What toyota and honda do is sell cars with top of the line struts and brakes, which are normal wear items. On those cars they last about 100K. The other manufactures sell cars with OEM struts and brakes that only last 50K. So the others buyers get pissed that they have to spend money on their cars at 50K. But the Toyota and Hondas don’t, the perception is that they are better when in reality you paid heavily for those little upgrades.
I have three Toyotas, one over 200K miles, one over 170K, one over 90K. Original engine and transmission on all of them. I’ve owned Hondas and Acuras with 200K+ lifes.
I’ve also owned cars and trucks from Ford, Old, Chevy, GM, Subaru, VW. Not to mention a number of other brands which were more hobby than transportation.
There is simply no comparison between the longevity and low-maintenance cost of Hondas and Toyotas in engine, drive train, wheels and suspension and any other model, imo. Those two brands are at another level.
Paid heavily? Let's see...
A new Camry with moonroof, XM radio, hands free phone, and alloy wheels for $24,975.
A new Impala WITHOUT any of those options for $25,230.
A new Taurus WITHOUT any of those options for $26,640.
That's a no-brainer. Better car, lower price, and not a dime of my money to Obama's UAW thugs.