First of all let me say that in the 70's and 80's, Toyota kicked the crap out of the US in car design and build quality. I was a huge Toyota fan growing up in the 80's. I loved Celicas, Supras, etc. Until I got a job at a dealer in 93. I noticed that they were decontenting their cars to nothing more than tin cans. Many Camry's and Avalons had windshields falling out, engine problems, and poor fit and finish right off the truck. There were similar problems with the trucks but not nearly as often. We had about 10 T-100's sitting on the lot so long that they had flat tires. The only thing that sold well were Camrys and pickups. The best off the truck were Supras and Celicas and Corollas were pretty well built.

I have recently been reading at other sites about the 4cyl Camry engine from 92 to current has massive valve stem seal problems causing oil sludging and eventually early engine failure. I never thought it was a real problem until I met a lady the other day that leased a Camry and the first thing she mentioned is the valvestem seal problems she is having. I have thought since the days I worked at that dealer that Toyota is becoming little GM. Boy I was right. And just look at how plain the new Camry is compared to the model it replaced. And for all of the previous models sold, I see very few on the road. At least GM is trying to improve it's quality if it refuses to improve it's styling, on cars anyway. I am just very surprised to hear this about Toyota. I think the great American brainwash is finally over. We all have problems!

 

You are exactly right. Late 70's early 80's imports were unmatched in quality. Imports have been riding their reputation and lowering quality every since. Consumer Reports shows US automakers have been creating more reliability since 1995. I had a 1983 Maxima that I sold at 265,000 miles and the people are still driving it 6 yrs. later. I bought a 1996 Accord and had nothing but problems including a 3 color unmatching paint color and a trans that took of in 2nd gear. I just sold a 1998 Supra; the door wouldn't close, the hatch wouldn't open, and worst of all it pinged the whole time it drove in 4th gear and everytime it shifted. I thought I would give Ford another chance and bought a F-150 not a Toyota truck. I have a 1971 Torino Cobra 429, 4-speed, Detroit Locker 4.30 that I bought in High School and it is great 25yrs later; too bad Ford does not build cars like this anymore.

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2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification,Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back.