Toyota & Quality Issues

[Wolfe]

Nope, Toyota's being it's usual very close to the vest self. Those that post on Toyota and Highlander sites are getting frustrated as they haven't seen a pix yet. One might surmise that the anticipated date of spring '07 is too early, maybe later in 07 more likely. It's due tho as the current model has been around since 2001 with a facelift, larger V6 engine and redone head/tail lights in 2004.

The Highlander is really aging.  It's still nice, but the new models are so competitive now that the Honda/Toyota products really have to be good to stay ahead. 

Yes, that and the fact that the RAV4 is now almost the same size as the Highlander and has the newer, bigger, more powerful V6. I expect some big changes are in store for the new Highlander so I'm quite interested to see what Toyota will come up with.

[mdxtasy]

Right you are. There will be lots of choices when again I am in the market to replace the HL. Acura and BMW, to name a couple.

The MDX isn't doing much for me right now.  The X5 really is catching my eye and fancy.  The X3 is still a neat package but the CX7 is cheaper and offers the same level of features...for smaller money. 

[ovr50]

Good point, Wolfe, I wouldn't be surprised to see the new HL being larger and definitely more powerful. If it gets too large, I wouldn't be interested. The present one is a nice size, I find, a good mid-size compromise. Course more power is always good...

[mdxtasy]

Good point, Wolfe, I wouldn't be surprised to see the new HL being larger and definitely more powerful. If it gets too large, I wouldn't be interested. The present one is a nice size, I find, a good mid-size compromise. Course more power is always good...

It might get into Pilot size....nudging up to the Sequoia...and needing more power to keep that extra heft moving.

[ovr50]

Right you are. There will be lots of choices when again I am in the market to replace the HL. Acura and BMW, to name a couple.

The MDX isn't doing much for me right now.  The X5 really is catching my eye and fancy.  The X3 is still a neat package but the CX7 is cheaper and offers the same level of features...for smaller money. 

I haven't driven the new MDX but I do like the looks of it. And the RDX.

I definitely like the new X5 and the new X3 - both are "supposed" to be improved over their respective first editions. The X5 was getting old anyway, 1999 it came out IIRC. Price of the X5 w 4.8 engine getting into serious territory tho. The X3 might be the better choice, for a couple and a dog, with only very occasional rear seat passengers.

Time will tell, much too soon to be serious about any of this.  

[airbalancer]

I also saw the new Santa Fe at the Pearson Toronto Airport on display. It looked great!, and I was both surprised and impressed by what looked like quality materials/fit and finish, etc.

Then I looked at the prices...... and became even more impressed.

I'd have to test drive it, but it's definitely on my "to consider" list for future vehicles.

Was that in Terminal 1, the Air Canada check in ?

Yes, that's where it was. Love that dark red color with tan leather..... Did you see it too?

Really do not remember that much about it, just it was there

[airbalancer]

Right you are. There will be lots of choices when again I am in the market to replace the HL. Acura and BMW, to name a couple.

The MDX isn't doing much for me right now.  The X5 really is catching my eye and fancy.  The X3 is still a neat package but the CX7 is cheaper and offers the same level of features...for smaller money. 

I haven't driven the new MDX but I do like the looks of it. And the RDX.

I definitely like the new X5 and the new X3 - both are "supposed" to be improved over their respective first editions. The X5 was getting old anyway, 1999 it came out IIRC. Price of the X5 w 4.8 engine getting into serious territory tho. The X3 might be the better choice, for a couple and a dog, with only very occasional rear seat passengers.

Time will tell, much too soon to be serious about any of this.  

Saw a X5 at the dealer, $70gs
3rd row would only fit a child up to about 4ft,

X3 appeared small after the X5

The new HL base will probably pushing over $41gs

[Snowman]

I would be hard pressed to pick a Toyota Highlander over the new Santa Fe if I were in the market for a mid sized SUV. I drove one for a few days while in Southern Ontario for meetings with OPG and was  blown away by the quality, fitment, features, and driveline.

Highlander:

Base price Highlander 5-pass               $38,470

Santa Fe:

Base price 3.3 AWD                         $30,095
Base price 5-pass Premium                $31,445
Base price 7-pass Premium                $31,295
Base price 7-pass Premium AWD        $33,095
Base price GLS 7-pass                     $35,995

Wait til you see the new for '08 Highlander (due some time in spring of '07 I think) before you make any rash statements. 

I can’t wait to see what Toyota will come up with. Considering they are making a killing of the current 76 year old platform and charging $38k for a $30k vehicle that is selling very well…. why stop.

Toyota is experience tremendous growth and they cannot keep up in engineering and manufacturing without risking quality issues. The ighlander has been delayed for a few reasons.

I think the Hyundai will place some serious hurt in the mid sized car-based SUV market, as Honda and Toyota are demanding cult pricing. Why pay +$38k when the same can be had for $30k….the word is out and spreading.