I trust a copy of Consumer Reports as being fair and balanced about as far as I can throw it. Same thing with Car & Driver and their highly opinionated "gotta have it" rating system.
Quote:
|
I have said it here several times, Toyota's rankings will continue to fall for several years as reality meets up with perception, and the issues/recalls/dissatisfaction (due to Toyota's neglect from the past 2 years) begin to raise their ugly head(s). Some may not admit it, but consumer's confidence in Toyota has been shaken in the past 2 years (particularly the past 12 months) and for the first time, these car buyers are beginning to see that the once "perfect" Toyota is capable of making mistakes. . . . Is it enough to make them change cars? I don't think so, but it is enough to quiet their enthusiasm, and their "word of mouth" recommendations. This is much like the slow demise of the Big 3 that started in the 70's, and it started in much the same way.
|
It is much like what happened with GM in the 70s...so much that it's like Deja Vu. So many people on this website only care about Toyota becoming the #1 so they can pat each other on the backs and give hive fives. Meanwhile, the negative articles about Toyota have been mulitiplying over the last few months...I said countless times months ago that Toyota's quick growth was going to have consequences, and look what is happening now. GM is no longer weak...Ford is slowly coming around...Toyota has new stronger competition from the Americans and the free passes they received from the media for so many years are no longer being given out.
Toyota needs to tread carefully with its explosive growth...quality is what got it where it is and is what it has built its reputation upon. But when your recalls triple over three years and the media backlash begins, it's not a walk in the park any longer. And if Toyota becomes #1, just wait....all eyes will be on them for every single little thing they do wrong, just like it has been for GM.
This is going to be an interesting year to see what happens.
