hyperion said:
How about some facts to back this up! Sounds sort of ridicules.
While this is only my personal experience, it is a fact. The following is a comparison of problems I have had with my American built Toyota Sienna and my Japanese built Prius.
2004 Sienna: Time owned 2 years. Total miles 17,500
1. Problem: Clunk in steering wheel when steering far left or right:
Resolution: First replaced steering rack. Didn't fix the problem. Then replaced the steering shaft and the problem went away.
2. Problem: Gas tank recall - Gas tank could leak, possible fire hazard.
Resolution: Gas tank replaced
3. Problem: Rear bumper partially came loose from rest of body.
Resolution: New clip was installed
4. Problem: Hook for rear sunshade fell off.
Resolution: New clip installed. Fell off again. I super glued it back on and it seems to be holding.
5. Problem: Radiator recall - Radiator could develop leaks.
Resolution: Radiator replaced.
6. Problem: Power steering hose recall - Hoses could develop leaks.
Resolution: Hoses replaced.
7. Problem: Seat belt recall - Seat belt may not function properly in an accident.
Resolution: Awaiting repair.
2004 Prius: Time owned 1 year. Total miles 26,000
1. Problem: Recall for stalling
Resolution: Awaiting notice and repair.
While this is far from conclusive, I was somewhat disappointed with the Sienna quality. Granted a lot of the problems were found by Toyota and I never experienced them, but the steering problem happend immediately and the bumper and hook problem just made the car seem like it wasn't put together very well. I did attribute it to the fact that it was "Made in the USA" though perhaps the problem was faulty engineering (USA or Japan?) or the fact that it was an early production model of a redesigned car.
I had a similar experinece with a 2004 Honda Odyssey that I owned directly before that (also made in the USA). I had a number of problems with it and traded it in on the Sienna.
The Prius on the other hand has been the most trouble free car I have ever owned and that is quite a few over the last 25 years.
I am interested if others have similar or contradicting experiences.