Thursday, March 11, 2010

Toyota

Humans seem to have an innate desire to see the high and mighty fall. This is especially true if they have also been behaving arrogantly. I have owned many brands of cars over the years, but I eventually came to the conclusion that Toyotas were the best built. Until they began making F150 knockoffs and enormous V-8 SUVs they were also known for their good fuel economy. High resale value was a part of the equation. No doubt Toyota has now taken a most serious body blow.

Volvo, Honda, Ford, Chrysler, and Volkswagen have also had trouble with unintended acceleration. The Japanese engineers at Toyota now understand without any doubt that the stake of the entire company (and much of the entire country's economy) now sits squarely on their shoulders.

Apparently Toyota has succumbed to greed and arrogance. It seems that they have often openly lied to U.S. government regulators and the U.S. Courts. Like others of great success and wealth they became convinced that they could get away with it. They didn't have to follow the same laws as everyone else. Now they know better.

My 2010 Prius has averaged a fuel economy over 61 mpg during the last 2,500 miles. No other car sold in America can even get close to this. The Prius has a great air conditioner and a good sound system.

I still believe that Toyota makes the very best cars of any manufacturer. I have owned BMWs, a Mercedes, a Volkswagen, a Fiat, a Volvo, a Renault, as well as several Fords and Chevys. I think that when they do eventually solve this baffling problem with unintended acceleration Toyota will be an even stronger company. If any company can get to the bottom of this problem it is Toyota.

But between now and the final solution, I forecast that more than a few people will have to fall on their swords.

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