Toyota made headlines today as the world’s best-selling auto company, beating GM for the first time. At the same time, the Union of Concerned Scientists has declared Toyota America’s greenest auto company, just behind Honda. Enviros say green is what put Toyota on top.
Think again.
Um,… red put them on top?
Yes indeedee, the Tacoma is the only rice burning truck you can actually fit a 4×8 sheet of plywood in with the gate shut. Also the only one my 6′ frame doesn’t hit the ceiling in, and I can even get my wallet out of my pants pocket without contorting into a pretzel.
Best part, soon to be made in Canada right here in Ontariariario. Can’t even call them imports anymore, really.
It would be nice if GM, Ford and Chrysler would learn from the Japanese about good design. You know, air conditioners that the heat exchanger desn’t rot out in 4 years (cost me $800 bucks to fix, you have to remove the entire freakin’ dashboard and steering column to get at the heater/AC core in a Dodge truck, how stupid is that?) engines that don’t weigh 700 lbs, stuff like that. Or even doors that fit.
I guess they will either figure it out or go under.
Toyota is on top because of fleet sales to car rental companies.GM did this for years and lost tons of money. I don’t believe anything from a group whose title includes “union” or “concerned scientists”
I’m a former GM man, but my Tundra has been the answer for me,the only thing I’ve done to it is change the oil!
My last GM truck was in the shop pretty much monthly.
Some of the oldtimers around here give me a hard time about buying foreign,too bad so sad!
There’s clearly more than one thing that’s made Toyota #1, but I’d say that reliability is the most important. I bought my Corolla new on January 1, 1998 and driven it for 82,000 miles. What’s failed? Well, the drive belt (formerly known as a fan belt) was getting worn, so I agreed with my mechanic’s recommendation that it be replaced (at about 70,000 miles). I had the tires replaced at 70,000 miles, and the battery failed after seven years plus. Two or three months ago, the right headlight went out. I replaced the bulb for less than $11 and about half an hour of my time. That’s it. Yeah, it gets 30 mpg (U.S. gallon) in town and 40 mpg on the road, but there are plenty of other cars that do that; there aren’t plenty of others that don’t fail.
i never have and never will buy a union made car . . . non-union shops have workers who know that quality matters to their future.
Union shops have Buzz Hargrove telling the line workers they are entitled to be over paid and not to worry about quality because the Union will protect their jobs.
Unionized auto manufacturing in NA is dead like a dodo. Its just the corpse hasn’t stopped twitching yet.
I detect a bit of Tacoma lust. Justified I guess.
Years ago Toyota made a name for itself by providing a small fleet for use in the Arctic.
The durability and performance was widely published and bolstered sales in NAmerica in their early days.
The Ford Escape SUV,[18 hybrids],was put to heavy duty NYC testing by Yellow Cab and averaged 11 years equivalent use each at a saving of $250,000 in gas. No problems!
Photos & all, click my name below.= TG
I am the first to admit that Ford has a checkered past. In fact I often spoke about the Fix Or Repair Daily Reputation.
However, one has to be careful not to lump all Ford plants together. Looks like they are trying to do better. = TG
Of course Toyota is the best when it comes to quality. Ever notice that in worn torn countries, like Irag, Afghanistan and parts of Africa for example, the militia are always being escorted around in toyotas. Don’t want to break down when running from the B-52’s.
Also a co-worker has a 98 Tacoma and has over 500,000 km’s on it. Replaced 1 shock, the brakes a couple of times, wipers, windshields and tires. I am on my 3rd Chev, this one is the diesel. And we work in the patch on the same type of lease roads.
My next truck in 08 will be a tundra, hopefully a diesel.
They had to make a work vehicle with a full frame and the power to haul a trailer…differnce between the rice burner truck and a GM is it isn’t at the dealer’s half it’s warranty for chicken crap things breaking and falling off.
There are lots of examples of how long imports last vs north american, however, imports have higher regular maintenance costs than north american. If these manufacture mandated maintenance schedules are not followed the warranty is void. By the way, GM still outsells Toyota two to one in Canada. It is in the U.S. that Toyota outsells GM. How much milage is one your Dodge pick-up Kate?
I’m with Glenn on this one. Quality and reliability are what sold me on Toyota. I never once considered “green” issues when I selected my new Corolla two years ago, but hell, it does get some pretty good mileage. (Better than their hybrid SUV, according to the specs!)
I remember reading a report a few months back. The number of reported defects in new Toyotas had risen significantly in the last few years, 5 times more in 2005 that in 2002 or some such. Perhaps biggest does not make for best. I know a lot of import snobs like to gloat about what they perceive as a quality gap, but my Sebring has performed nicely, reliably, and it was cheaper than the Japanese competition.
The TUNDRA is BIGGER! and burns just as much fuel as any N.Am. V-8 pick-up. That’s GREEN (with envy)
All these years that the Liberals and NDP thought the USA-Bashing to mock Christians and calls Bush an idiot and belived the Americans wouldn’t protest by focusing on Buying-America made Auto from the big-3 that made the same model in Canadian Plants.
Carolyn Parrish should send money to Buzz since FORD of Oakville suffered when FORD USA axed some vehicles and the Winstar was also made in the USA for local buyers , the Liberals allowed imports and Non-Unionized Plants to open in Ontario and Belinda Stranach’s Daddy supplies the auto Parts for the Japanese Plants to Uder-Cut the CAW prices with higher Quality for the low income Canadians on a budget.
Belinda then goes to the Liberals and low and behold just as Chrysler is almost bankrupt Belinda
gets a call from Daddy to handle the Chrysler purchase created by Magna aiding Non-Unionized Plants watch the CAW drive up the Salaries and Benefits so high it cripples the Profit-Margin
and kills CAW jobs.
There is nothing in the Charter Of Rights that demands I buy a Unionized made Auto so the CAW workers can keep there jobs so they can go home to the big house filled with Japanese and Korean Electronic and now products from China and Mexico , next time you visit Buzzes home try to spot the Canadian made products other than Food items.
Bet you he has a SONY,LG,BENQ Plasma TV from Mexico or Malaysia , imported Washer-Dryer , Panasonic Microwave , imported Satellite box and dish , imported lawn mower and power tools from Wal-Mart , and a Pension Fund that invests in those Evil banks,Oil Companies,Tobacco Co , Forrst and Paper , Minning co , Pharma-Corps for Private health care, and all the other comforts that killed Canadian Jobs the CAW didn’t give a damn about.
About 8 years ago I adviced a CAW worker to apply at Toyota Cambridge and if they get the job buy a cheap house near Rail transit close to the Factory for higher re-sale in 15 years for the capital gains money that’s untaxed as a profit , but No , the CAW brainwashed many automotons that the Liberals would protect jobs and axe the Free-Trade and GST deal by the PC’s that now shows as a bonus for the Liberal budgets and lower unemployment numbers in 30 years.
Buzz failed to mention that he was fighting to get into those non-Union Plants and this would kill the quality so all CAW cars are overpriced and Tax-funded to make cars people aren’t buying , Totoyta has a large growth and big profit margin to hold prices down while adding power option to base-model cars at the $20’000.00 level .
I tried one of those Corolla’s and I never had to fight with the Service department over Warranty claims for faulty parts or noises by mechanical issues , plus FORD became Political with the Rainbow Coallition support to appeal to 2% of the population that assumed i was a Homophobe and bigot to oppose Same-Gender marriage.
If FORD wants to have a PINK Oval on cars instead of the FORD-Blue oval then maybe McGuinty can make FORD Ontario a Crown Corporation to employ gay workers to build cars for the gay market and to meet quotas for Goverment cars that are gay-friend and gay-made.
It was suicide for FORD and GM to insult 98% of the consumer base by appeasing the 2% so they don’t get the Label of Homophobic business ,and ads also show the single-mom as a hero with a good job, new house , happy kids without a dad, attractive even with 3 kids and a failed marriage, super cook with lots of free time, and a sports buff to camp and travel with the kids.
The CAW shot themselves in the foot and I don’t make enough money to pay higher taxes to support them as if they are the CBC protecting our Culture , Liberals robbed the taxpayers while screwing the CAW because MP’s got raises and a gold-plated pension .
Kelly, don’t repeat that crap about maintenance like it’s gospel. Like many on this list, I’ve driven plenty of both, and I’m not going back to domestic.
I suspect you’re one of the diehard GM supporters at The Truth About Cars.
BTW, toyota has traditionally limited fleet sales, because they’re not dumb enough to sink themselves like the 2.5 did, and they don’t need the money as bad.
Sorry to tell you slick but Toyota is increasing their presence big time in the daily rental business and GM is decreasing their daily rental business. Why do you think GM is laying off 30,00 of its employees all across North America.I’ve also owned imports and will NEVER own another. My 1996 Jetta needed exhaust at 50,000 km and again at 100,000 km, starter at 60,000 km and again at 130,000 km, timing belt,water pump,and thermostst at 100,000km as well. Lets not even talk about the body side moldings falling off at 30,000 km. Why do you suppose 99% of all taxi cabs are GM or Ford. Same with police cruisers. Oh yeah my 1997 Olds Delta 88 LSS is one of the most dependable cars I’ve ever owned and gets better gas milage (800km on a tank of gas last trip to Mont. Ste Anne) than my piece of crap Jetta.
Aren’t Jettas made in Mexico?
Kelly, there are imports and now domestic Asian cars and there are imports from Europe. Not the same beast. European cars always had high maintenance as shown in Consumers Reports. I worked at a BMW dealership and could not believe the maintenance charges, over $400.00 for an oil service, that people paid. The resale on the higher end series was really poor as they came off warranty.
American car companies are run by accountants and the Japanese by engineers. Guess which person cares how long your car lasts and how it performs?
…put it this way, until the daughter gave me here 2004 Ford F150 Lariet. I wouldn’t touch a Ford, having owned an 86 Crown Vic and having to fix things on it like fuel pumps and so on.
She had this truck in the shop every month. Electrical, transmission, brakes and so on.
Well she had a major inspection done on it, repair ed everything ($2500) before giving it to me. The first week we got the daughters truck, the rear brake sensor went – $550.
One thing i will say however, it is quite roomy and quiet, and I like that part, plus you sit so high you see the tops of mini-vans.
But filling up the gas once a week for $80 hurts.
Guess what she got now – a ’07 Tundra.
My neighbour has a Toyota Pickup, ’91 and besides oil and normal maintenance, same engine, same trans, no rust and great mileage.
Two misconceptions:
1. “Why do you suppose 99% of all taxi cabs are GM or Ford”.
– because of fleet sales and “support NA cars”. Why do you suppose 99% of the world use Mercedes as taxi’s? Not because of the smooth ride on a good ol’ North American roads. Ever been to the Middle East? Why do 99% of the world us Toyota pickups, even the Taliban? Can’t break down over there, else you’d get shot maybe?
2. My Sebring has performed nicely, reliably, and it was cheaper than the Japanese competition.
– Cheaper because Chryslers don’t have a tariff, or if it is built in North America, it’s marketing positioning – basically you get what you pay for and you pay for the name – like Sony. But try to sell a Chrysler as a Toyota or Sony…
Give it a couple of years, known fact most North American cars are meant to operate 10 years and then the owner is suppose to buy another one. Why is Ford on the ropes? Why is Chrysler getting bought out by Belimbo’s daddy?
Can’t be for their dependable cars.
The Tundra is the official truck of 24. Jack Bauer uses one during his 24-hour days hunting Islamofacist terrorists and rescuing his girlfriend Audrey from the Chinese Commies. It’s the Jack Truck!!
If I could drive, I’d get me one!!!
The UNION of CONCERED SCIENTISTS are a bunch of fruads they dont push real science just junk science and a liberal left-wing political agenda
i have owned 7 toyotas….first was a 1970 corolla,…current is a ’05 Tacoma…
I will NEVER buy a domestic. I had driven many much-older toyotas before my last 2 bought-new trucks. First ‘new’ truck was a ’90 Toyota pick-up…lasted 15 yrs, trouble free, and 350,000 kms of VERY hard use. Bough a new Tacoma in Nov of ’04…
All I can say is this: If you buy a Domestic truck….you are a retard…not just any kind of retard….a super-retard.
the new Tundra can out-pull any 1/2 ton domestic, is as big, as roomy, and will out-last any domestic…..and for prolly cheaper purchase price…and without doubt, longevity….so why would you look at a domestic?
Somebody mentioned the warranty service requirement…… total bull!
drive a tundra just once….you’ll be convinced!
As for the CAW….opps, so sad…….and too friggin’ bad for you!….maybe you’ll learn how to make a living in the real world…like the rest of us!
buy quality…the market will re-align itself…without the CAW…..
Ha!
After umpteen years here in the UK, I’m preparing to return to our Dear Dominion.
High up on my list is a brand spanking new Toyota SUV.
And not because it’s “green” either.
99% of the world uses Mercedes because in those parts of the world Mercedes are probably cheaper. I don’t mean to sound racist or anything but most cab drivers in North America are Middle Eastern don’t really believe in “support NA cars”. Like any business person they buy GM & Fords to get the maximun return on their investment. Now time for me to eat some crow… 1997 – 2003 Malibu,Venture,2000-2003 Impala,all Buick Rendezvous have common problems such as intake gaskets on 3.4l, wheel bearings on the vans,rendesvous. All the above mentioned GM products were in high demand from the renal companies. Toyota has decided it wants the fleet rental business and as demand for their product grows from these fleet buyers quality will suffer. The theory behind this daily rental business is the car maker gets more of their vehicles in to service and gains more exposure.It all sounds well and good but The Big Three are paying for it now and Toyota will pay for it in a few years with a lower quality car,lower resale value due to all the ex-rental cars on used car lots. Also with lower resale value on one year old cars the residual values on all the 3 & 4 yr leases will be too high and Toyota will get dinged at the auctions. Now if The Big Three cuold only dump Buzz Hargrove & CAW all would be right in the world.
…Mercedes parts cheaper? Maybe in shipping costs, but doubt it. Supply and demand. I remember a fuel pump costing $35, now they are in the $500 range and located in the gas tank. Supply and demand. Why does it cost more for the placement?
But the reason one could argue NA cars are crap is to keep the economy going. If all cars ran like a Toyota or Mercedes, think of all the garages and mechanics who would be going out of business.
Also, the high retirement costs for all those auto workers is killing the big Three, not to mention the high CEO wages.
Just like how electric cars will affect the marketplace, unless electric motor rewinding makes a come back, the cars won’t be showing up for awhile.
Sorry Tony. 😉
“Mercedes parts cheaper” Who said that?
I would think though that Mercedes parts would be cheaper than GM parts in Germany for example.
Unfortunately Stephen “Greener than You” Harper is bound to ban the internal combustion engine and Kate will have to take a golf cart to Minot to drive the Tundra for kicks on weekends.