Midas1

Ford Gaining on Honda, Toyota in Perceived Quality

Mad Hedge-thank you for the insight. Toyota is an awesome company. I have owned its products for >30 years. Actually, I am now driving my 4th Toyota; I would still be driving the 3rd, except it was totaled. At the time that 14 year old Camry was totaled, it still had the original alternator and had NEVER FAILED despite being stolen, hit previously and vandalized. Actual experience with Toyota's products via customer reviews are convincing evidence of the high quality. On rare occasion when an issue has arisen, Toyota has NEVER FAILED to back its product, unlike what other people have experienced with different makers. Toyota simply conducts business in a different manner. Ford is getting there, but is unfortunately being hampered by an outdated, needless union. Just when the company is reaching new heights of confidence and success, the UAW won't approve the contract. The "brilliance" of this union never fails to amaze me. Toyota and Honda owners alike are well aware of the quality in both and both companies enjoy an extremely high customer return purchase rate. It has become wearing to hear the rubbish about these two outstanding companies. One could easily assume an agenda is being played out (with the recent news regarding Toyota and Honda) by our government since the UAW strongly supported Obama and the government now owns GM.

Who's Cashing In on All Those Clunkers?

Domestic or domestically-produced? The Ford Fusion is built in Mexico. The Toyota Camry is made here, as well as some of the Corollas. Honda also builds the Civic here. Toyota and Honda are much more domestic than what many consider "domestic".

Top 10 'Clunkers' and New Cars Purchased

Two service situations yesterday. One with Toyota, the other with a professional appointment. As usual, Toyota delivered consistently excellent service; the other, the usual dismal service. Due to an "oversight" no one called to cancel the appointment when the person I was seeing knew 5 business days prior to the appt he would not be able to make the appt. I took time off without pay for that appt. Hats off to Toyota--great products, great service, great company. Toyota respects its customers; many other businesses carry an attitude of "we dare you to do business with us". I will do business with Toyota for life. We could learn much from the Japanese culture in how to do business such as humility, shame, and honor. Rest assured if Toyota management ran our financial services industry, we would not be in the mess we now find ourselves.

Toyota: A 'Smart' Housing Play for All Long-Term Investors

The author did not mention that Toyota has been in the prefab housing business for years. Toyota is well-positioned to develop home systems as discussed in this piece.

Toyota: A 'Smart' Housing Play for All Long-Term Investors

Toyota is one of the smartest companies in the world. It is also the most respected company in the world (Forbes), #1 for customer loyalty and #3 for innovation (which will change to #1 rest assured). Perhaps most endearing (and refreshing) is the honesty from executives. A recent online article noted how the head of North American Operations stated Toyota had lost its vision, etc. and how more companies should admit when they make a mistake instead of making excuses. The Japanese culture could teach us much about values at this time. Another example is Japan Airlines. The company's CEO took a salary cut to about $90,000 per year, eats with employees in the cafeteria and feels management should suffer with employees in the economic downturn. I wish more companies would adopt the same thinking.

Obama's Sweeping Changes for America's Cars

Toyota has received 80,000 orders for the new Prius. Why couldn't it have been GM or Ford? Wake up domestics and get a decent small hybrid car on the road. Toyota is lightyears ahead of you.


On May 20 05:05 AM Freya wrote:

> The new Toyota Prius is rated at 50 mpg highway. It will be sold
> here shortly.

12 Cars That Could Spoil a Chrysler-Fiat Deal

Toyota has just received an order for 75,000 Priuses. As a consumer I would rather go with a well-established Hybrid rather than take a risk with another. That said, Honda, like Toyota, admittedly has exceptional quality. Toyota has without fail backed its product with the vehicles I have purchased. It would take a lot to pry me away from such a good company. For all the years I've owned Toyotas, I have gotten exceptional service and an extraordinary product. Have I had any problems? Yes. Toyota backed them even when the warranty was out because I impeccably maintain (in good times and bad) my transportation that I rely on 24/7. Many years ago in another recession I had a Corolla with a problem that wasn't under warranty. I didn't have much money. The repair cost was about $650 (the car had over 100,000 miles). Toyota repaired the car and said they would cover it. When I bought my next car, I looked back at that time when things weren't so good for me and how Toyota worked with me. I bought another Toyota and have driven Toyotas ever since. There's more to business than money exchanging hands. Toyota has a mix of values: 1) profit, of course, to continue in business; 2) never forgetting the customer; 3) working with customers; 4) ethics and integrity; and 5) humility, honor, and shame which is part of the Japanese culture. Had the Japanese been overseeing our financial services, rest assured we would not be in the mess we now find ourselves, as well as the world.

On May 15 08:31 AM Soldalma wrote:

> You forgot the new Honda hybrid, which will be way cheaper (although
> less thrifty) than the Prius. It is the number 1 selling car in Japan
> right now, and there is no reason it could not sell like pancakes
> in the US. The price is expected to be under $20k.

Toyota: Changes Ahead?

Toyota will be fine. I believe Mr. Toyoda will again, as in the past, see how important the market segment is for small cars and continue to produce top-flight quality Corollas (top-selling car in the world), Scions, etc. GM focused so much on the SUV market, the company forgot about the now very valuable markets for decent small to mid-size cars. Toyota never lost sight of that (e.g. Camry). One HUGE difference between domestic makers and Toyota is that Toyota backs its products and cares about what they're putting on the road. Customer service will be key to any company's success and in that arena Toyota is a strong winner. GM could have been in a great position right now if it had taken the opportunity with the joint venture between the two companies to learn the multiple facets of Toyota's resounding success. I believe GM can turn around, but the company absolutely must start backing its product even if out of warranty to attract customers. Too many transmissions have failed in and just out of warranty. People get tired of dealing with problems and enjoy driving a relatively problem-free vehicle for years. Toyota produces many. After paying several thousand dollars for a vehicle, the last thing you should tell a customer with a $2-3,000 problem is that somehow it must have been their driving. In some cases, maybe. Most cases, no. GM needs to give customers the benefit of the doubt and start covering these items. Otherwise, expect Toyota to keep upping its market share. Thank you.

William Holstein on Why GM Matters

Though you make it sound like Toyota and GM are in the boxing ring, fact is they have had a joint venture for years. The Prizm was the Corolla; the Pontiac Vibe is the Matrix, etc. I would like you to address why GM did not absorb the knowledge of the Toyota Production System and apply it to their assembly plants in the midwest. The Prizm was a perfect opportunity to show the world that GM could make a very decent small car. Under the hood was a Toyota engine. The Corolla is the #1 selling car in the world. Why haven't articles addressed the joint venture? By reading the many online articles addressing GM's plight, one would certainly think Toyota and GM are at war. If GM tapped Toyota's production system, they could turn around their dire situation rapidly. HOWEVER, GM MUST be ready to back their product in and out of warranty as Toyota does. GM must prove they believe in their own product enough to drive it to Washington when asking for taxpayer dollars. GM must stop blaming new car owners for transmission failures at 800 miles and back the product accordingly. The Japanese makers do not leave their customers out in the cold and neither should GM. GM must also strongly envision themselves in the customer's shoes--like that working Joe whose multithousand dollar purchase must WORK and KEEP WORKING FOR YEARS TO COME because working Joe doesn't have the money anymore to keeping buying cars. Toyota is the #1 most respected company in the world (Forbes), #1 for customer loyalty, and #3 for most innovative. GM please use your joint venture with Toyota, study customer service inside and out, deliver quality, and BUYERS WILL COME. Just as Toyota's reputation took years to build, so will yours to rebuild. It can be done, but you must tap all available resources and you have a pretty darn good one right at your fingertips. Also, mimick Toyota in another way--Toyota executives often get in a given model and are told to drive from Canada through Mexico and beyond to understand what consumers are experiencing with their product. YOU MUST DO THE SAME. When you get stranded several times, perhaps you will then emphathize with your customers who endure the same predicament. By literally living in a vehicle and driving several hundred thousand miles, you get a pretty good idea of how to change creature comforts, employ safety features, and design the product to maximize quality/effectiveness. Perhaps this is why I can own a Camry for 14 years and NEVER experience a failure. 100% reliability is certainly impressive and is not easily pryed from my memory. Toyota's doors have been open to you for years. It's time to step up to the plate and act like a sponge, absorbing every tidbit Toyota offers. I truly hope the best for GM. Thank you.

Will Detroit's Loss Be Japan's Gain?

A total 37 executives at Toyota make a combined $35 million. Two CEOs (one Ford/one GM) make a combined $40 million. I have driven Toyotas for years. Toyota has consistently stood behind their product for the few problems I have had and without fail has offered service extraordinaire at Go Toyota in Denver (formerly Elway Toyota). Toyota is the #1 most respected company in the world (Forbes), #1 for customer loyalty (>63% return purchase rate), and #3 for innovation. Toyota gives a hoot about its customers and produces a top-flight product. Twice master techs have come to me and stated they made a mistake or broke a part. They were honest beyond anything I would believe happens at Ford or GM. As long as you maintain your Toyota and have the records to back it up, Toyota will within reason cover thel cost of items outside the bumper to bumper warranty. Greed is killing GM and Ford, as it is killing many American companies. How many houses can you live in? How many cars can you drive? How much money does it take to live one lifetime? I have a hard time supporting 92% pensions for GM and Ford workers when I will never see a pension and will be working until I go to my grave. I pay $405 per month for the privilege of $3,000 deductible health insurance. GM and Ford employees bark about $10 copays. I have a hard time agreeing with a bailout of companies whose executives still live the high life with exorbitant salaries and flying to Congressional meetings in LearJets. If the tables were turned and Toyota were approaching the Japanese government, rest assured their CEO would arrive in a Prius. If you truly believe in the products you are making, then you should have no problem driving them. View the YouTube video of the Japan Air Lines CEO talking about how he couldn't possibly think of NOT decreasing his salary when his pilots and employees are taking pay cuts in this economic climate. Every American CEO should watch that video. It's not just Toyota, Honda, or JAL as companies. The Japanese culture simply does not applaud a few taking for themselves when their population is suffering. It is a shame factor. It should be here too. Thank you.

A Modest Proposal For The U.S. Auto Industry: Stop Building Cars

I think the CEOs of Ford and GM should agree to a salary of $1 per year until their companies are profitable. Thirty-seven (YES 37) Toyota executives make a COMBINED $35 million. Two men (GM/Ford) make a combined $40 million. Greed is what is killing GM, Ford and America. CEOs fly private jets to Washington and don't even have a plan in hand to present to gravel for $25 billion in taxpayer dollars. Pathetic, ruinous management. Get rid of the CEOs and get some fresh blood in the ranks, especially at GM. And GM-STOP TELLING YOUR CUSTOMERS TO POUND SAND WHEN THE BLASTED TRANSMISSION GOES OUT OF YOUR PRODUCTS AT 800 MILES!!! THE CONSUMER DIDN'T DO IT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE FROM YOUR END!

The Big Three Crisis: Stocks Plunge as Politicians Moralize

Obviously, you're one of Ford's employees who think the taxpayers should foot the bill for your retirement. Not. If Ford makes such good products, they should have no problem competing in a free enterprise system WITHOUT government handouts off the backs of the taxpayers WHO DO NOT COLLECT more than 90% of their salary in a pension. It's time for the UAW to get a clue. The UAW has killed the auto industry. Don't expect the population to bail you out. I do not want to support whiny people griping about a $10 copay to see a doctor when the rest of us have had copays for years in the range of $30-50. Face it, the Big 3 are obsolete.


On Nov 24 11:04 AM TB3 wrote:

> Another example of your "experts" knowledge based on maybe a couple
> of hours watching CNN. Since you obviously haven't done your homework,
> let me enlighten you. Ford's Mulally has the company going full speed
> converting several successful smaller European cars so that they
> meet all the different governmental regulations here vs abroad. And
> it's not just the vehicles either. He also has to convert the assembly
> plants that will put them together. Did Ford drag their feet in the
> past? Absolutely. But not since Mr Mulally took over. He for one,
> is not the problem, but the solution.

The Big Three Crisis: Stocks Plunge as Politicians Moralize

Affcted, not effected.


On Nov 24 10:22 AM Mister Jimmy wrote:

> "Midas1", You state that "Toyota and Honda are simply superb companies
> that back their product"? Do this: Google "Toyota engine sludge"
> and read about the class action lawsuit that it finally took to get
> Toyota's attention about a chronic design flaw with their engines.
> Toyota and the dealers BLAMED THE CUSTOMER for not changing the oil
> at required intervals. A court decision determined otherwise. Similar
> issues have transpired with their truck engine crank shafts and car
> transmissions.
>
> You've been drinking the Japanese Kool-Aid too long, junior, and
> it's effected you ability to gather facts and think rationally.

The Big Three Crisis: Stocks Plunge as Politicians Moralize

Oh, yes let's infuse blood into a dead horse. The stupidity belongs to GM and Ford who couldn't get their crap together after the oil embargo to make a decent car. No company could have been so stupid as to think there would not be another crisis. I WILL NOT SUPPORT PADDING THE POCKETS OF IDIOTS!! GM and Ford's quality has never been that great. Yet, they want a "Cadillac" price for vehicles they never back. You can enjoy replacing transmissions. I have better things to do than to back these companies that continue to operate with a mentality and intellect that couldn't spell cat if one spotted them the "c" and the "a". Government involvement is socialism. The fact is Ford and GM cannot compete with thinking companies. They were too busy gobbling profits from wasteful fuel inefficient SUVs which you probably drive.


On Nov 24 09:40 AM qObserver wrote:

> So you will go and buy a vehicle based on the compensation of the
> CEO's? Give me a brake!
>
> You seem to forget that in the 70's most of the Japan products were
> a pile of crap, after just a few years they were a rust bucket, I
> know I owned a couple.
>
> Quality is preservative; the difference today between the best and
> worst is statistically insignificant. Every manufacturer makes a
> quality product, if they didn’t nobody would but them.
>
> Lets not forget, GM SELLS THE MOST CARS AROUND THE WORLD, so this
> is not an insignificant company.
>
> The issue at hand is not the cars, the compensation, the quality;
> it’s a credit issue that is affecting every company around the world.
> No available credit = no car sales, period.
>
> Anybody, including yourself, that seems to think it’s a good to allow
> a significant national asset like the American auto industry to fail
> for issues that are out of their control is simply showing their
> lack of intelligence (wanted to say stupidity, but wanted to be nice).
> You should get better educated, learn the facts, and understand the
> sever consequences that will come if this is allowed to happen.
>
>
> By the way, it’s a loan, not a handout!

The Big Three Crisis: Stocks Plunge as Politicians Moralize

The CEO's (2) of Ford and GM make a combined $40 million. Thirty-seven (yes 37) executives at Toyota make a COMBINED $35 million. Toyota will always have my business. They treat their customers well and they don't pay multimillion dollar bonuses to a few. When Ford and GM went graveling for money, neither could present a plan. These overpriced incompetents ran the companies into the ground and now expect the taxpayer to keep them going. The UAW stinks as bad as the management. In the Japanese culture, benefitting a few at the expense of many is a shame factor. For all the years Ford and GM told their customers to pound sand when the blasted transmissions went out of their cars at 800 miles and the customer was conveniently blamed, I have no respect or sympathy for their present predicament. Toyota and Honda are simply superb companies that back their product. Both are forward-thinking and both treat their employees with respect. Ford and GM's ceo pay and actions of the past week have now ensured no company could pry me away from Toyota!