It is not flip flopping. You are basing that statement on the fact that multiple models share a drivetrain, but they are basing their the number of reported problems with a particular model. If they used your liogic they wouldn't be rating individual models, they would be rating drivetrains. Therefore, a Camry, Highlander and Lexus ES300 would all be in group, even though all three likely experience different types of problems and with more or less frequency. One could make the assumption that since all three share a basic platform and drivetrain that they would be equally reliable (or unreliable), however, you and I both know that isn't always the case...whether we can explain that fact or not is irrelevant.

As for Jap built cars vs American built, I don't remember saying that no Jap built car has ever had issues, or that they are perfect. We all know a Toyota owner or twenty that has had problems with their cars, just as owners of American made cars have problems. Historically, though Toyota and Honda have established a reputation for building cars that are more reliable. Any mechanic will tell you the same thing. Why don't the other Japanese automakers build cars that are as reliable as Toyota and Honda? I don't know...maybe for the same reason Ford cars are notoriously piles of $hit....while their trucks are much more reliable. Go figure!

All I am saying is, I have owned Chryslers for years, and I miss the solid reliability of my old T100. So, my next truck will be the new Tundra. I love Dodge and Mopar performance, but if I am buying a $40k truck this summer I'll take my chances with another Toyota...who knows? Maybe I'll be back here in a year singing another tune?!?!?!

 

I did not compare the Camry, Highlander, and Lexus ES 300 those are significantly different. The Camry vs the Camry Solara are virtually the same yet they get very different realibility ratings. The difference between a Charger/Magnum and a Chrysler 300 is marginal yet they get different ratings. The fact is that when the only difference between a hybrid model and a non-hybrid model is in fact the hybrid system and they are inconsistent on whether the system is infact reliable or not based on the brand of the user, it discredits the source.

I have know just as many people have problems with Toyotas as I know people that have had problems with each domestic brand. I actually know more people that have had positive experiences with the Big Three than I know of people that have had good luck with Toyota. Look at the service guides on some of Toyota's cars and you will see why the get better ratings. They have you replace things more often. That is about it.

I think you should at least wait until the first year bugs are worked out, that goes with all brands. Toyota has had more issues lately with first year models.

 

every single time i've picked up a CR all they did was bash the domestics and praised the imports, even when i know people that have owned the imports that they were praising and wishing that they didn't own it. hmm. oh yea we've had our fair share of Toyota's and Japanese cars. all of them we're either money pits or died before 150,000. they were the LAST imported cars we bought, and now all we drive are Chryslers. why? cause our Chryslers have NEVER let us down. both our Neons have well over 200,000 and still going. we had some Reliants and those things went forever and we had another Chrysler vehical but i dont remember what it was (before my time)

 

This again comes to the point that all automobile publications are in bed with the Asian auto market. That is why I dont follow ratings one bit. I make my own judgements on products and never let anyone or thing sway me. I have never had any major problem with Chrysler products whatsoever. No one can tell me that any Asian made vehicle is made any better than any of the domestic brands; I know better. My aunt bought a brand new Honda Civic a couple of years ago and has had the tranny worked on several times, but she still swears its the best car she's ever driven. The thing is before the Civic she owned a Dodge Neon; she nit-picked every damn thing that was wrong with it. Every little squeel, thud, or bump; she complained. Thats what bugs me; people who've had probs with any domestic car are quick to go Asian, but when they have the same or as many probs with their "better" Asian car;they still swear on the product. Why can't people dothe same with the Domestics?

 

I assume you have proof that "all automobile publications are in bed with the Asian auto market"? If Carlos Mencia read this post you would get a Dee Dee Dee Award. If the car magazines are in bed with the Asian auto market, then why did the Siverado win Truck of the Year? Ohhh...wait...I got it...is it because the Silverado is more Asian than theTundra? I mean, the Tundra was designed here, is built here and contains more American made parts than any other half ton truck on the market (fact...look it up). Interesting...the Silverado wins because it is potentially more Asian than the Toyota. I see your point now! It's all a conspiracy. The Asians must have auto mechanics in their pockets too, because I don't know a mechanic that won't recommend a Honda or Toyota over a domestic vehicle for reliability.

 

First off; the proof is in the pudding! When you go to the news stand and pick up C&D, MW, MT or read it on the internet, about 80% of that publication is some sort of praise of most of the new Asian cars in the market..Boy; you don't read much do you?
The Chevy Silverado is "Truck of The Year" simply because its the new design, and the first newly designed truck announced. The Tundra hadnt been announced yet. This happens every year with every redesigned car, or truck. Gawd; I guess the Asians have brainwashed ya, because you are blind to everything around ya!

And lastly; You'd get the "Dee, Dee, Dee" award; because its as night, and day. The proof is right in front of your face and you are numb too it!

 

A lot of those automotive publications, like Dakota_24 said, are in bed with Asian automotive makers.
They over-emphasise the falsely high Asian reliability ratings, and than state the American made products are pieces of crap.
Toyota covered up lots of recalls. If it would have been an American auto company, we would have heard about this for years. Since it was Toyota, it was a "we'll right an article on this, and than forget about it tommorow" thing.
Toyota and Nissian build a crappy truck, and nothing gets talked about. An American truck has a few problems, and it haunts the model for the next few years.
A problem pops up in Jap crap cars, and the problem is "small, probably doesn't effect your car" (even if it is, really, wide spread). A small problem pops up in American cars, and they tell you, "should have bought Asian."

Also, I agree with Dakota_24. People probably aren't as knit-picky with Asian cars as with American cars, because they are so convinced that Asian cars are better.
I've stopped listening to those supposed reliability ratings a long time ago and went along with instinct: American vehicles rule.

 

...and the UFO that crashed in Roswell was made by Honda...shhh...the government doesn't want us to know about this! It's a conspiracy!

If the auto magazines are biased towards Japanese cars, as you say...why would that be? Are the magazine editors a bunch of anti-American communists who are trying to destroy our economy?

 

First off....WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN SMOKING??? Second...BECAUSE THEY ARE IDIOTS AND ARE PAID TOO!! and Third...DING, DING, DING, DING!!! What do we have for this contestant? How about a copy of the favorite song from the classic movie The Wizard of Oz: "If I Only Had A Brain"; Sung by the Scare Crow!!!!
What do you think Dodgerules86??

 

Wow...brilliant post. So, again...what proof do have that they are "paid"?

Anyway, I'm sure that you can get Dodgerules86 to team up with you. I mean, if two idiots make the same groundless statement then it must be true, right?