Toyota Falls to Number 3 Auto Manufacurer

You may be referring to the '91-'96 Camry, which used premium materials but was also one of the most expensive in its class. The '96-'01 Camry was the start of drastic cost-cutting (two-layer door seals instead of three, thinner undercarriage paint, etc.).

How does the 2012 Camry interior compare to that of the Malibu or Altima?

 

96 to 01 was still far better than the two generations that followed it, or the current. And yes, the current Camry is class competitive with some vehicles (Altima...I couldn't tell you what the interiors of any domestic nameplates are like other than Ford, which is well ahead of Toyota).

 

on a side note i worked at a vw dealer in south jersey for like 12 years and they are fucking complete garbage on a hot day the sound deadening parafin wax would be running all over the rocker panels lolz. the window regulators constantly failed one went as far as going half way up before the linkage completely disconnected on me sending the window crashing into the door to it's final resting place.

and their diesels while cool in theory are crap i mean who the hell designs a diesel with a timing belt? so we had at our dealership like on average 3 cars a month being towed or drove in with their timing belts needing replacement on newer cars.

this all took place from 99 to 2005 i can't speak to their quality now a days but, back then it was all screwed up. as a german it offends me and makes my butt hurt that they design a car say it's german but manufacture it in either brazil or mexico wtf?

 

X2

Did you guys read the link(s)... It is NOT from dropping sales because of bad cars... Natural disasters in Asia prevented Toyota from making and selling as many cars as people wanted to buy...

Let's see VW and mainly GM do as well after a tsunami hits Detroit!

 

Are Denso oil filters going to be in short supply now?

I know, First World problems and all...

 

I understand what your saying. I'm not some blind Toyota fan boy, but refinement of cars and technology integration was much faster and more complex then a calculator. Its taken a toll on all manufacturers.

I will for one at first glance say I thought Toyota took a quality dive because I had an 84 Toyota pickup as my first vehicle and my uncle still drives it today with no issues but it was a very simple truck with no where near the options or technology my Tacoma has.
Idk, I mean companies HAVE to make a profit to survive so I kinda understand why they have to make tough decisions about cutting quality somewhere in order to produce vehicles people can afford to buy, especially in a time where the price of materials are going up while incomes are starting the same. Just my opinion. I hope things get to a point where Toyota can produce vehicles of similar quality of the late 80's and early 90's and include all the features most people look for in vehicles nowadays, but I think that's wishful thinking.

 

Incomes are decreasing in real money, which is why the cost of everything is rising. It's an attempt by a failed economy to keep income liveable, but the problem is eventually everything comes full circle.

 

I understand. I just hope that Toyota can turn their current state around, and it seems like they will.
It kinda just caught me by surprise that they fell so far. I knew the earquake and tsunami where devestating but i just didn't realize it was that bad.

 

The debate of chains vers. belts will go on as long as there are two. TDI’s breaking belts is not because they have belts it’s lack of maintenance. Guess you never had to deal with chains in a VR6 or replace timing cases and bearings in a 22RE because the chain cut through the case and dumped all the antifreeze in the sump. Have a look at VW web sites their biggest complaint is the dealer network. Yes the Germans make complex cars but they last. I have had 4 Toyota pickups and a Toyota motor home even owned a Camary I sold the Camary and bought a TDI because I thought I was going to die of boredom. If you have a newer Tacoma have a look at the parts my 2011 if full of parts from all over the globe and a vast majority from the US including the frame! The competition in the auto market right now is fierce and it’s all about the money Toyota is having a hard time competing with South Korea because they can make cars cheaper then the Japanese can.

 

Lots of Toyota Kool-Aid has been drank in these parts.

 

I would say it is quality. Built in America = lazy UAW

 

I would never buy a VW, still dont know anyone that has one and doesnt have major problems. I have had GMs in the past, and havent been too unhappy.

 

Well said.

20lbs of plastic shaved off of my 2nd gen, 1.5 foot bumper, chirpy blower motor, and some PoS leaf springs.

 

VW is the last company I thought I would see above Toyota, even given current and recent events

 

VW owns bugatti.

 

Who Fricken Cares! There still number one in our book!