Toyota should be worried about Hyundai. I don't buy for a second that Hyundai has completely matched Toyota yet on quality, but they've dramatically improved. Toyota itself is starting to act much like the Big 3 did back in the 70s, when they thought they were invincible. That can come back to bite them if they aren't careful.
In their recent comparison of family sedans, Car and Driver rated the Camry dead last out of the four competitors - First went to the Accord, second went to the Ford Fusion, and third went to the new Sonata.
And the Camry's not invincible, so they'd better not get the feeling it is. Just from my personal experience, in the past two years, my 1998 Camry has cost nearly $1800 in maintenance and repairs to keep running (thank you Toyota for defective strut mounts that you claim aren't a widespread problem (BS)).... by comparison, my 1997 Taurus has cost only $230 to maintain, all but $50 of that being routine maintenance.
The whole point is that the auto business is one that if you rest on your laurels even the slightest bit, you'll get eaten alive. The big 3 have done that twice now, and they're suffering. That doesn't mean they don't make some good high quality vehicles (and some stinkers). There are quite a few models they make that are very high quality... But if Toyota doesn't shape up, Hyundai will pass them by, then Toyota will be looking for ways to pay for its aging and retired workforce while fighting a leaner competitor without those costs, just like the big 3 are doing now....
"And the Camry's not invincible, so they'd better not get the feeling it is. Just from my personal experience, in the past two years, my 1998 Camry has cost nearly $1800 in maintenance and repairs to keep running (thank you Toyota for defective strut mounts that you claim aren't a widespread problem (BS)).... by comparison, my 1997 Taurus has cost only $230 to maintain, all but $50 of that being routine maintenance."
My relative had a '99 Camry and that strut problem was indeed a problem. They even had struts on the rear end which I didn't realize. His new 2005 Camry doesn't particularly impress me. He's got some kind of rattle in it. I much prefer my new Escape Hybrid. I actually think the quality is a good deal better.
What the Hyundai has going for it is the warranty. That's nothing to sneeze at.
They all should keep a good eye on the rear view mirror; the chinese are coming! Wal-Mart's first new car franchise?
I hear you. Toyota hasn't done much to improve its Camry. I have a Land Cruiser and the maintenance just kills me.