proven itself to be true with the cars I bought.

[thebarber]

i blame lazy north american workers...

and btw, i dont exclude myself from my own comment, lol