Horsepower is horsepower?

Hybridhunter wrote:

bmanning wrote:

atvanish wrote:


I'll play along...
My $0.02 is "Perception" drives the residuals, not reality... And with the false perception of quality that Toyota had (at one time) it still has left the market 'thinking' they are better.
My opinion is they ALL have their issues and I don't mind the imports either, just don't think they are any 'better'...

Perception is reality, and not sure I agree that the perception of quality is "false." At least in my case it's not, as I've had 3 Toyota SUVs that were flawless despite high mileage. In fact, my 2008 F250 needed more repairs & attention within about 2 months of ownership than my 2002 Land Cruiser did over 4 years of ownership.

And that's the last time I play defense attorney for Toyota; every brand is going to have haters, for various reasons, and that's perfectly OK. My mind (or perception, if you will) isn't going to change by reading other's opinions- my opinion is based upon personal experience, not what I read on the internet or what CR or some car magazine said- and I don't expect to change anyone else's opinion

I think we were both a bit over-zealous. Since we are off topic, I'll relate my experience...

Wife's 2004 Echo, car built wrong, dash rubbed door badly, HVAC disfunctional, recalled for "free" rust coating due to rotting unibodies; Toyota unhelpful.

2009 Tacoma - built without a major feature listed on the monrony, Toyota resolved it through a settlement (non-disclosure, but they got me out of the truck)

2010 Tacoma. 2 rusted bumpers, 3 rear ring and pinions, T-case issues, 4 wd actuator, 3 wiper motors, 3 blower motors, 1 stereo, bad mileage. (2yrs - 42000miles)

2011 corolla - ECM calibration issues, resolved after multiple trips, multiple dealers. Trunks rusted, twice in 2 years.

So in 2011, I filled out my annual CR Auto survey. Reported issue on 2 Toyotas. I've been a member 8 years, they never sent me another survey. Follows it up 2 years in a row. No explanation, but I should receive it "next year", twice, still waiting. Coincidence?

It seems like Toyota gets a "pass", in spite of what they now build, (if the F150 had those issues, can you imagine the fallout?) because they were better in the past, when the domestic manufacturers are crankin out poop.

But I had no intention of going that far with my opinion. All I was trying to say is that Nissan's cummins could be a home run. Honest. :-)

I couldn't agree more; I think the new Titan with the Cummins will emphatically shake up the market and FWIW I agree with your thought that Nissan did a really good job on the 1st gen Titan (and yes, I agree, much better than the 1st gen Tundra's execution).
It (Titan) may be a bit dated now but it certainly wasn't when it was introduced. I frequently have thoughts of a 2014 Ram 2500 with the 6.4L Hemi & rear air suspension, but I will absolutely have a look at the new Titan with the Cummins and give it every chance to win me over, especially if the fuel price gap remains close when it hits dealer lots.

And I also concede that the 3 Toyota SUVs that gave me great service were a 1991, 1997, and 2002 respectively, so if Toyota quality has slipped (and everything points to confirming that it has, at least to some degree) I would be blissfully ignorant to it.

And furthermore, I also agree that Toyota sometimes gets a pass...just as in the way that many domestics, now cranking out terrific vehicles, are still fighting perception from the 1980s and 1990s.