Toyota reputation drops among U.S. new-car buyers

[DainBramaged]

An increasing number of new-car shoppers are staying away from Toyota showrooms because of the company's quality and safety problems, according to a study by J.D. Power and Associates.

The market research firm's 2010 Avoider Study, which was released today, found that 19 percent of new-vehicle shoppers surveyed said they avoided Toyota because of “bad reputation of manufacturer” -- a startling increase of 17 percentage points from a year ago.

Fifteen percent of respondents cited a “bad experience with this manufacturer,” up 12 percentage points from 2009. And 15 percent said they were “concerned about the future of this vehicle brand,” up 11 points from 2009.

J.D. Power and Associates surveyed 25,000 owners who registered a new vehicle in May 2010. The firm conducted the survey between August and October.


Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101214/RETAIL03/101219918/1143#ixzz18CCyH4UI

[phantom power]

1. They may discover what the big three discovered in the 80s

It's easier to lose your reputation for quality than it is to get it back.

[robcon]

2. I still think Toyota is the best car company.

I'm a loyal owner of 3 straight Toyotas.

[HopeHoops]

3. Can't drop much with me - Toyota's always made shitboxes.

I wouldn't drive one if someone gave it to me.

[Dawson Leery]

4. Toyota's executives are the blame for this.