Toyota's Lost Its Quality Edge? Not So Fast
02-08-10, 08:27 AM
#16
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The NHTSA found no clear evidence of an issue with the pedals, and neither did Toyota supplier CTS. There may not even be a clear problem with the pedals, but Toyota could be replacing the pedals simply as a precaution. Toyota has done this in the past, undertaking recalls for precautionary measures.
You may be right that it is contestable, however with no clear evidence it is hard to prove either way.
The pedal design for all new Toyotas has been changed, and existing Toyotas with pedals will be modified to prevent this from being an issue.
Regardless, this speculation will be a non-issue by the end of this year when virtually all Toyota models will have a brake override system installed, forcing the brakes to override the engine power under any circumstances, including sudden acceleration.
You may be right that it is contestable, however with no clear evidence it is hard to prove either way.
The pedal design for all new Toyotas has been changed, and existing Toyotas with pedals will be modified to prevent this from being an issue.
Regardless, this speculation will be a non-issue by the end of this year when virtually all Toyota models will have a brake override system installed, forcing the brakes to override the engine power under any circumstances, including sudden acceleration.
02-08-10, 08:28 AM
#17
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the current media flap on the recall is massively overblown of course, and toyota still has excellent quality from a 'lack of defects' perspective, but that's not the real problem. the real problem is that toyota's product line in the u.s. is boring, bland, and looks cheap compared to its competitors. it may be bolted and glued together well, but that's not the biggest problem.
02-08-10, 10:48 AM
#19
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the current media flap on the recall is massively overblown of course, and toyota still has excellent quality from a 'lack of defects' perspective, but that's not the real problem. the real problem is that toyota's product line in the u.s. is boring, bland, and looks cheap compared to its competitors. it may be bolted and glued together well, but that's not the biggest problem.
It's almost too much for me to believe sometimes. The fact that I got excited when I learned the 2010 Camry SE would receive a 6-speed manual (upgraded from 5-speed!!) illustrates just how bad it is.Looks like you just want to keep taking shots at Toyota whenever you get the chance, whether it's a legit opportunity or not.
02-08-10, 12:41 PM
#21
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02-08-10, 01:04 PM
#22
According to Toyota, the sudden acceleration issue has two causes: the floor mat on the brake pedal, and the brake pedal itself locking in place.
According to Toyota, the issue has everything to do with the brake pedal.
If not, then other engineering issues need to be fixed, and millions/billions of dollars will have to be spent fixing the 6+ million cars affected...
According to Toyota, the issue has everything to do with the brake pedal.
If not, then other engineering issues need to be fixed, and millions/billions of dollars will have to be spent fixing the 6+ million cars affected...
02-08-10, 02:12 PM
#23
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Thread Starter
According to Toyota, the sudden acceleration issue has two causes: the floor mat on the brake pedal, and the brake pedal itself locking in place.
According to Toyota, the issue has everything to do with the brake pedal.
If not, then other engineering issues need to be fixed, and millions/billions of dollars will have to be spent fixing the 6+ million cars affected...
According to Toyota, the issue has everything to do with the brake pedal.
If not, then other engineering issues need to be fixed, and millions/billions of dollars will have to be spent fixing the 6+ million cars affected...
it is quite funny that you didnt even realize it is gas pedal, not brake pedal ;-). I thought your were talking about smart pedal - ignoring of gas pedal when brake pedal was pressed.
02-08-10, 02:25 PM
#26
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Thread Starter
apperantly they ****ed it up, but they are making sure it does not happen again with smart pedal being installed on all vehicles by the end of 2010.
I wonder if anything will happen with Ford, as Ford does not have smart pedals either and also has a lot of acceleration complaints (according to CR survey)... too bad nobody is going "tough" on all of the automotive industry, not just toyota.
02-08-10, 05:29 PM
#27
Lexus Champion
I'd still trust a recalled Toyota over a perfect GM or Mopar any day of the week. Toyota's issues are just teething pains. Over at Detroit, it's a way of life amid unions and bean counters.
02-08-10, 08:40 PM
#28
Teething pains...
Yeah, we're all giving Toyota the benefit of the doubt because this is a Lexus forum afterall, but let's be honest here. Toyota has been slipping while Hyundai has been rising. If we still hide in the closet and stay in the dark to these facts, then soon it will be too late to do anything.
Toyota has to go back to it's core roots and build better quality vehicles, that are valuable. Don't just offer better interiors on top-of-the-line trims, offer the across the board.
Toyota's goals were good, to reach #1, but then they slipped getting there, slipped again while on the podium, and now have dropped their pants.
Yeah, these articles are nice and all that, makes the Toyota fan feel nice, warm, and fuzzy, but what are low defect rates going to mean for me when the interior plastic panels feel... well... PLASTIC ! I remember when Toyota (and Honda) interiors were all firm to the touch padded plastics, and panels had a quality look to them. Now, all hard textured plastics, with plastic painted silver panels here and there with no rhyme or reason.
WAKE UP !!!! You can't rest on your laurels forever !!!!
02-08-10, 09:06 PM
#29
Lexus Champion
I still view Hyundai as a 2nd tier brand, don't get me wrong they've improved a bit over the few years. They're still cheap and flimsy but well-executed. Hopefully Toyota gets back to their former selves.
02-08-10, 09:50 PM
#30
executive matchup
