That is soo true

I'm not critisizing all american vehicles, there a several good models made by the Big 3 and the f-150 is one of them. Some people are so blinded by brand loyalty or "buy american because it the right thing to do" that they turn their cheek when there is a quality issue.

I'll probably always own a pickup truck becuase this is my first and I LOVE it! There are always new models comming out by Automakers and when the new Tundra comes out there will be many people looking at it and possiblly purchasing one IF it meets the consumers needs and wants. That was always the problem with Japanese trucks, they were never up to par with Ford, Dodge or Chevy. I think Foriegn automakers are learning from their mistakes and learning what Americans want in their trucks.


I had to throw in one more artical that might get me banned from this site


The state of Michigan is trying to lure Toyota to the state to build a new plant that would assemble engines, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm told the paper that she discussed the possibility of Toyota building an engine plant in Michigan with executives in town this week for the Detroit auto show. A Toyota engine plant could create hundreds of jobs at a time when Detroit's automakers are cutting back on production, and Michigan-based suppliers are facing even bleaker prospects. Granholm said Michigan is one of the states on the list of potential locations for the plant, with the usual slate of southern states also vying for the project, which could supply Toyota's new plant in Ontario with four-cylinder engines. The Journal adds that Toyota seems to prefer a location in southwest Michigan, far from the politically sensitive southeast corner of the state where thousands of auto-assembly jobs have been cut.

 

"hat's why Toyota will be the largest automaker in a couple of years...quality and saftey are priorities."


You are correct. It took them many years to perfect their manufacturing standards, but now they are the best and will continue to be...too bad the American's didn't listen to Deming's theroies back in the 70's....

 

Here's my two experiences with Toyota vehicles.

1) 1977 Celica. I put 371,000+ miles on it before I sold it. Engine was never broke into. Never replaced the clutch. Only *real* work done on it besides regular maintenace was 3 water pumps. I did all work myself and never had her in anyone's shop.

2) 1986 4X4 xtracab. Has 419,000+ miles on it right now. I bought it new and still drive it. It has become my farm/work truck. Only a 4 cyclinder but pulls everything I've hooked up to it. Engine has never been broke into. Only time it has been in someone elses shop was to replace the clutch at around 120,000 miles. Have replaced the water pump once, starter once, and 4 mufflers. I drive lots of off road and they rust up pretty good. Gets 18+ miles per gallon. All work and maintenance done by me except for the clutch. I'd drive her to California tomorrow if I needed to.

Now, you can put down Toyota all you want, but in my *experience* they are well made vehicles that last.

I do love my Ford 150 and hope I can keep it running just as long. My first Ford, so we'll see.

I don't care if it's built on Mars by Pultonians. I just want my hard earned moneys worth.

Joey

 

Yeah, when I first saw the title of this thread, I thought I was going to read: "Toyota buys GM"

Two years ago Toyota has enough cash to buy GM outright. Not buy controlling interest, BUY- the whole freaking company.

GM is still considered the largest, but Toyota is the wealthiest, and they can buy GM (And you know if they can buy GM, they can buy Ford & probably DC too). Tiyota's exec said something to the effect that they want GM to survive...

Bottom line is, don't get mad at Toyota for giving a damn about what they put on the street, and for building a great line of automobiles... You can't get mad when someone else is better... All you can do, is get better yourself, or die on the battlefield...

 

Well put big guy.

 

Actually, in the 50's. But, yes- we sent him packing- now Japan's about to send us folding, as in our tents...

OK, do guys with big dix make you want to buy a new car/truck!

Sorry, that was too easy a mark to pass on, I had too.

Speaking of cold- I was the cold-weather survival training NCO in Uijongbu, South Korea. That meant I had to spend 10 days on the mountain, in below freezing (near 0) temperatures to make sure my Company knew how to survive in Korea's winter, with make-shift shelter.

That was one cold SOB. Colder than Germany...
On M*A*S*H Hawkeye and those guys always looked like they were dying from the heat (It gets hot there too), I missed all the ice-cold episodes...

 

X 2


Its nice to see there are logical people on this board

 

I got to ride the very first time inside a New Toyota Van for about an hour today (I forgot what there called) But it sure the heck puts the Freestar to shame

 

Last night on World News tonight they interviewed the President of the company that will import chinese cars. He said they pay their employees $3.50 per hour. I bet that he was a little high on that rate. Talk about slave labor.

 

I saw that too. It was on NBC news

 

Yep...

It's Called GEELY

While it's not pretty... it is going to be less than 10K and gets 35MPG highway. Scary... but, it might be a *HIT* in the US with energy costs soaring....

RP

 

Could be the next big thing. Just need to change the name. Might make a good chic car, but if one of my buddies bought a car with that name I would instantly call him gay..

Sled...

 

you know, its okay by me that these people out there might buy those cheep jelly bean cars for less then 10K. That just makes the rest of us look like were driving Bentley’s compared to them!

 

Yeah, MT did an article on Chinese manufacturers and their BLATANT copying of other manufacturers stuff. THey have been challenged in court, but no one has won a case against them yet...

If you'll notice in that link, the almost identical appearance of the front clip on that Geely to the front grill of the Mercedes C-Class, right down to the grill and headlights. If it's the same car as MT showed, the tail lights are those from the Honda Accord.

They have a car called Chery, that looks just like the "Chevy" that we export to China. They said the copying is to the point that you can take the door off the Chevy Aveo (I think) and bolt the door from te Chery right on to it...

Oh well, if they sell it here- all they're really doing is opening themselves up to lawsuits. Lawsuits that they won in China, they will certainly lose in the automobile loving USA.

American's will love a cheap, efficient and semi-reliable car. If it's very reliable, then it will fly over the Green Monster for sure (HOME-RUN).... We love 'em. but dammit- you better make it from your own mind, and not splice parts of other peoples cars (so to speak) make something, and call it yours...

********************

If we really could do that, I want a brand new, 2006 Navigator, with the Hemi SRT-8 engine (425 HP) or the blown Mercedes 6.0L V-12 (612 HP), Corvette Exhaust, BMW 7-Series interior and headlights, and the Acura RL Navigation system.

If were gonna start piecing things together, we may as well make a MONSTER!!!!

 

All the political mumbo jumbo aside, Toyotas are ugly and trucks for yuppies and homos. Real men drive big 3 only trucks. Trucks with *****! Even chicks dig guys who drive big trucks, instead of vw's or hondas! Ford trucks are the best hands down, and even with recalls, don't people know that products on these trucks are made by the same companies who supply everyone, ex. Bosch, Dana, Perfect circle, Texas instruments etc. Think about it, are we as North Americans going to let an outsider like Japan come into our territory and rule it? One of these days when all domestic automakers are run down and all people who get affected by the ripple affect are poor, who can afford any car from anyone anyways? People are free to by whatever you want, but remeber that thing we all used to have in our mind...... Made in the USA or made in Canada? Food for thaught! Remember, North American profits do not go off shore, they get reinvested into local communities, Toyota, Nissan, Kia, and so on go back to Asia where they are based!