Quote: Originally posted by David K

Quote: Originally posted by DianaT   Quote: Originally posted by rts551   Quote: Originally posted by David K   Just posting what I was told years ago, and it made sense after observing the bias that became prevalent. No worries, follow CR all you want. I was just very disappointed to hear that, as I had liked what they seemed to attempt to do. Wait, you accuse them of fraud...and now its "I was told years ago". Come on David. That is a serious accusation and it is just something you were told by someone? If it is true, I am sure there has to be backup and reports somewhere or why would you want to harm the reputation of an organization based on something you heard? That is a rhetorical question. Do I ever ask you or others to prove Fox News is biased or wrong (because they dare to provide all points of view instead of just the left)? NO, because you are obviously projecting your opinions. Now, I wasn't doing that here when I just said why I don't buy their magazines or read them anymore (Consumer Reports). I didn't think it required evidence and it wasn't me making up something or shouting my feelings. I said I was disappointed in what I heard about them and then I saw bias. Want some sources, try the Internet... I just did, go after these folks if you need to. I don't care... Here's just one hit, and it's anti-Toyota: http://forums.motortrend.com/70/8551685/the-general-forum/is... ======================================================= At least for cars Consumer Reports is. They have openly omitted to giving Toyota 5/5 stars on everything without even testing the vehicle. That right there is total bias, wether they are paid or not, which make them void imo for all their vehicle reporting. Read more: http://forums.motortrend.com/70/8551685/the-general-forum/is... ======================================================== Ralph, right below that reply is this one, of interest to your view on CR, perhaps?: ========================================================= "How do you rate squeaks and rattles compared to a transmission failure? " Trackaholic raises a very good question. In CR's ratings they talk about "problems per 100 vehicles." But they never tell you WHAT kind of problems. So if car A has 2 problems per 100, and car B has only 1, the car with only 1 problem per 100 gets a higher rating for reliability. But what if Car A's problems were a broken cupholder and a run in the paint? And Car B's "only" problem was, the transmission fell out after 3000 miles??? Big difference. CR does not tell you what the problems are, only their frequency. Highly, highly misleading, in my opinion. Read more: http://forums.motortrend.com/70/8551685/the-general-forum/is... ========================================================= From Wiki, for those that think CR is free from error in their research: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_Reports ======================================================== In 2006, Consumer Reports said six hybrid vehicles would probably not save owners money. The magazine later discovered that it had miscalculated depreciation, and released an update stating that four of the seven vehicles would save the buyer money if the vehicles were kept for five years (including the federal tax credit for hybrid vehicles, which expires after each manufacturer sells 60,000 hybrid vehicles).[43] In February 1998, the magazine tested pet food and claimed that Iams dog food was nutritionally deficient. It later retracted the report claiming that there had been "a systemic error in the measurements of various minerals we tested – potassium, calcium and magnesium. ========================================================== CR Tundra praise in error? http://www.autospies.com/news/Should-You-Trust-Consumer-Repo... ======================================================== Consumer Reports, the publication of Consumer’s Union, has long been accused of a bias toward imported cars, particularly those made by Japanese brand manufacturers, and against anything built by a Detroit automaker. The bias hasn’t changed. Apparently, it’s intentional and institutional. The current issue of Consumer Reports purports to offer a comparison test of the new Toyota Tundrapick-up truck and the Chevy Silverado, as well as the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150. So, you’d expect them to get comparable vehicles, wouldn’t you? Apparently not if you’re the people at Consumer Reports. They pitted the Tundra with the optional 5.7 liter V-8 against the Chevy with the standard 5.3 liter engine, producing 66 hp less than the Tundra. They could have used the 6.0 liter optional Vortec V-9 MAX which is more closely comparable to the optional Toyota engine, but they chose not to. They also pitted a Tundra with a 4.30 axle ratio against the Silverado with a 3.73 ratio, then gave the Tundra praise for having better acceleration. But the Silverado offers a 4.10 axle ratio as a no charge customer selection. Not only that, but they predicted that Toyota’s Tundra would have an above average frequency of repair rating. The Silverado? Too new to classify. The Toyota won the test. Surprise. It’s sorta like a boxing match were one of the competitors has his hands tied. ============================================================ The Internet is full of reported bias by Consumer Reports, I think I have shown that I am not alone in that thinking! Funny is that most think it is biased for Toyota, and that does not make me happy or look the other way.

Many times when somebody says something people don't like they attack the messenger. We can all cherry pick our facts. Just because you disagree with CR doesn't mean they are wrong. I have found them pretty accurate with their reviews whether I liked it or not. Please show me anything that comes close for reviewing products.

Toyota makes good trucks as do GM, Ford, Dodge, MB and many others. I have friends that think highly of theirs. I have not had a mini-truck in 25+ years. My 1/2 & 3/4 tons have been American.
Any truck that gets me home is a good one.

I guess I am just a hater

[Edited on 12-6-2014 by MMc]

[Edited on 12-6-2014 by MMc]

Quote: Originally posted by David K

I used to be a fan of CR many years ago, then I found out manufacturers can buy favorite treatment with them. I often wondered why a truck that got excellent ratings one year changed to below average the next!? To provide the facts, not the money given, should be the reason for providing product details.

Quote: Originally posted by Hook

TMW, where is the Ford F-150 in all those CR categories? I guess maybe it is considered a mid-sized pick up and that is a different list? But it certainly competes head to head with the Tacoma for a truck buyers dollar.

Quote: Originally posted by Ribbonslinger

This is fun to read! I have worked in the forest industry in BC for 32 years. I have always had a full size Ford 350 . As far a work truck goes they are hard to beat. Four guys in the truck, driving light speed down a bush road and not spilling a drop of my coffee. When I downsized ny business a few years ago, I switched to a Tacoma since I did not have the need for a full size. It is a great little truck but if I drive it like I drove my Ford it would be in two pieces in 6 months. I baby my Tacoma and it has held up well for the last six years. Six years is a long time for a bush truck. If was gentle of an F350 it would have lasted just as long but who buys a F350 to baby it. I have a F350 I take to Baja to hold my camper and it has been great. Toyotas are great and I love mine but they are not a real work truck for sure. Hopefully that makes both side of the fence happy?

Quote: Originally posted by rts551

When someone makes outlandish accusations such as DK has in the above posts...Their integrity might be in question. If they throw out statements such as CR takes bribes (without providing any backup), what else do they write or say should be considered questionable. I don't know but ...... enough said. Ruined my own thread,....no big deal...go Toyota/go Baja.

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

All of the Grandiose comments made about the revered (by DK) Toyota Tacoma are totally subjective...Its a truck, and not held in much regard by people who buy trucks as working machines....Drive around the places that use TRUCKs, Farms, ranches ,feedlots etc...See any Toyotas? Nah....Get realistic....

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie   All of the Grandiose comments made about the revered (by DK) Toyota Tacoma are totally subjective...Its a truck, and not held in much regard by people who buy trucks as working machines....Drive around the places that use TRUCKs, Farms, ranches ,feedlots etc...See any Toyotas? Nah....Get realistic.... The Tacoma is a good car for commuters that go to Home Depot once a month, and want to look like they drive a blue collar truck. It's for blue collar posers. It's a light duty small pick up. The bed is not big enough to haul much. It's not a work truck. Iis an uncomfortable ride. It's a very poor driver compared to the 4 runner.

Toyota truck factory in Tecate

Now Barry, there is a good reason not to read CR. It is not relevant, to you. Now that is integrity.

Quote: Originally posted by Barry A.

I too use to be a fan of Consumers Reports as they filled a niche back 20+ years ago, but I slowly and frustratingly realized over the years that the criteria used for THEIR evaluations of vehicles were mostly irrelevant to me, and they ignored criteria that was important to me. Thus, I have not used CR for evaluations since that time, tho I occasionally go back and take a look---------and find they have NOT improved!! It's all in what you are looking for. I love my Ford Trucks, Nissan SUV's and trucks, and Toyota's and have had great luck with all of them. I also love my '89 Isuzu Trooper, but it has cost me a small fortune over the years to keep it running right. Barry [Edited on 12-8-2014 by Barry A.]

Quote: Originally posted by sd

$23,100 for my new 2014 base model single cab 4WD. Manual windows and locks. 12,000 miles on it so far. I am not an "off" roader. Traveled many miles of dirt roads, some marginal. Recently drove it in mud and through water, handled well. It rides rough when comparing to my Toyota Highlander. Has comfortable bucket seats. I purchased Toyota based on my experience with dependability and resale value of several previous Toyota cars and SUV's. I rented 2WD Dodge Quad cab Hemi and Ford Quad cab new trucks before my purchase. Both were nice and much more luxurious, but both were much more expensive trucks and not 4WD. This is my first truck, and you will find me parked at Home Depot often, Haha. I previously had a new 2003 Jeep Rubicon that worked well in Baja. Short wheel base makes for easy turns. Hope you enjoy what you have.

Enjoy the Tacoma!

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

Diana T kinda nailed it....DK is amusing...The slightest imagined slur against his beloved Tacoma, promotes a predictable deluge of Toyota ads and carefully selected "facts"....And anyone not agreeing with them becomes a "hater". Incredibly immature....TOY otas are Ok, They aint perfect ,nor the best...

Yes, it is amusing --- and everyone has an opinion about magazines; but most refrain from accusing any of them of fraud. I know I did not care for CR's report about the washing machine we bought; I should have called the local repair man first. But I don't think their report was because of any manufacturer payoff. Good to check with lots of sources.

My son says we should quit looking at grocery getters, but need a ladder to get into his old Dodge Diesel and that I don't want!

Right now we are torn between the first of a model or the last of a model. Lots of potential downsides to either decision. And if we weren't so dang old, we would wait another year. So we have enjoyed reading all the suggestions, opinions, and links.

And Ralph, I fear you did not hijack your thread, but I did.






[Edited on 12-9-2014 by DianaT]

Quote: Originally posted by DianaT

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie   Diana T kinda nailed it....DK is amusing...The slightest imagined slur against his beloved Tacoma, promotes a predictable deluge of Toyota ads and carefully selected "facts"....And anyone not agreeing with them becomes a "hater". Incredibly immature....TOY otas are Ok, They aint perfect ,nor the best... Yes, it is amusing --- and everyone has an opinion about magazines; but most refrain from accusing any of them of fraud. I know I did not care for CR's report about the washing machine we bought; I should have called the local repair man first. But I don't think their report was because of any manufacturer payoff. Good to check with lots of sources. My son says we should quit looking at grocery getters, but need a ladder to get into his old Dodge Diesel and that I don't want! Right now we are torn between the first of a model or the last of a model. Lots of potential downsides to either decision. And if we weren't so dang old, we would wait another year. So we have enjoyed reading all the suggestions, opinions, and links. And Ralph, I fear you did not hijack your thread, but I did. [Edited on 12-9-2014 by DianaT]

Thats OK. At least you didn't lie about it! Its amusing, but if someone is going to slander something as silly as a magazine, it makes you wonder what else they might make up. Would have been easier to do as Barry did and just say I don't like the magazine. Oh well, wonder how the Toyota plant is doing in Baja?

Quote: Originally posted by David K

My saying here what someone told me CR does is called 'hear-say' or 'second hand info', not fraud... I then posted lots of links to help others decide if they think so ('We report so you can decide' is a great motto, right?). Are you able to decide with evidence if my feelings about CR are correct or do you only rely on what I say here, and if it doesn't match your thinking you say "fraud"? So that you know the difference, here's an example: Telling the American people their health care would be thousands cheaper and that they could keep their plan or doctor was fraud. Merry Christmas!

You really are amusing.


For the sake of jobs, I hope the Toyota plant is doing well and continues to do so.

[Edited on 12-9-2014 by DianaT]