(Toyota Yaris Sedan...yuck.)

Toyota has spent years building it's popular brand of cars.  They have quite the good reputation too.  Resale value is high along with quality.  Well, in recent months...it seems as if Toyota is having some issues maintaining the quality...something that most car companies have had to deal with at one time or another.

On Wednesday, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that it is currently looking into some issues with Toyota's 2000 and 2001 Tundra pickups.  The investigation comes with complaints that there is 'severe frame corrosion' leading to break system failures or spare tire separation. 

Then there is the massive recall that went out last week for all Toyota and Lexus brands due to a potential safety issue with the floor mats.  The issue was brought into the spotlight by a California State Trooper after his investigation of an accident involving a Lexus.  The accident killed a family of three.  The recall involves 3.8 million vehicles and is to replace the floor mats that can get caught under the accelerator.

And finally...there is my own experience.  Back in July on a trip to Las Vegas, we decided to rent a car with Alamo.  We usually had good luck with them and love the 'kiosk' check in (less of a weight) and you can choose your own car in the lot.  Well, there wasn't much of a line when we got there and we didn't have many cars to choose from.  They had all Toyota Yaris Sedans.  I wasn't familiar with the make...but thought if it was Toyota, it should be a good car.  Boy, was I wrong.  It felt cheap and boring.  It had no 'extras' and was so 'unlike' any Toyota I've ever ridden in.  I know that the Yaris is Toyota's answer to the 'affordable' car, but I expected more from a company with such a strong reputation.  Based on this rental, I will never buy a Toyota.  I guess a car company can't be on top for too long before they start to cut corners huh?