As quoted on ABC news, "Detroit keeps shooting itself in the tire". I fully agree. I bought a '92 Chevy PU with a manual transmission that GM knew had problems since '88 yet kept putting into newer models. My next PU was a Ford! I also remember in 1974 when they didn't react quickly to higher gasoline costs and lost a big market share. The only thing that held them back was the problems with rust and corrosion on foreign cars. Now that they're built in the US (in non-union states), they easily compete with the US manufacturers.

 

The only thing that Toyota's going to have to battle now is economies of scale. Their dealer network now rivals the Big Three and they're building more and more plants in parts of the country that have never experienced a manufacturing industry on the scale they're developing. They're also outsourcing production of key models like the Camry to companies that haven't had as good a track record, like the Subaru/Isuzu plant in Indiana.

There will come a time when driving a Toyota is about as uncool as driving a Buick is today for the mainstream. It may take another 20 years, but one day they'll be in the same boat as the Big 3. It's probably going to come from a startup in China or even one of the Korean manufacturers, but all things must pass and for Toyota, that day WILL come.

 

I'm soooo glad to see another Toyota fanboi thread on the forum...

 

I resemble that remark and thank you. As a 2 time Toyota Owner I am a fan. Funny this comes only after your response in my other thread.

 

I too look at Toyota and wonder if/when their bubble will burst. The thing is, they keep saying all the right things. Everyone knows that GM got so large that it had trouble keeping things going in the right direction. I still think that is why Honda hasn't been more aggressive in their approach - they worry about losing their way.

I already view Toyota as one of the most “uncool” rides one can buy. Other than the FJ, I can’t think of a single Toyota that I would consider purchasing. Why? Because they are so boring! If you want your car to have the soul of a Maytag, buy a Toyota I guess…

 

I happen to be a loyal Chevy owner but have inherited a 1992 toyota camry that belongs to my better half. This thing has 300K miles on it. Runs like a top and gets better gas mileage that my HHR! Of course it dont have quite the get up and ga as the HHR.