Bloomberg survey says Americans turning away from Toyota, liking Ford

source: autoblog

For the past generation or so Toyota has been synonymous with two things: Selling more passenger cars than anybody else (Camry, Corolla) and quality. Sure, there have been a few other themes associated with ToMoCo (green hybrids, not ready for prime-time full-size trucks), but for the most part, ubiquitousness and reliability have been the big selling points. Then came a particularly nasty case of sudden acceleration.

Bloomberg reports that four out of 10 Americans say they would “definitely not buy a Toyota.” Compounding matters is another part of the Bloomberg survey that reveals a significant 36% of Americans have a negative view of Toyota. Ouch. Potentially worse is that less than half (49%) of those surveyed have a favorable view of Toyota.

Contrast those results to what Bloomberg learned about Ford. An overwhelming 77% of consumers have a favorable opinion of the house that Henry built. That’s seven percent more favorable than second-place Honda. The survey found that many people are so amped up on the Blue Oval because unlike fellow American companies General Motors and Chrysler, Ford avoided taking Federal bailout money. That’s probably part of the good will, but we think it runs a bit deeper than that.

Ford is making good products. With the exception of the soon-to-be-replaced Focus, every vehicle they make is a class leader. There’s no compelling reason to choose a Camry or Accord over a Fusion, and the Fusion Hybrid just might be the best gas/electric vehicle on the market. The Flex is a true segment buster, and perhaps the most comfortable under several hundred thousand dollar way to move four adults around. The F-150 is as good as ever. Would you choose a Yaris over a Fiesta? There’s also Ford’s faster product cycles (think new 2011 Mustangs) and market-leading technology like Sync. Put it like this: these survey results don’t surprise us an iota.

Ford hybrid tax credits are going fast

Ford will soon launch the revitalized Fusion and Mercury Milan lines, continuing the pattern of ongoing improvements to these well-rated sedans. Highlighting the 2010 models is the addition of hybrid variants. Ford is touting a 41 mpg city, 36 mpg highway fuel economy rating for the Fusion hybrid—notably more efficient than the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry hybrids based on EPA numbers. (Photo is from the 2008 LA Auto Show.)

These Ford Motor Company hybrids, along with the Escape and Mariner hybrid SUVs, are eligible for full tax credits if purchased or ordered before March 31st. After that time, the credits are reduced by 50 percent due to Ford crossing the 60,000-vehicle threshold that begins a scale-down process for tax credits. (See what vehicles are eligible and their credit amounts.)

Like all appealing incentives, there is a catch. Ford says the 2010 hybrids go on sale in the spring, though will not release a date. Spring begins March 20, less than two weeks before the tax credit is reduced.

A Ford representative explained that customers could order a vehicle prior to March 31st, to be delivered later, and still receive the credit. However, it may prove difficult, or even impossible, to secure a test drive prior.

In April, there will still be a significant credit available–$1,700. Ultimately, no matter which vehicle you are drawn to, if a tax credit is a significant factor, be sure to check with your accountant to ensure you can receive it based on your tax scenario. And remember, tax credits do not apply on a lease. (See “Hybrid cars and the vanishing tax credit.”)

Ford Hybrid tax credits

	1/1 – 3/31/09	4/1 – 9/30/09	10/1 – 3/31/10
2010 Fusion Hybrid	$3,400	$1,700	$850
2010 Milan Hybrid	3,400	1,700	850
2009 Escape Hybrid FWD	3,000	1,500	750
2009 Escape Hybrid 4WD	1,950	975	487.50
2009 Mariner Hybrid FWD	3,000	1,500	750
2009 Mariner Hybrid 4WD	1,950	975	487.50

Learn more about the updated 2010 Fusion and read our 2009 Mercury Mariner First Drive.

Ford Taurus X Earns a “Recommended Buy” from Consumer Reports

More great news on the quality front! Consumer Reports conducted testing on 4 mid-sized 3-row SUVs including Taurus X, Toyota Highlander, Subaru Tribeca and Buick Enclave with the following great results:· Only the Ford Taurus X and Subaru Tribeca are “Recommended” from this group
· Taurus X’s lower height makes it handle and feel more like a sedan, and it posted one of the highest speeds in Consumer Reports’ avoidance maneuver

· Highlander is the first Toyota model not automatically receiving a Recommended designation because Toyota’s Annual Car Reliability Survey showed several other models had problems

· In a test extra, the new Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans proved disappointing noting:
· General lack of grip and agility, long braking distances, engine noise, complicated optional audio system panel gaps, sharp edges, and a flimsy-feeling center console

· Access to the third row can be difficult with the Swivel ‘n Go feature because second-row seats don’t flip forward to facilitate entry

“5,000+ Miles of Total Satisfaction!”

“Great value, tops in safety, good handling, best AWD system in use (much better than previous vehicle, Subaru, engine has great torque and plenty of passing lane power. Mileage is slightly better than EPA ratings, co-workers really appreciate enormous back seat leg room and kids like the DVD system. Looks, feels, and sounds like a well built vehicle as trim aligns nicely and materials are above average. This is my first Ford in over 15 years and things have really, really changed in a positive way.” – posted to www.autos.yahoo.com by Simon from Colorado Springs, Colo. on 8/11/07“Best Car Yet!” – “This is one of the best cars Ford, or anyone else, ever built. I should know – I have bought over 20 new vehicles in my lifetime. It is a cross between a Ford 500 and a Volvo. This car will holds its own with anything built in Europe or Japan. Has the ride of a Lexus, the handling of a small car, and the horsepower of an Audi. The biggest plus is it is huge- as big as a Crown Vic inside- and sill I am getting 27.5 mpg in combined driving. It is like paying for a Ford and being given a Lincoln.” – posted to www.edmunds.com by m wilson on 9/27/07 

“I Love My Taurus” – “I just purchased the Taurus about 5 days ago, I was in an Explorer. I just can’t get over how big the interior is on this car, it seems like it’s bigger than the Explorer. I also had a Camry prior to the Explorer and this car beats the Camry, the ride, the comfort, the roomy backseat. I would recommend this car to everyone that’s looking for a sedan. This car is just an outstanding vehicle.” – posted to www.edmunds.com by hondagirl on 9/01/07

“A Quantum Leap Forward” – “This is a great car. The engine and transmission are enough to make it a quantum leap over the 500 that it replaced, but the interior refinements, cabin quiet, and overall feel are as impressive. The name change was not significant to me but the car is a home run. It is very responsive, very fast and very smooth.” – posted to www.edmunds.com by PJ on 6/19/07

“The Best Family Car” – “I’ve owned an Accord and kind of felt I might want to try a domestic, so I shopped around and saw a new Taurus. So far, I’m pleased with the fit and finish, quietness, and ample power from the new 3.5 liter engine. The AWD works great. Especially I like the spaciousness of the car in the back seat. My three kids have no problem with sitting together.” – posted to www.edmunds.com by Kyle on 8/18/2007

“Toyota Who?” – “Before you even think of buying a Toyota you need to compare it with this car. I found the ride and the fit and finish to be far superior. Also there is far more room in the Taurus, and the prices are more reasonable. A far better value.” – posted to www.autos.yahoo.com by Easy Rider from Dayton, OH on 9/11/07

“Ford Taurus Beats Out Imports” – “Just purchased my 2008 Ford Taurus Limited and this is the best car ever. Ford came along way with this and they have done a great job. I average 29 mpg on the hwy, which is good for this car’s size. The engine has no problem keeping up with traffic and I keep passing people up on the highway and not to mention at parking lots people stare at the front grill of this new baby and I get a thumbs up. This car is worth the money and if I wreck my current one, I would not hesitate to buy another one. – posted to www.autos.yahoo.com by christopher from o’fallen, MO on 8/04/07

“Very Impressed” – “Ford is back. This is a great vehicle. It is very roomy and has a trunk that can carry anything you desire. It is very comfortable and the ride is very smooth and feels like you are in a Lincoln. It has an impressive fuel economy along with sportiness. You feel like the president in this car. I really like the styling of this car with Ford’s new corporate grill and the modern face and rear. If you are looking for a full sized sedan, THIS IS THE ONE FOR YOU.” – posted to www.autos.yahoo.com by Tyler from Scottsdale, Ariz. on 8/02/07

“Home Run With the ’08 Taurus Limited FWD” – “I bought this as a company car. Since I need plenty of room, this car fit nicely. I am 6’3″ and the 1st test I do is put the front seat all the way back then hop in the back seat. I have a minimum 3″ from my knees to the back of the front seat, very impressive to say the least. The power is very nice and once you’re used to the 6 speed it is very nice and smooth. Very smooth, plush ride. For a bigger car that isn’t after the handling market it does very well. I am 6’3″ with a 34″ inseam and have no problem at all with leg room, in fact more than I have ever had. I even prefer to have the seat forward roughly 2″ from the furthest back. I have the limited version FWD which means it has a very good mix of standard options. The leather is very nicely done and the heated seats will be very nice in the winter here as will the heated mirrors and traction control. The moon roof/sunroof works very nice. The Audiophile sound system is a little complicated at 1st but has very nice sound. Looks are very nice. I wouldn’t/didn’t give the 500 a second look, but this is nice, very nice!!” – posted to www.autos.yahoo.com by Walt from LaFargeville, New York on 7/09/07

“Ford Finally Turns the Corner in the 08 Taurus” – “This car is hot and for around $25k don’t miss this soon to be American gem. The ride is comparable to a five series BMW in looks, acceleration, and space…” — posted to www.autos.yahoo.com by Eric from West Palm Beach, Fla. on 6/18/07

Ford Motor Co. has significantly improved the quality of its cars and trucks

• “Ford Motor Co. has significantly improved the quality of its cars and trucks, while Toyota Motor Co. slipped out of the No. 1 spot in Consumer Reports newest survey on vehicle reliability … 41 of Ford’s 44 models scored average or better in predicted reliability … Three Toyota vehicles lost Consumer Reports’ ‘buy’ recommendation. For the first time in the survey’s history, a version of the Toyota Camry – the V6 – isn’t recommended by the publication.” — Ford quality improves, Toyota drops, Consumer Reports says;  The Detroit News Online
• “Consumer Reports ranked the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and the automaker’s market-leading F-150 pickup truck with a V-6 engine as among the most-reliable new vehicles on the market.” — Consumer Reports says Toyota slips in reliability;  Reuters News
• “Consumer Reports said 41 of 44 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models in the survey scored average or better in predicted reliability. The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan ‘are among the most reliable cars,’ Consumer Reports said in a statement. Toyota, meanwhile, saw the V-6 version of the Camry and the four-wheel-drive V-8 version of the Tundra pickup truck, both redesigned for 2007, rate below average.” — Toyota Slips, Ford Improves In Consumer Reports Survey; Dow Jones
• “The results reinforce Ford’s efforts to boost quality after glitches with new-vehicle introductions early in this decade. … The magazine said 93 percent of Ford models from its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury U.S. brands scored average or better for reliability. That compares to 49 percent for General Motors Corp. and 67 percent for Chrysler LLC. … Employees at Ford factories are reviewing feedback from consumers ‘to make sure every customer issue is fixed at the plant,” Mike Hardie, a global quality manager at the Dearborn, Michigan-based company, said in an interview.”” — Toyota Reliability Drops, Ford Improves, Consumer Reports Says; Bloomberg
• “Toyota got an unpleasant surprise and Ford’s recovery plan received a welcome endorsement as Consumer Reports magazine revealed its influential list of best and worst new vehicles today.  Toyota lost its coveted status as an automaker that automatically gets CR’s revered ‘recommended’ tag for every new model, while Ford saw 93% of its vehicles score well for reliability …  Ford, on the other hand, is approaching the kind of across-the-board reliability buyers used to associate only with Japanese brands, [David Champion, Consumer Reports’ director of automotive testing] said.” — Consumer Reports: Ford makes quality strides while Toyota dips;  Detroit Free Press Online
• “…U.S. automakers have to be loving the news flow lately. But without the products to back it up, Detroit’s Big Three would just be spinning their wheels. That’s why the strides made, particularly by Ford Motor Co., in the latest Consumer Reports reliability survey are so important in turning around the perception that U.S. cars and trucks pale in comparison to the top Japanese manufacturers. The influential 2007 Annual Car Reliability Survey … shows that 93% of all Ford, Lincoln, Mercury models score just as high or higher than the industry average.  ‘These results are thrilling,’ Mike Hardie, Ford’s director of quality, said. ‘Quite frankly, it’s something we’ve been expecting since we put in new processes to improve quality. We believe we’re competitive with the best in the world when it comes to reliability.'” — Ford makes big reliability strides; Toyota falters;  MarketWatch”
• “Ford did very well in the new survey, with 41 out of 44 of its products scoring average or better in predicted reliability. Plus, the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Ford F-150 V6 2WD were three of the only four domestic models that earned the label of ‘Most Reliable.'” — Toyota hit hard by new Consumer Reports predicted reliability ratings; Autoblog.com

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