2007 TRD Aurion 3500S Road Test
September 17, 2007 by Paul Maric
2007 TRD Aurion 3500S Road Test
CarAdvice rating: 
Recommended Retail Price: 3500S $56,990 – 6sp Auto only, 3500SL $61,500 – 6sp Auto only.
Options Fitted: None fitted.
- by Paul Maric
While you were sleeping, Toyota engineers have developed what can only be described as a potent weapon. Think 3.5-litre V6, producing 204kW, then add a supercharger and boost that power figure to 241kW, the result is what Toyota like to call the TRD Aurion – where TRD stands for “Toyota Race Development.”
From the outside, the new TRD Aurion looks quick and dare I say it – angry. Sitting on dark grey 19” wheels with 30 profile tyres, the red brake calipers give onlookers an idea of what could happen when the loud pedal is pushed to the floor. Head to the rear and a massive set of rectangular exhaust outlets vent the engine’s soundtrack at high-revs.
Open the driver’s door and a stunning interior is displayed for all and sundry to see. Red seats, along with red alcantara trim hint at this vehicle’s race origins. Supportive seats, along with a red-trimmed steering wheel provide reassurance through corners, adding to the thrill of Toyota’s latest performance offering.
Under the bonnet a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 is used to produce 241kW and 400Nm of torque. Power is sent through a 6-speed automatic gearbox and the claimed 0-100 time is 6.1-seconds. The automatic gearbox is dull and lifeless in automatic mode, shifts are devastatingly slow for a “performance car,” making the manual tiptronic style mode the only viable option for enthusiastic driving. Even then, manual shifts are too slow and require lengthy forward thought, as it’s too easy to hit the fuel-cut at the red-line if you don’t shift early enough.
Unfortunately, such a brilliant looking package is let down – quite fundamentally – by some traits that are obvious to even the mildest of drivers. First and foremost is the fact that power is delivered through the front wheels. It’s nigh on impossible to send such a great amount of power through the front wheels without meeting repercussions such as torque steer and understeer.
Torque steer occurs in Front Wheel Drive cars when you jump on the throttle and the steering wheel darts in all directions in an attempt to maintain traction. Through corners, the front end feels light and uncontrolled when applying throttle, causing the traction control to step in and limit loss of traction. The suspension is also far too biased to normal driving, when you push deep into a corner, the car wallows and the size of the vehicle can really be felt.
The brakes on the other hand are phenomenal. The aftermarket stoppers pull the TRD Aurion up in remarkable speed and are resilient to fade – even after a torturous session through the mountains.
The TRD Aurion is available in two grades – 3500S and 3500SL – priced at $56,990 and $61,500 respectively. Standard features include: 19” alloy wheels; unique TRD Aurion body kit; cruise control; central locking; air-conditioning; auto headlights; electric windows; 6-disc CD player; leather seat trim with alcantara and power driver’s seat.
Safety features include: Electronic Stability Control (ESP); ABS brakes; Brake Assist (BA); driver and front passenger airbags; side airbags and curtain airbags.
Toyota has missed the mark with the new TRD Aurion. It’s impossible to drive this car hard without fearing which direction the car will send you in. There is simply far too much power being pushed through the front wheels to make this car viable.
Toyota should have engineered an All Wheel Drive or Rear Wheel Drive package for this engine. Although the car looks stunning both inside and out, it is totally let down by a drive train which is far too difficult to manage. The TRD Aurion only just scraped through with three steering wheels out of five and that was because of the interior and exterior look.
Print it: 
Paul, all Iam saying it is not clear cut leaps and bounds ahead and yes I do say that Toyota did not get there by a fluke but by smart effort! Toyota like all have to survive in an ever changing market.
Paul, my question is a serious one! How does JDPower in WA survey carry any weight on those results of cars in Australia when fact is it is not allowed to release any information under the terms of its contracts it cannot tell us which ones, further it clearly is not permitted to make the results public – FACT. Yet Blinky pushed Toyota’s wheelbarrow passionately with you Paul saying these results are now made available to media? Double dutch mate! When you want the clear fact on where this was obtained let me know!
The ever changing market includes Hyundai. There CEO was so obsessed with quality that he revved up management on how fit and finish under front bonnet is. He spoke hard as i30 is a classic case of caught up to Japs. Take for example America Paul, Hyundai is now rated the highest quality non-‘premium’ car nameplate, according to respected US consumer researcher J.D. Power and Associates’ 2006 Initial Quality StudySM (IQS), which surveys new car owners’ first 90 days ownership.
Hyundai ranked third outright in the study after Porsche and Lexus and ahead of all other Japanese and European brands among all 37 nameplates surveyed. Paul your beloved obsessed with quality the mighty Lexus has a KOREAN breathing down there necks and Toyota = were are they in list mate. Stuff me who would of thought of that?????
Hyundai owners had fewer problems with their vehicles than any other non-‘premium’ car or recreational vehicle brand. Hyundai has been steadily improving its non-‘premium’ nameplate ranking, finishing third best in 2005, up from fourth in 2004.
We go elsewhere to Germany now Paul. Now that is bang smack in a great European car making area if ever a test of Hyundai’s ranking was put to the sword! German car magazine Auto Zeitung’s 2006 “Qualitäts Report”, its latest annual survey of car owners and drivers in Germany, Hyundai was the only brand with 100 percent reliability with no breakdowns.
My point is we can toooo and froooo as long as you want, lets just agree that Toyota is up there; but not to the extent you might have in that warm and fuzzy feeling of Toyota being the be all and end all you have inside!!!
I must say, I have only just discovered this caradvice website since this Wednesday that has passsed.
I consider myself a car “liker” and not as much of a car enthusiast as most of you here – however, I have found this thread very interesting reading.
After reading the entire 392 posts (!), I have come up with two conclusions (which more than likely most newcomers to this thread who are not extreme car enthusiasts will think like me…)
1) I can slightly see Toyota Paul and Blinky’s points, however, both of them refuse to acknowledge valid arguments presented from the other side.
2) All surveys are sponsored boy someone. Any idea who sponsored the “leaked” JD Powers survey? (btw Toyota Paul, the JD Powers survey did not use informatation from the manufacturer’s as you suggessted, by rather by cold calling people.)
3) It obviously wasn’t leaked, it was deliberately “leaked” by someone who wanted the “statistics” to get out.
4) Statistics can be made to read WHATEVER anyone wants. E.g. 98% of statistics are skewed. ;)
Now Toyota Paul and Blinky, please do not waste your time typing and arguing with me as I am just a passsing reader, and probably won’t be around here much longer to respond to you, but the impression I (and most other newcomers I assume) am getting is that you do a lot of arguing (Toyota Paul in particular) without a whole lot of factual info behind you – and Paul, you also quietly neeglect to answer on some points that are put directly to you instead you begin discussing another irelevant points. You tend to pick and choose the posts you respond to in the hope noone will realise. Maybe most people wont as they are so caught up in the discussion, however, I do not have any “emotion” or real interest invested in this discussion and I was looking for a few replies from you with regard to some pertinent questions you just chose to ignore.
For those who care, (I’m sure that’s noone…) my current drive is a Lexus.
Colonel Courier Mail – is that it… is that the best you got !!
Oooh well – i guess shot up clowns just end up bitching, swining and mumbling to themslves.
And you have backed up your claims with research have you !! durr … were the fu*k do you think i got my sh*t from ya moron. Admit it freak – it is pretty damn lame when all you got is clippings from the paper and nice little rosie stories like ‘my mate has a Hilux as it breaks down’.
Let me tell you how god-damn easy it is to fabricate stories… ‘my mate owns 5 new Holdens and all of them are currently under warranty repair’.
I don’t give a sh*t about often bogus claims from internet dorks. Just stick to the real FACTS AND FIGURES that are regularly published by the professionals not amatuer ‘wonna bes’ trying to bloat thier troddened on companies.
And why is it never ending that every time Holden and Ford are proven wrong that the criterias are incorrect.
Holden and Ford lose out on the various quality/reliability publications so thier beloved followers cry wolf. The VE proved not so favourable in the latest NCAP testing so the same clowns cry wolf.
Thier beloved organisations lose ground, report losses and sack workers and once again – what do we here… the same ‘ole crying wolf bugal.
No different when Nisaan squashed the aspirations of the local Holden and Ford fans… once again – the same bugal hollowed through the woods.
Seriuosly fellas – you guys (or should that be girls) really are a bunch of sore losing, whinging, swining, squirt wearing softball players.
Last months sales alone
Toyota 21 000
Holden 12 000
Ford 9000
So who is the winner and who are the losers !!
Edit that should read:
“After reading the entire 392 posts (!), I have come up with SOME conclusions (which more than likely most newcomers to this thread who are not extreme car enthusiasts will think like me…)”
Blinky Bill, Iam not going to react to you as it is not worth it as you have been in the Armed Forces and I have not! And by the way I do congratulate you on that as it is truly a worthy job and it must of been real fun and every day must of been different. Blinky and Paul…..ummmm Iam waiting eagerly for you or Paul to give me facts. Cut the emotion and lets not belittle each other any more time please! Iam not disputing Toyota is higher up the scale; but not to the extent you think, they have some great vehicles but a much bigger range period! I think you and Paul are too much look at numbers and not the queries I raised and questions I have asked. Please take the time to answer my questions and read my facts mentioned previous in a normal tone and also let me know what source you base it on. I have based some serious concerns off what I have researched and read and not my own feelings. Fact is I await a reply.
And before anybody goes on with paranoid thinking… Iam not putting anybody to post comments on my behalf or using another name!
Read my posts as they highlight clearly my argument and do not be ignorant and clearly obsessed about 21,000 Toyota’s sold last month as I have based my perspective on facts and Iam now putting you Blinky and Paul to the litmus test as I have clearly done my research and I want you to show me how intelligent you really are or can be???????????????
Paul,
mate ive already posted clear cut examples of what you have said. have you checked it out? well here it is again for the simple people.
Quote from “Gormans indecision”
Toyota Paul Says:
October 12th, 2007 at 10:47 am
“but what it doesnt have is Toyotas bulletproof reliability”
Quote from “Kluger road test”
Paul Says:
September 14th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
“Ford which aernt exactly known for their safety.”
ok paul there it is in black and white. maybe you need to bang your head on the desk until your other eye works and then you might not make such biased and untruthful comments.
maybe you should actually read what i post and then you would not have called me a liar.
hey an apology should be in the order mate how about it?
you better watch what you say because mate i have a memory like an elephant
NO ALLEGIANCE… smart man seeing you two for what you are. Your test is ahead of you; as this time we will go fact V fact and I will prove to you how shallow your argument is and how you duck for cover.
one very valid thing that “no allegience” pointed out is the way that Paul does only answer the arguments that he chooses. he is so good at skipping over the ones he convieniently doesnt want to talk about.
oh and then calls me a liar, once again because he chose to skip over an argument that he had nothing for
Colonel Klink – I admire all reputable car manufactuers such as Honda, Subaru, Nissan, Mazda, BMW, Merc, Audi and of course the ever increasing Hyundai. Toyota has been the greatest example of any to put up a solid arguement against the often freaky Holden and Ford worshippers because that is the company thay has been able to inflict the soul killing, ego bruisng, aspiration squashing blows the most effectively.
Do me the dubious honour and tell me i am wrong.
All those other companies are all highly reputable and respected brands but have any of them been able to even remotely achieve the same success and wealth as Toyota has in recent years… ??
I want an answer to that Q.
That said, have any other companies been as frightful to Holden(GM), Crysler and Ford as Toyota… ??
Once again – i want an answer to that Q.
Lets be honest Colonel Courier Mail – Toyota and Lexus have undoubtedly had the greatest influance of the automotive industry in recent years then any other brand.
It is because of Toyotas shear success and advancement in such a short period of time that has got every other company jumping around like made beans.
Now they all strive to build quality cars by the mass.
Now they all strive for lean/mean manufactuering practices.
Now they all strive to correctly read the market and develope quickly adjustable fleets.
Lets face it – Toyota is pretty much the brand that has set the pace and while i say that, i don’t underestimate for a second that any other can eventually achieve the same but just rememeber… they are chasing Toyota not Toyota them.
And when some of these brands do grow in popularity – what guarantee is there that they will be able to maintain quality and efficent production.
Basically, despite Toyota’s mass size up and beyond most of these brands – they are still able to produce extremely competitive and comparable quality vehicles.
And here is another though for you to ponder… how slow have GM and Ford been in recent years for Hyundai to come from behind and over take them with ease.
All these possibilites are worth considering isn’t they.
As far as i am concerned, until Toyota slides and others rise – Toyota remains the most influencial player of all and considering thier mass generated wealth and resources -it would be fair bet to say that if they play thier cards right (like they have), they will be able to maintain the pressure longer then any other company.
Hey Blinky ………..you have to agree that Holden and Ford in this country have the muscle car lineup won . Sure Toyota have made a fast FWD package in this TRD {by the way that’s what this post is meant to be about} But as a resent Motoring Jerno said to make a true contender in the Muscle car stakes in this country you need more than just power and although I haven’t driven this car ,it doesn’t stack up in other areas ,he says. Your thoughts
Blinky I think what you have to understand is yes Toyota is big and compete in many locations. But it is on the change and you must remember there are great cars coming out here. You also need to understand that it is changing right under our noses. The CEO (creator) of PAYPAL is one classic giant ready to roar and I suggest you look at this story in depth as he has some impressive stuff rising out of the ashes just starting! And lets be blunt Blinky Bill; Hyundai has landed hard on the heels nipping at the unbelievable Lexus in such a very short heritage that the game is changing and it does not matter a tinkers toss as the mighty giants do come and do go as everything is cyclic. Toyota is like John Howard, if he loses it is not because Kevin Rudd is an amazing person but because it is time and change what slams the door on revolving governments like it always has! You acknowledge Toyota flexing muscle in a short time, well what do you say of the company that Alan Bond introduced into Australia – Hyundai! Makes Toyota’s efforts and history come a distant second hey! I have had franchises with the largest real estate company in the world and they got there over 30yrs as well run. The bigger they are the harder it is to stay there and nothing can keep them there other then long term planning. Hyundai is really run very well and is very diverisified and their success is no fluke as they have overtaken Toyota and nipping at Porsche and Lexus’s heels hard. As for Ford and Holden, they are like a boat re-tacking back into the race and lets see what is around the corner. Having Mondeo and other cars is good news for Ford and they do have a small range and they can only go up and Toyota down as a result.
Please read my posts as you and Paul have clearly IGNORED THEM AND HAVE NOT ANSWERED MY QUESTIONS!
Gee Blinky……..I do have to ask have you ever owned anything else than Toyotas to judge them so highly one would think not! Even Paul is partial to other makes ,I will say just because you think Toyota is more reliable in Australia doesn’t mean that’s the case else where in the world…….you are talking about the World market when you imply quote
“Toyota and Lexus have undoubtedly had the greatest influence of the automotive industry in recent years then any other brand.” Reply …That is a BIG statement.
Dont Lexus use BMW and Merc as the bench mark to meet! Oh and the new M3 is waiting for you ,Lexus !
He must of drove Toyotas in his 8yrs serving in Aust Forces… LOL
BLINKY and TOYOTA PAUL… I draw your attention again to my posts October 13th 2007 at 9:16 pm (still waiting for your hot air ass swipe clown comments to come into reality by revealing source and link as I asked) October 14th 2007 at 8:32 am, October 13th 2007 at 10:46 pm, October 14th 2007 at 6:37 pm, October 14th 2007 at 8:52 pm; and to NO ALLEGIANCE October 14th 2007 at 9:18 pm who raises the same problems with following your statistics you hang off on so much. Comment by October 13th 2007 at 7:16 pm and I quote “But I still feel that if the average camry or corolla driver drove like the average falcon or commodore driver, with a bit of gusto, then the reliability of the cars would be lower, and so lower the average reliability of toyota cars…” – this carries some weight as why did Toyota get rid of old Celica GT4 and MR2 around that vintage which were excellent looking cars??? Seems like this comment carries some weight! Then again I turn to you and low and behold looky here – October 13th, 2007 at 11:58 am and I quote Paul “Im not saying you buy a car because its reliable, many factors involved, in fact that article I linked says that despite bad relaibility, it doesnt always mean customers aernt happy… if you have a Typhoon for example and it has a minor problem, your still happy. But it aint reliable…” Thus my conclusion there is simply the survey of 2000people asked 1 question you also admit is inconclusive a result as I elude as A CUSTOMER WITH A MINOR PROBLEM IS STILL HAPPY PAUL! Perhaps you can reclarify what you mean as we are all waiting with bated breath for you to revel your collective stance!!!
Then TOYOTA PAUL October 14th 2007 at 4:40 pm quoted
“Tbh I didnt read most of that post Klink, because you trying to debate this study… these are industry figures mate, prity sure they are provided by the manufacturers… if anything its in their best interest to report BETTER reliability”. Spelling mumbo jumbo aside mate, not only do you admit you are not 100% certain but you are only pretty sure at best and Paul this is inconclusive comment on your behalf and very wrong of you! Facts speak louder then your quotes (mis-quotes that should be here)! Honestly wherever info was leaked from flies in the face of my research analysis. To base a survey on only 2000people carried out by Associate Professor Ritson using a marketing tool called Net Promotor Scores (NPS) to rank the major automotive brands (and the leaders in other product areas) based on a survey which asked a sample of a MINOR SMALL GROUP 2000people (GEE WHIZ A WHOLE 2000PEOPLE IS NOT A HUGE SURVEY) how likely they would be to recommend a brand to others. One question equates to massive conclusions – this is not an accurate analysis and at best is an inconclusive snapshot. Of course Toyota jumped on board that for a free ride as they gained from that – my philosophy is bring it back to a much broader analysis with every customer and have a set guideline set down on what a car maker can and cannot do as they all fob off there responsibilities wherever possible and often and these car makers need to be held accountable ny the public and not to some academic non-sense based on one single question!
Lets just hope the current election poll is run by the same crowd Klink, there is some think about Rudd that I cant put my finger on ,he just doesn’t come cross believable, seems to scripted. Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t!
“Of course Toyota jumped on board that for a free ride as they gained from that – my philosophy is bring it back to a much broader analysis with every customer and have a set guideline set down on what a car maker can and cannot do as they all fob off there responsibilities wherever possible and often and these car makers need to be held accountable ny the public and not to some academic non-sense based on one single question!”
Is this the longest sentence ever written?
Klink, based on your comments here, and on other posts, you must be one of the dumbest men alive.
JasonD or is it TOYOTA PAUL… oh sorry for not breaking sentence up as you have no opinion you simpleton as rushed response. Should I write you an apology letter. Look do the post a favour and shake your rattles of nerves off = have the courage of your convictions to have a stance you fence sitting nerd! What ya finish Uni for the day or is it the fact I talk about the whimsical one question asked in a small 2000person survey by an academic that is the concern????
JasonD… mate you voting for Rudd07 as seems surely like it? Oh gee JasonD I do agree with your defence raised in your last post of the JD Power survey and the weak foundation single question asked by some self proclaimed expert to deduce his findings! I do agree Toyota is at top of the list, but I do have trouble deciphering your views aside from mine as you have none (typical) and are tooooo wussy to declare your Toyota loving alter ego that lurks within you… LOL cobber you are funny
Colonel, I am not a uni student. Haven’t been for many years. The 2000 person survey isnt the only research going around that has Toyota ahead of Ford, Holden, etc. I’m not sure why you would dispute the fact that Toyota are more reliable (not the most reliable I must add). “oh sorry for not breaking sentence up as you have no opinion you simpleton as rushed response”. Mate, that doesn’t even make sense. Sorry for not breaking sentence up as you have no opinion??? Ok then…..
In response to your second comment directed at me, I have owned 1 toyota out of 7 cars that I’ve had. It went ok for a first car, but I’ve moved on cars which I believe to be far superior. I would never vote for Rudd either. For some reason, I just don’t trust the guy, especially with Gillard and Swann backing him. Bavarian, love the “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t!” quote!
Refer links on research as you Toyota lovers have only spoken about it. I have declared my hand and put you to the test (to date none of any major significance came back) and gee whiz you are a budgie brain. You do have some research views…. ummm were and what???? You must be a dumb f… as you only now try to declare your views!
Klink, you are just confirming what I said before. One of the dumbest men alive.
JasonD – to remind how deluded you are, ummm where have I said Toyota is below Ford or Holden and not up there on reliability as that is not the case. Iam only pointing out that they are not light years ahead of Aussie manufacturers. So when you can deal with facts and not your own attacking personal views let me know!
If you aint got facts and where you found them, go lie down you headspin ass clown! Your October 15th, 2007 at 2:40pm comment on other research around, well OK where is link to sight it. BLAH BLAH BLAH! JasonD… I have seen some of the stuff raised by you guys yes, but it is not right across the customer spread. Mate, you are a couple of kangaroos short in the small top paddock!
Your views only play a small part in my assessment of your intelligence. The vocab you use (”gee whiz you are a budgie brain” for example), your inability to see the point in some people’s comments, and the fact that you are demanding research links when you yourself have “research” that backs up my argument. I would expect the posts I see from you from a 12yr old, not a adult.
“lie down you headspin ass clown” and “you are a couple of kangaroos short in the small top paddock” are another few examples of what I’m talking about.
Ah yes its a great day, hearing of people that don’t want to have kevin rudd’s babies. I thought I was alone, drowning in a sea of kevin07 propaganda, with a left wing pinko at every turn. I always thought that the only people who actually have the time and inclination to answer those election news polls at dinner time had to be left wing pinko’s because everyone else is too busy getting on with their lives, working, earning money, aspiring in life to waste it answering the phone at dinner time to answer some questionare about who you’d vote for and whether kevin rudd or a puppy is cuter. * i think that sentence beats Klinks * I mean, apart from brooding in dark corners and stabbing their john howard voodoo dolls, whilst lamenting about the fact the economy is going so well, what else do left wing pinko’s do?
Klink, get fired up big fella! I agree with your opinion about toyota but leave the name calling to Blinky, its a mugs game. Remember, if there was no evil then there would be no good. If there are no shit cars on the road then we wouldn’t have good ones to drive. Be grateful for people like blinky, he’s loving the shit cars so we don’t have to.
Yes and who started the sentence being long? You could of been more subtle and mixed it in with some views. You didnt but you just attacked me cause of one long sentence never proofed!
Klink, go to drive site, click on “know” tab, then “features” tab, then “car quality guide”. I’m pretty sure this si what Paul was referring to earlier. Enjoy, my foolish friend.
JasonD… read that already before your advice indicating that website. And I gathered my views from CNN, Caradvice and NRMA. Enjoy my foolish friend as your view also needs to be clarified over a vast audience that would not readily occur with the methods you point out! Remember I did not say Toyota is not high or at top of list so lets not mis-quote me! Until such times as all are assessed on a level playing field properly it is just that, bit questionable about who finishes were and how bad they all are.
JasonD. Fact you were the one that started with the crap putdown and then you dumbo have the gall to comment to me about my reply! You goose!
You asked me a question, in a way only you can Klink/KFC, and I answered it for you. Isn’t that what you expect when you ask someone a question?????????????/
Hey JasonDill. Go to Toyota Aurion post at 1.25pm and look at my comment and your lack of response and attack on me. You throw up drive website stuff and you have not answered one of mine as you are so one sided that I must call you by your name in this post of mine; your a dill of the highest calibre!
The problem with you toyota guys is you take what is being said out of context.
holy shit klink you can string up a good argument with out filling every second sentence with insults
Klink is right, Klink (or myself) has never said ford reliability is better than toyota. we are just defending your claims that “toyotas are bullet proof” and “fords are piss poor”.
that is 2 examples of overrated comments.
the difference is not light years as you guys like to suggest.
Blinky (or is it Dingo or Hilko??) mate who gives a toss if the manufacturer you buy cars from are regarded as a wealthy company?? who the hell buys cars based on their profit figure for the last quarter in zimbabwe??
i mean do you buy cars from them or go into dealerships to buy shares??
im not denying it and i have said it before the only thing that ford (and holden to a lesser extent) would mirror from toyota (and they are doing it) is adopt similar global strategies.
Klink raises a good point and i have raised it before too (but surprise surprise you guys dont want to hear about promising things from ford).
the point was that toyota is at the top with not much more share they can take, but on the other hand ford offers a lot less (in terms of range) and when they do get all their strategies in place (larger range, global unification etc) then id say they will move on up quite a bit. it seems ford have their head screwed on real tight at the moment so id reckon in 5 or so years they will be a pretty schmick company in the way they operate
paul where did you go? im still waiting for my apology…..
you know where you called me a liar because you were in denial of what you said!!!!!!
Andrew M… spot on. Ford, Holden and would say Hyundai are on the march. Hyundai is marching loudly, that is your concern in short term; and medium to longer term are other two car makers. With Holden lets see what happens with any upgrades or next new models after say Epica or Barina – one would be foolish to laugh that off! The games changing right under Toyotas nose! It will be survival of the smartest here!
Bulletproof and all Japs at top end of reliability = yeah right. Admittedly it is a little bit old but it shows a picture of where the Japs really are Paul!
Source: http://www.mynrma.com.au
Quality and reliability are 2 qualites of new cars which a 1 week road test cant measure. However they are extremely important considerations for buyers. Who wants to buy a bomb? NOT ME! OR YOU!
Both tend to be judged on the basis of brand reputation, which in itself is simply a long history, spread via word of mouth, media opinion and, in the case of luxury brands, by their own spindoctors. But how accurate are our accepted beliefs about the quality and reliability records of different brands and models and the countries in which they are made? Hmmmm inconclusive!!!!!
We turn to JD Power (American firm which surveys car owners in many countries to see which brands and models have the best quality and reliability records):
The 2004 Initial Quality Study (IQS) asked owners to report problems experienced in the first 90 days, and the 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), looked at problems that arise in the first 3 years of ownership.
Results for the 2005 JD Powers IQS and VDS surveys (conducted in USA) again saw Lexus top the rankings in both. Lexus has dominated the surveys for many years; in the case of the VDS, it has notched up 11 consecutive wins.
The IQS/VDS surveys measure problems per 100 (pp100) in new cars across 36 brands.
The Lexus SC430 convertible was the best performing individual car in the 2005 IQS, averaging 54 pp100.
The industry is certainly producing better quality cars over all, with the average IQS rate falling from 176 pp100 in 1998 to 118 pp100 in 2005.
Lexus, Jaguar, BMW, Buick, Cadillac and Mercedes Benz filled the first five places; Hyundai, Honda and Toyota are also better than average.
PAUL EVEN SAID THAT ALL JAPS ARE UP THERE. HA HA HA! Suzuki took last place, behind Mazda, Land Rover, Volkswagen, Porsche and Volvo. Surprised to find a few of these at the bottom end of the charts? I was! This is changing to be up to speed with 2007 but it is not clear cut as you Jap lovers spout forth declaring to all and sundry with much hoopla and noise!
In the case of Porsche, its result is due to problems with the Cayenne 4WD. The fact that the Cayenne is built on the same platform as VW’s Touareg is obvious from VW’s ordinary result also, although VW is a below average performer in both surveys, belying its reputation for building high quality, reliable cars.
The Cayenne’s influence on Porsche’s poor IQS result is confirmed by the brand’s reversal of fortune in the 2005 VDS survey, where it took second place, behind Lexus.
The VDS looks at problems in three year old cars – the Cayenne is not yet 3 years old. Real Porsches – the Boxster and 911 – give their owners little grief.
Also recording fewer faults than the 237 pp100 average are Toyota, Honda, BMW, Ford and Chrysler. THAT IS CLOSE PAUL AND NOT LONG AGO! YOU AND YOUR BULLETPROOF??? LOL
JD Power’s analysts singled out Hyundai’s improved performance for comment. Though still suffering more problems than the VDS average, it recorded a 31 per cent improvement on its 2004 result. Newer Hyundais show that the rate of quality improvement is accelerating, as evidenced by the company’s better than average result (110 pp100) in the 2005 IQS.
Last place in the 2005 VDS survey went to Kia, in a contest with Land Rover, then Mini, Volkswagen, Isuzu, Daewoo, Audi, Suzuki, Jeep, Saab and Mercedes-Benz.
So the next time a salesperson, or a know-it-all perhaps tells you that German cars are the highest quality or Jap cars are right at the top for most reliable vehicles in the world, ask to see the evidence.
Because when it comes to quality and reliability, the reality does not always match the reputation.
holy crap KFC/klink i understood every word you said. are you no longer drinking? he he he he
no seriously great findings
Toyota – Only manufacturer in Australia to have ever sold more than 200,000 vehicles in one calendar year, and have done so the last 4 years running and increasing that gap…
First really adventurous thing Toyota have done is the TRD – slow and steady seems to have been their main motto!
TRD is a good looking vehicle, goes hard and handles well. Handles a hell of a lot better than a V8 without any stability assistant on it at least… Frang a V8 commie or Ford around a corner same speed as the TRD Aurion… just try it…
FWD is providing a bit of torque steer, no denying that. but overall it is not enough to write home about and say its a bucket of puss… The handling side of things is good, cornering is good, take of is good.
A lot of the marketing needs to be better, and maybe a RWD option, but that just puts them squarely inline with the other big Aussie 6’s… What is pretty much every single new car for people these days? (usually I mean, majority wise)… a FWD…. Albeit, a smaller vehicle, maybe astra, getz, corolla, yaris or what have you… but FWD and therefore people becoming more and more used to, and familiar with FWD vehicles.
different driving feel and style is the main thing. Re-thinking your driving style a bit and just as much fun as flogging hell out of a top spec V8 ;)
(I’m coming from 4 commodores…. lol, wanna buy my VY??? )
Klink…KFC….Andrew.M…. go to that link, read it and weep. You can mention your surveys which are far less accurate then industry figures… you can mention you U.S results (I live in Australia… and you can mention how Ford is great. What you have a hard time mentioning… is the fact that your Ford and Holden were EQUAL LAST in the Aussie survey using industry figures. I repeat = EQUAL LAST. Now Toyota wasnt first, I know that, but they werent last… in fact in vehicles such as teh Territory, which Andrew.M has lead us to believe is the best car in its class, had 60% have problems within the first 5months compared to only 30% of Klugers. This trend continue along all other Ford vs Toyota models. So do indeed continue with your defence, but your going to have to deal with the fact that Toyota is the best manufacturer in the world in part due to its excellent reliabitilty. You want to continue this argument, well your disagreeing with the millions who have bought Toyotas on this fact alone. I think you will find you are very much a minority when it comes to attacking Toyota reliability and LOL talking up Fords.
Ha Ha Ha. You said on other posting you are over TRD Aurion, so you then come on here and have the gall to come out of the closet again and discuss your favourite motoring DNA and reveal your true hand. Talk about confused. LOL
Gee NM don’t you sleep?
NM …Repeat of Chasers on tonight at 11.20!
NM you are another person who cant read, this has moved on from the TRD and is now onto Toyota reliability in general. You seem to be the one who is confused here.
Paul, eat sh*t and die please!! For everyones sake!
Toyota Paul…….. you are funny as have trouble outside of your Toyota Cocoon World. The schmicko updated new Kluger finally has a decent look compared to previous straight awkward crap dished up – this model is great and I could live with inside. BUT it is pedestrian a fair bit as the plastics and fabric is of reasonably good quality at best, and its appearance is durable and sensible rather than exciting (typical). One can assume that you like the inside environment reasonable and sensible rather then exciting.
I have a Toyota JZX100 Chaser.. Yay for toyota:D:D:D So funny how revved up some ppl are getting in this ‘discussion’
Basically. The thing takes OFF. Normal Overtaking in dodgy lanes ;) is really good. Handles really well in low speed dodges and swerves and what not.
Next part:Trying to squeeze between two cars at 130 Ks, gave a bit too much steer for anyones liking, felt unconfident compared to SS (FPV, etc). When it comes to city thrashing your good, but highway favours SS. Oh yeah, response is very sharp too.