honda or toyota?

[Chan]

You know its one thing that Toyota recognizes those recalls. Most other companies will just say tough ****. You know on my IS300, we had premature wear on our OEM Potenzas (Which is common since the majority of IS300 owners drive their car aggressively). They issued a recall and you know what, I got myself a new set of tires courtesy of Toyota (There was nothing wrong with my tires).

Every brand has its problems, its a matter how they address it.

[RTexasF]

Having owned both brands I'll agree with others in saying that it depends on which model you are interested in. I owned an '03 Corolla LE and it was well made, peppy (5 speed stick), quiet, and reliable. What I DIDN'T discover during the test drive was... it had the most uncomfortable seating/driving position of any car I've ever owned after an hour+ behind the wheel. In this instance the Civic would have been a better choice on my part, hindsight being 20/20.

The back pain was killing me so I traded on an '04 Accord EX 5 speed stick. Without a doubt this is the nicest car I've owned. Quite by accident I discovered after purchase that mine was a J-Spec (built in Japan) car. Unlike the Ohio made 7th generation Accords mine has no rattles, squeaks or problems. The Camry manual shift only came in the lower end model and lacked features that I wanted along with a nice but floaty ride. The Accord has a firmer ride and is a bit more sporty in the handling department.
I'm very pleased with my choice of the Honda. Hard to believe but dealers are asking just under $22K for used 2004 Accords like mine with low mileage. That's what I paid for it brand new!!!!

Figure out what size car you are looking for, along with desired features, and drive both brands for a weekend to really check them out. Both brands are reliable as all get out but one may have an edge over the other that suits you better.

[jequirk]

I bought a 2002 is300 brand new 4 yrs ago, now with 90,000 miles I havent had any problems other than tires. So now the fiance has it, so I got a 2001 BMW 325ci 5 spd w/ 90,000 miles, I wish I woulda got another IS300 instead. I am having all kinds of problems with it.
I would go with Toyota!

[Chan]

Originally Posted by jequirk

I bought a 2002 is300 brand new 4 yrs ago, now with 90,000 miles I havent had any problems other than tires. So now the fiance has it, so I got a 2001 BMW 325ci 5 spd w/ 90,000 miles, I wish I woulda got another IS300 instead. I am having all kinds of problems with it.
I would go with Toyota!

I wouldn't touch any BMW thats over its warranty.

[odonnellb]

why only toyota and honda? I would choose honda of those two, but have you considered VW? I love VWs, an unbelievable build quality for such a low price, even though they are now made in mexico :-/. I would also through Subaru into your mix. Go take them all for test drives, and then decide, dont leave anything out though even if you think the price is a little high, maybe their giving out good lease deals or something.
my two cents

[HilfigerCelica]

Originally Posted by odonnellb

why only toyota and honda? I would choose honda of those two, but have you considered VW? I love VWs, an unbelievable build quality for such a low price, even though they are now made in mexico :-/. I would also through Subaru into your mix. Go take them all for test drives, and then decide, dont leave anything out though even if you think the price is a little high, maybe their giving out good lease deals or something.
my two cents

VW are very nice cars. I think their styling, fit and finish, and powertrains are awesome. They definitely are more "german," havig more soul to them than Honda or Toyota.With that said, I don't think most people preceive VWs as being as reliable as Honda's or Toyota's. Every VW owner I've ever known has had more problems with them. Most of these problems being electrical. I'm definitely not crazy about them being made in Mexico either.

My family is a Toyota family. We have 1999 4runner, 1991 truck, 2000 Celica, 2003 Camry and a 2004 Camry. Never have had any major issues with any of them. My dad still drives his 15 yr old truck to work everyday. I wouldn't hesitate to get a Honda either. I think Honda's are more of a driver's car since you actually feel as though you're driving instead of the numbness of a Toyota.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by HilfigerCelica

VW are very nice cars. I think their styling, fit and finish, and powertrains are awesome. They definitely are more "german," havig more soul to them than Honda or Toyota.With that said, I don't think most people preceive VWs as being as reliable as Honda's or Toyota's. Every VW owner I've ever known has had more problems with them. Most of these problems being electrical. I'm definitely not crazy about them being made in Mexico either.

I don't know about the current VWs for sale but the previous generation (late 90s to early 00s) were pretty terrible.

My friend has a 2001 GTI 1.8T which he purchased brand new. He babies this car, it is garaged and he drives it on the weekend only. Despite being a model made in Germany it has had all sorts of problems. The power windows stopped working, he couldn't start the car because the sensor for the anti-theft key stopped working, engine check lights all the time, faulty coil packs and the interior climate control knob snapped off. Luckily the car was under warranty but I could not imagine having one without the warranty!

Toyota has great reliability and excellent cars but as of now they do not have any models that really excite me. For me this is a big factor as I like having a car that's fun and exciting to drive.

[SHICKS]

Originally Posted by imacarnut

i was just curious.... what is your preference & experience between the two auto companies?

I have owned a Honda Accord and currently a Toyota 4Runner. Honda never went to the shop (actually one very minor recall with the ignition switch.), unless for oil, brakes or tires. Not much fun to drive, but ultra dependable. The 4Runner has better build quality, materials and looks, but has had one recall and one unscheduled visit to the shop, otherwise bullet proof. I like the 4 Runner better, both are no hassel cars. I also own a BMW, which makes me appreciate the quality or simplicity of my Toyota or Honda, however it's a blast to drive in the twisties. I like the current Camry over the Accord at this point, but the Civic is perfect.

Oh, and I just got done driving my brother-inlaws Volvo 960? wth 170k on the clock, it runs great, but some minor glitches for a high miliage car. They also have an xc90, which if I detailed would win detail of the month for the biggest transformation. 80k and I don't think it has ever been washed, yuck

Steve

[dmxsoulja3]

few buddies of mine have had late model VW's and got rid of them within a year, they are really starting to suck IMHO...one of them a GTI had a factory sun roof and it leaked BAD, took it in for warranty repair 13 times, corporate warranty claims, new carpet 4 times, litterally had like yogurt growing in the back seat, he got an upper respirtory infection sued the dealership they bought the car back along plus a nice sum of money..I'd stay away from VW's..I've owned some Toyotas/Scions and Honda's..just went back to my honda roots with an 07 Honda Fit, and I think I'll probably continue to buy hondas as they work for me.

[Mikhail]

I have owned Honda Civic DX 1995. Never had any problem except radiator leak at 150K miles, and CV boots replacement at 120K. In 2004 I purchased brand new Honda Accord LX ... havent had any problems!

[BigAl3]

[HondaGuy]

Honda cars, Toyota trucks.