Agent001
Agent001
Dis is your ninety eight vatchamacalit?
View My AgentSpace

Print this Page | Digg It | del.icio.us

Tags: Consumer reports, Best and Worst 2007

Tag Links: Consumer reports, Best and Worst 2007

Japanese auto superiority a myth?
From Consumer Reports:

THE JAPANESE MYTH

Honda and Toyota are lauded for their reliability and have built a number of high-rated models, including 7 of our 10 Top Picks. But we found that not all Japanese cars excel.

“Honda and Toyota are really on a pedestal,” says James Rubenstein, an automotive analyst at Miami University, in Oxford, Ohio. But other Japanese makers, such as Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi, have struggled to build high-quality cars consistently.

Nissan’s lineup, on average, actually scores above Toyota’s in CR’s tests, 75 vs. 70. Nissan also produces several of the most reliable cars in our survey, including Infiniti sedans. But three Nissans--the Armada,Titan, and Infiniti QX56--were among models with the most reliability problems in our survey; all are made in the same plant in Canton, Miss. Ford vehicles, in comparison, have slightly better reliability in our survey than cars from Nissan.

Mazda vehicles test well, but reliability has been hit-or-miss. For example, it took several years for all versions of the Mazda6 to come up to average reliability. The average Mitsubishi scores only a 60 in CR’s testing and has average reliability. Mitsubishi’s Eclipse sports coupe scored too low in our road tests for us to recommend it. Though every manufacturer has recalls, even Toyota has taken some heat over its 10 recalls of 657,000 vehicles in the past year, although that is not a factor in our reliability Ratings.

 Read Article
Japanese auto superiority a myth?



Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]
quizzquizz - 3/8/2007 1:00:17 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
99% of the pro-Japanese posters here are Honda/Toyota/Infiniti advocates, so just because the other middling Japanese makers are no good does not affect people's perception that Toyota/Honda/Infiniti remains on top of the reliability food chain.

Who cares if Mazda/Isuzu sucks?

reply to this comment
DoctorInfinitiDoctorInfiniti - 3/8/2007 2:30:00 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
One would have to first decide if they are of the frame of mind to "believe" all that CONSUMER REPORT'S say is gospel truth.

For some of us, it doesnt make any difference who we are align with to question THAT authoritativeness.

CR is still considered selective objectivity,....as their opinions are based solely on those who subscribe to CR and then,....their subjective experiences.

Go figure,.....

If you are serious about buying any particular vehicle,....go ask the dude at the gas pump "How do you like your new car?"
That's about the same authority COnsumer's REPORT operates off of.

Da Doctor


thecarthecar - 3/8/2007 5:05:24 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Most US sold cars are not made in Japan.
The myth is started when all japanese cars were strictly imports.


r_driver04r_driver04 - 3/9/2007 3:26:57 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Mazda actually got really high reliability ratings for the 06 year as did Subaru. Fyi.


d1sinfod1sinfo - 3/8/2007 6:12:11 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Can I source you for a major publication? The world would love to know this information. What are your sources?

I find it funny to read such matter of fact posts. The idea that you are the ultimate authority is hilarious.

Good luck with lifes dealings.

Josh

reply to this comment
r_driver04r_driver04 - 3/9/2007 3:32:59 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
OK, all kidding aside. The Japanese automakers are awesome no doubt. But they're still boring as hell to drive, hence all the "rice-a-roni" modifications that people do, just to nose out a 06 Mustang w/ a Pony Package. I you'd take all the money spent on making your Civic louder w/ less torque and saved it. You could eventually purchase a pre owned M3 or something else that has that "drivers car" glow around it.

I eat rice for breakfast....I don't drive it...

reply to this comment
Will_Will_ - 3/8/2007 1:24:49 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
(Other than in RICEMASTER's twisted mind) When was "Japanese auto superiority ever considered a fact?

Yes, the Japanese makes always top American and European cars in reliability, but if that's not your No.1 priority in buying a vehicle, then of course you wont feel that way.

reply to this comment
rg12345rg12345 - 3/8/2007 1:43:54 PM
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Unless I am broke and only have $5000 in my accounts, I would never go for a 0-feelings car(japanese cars for those who didn't get it).

Who cares if it's a myth or not? They built them wrong from the beginning: they forget to build cars, they just provide transportation. Same as a train or as a $50 bike. Nope, sorry, the bike is great at riding, japanese cars aren't.


indifferentindifferent - 3/8/2007 2:23:46 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
they build cars wrong? they only build cars for transportation. interesting.... i never knew cars had different purposes. Sure you can say you must enjoy your car or whatever you like, but the PRIMARY purpose of a car is to provide transporation from point a to point b


Will_Will_ - 3/8/2007 2:51:06 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Were we? Why'd you bring up Porsche then?

Reread my comments before you ignorantly ask me to do anything.


goojmangoojman - 3/8/2007 1:27:57 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
In my life, I have owned Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Maxima and Infiniti G35. All have been bullet proof. Only expenses on each were maintenance except for the Civic which lost an alternator but I drove that trouble free for 140,000 miles. I have heard horror stories from friends about VW and Audi but am curious about BMW reliability. I am looking at the 3 series for my next car but the only thing holding me back is possible poor reliability with BMW.

reply to this comment
rg12345rg12345 - 3/8/2007 1:52:00 PM
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Don't but a BMW for the whole life. Better stick to your civic. I got myself a civic and it's problem free, but I don't drive it on a regular basis.
If you go for a BMW you'll get yourself into an excelent car that will provide you with more then just transportation from A to Z. And as soon a new BMW model in your price range will show up you will change your old BMW to the new one. Not because the old one may brake down or not, but because you'll be in love and you will wanna get the new (better) feature that come up with every generation.
That's how it is with my Audi's, I just can't stop getting the new model every 3-4-5 years, whenever they show up with it. Now I can barely wait for the new S4, the current one is great but the one, with engine moved back a little, new chassis, new everything .. how can I resist ?
It's the same for any car lover, not the same for Japanese fans. Reliability is a factor only if you plan to drive that car to your funeral too.. otherwise you'll get a decent 4 years factory warranty (that will cover everything). And you can extend it for a thousand $ to 2 more years or so. I only keep the civic in case my Audi breaks, up to now I've only used it a couple of times, when I left the car for oil changes.


courtstonecourtstone - 3/8/2007 3:13:25 PM
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
rg12345 - I understand what you are saying, but why do you assume that reliability does not matter in the "warranty years" of the vehicle? I think its totally understood that you do not keep a BMW beyond that first few years, because if so you are going to pay a lot of $$ for maintenance. Where "most" Japanese brands will last for years beyond that or more. And just because Honda/Toyota build reliable cars, that does not mean that they are boring. I dont think there is anything that I would want out of a car that would preceed RELIABILITY.


rg12345rg12345 - 3/8/2007 6:07:07 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I actually had an Audi for more than 12 years. The car had more than 160.000 miles on it, never had any problems other than regular maintenance and one clutch changed. Manual transmission, you can't really blame it on the car for the clutch getting old, I really spanked that car.

I know japanese cars are better in the long run, that's why I keep my 2001 Civic with me. But don't get me wrong, I never said I am changing my new Audi every 4 years because of the reliability issues. I am changing it because I want to, I really want to. Maybe the car will go down after the warranty expires, but I am not sure about that.

Just get it right.
I am advising all my friends - girls, or who's not into cars- to go for a honda or toyota. Why? Reliability. Like the guy said up there: transportation. But when it comes to real drivers-enthusiasts, than it is a different story. Everyone knows that.


r_driver04r_driver04 - 3/9/2007 3:35:45 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Buy European cars if you like driving. Buy Japanese if you want it to be there after 50K miles.


KeyserSozeKeyserSoze - 3/8/2007 2:08:02 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
but its interesting that all of the reliable ones are independant Honda & Toyota the rest are either linked to either the american and european automakers .

reply to this comment
Need4SpeedNeed4Speed - 3/8/2007 2:30:35 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
What?...please...do tell!


courtstonecourtstone - 3/8/2007 2:58:32 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Well...thats basically true except for some Infiniti models or Subaru (that are very reliable). It is what it is.


Will_Will_ - 3/8/2007 3:10:42 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
No one here cares what you were talking about. You're a fool, I called you out, deal with it.

reply to this comment
Will_Will_ - 3/8/2007 3:51:02 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Again, in your twisted mind, that makes sense to you.

reply to this comment
Loki123Loki123 - 3/8/2007 4:00:51 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Ok, so the question is - Is Japanese superiority a myth?

The answer is - no. (Superiority from a manufacturing/reliability standpoint)

Japanese cars are the only cars mentioned in the top 10 CR picks from 2006. Honda alone had 4 of the top 10.

Japanese superiority "from a manufacturing/reliability standpoint" should come as no surprise to people that know what they are talking about.

Are Japanese cars superior in the broadest sense of the term - no. You would have to define "superior" to debate that one.

reply to this comment
1995e341995e34 - 3/8/2007 4:14:25 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
not familiar with this myth.

reply to this comment
BMW_DRVRBMW_DRVR - 3/8/2007 4:46:40 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I'll admit that Japanese cars are more reliable but they are not superior to the europeans only to the americans.

reply to this comment
courtstonecourtstone - 3/8/2007 4:57:33 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Well.... since we are Americans, our opinions are the only ones that matter. Should we also consider what the Europeans think as well? We already know they see nothings beyond BMW, Audi, or MB.


LexusLexus - 3/8/2007 5:34:19 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Yeah whatever bunch dweeb Japanese haters. Why you guys and girls grown up. Toyota, Honda and Nissan "NEVER" they are superior the the German or American brand.

The last time I remember reading an article call the "KING of 2006 Recall" Japanese brand take top spot for most reliable out of the number they make and sales. On the other hand, the German and American brand did really bad. In fact GM recall almost 90% of the vechicles they make and sales during 2006.

reply to this comment
r_driver04r_driver04 - 3/9/2007 4:26:28 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Wow!! Which car is a better driving car, a Porsche 911 or an G35? Japanese build strong and reliable cars undoubtedly. They just aren't as much fun to drive(WRX and EVOs excl), that's all.


EL34EL34 - 3/8/2007 7:44:35 PM
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
There's no doubt the Japanese make reliable cars.

Why, I do not know!

reply to this comment
ElSparquitoElSparquito - 3/9/2007 4:34:56 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
One word: electronics. Autos are so much more electronic than ever before and the Japanese are that good at making reliable (and cost-effective) electronics.


huu76huu76 - 3/8/2007 8:29:39 PM
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Anyone noticed the not as good Japanese brands are U.S. or European affiliated?

I think Mazda is pretty good though. Never heard anything bad about them.

reply to this comment
1995e341995e34 - 3/8/2007 9:35:15 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
what defines a japanese car? seriously, are all the american made japanese cars american or japanese? are all the canadien made american cars american or canadien?



reply to this comment
2JZSoarer2JZSoarer - 3/9/2007 12:58:46 AM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I own a Mazda and I have never had any problems with it at all,just give it proper maintenance.

reply to this comment
XYZZXYZZ - 3/10/2007 5:27:47 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
XYZZXYZZ - 3/10/2007 5:31:41 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
from just above the quoted para;


TEST RESULTS VS. RELIABILITY

If the only things that mattered to a car buyer were performance, comfort, and safety, Volkswagen would be at the top of the heap. Its Volkswagen and Audi models do well in handling, braking, and standard safety features. But few VWs have decent reliability.

Mercedes-Benz is an even more striking example. Its cars have the fourth-highest average test score at 77. They handle well, are nicely finished, and ride comfortably. But none has good-enough reliability to be recommended. By contrast, Toyotas have been very reliable, but some models such as the FJ Cruiser SUV and Yaris subcompact were disappointing in our tests.

Cars from Detroit automakers range across the lot in reliability. Ford has a number of good cars that did well in our survey, but about a quarter of the Ford products we have tested had below average reliability. GM also builds some vehicles that did well in reliability, but about one-third of the tested GM vehicles were rated below average.

While our surveys show that reliability of new American cars and trucks has been getting closer to the levels of Japanese vehicles, Cole says there is a limit to easy improvements.

Overall we recommend a much smaller percentage of U.S. cars than Japanese makes (37 percent vs. 80 percent), mainly because their reliability is hit-or-miss, not consistent like that of vehicles from some Japanese companies. We do not recommend models with below-average reliability. American vehicles tend to be more reliable than those from Europe. The consistently high reliability of some Japanese companies, such as Honda, Subaru, and Toyota, allows us to recommend their new models.

reply to this comment
germeezy2germeezy2 - 3/10/2007 3:21:45 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I think its funny how some talk from a small spectrum because your japanese soap box did not break down doesn't mean that Japanese cars don't break. Being a manager at a large dealer and looking over the in shop costs of vehicles coming in on trade will change alot of your views. I have to spend as much or more on my Toyota, Honda, Nissan vehicles as I do on any American makes. I can't tell you how many used Honda Accords I have seen with slipping transmissions and a myriad of other problems. On average a Japanese car might break down less but all cars break. It doesn't matter what country they are from. Some of the lowest service costs I see are usually on fleet specials like Impalas and Malibu's.

reply to this comment
XYZZXYZZ - 3/15/2007 2:17:45 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost

SIMPLE explanation: fleet vehicles tend to have REGULAR, SCHEDULED maintenance.

simply due to most of them being bulletproof, i suspect many toyotas and hondas are run and MAINTAINED just like the appliances the haters compare them to: namely, MINIMALLY.

the few problem toyotas and hondas (and more so nissans, subies, etc) seen in REPAIR shops, are those that likely suffered the most DEFERRED (and even ignored) MAINTENANCE. 'cause so often their owners can GET AWAY with this.

reply to this comment
993Turbo993Turbo - 3/16/2007 5:26:06 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
XYZZXYZZ - 3/18/2007 7:54:39 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost

as much a myth as that the domestics have "caught up."

reply to this comment
To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories
Toyota Sales Spiral In November Down 33.9%: Lexus Basement Bound Down 34.7%FOMOCO Sales Continue To Flatline: Down 30.6% In NovemberVolkswagen Finally Fumbles In 2008: November Sales Drop 19.2%Japanese and South Korean Car Sales Plummet in NovemberComparison Test: 2008 BMW M5 vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS-V vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63The Big Three Bailout According to SNLNissan 370Z goes from 0 to 60 in the same time as the BMW M3Mulally chooses Escape Hybrid for D.C. road tripFisker to unveil production Karma Hybrid in DetroitToyota Halts Production And Cuts Management Bonuses To Maintain Positive CashflowChrysler says 2011 Charger and 300 will pass fuel-economy standards2009 GMC Yukon XL DenaliFORD CEO Alan Mulally Will Drive to Washington D.C. To BEG For Money - But What Car Will He Drive To D.C.? His Lexus, OR Perhaps Maybe a Ford Product?Industry Sales Likely To Be Down 28% In November GM May Fare WorseLotus Evora order list includes 007 and Top Gear hostsEveryone Is On A Budget, But Are These 5 Your Choice To Keep Living Large?Could The Detroit Recovery Plan Really As Simple As Merging In To One?Fiat Abarth 500 receives Top Gear’s “Best Hot Hatch” awardDetroit Tells UAW They Can No Longer Pay For Idled Workers To Play Checkers2010 Porsche Panamera auto show debut delayedSwedish Government Confirms Discussions With Volvo and SAABBMW not putting MINI E into mass-productionTop Gear Car of the Year 2008 award goes to VW SciroccoNew Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X FQ-400: Limited Edition with 405HP2009 Nissan 370Z Driven in Japan2010 Jaguar XF-R spotted nearly finishedUAW wants limits on carmakers' executive payDoes It Hurt The BMW Brand Image When They Are Being Sold At Costco?2008 Essen Motor Show: Vw unveils Touareg North Sails EditionCarlsson releases limited edition automatic watchVideo: 2009 Mini Cooper Cabrio in actionPorsche Museum to open its gates on 31 January 2009Vw Eos White Night Edition unveiled at EssenUPDATE 1-German carmakers make fresh move to cut outputAudi R8 GT3 LMS Hits the Track (Video)GM UK takes two Top Gear awardsBMW Konfigurator Using Microsoft Surface for Product NavigatorHow About A Piece Of Kim Kardashian's Booty For The Holidays?Cars They Wish You'd Forget About - "Hey, they can't all be winners!"Acura V8 won't Arrive Until 2015: ReportBrabham M3 revealed at the Essen Show2008 Essen Motor Show: Dodge Challenger SRT8 by EibachNissan 370 Z Japanese Promotional VideElite Carbon Maserati Gran TurismoMarangoni M430 based on Alfa Romeo Mi.To2008 VW Scirocco Collectors’ Edition debuts at EssenFord at the top of the list for safety in accidentsBamford releases custom Rolex Daytona Ferrari red watchRolls-Royce RR4 to reveice Bmw’s iDrive technology2009 Vw Golf VI by ABT shows up at Essen