Okay guys, I am going to throw in just a little bit more.
The Prius problem is just a delay before the brakes apply. Guess what, Ford Hybrids do the same thing and Ford just did a (recall) that they are calling a customer satisfaction campane to fix the problem. So its not just Toyota.
Adriver.
From what I know about the accident is, it was a Lexus and the floor mat is actually what caused the problem. The guy driving had enough common sense to call 911 ant tell them his car was speeding out of control. However, he nor the 911 operator had the sense to think to pull the floor mat off of the peddle. He didn't hold the brakes down, shut the key off, but in N, or anything else. Reports are that he got going between 120 and 130 before he crashed the car. It killed all that where in the car. This is the story I have heard numerous times.
1wild&crazy guy,
Have you ever drove a new Tundra? Perhaps, the reason the peddle sticks on them is because they are so fun to drive. I know when I am driving them, the peddle is stuck to the floor, then again so is my foot and I have a smile from ear to ear. Just yesterday, I did a dealer trade to Boise, ID. I drove over 700 miles in a new Tundra and was pulling a trailer with a Honda CR-V on it for over 620 of those miles. I got about 14 MPG and trust me, I wasn't going slow. As stupid as I am, I hit 95 multiple times with the trailer coming home. Theres a hill heading east by Glens Ferry (anyone that has driven from Boise, ID to Twin Falls, ID will know it), I went all the way up that hill at 75 with the trailer. The 5.7 V8 is a incredible engine. So should they have stuck to small cars? I think not. I think they are doing just like any other company wants to do, EXPAND!
I am going to agree with someone that said that money from Toyota stays in the states. I have been paid by Toyota for the last five years, I can tell you many other people that have too. Sure, profits leave the country. But how about all you Hot Wheels or model car collectors? All that money leaves the states. Sure, they are only a few bucks each, but look at the volume of them sold compared to real cars. Some people are going to complain about the car industry for no other reason than to complain. I have a friend that works at a GM dealer that told me that it was sack religious to work at a Toyota dealer, guess who got layed off? Not me. This whole debate has a few good points from each side, but overall. I wouldn't spend my hard earned money on a new pile of junk Dodge, GM, or Ford. On a side note, if any of you own a 1997-2004 Dakota, please let me know what problems you have had with it. I have the chance to buy one for a good price and would like to know what I would be getting myself into.
Jeremy
