SOUND OFF: Who Are The Rising Brands And Who May Be On The Fall?

I’ll be the first to say that the name “Toyota” and word “quality” seem to go hand in hand.  Just read any review or survey and you see that their owners agree whole heartily.

While Toyota has steadily risen to the top over the lasting, you can make a good argument that some of the magic may have been lost with several issues along the way. No doubt this has occurred to many of the brands out there over the years.  

Simply look to BMW and Mercedes Benz. After meteoric rises they soon became notorious for their issues in the 90’s. However, it can be argued that they have now shed this dogma surrounding them, and the cars produced now are far better examples than then. These brands may be back on the rise.

Toyota has followed a similar path adding diversity and complexity to their product lineup through out the late 90’s and into the current generation. Are the recent issues a by product of this, or are they simply growing pains? I am sure no one outside Toyota knows for sure.

So looking at the market, give us your best shot at who is on the rise and who may be on the fall and why?

91z4me - 4/16/2008 11:03:14 AM

+9 Boost

Ok, this won't be appreciated by many but Ford. Ford has made a quality turn around. They have much nicer materials and I would say are on par w/ Toyota in materials, slightly behind Honda. Their exteriors may be a little weird but are eye catching and they seem to be seeking out a new position. If they truely bring global platforms to the US they could be in for a treat. If this is just another bait and switch tactic then they will continue to fall in market share.

Key models for Ford: next gen Explorer, Verve, Fusion/Taurus, and as always F150.

silver1 - 4/16/2008 12:10:56 PM

-15 Boost

"91z4me"
"They have much nicer materials and I would say are on par w/ Toyota in materials, slightly behind Honda"

Your kidding right? Don't get me wrong, the Materials look great, but as far as the grade of it meaning the quailty of it is still no where close. It looks great to fool the human eye, but if u compare it side by side it's like comparing a Apple I-phone vs. A chinese version I-Phone with silver stuff all over it to make it look nicer.
And for the dummies who buy it, it actually work and it sells..

EnnNorak - 4/16/2008 2:52:33 PM

+6 Boost

I dunno about Ford -- they need to stop making el-cheapo FWD and FWD-based AWD Lincolns. I'm still sore from the crap they stuck me with in the nineties and early this century. For me, the race to failure is between Ford and Chrysler. GM is making forward strides in spite of disappointments like the new VUE. I'll put my money on VW, Hyundai and KIA.

VolkswagenPower - 4/16/2008 11:50:44 AM

+8 Boost

Rising Brands: Hyundai, Volkwagen?????, Infiniti

The best brands GERMAN CAR FANATICS love: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Porsche

Dying brands, more like useless: Ford, Chrysler, GM has come a long way and have produced some great cars lately (CTS, Malibu) they are far from dead.

Can survive because of those cheap people who have no taste in cars but reliability and price: Honda?? you're blind

For a mainstream brand Honda is doing well. At or near the top of its class in many areas:

Compact car: Civic
Midsize: Accord
small CUV: CRV
Mini van: Odyssey

They are also the "greenest" car maker on earth and have invested heavily in future technologies.

VolkswagenPower - 4/16/2008 4:54:10 PM

+2 Boost

I see that ToyotaPower was removed (yeah!), thus my remaining comment that no longer makes as much sense.

FerrarisR4me - 4/16/2008 11:36:24 AM

+7 Boost

Rising Brands: Jaguar, Cadillac, Pontiac, Hyundai

Falling Brands: Ford, Toyota (yea I said it... like the article says, it happened to BMW and Merc, it's happening to them too)

silver1 - 4/16/2008 12:47:00 PM

-11 Boost

You Wish.....once again, Toyota has more recommened automobiles on consumer reports than anyone else, so how are they falling?

who has more recommened vehicles than Toyota on consumer reports? NO ONE.

So if Toyota is falling and they have more recommened vehicles than anyone else then what are the other auto-makers doing super falling?

sholemon - 4/16/2008 1:01:17 PM

+5 Boost

I would agree about toyota, though I dont know if they're falling so much as everyone else is catching up. I could be mistaken but I thought I remember reading an article about how CR is no longer going to automatically recommend toyotas based upon its reputation.

sholemon - 4/16/2008 1:02:57 PM

+1 Boost

Heres the link

http://www.autoobserver.com/2007/10/consumer-report.html

silver1 - 4/16/2008 1:06:24 PM

-3 Boost

Automailcally Recommended or only recommeded. Toyota still holds the lead on consumer reports as the #1 most recommended vehicles on consumer reports, and thats a FACT!

zorbeeze - 4/16/2008 1:12:27 PM

0 Boost

Please leave consumer reports bullshit out of this.
Toyota's rise to the top was too fast over the last 5 years. And the new Camry is living proof of that. Look at all the recalls. Most owners i've met of the new Camry have nothing but complaints. And i've sat in the new Corolla and that car has stood still. It looks exactly the same inside and out. The materials are the same. Toyota has stopped advancing and everyone has caught up. The new Corolla will be worst in it's class, it won't stand a chance against the 3, Civic, Cobalt, Lancer.
Toyota has become like BMW it's all about the name attached to reliablity. Once people start realising the reliability difference is getting smaller and smaller every year. Toyota is not what it used to be.

silver1 - 4/16/2008 1:19:01 PM

-8 Boost

From Conusmer Reports, the Toyota Camry is still on the Recommended list, it's the V6 thats not on the list that had transmission issue that has now been resolve.

America's best selling car Toyota Camry 4-Cylinder is on the Consumer reports recommended list. Live with it and eat it...

zorbeeze - 4/16/2008 1:42:14 PM

-2 Boost

"Live with it and eat it"
What??????????????
English please.
Seriosuly somebody needs to get laid. Want me to call you a hooker or something?

silver1 - 4/16/2008 1:49:07 PM

-3 Boost

Sure, that will be great. Just make sures she picks me up in a black on black Lexus LS600h, and we have a deal.

zorbeeze - 4/16/2008 1:58:37 PM

-5 Boost

The fact that you answered that question just made my day, lol. Thanks. This part is not meant as an insult, lol.
I'll make sure she picks you up in a black LS.

komododave - 4/16/2008 4:11:14 PM

-2 Boost

Consumer Reports can rate a mean toaster oven, but as for cars, I wouldn't trust them no matter what they pick as a "top pick". Between the scandals of them trying to make a car fail just because (jeep, Isuzu, Suzuki) and the fact that they test them as if the car is an appliance, I don't listen to anything they say. A cell phone is an appliance, a TV is an appliance, a fridge is an appliance. A car is not. Buying a car is one of the last purchases on earth that involves emotion and how the car makes you feel. That's one thing they don't get and it's why true enthusiast car magazines exist.

silver1 - 4/16/2008 6:16:18 PM

+2 Boost

"komododave"

And what about J.D. Power? So They are scandals to since they rank Toyota highly above average on most of their studies right? So every study that ranks Toyota high is a scandal right?

M35MT - 4/16/2008 11:54:55 AM

+9 Boost

Rising: Infiniti, Hyundai

Falling: Chrysler

silver1 - 4/16/2008 12:01:03 PM

-11 Boost

Toyota will continue to rise despite the little slip. Toyota is just having growing pains while trying to keep up with demand. Toyota has more prestige than any other non-luxury automobile right now. People are going to continue to buy them.

Just like Mercedes. They have more prestige than anyone, their quailty had slip, but do to their prestige, people still continued to buy.

Anyhow, I certainly believe that Audi, Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Saturn (Sky for example), Infiniti, Nissan, Chevy, and Hyundai has a bright looking future.

Now, on the low end: Honda, Acura, Mazda, Buick, Chrysler, and VW futures are not to bright.

Now the others I have not listed: Mercedes, ford, Cadillac, Pontiac, Porsche, Jaguar (Despite the XF), and others all is a big ? mark. Their future could be bright are dark, unless they play they cards right.

M35MT - 4/17/2008 7:47:38 AM

0 Boost

Mazda? Are you retarded? Apparently so...

silver1 - 4/16/2008 12:06:56 PM

-9 Boost

And also due to a bad economy, people are going to start being more cost effective when purchasing a new car, meaning good MPG and a reliable car thats not going to cost them $$$$$$$$ done the line. So Toyota, Honda, Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus got that part.
Not sure about Nissan....They have went down in quailty in the past decade....

Willis - 4/16/2008 12:16:47 PM

+3 Boost

"...car thats not going to cost them $$$$$$$$ done the line. So...Lexus"


I hope you're kidding. A Lexus might be reliable but unless it isn't a hybrid they're not great on gas.

Last time I checked gasoline has to be paid for...

silver1 - 4/16/2008 12:25:22 PM

-10 Boost

Their not great on gas....

okay, Lets compare the Lexus IS for example:

2008 Vehicles:
1st: Lexus IS 250: 21/29
2nd: Acura TSX: 19/28
3rd: BMW 3-Series: 18/28
4th: Mercedes C-Class: 18/25
5th: Cadilliac CTS: 16/25

Lexus, best MPG in class....

Regardless, Lexus #1 Peffered Luxury brand in the U.S. and will continue that record for many years to come...

silver1 - 4/16/2008 1:01:19 PM

-7 Boost

I get de-bosted for stating a FACT. I guess the truth hurts...

Willis - 4/16/2008 1:01:28 PM

+4 Boost

Are these official figures? Because the Lexus IS250 is considered a gas-guzzler where I live. My neighbor two blocks down has one and he's not at all happy with the fuel economy his IS250 is returning.

zorbeeze - 4/16/2008 1:17:08 PM

-5 Boost

"In Europe the Lexus IS250 achives fuel economy ratings on the level of a BMW 335i or Mercedes C350."

Although these luxury cars not exactly fuel efficient unless they are hybrids or diesels, i still have a hard time believing the C350 and 335i have the same rating as the IS250. Show me some proof please.

silver1 - 4/16/2008 1:20:35 PM

-1 Boost

"Willis"

Yes these are actually U.S. MPG figures. Facts.

zorbeeze - 4/18/2008 1:01:24 PM

+2 Boost

Erichman stop with the BS.

IS250 - 21/29
C350 - 17/25
335i - 17/26
and just for yur comparison BMW 328 - 19/28 and Lexus IS350 - 18/25. So please stop, i don't know who your trying to convinve here. The IS250 has better fuel economy than the C350 and the 335.

chhyeeaa - 4/18/2008 1:43:09 PM

-3 Boost

the IS250 is also an effin' DOG, slower than a frickin' accord, GTI, or anything with more than half an engine.

Jesus on a stick, I can't believe we're comparing that car to ANYTHING in the class performance-wise.

DROOPYSAKK - 4/16/2008 12:15:41 PM

0 Boost

rising:
Buick, Hyundai, vw, nissan,

falling:
toyota lexus saturn chrysler

silver1 - 4/16/2008 12:16:41 PM

-12 Boost

You wish......

zorbeeze - 4/16/2008 1:18:41 PM

+2 Boost

Lexus and Saturn falling??????????
You obviously have no clue.

silver1 - 4/16/2008 1:21:52 PM

+2 Boost

Maybe his Droppy screen name got him sleeping and he's in la la land.

supermoto - 4/16/2008 12:21:45 PM

+7 Boost

falling: Jaguar, Saab, Volvo.

silver1 - 4/16/2008 12:26:20 PM

-4 Boost

Wow, forgot about Saab and Volvo, their future are not looking to good at all, especially Saab.

komododave - 4/16/2008 4:16:11 PM

+3 Boost

with the XF and the XK, I think Jag is on the rise. They're just caught in an unfortunate situation within Ford

S4cabriofoxone - 4/16/2008 6:46:50 PM

+1 Boost

Actually, all three of those brands are on the rise. The XF and XC60 are about to save Jaguar and make Volvo hotter, while new SAABs are coming soon.

autopro - 4/16/2008 7:34:55 PM

0 Boost

Falling?More like on life support!

Audiphile - 4/16/2008 1:01:15 PM

+10 Boost

Here's my two cents, guys:

Marques on the rise: Audi, Cadillac, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lincoln, Mazda

Marques taking a fall: Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Mercury, Saab

Marques holding their own: everybody else

Audiphile - 4/16/2008 1:10:01 PM

+4 Boost

PS - Eventually, there will be five Japanese mass-market car companies with equally stellar reputations for reliability and build quality: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda and Subaru.

Audiphile - 4/16/2008 2:57:06 PM

-2 Boost

Sorry, I keep on thinking of changes to my list.

Add Jaguar to the list of falling marques.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/16/2008 6:47:53 PM

+1 Boost

Jaguar falls no longer... Wait until you see the XF. Basically, it's far, far better-looking than any other car in the class.

Audiphile - 4/16/2008 9:09:07 PM

+2 Boost

I hope you're right, S4, but I have my doubts. The XF is very pretty indeed, but the platform, suspension and engine are the same as the old S-series. At least that is what James May at Top Gear says. It's like putting a chic new dress on a middle-aged lady.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/18/2008 12:14:54 AM

+2 Boost

The S-Type was always a good handler. It was just the price, engine choices, construction and styling that let it down. The XF is what the S-Type always should have been.

AlexTx - 4/16/2008 1:01:37 PM

+3 Boost

Silver: Sorry..
A4 2.0T has best Fuel economy.. 23/31
With the new 2.0T coming out this fall, this will be improved by 15%!

silver1 - 4/16/2008 1:15:05 PM

-3 Boost

"AlexTx"

Sorry to burst yo bubble...

I'm not sure which Audi A4 your speaking of but the Audi A4 2.0 T was discontinued and it gave 23/34

The 2008 new Audi A4 gives 19/27

2008 Vehicles:
1st: Lexus IS 250: 21/29
2nd: Acura TSX: 19/28
3rd: Audi A4 2.0 T: 19/27
4th: BMW 3-Series: 18/28
5th: Mercedes C-Class: 18/25
6th: Cadilliac CTS: 16/25

Lexus, still best MPG in class....

And a new Lexus IS re-vision, upgrade, and facelift will be coming this fall also....

ATrip - 4/16/2008 1:30:20 PM

+1 Boost

I can't Stand you silver1. Enough already!

silver1 - 4/16/2008 1:35:15 PM

+3 Boost

Love you too buddy....:)

silver1 - 4/16/2008 1:45:57 PM

-2 Boost

I just thought it wouldn't be fare to leave the Great Almighty Infiniti G35 out of the list so i'll include them to below...

2008 Vehicles:
1st: Lexus IS 250: 21/29
2nd: Acura TSX: 19/28
3rd: Audi A4 2.0 T: 19/27
4th: BMW 3-Series: 18/28
5th: Mercedes C-Class: 18/25
6th: Infiniti G35: 17/24
7th: Cadilliac CTS: 16/25

JRobUSC - 4/16/2008 3:05:40 PM

+5 Boost

you have the ratings wrong for the 3-Series. The 328i is rated at 19/28 for the automatic, putting it tied with the TSX behind the Lexus in fuel economy.

komododave - 4/16/2008 4:25:39 PM

+4 Boost

I looked up all your numbers (on Lexus' site no less) and yes, the is250 has the best gas mileage, but did you bother to compare the rest of the engine? The lexus is the least powerful, 50 horsepower or more deficient over most of the competition and it has the smallest displacement engine. There are two sides to this coin and I love that you're trying to show just one.

silver1 - 4/16/2008 6:26:29 PM

-2 Boost

"JRobUSC"

So How are my ratings are wrong?
BMW automatic are 19/28
BMW Manuel 18/28

2008 Vehicles:
1st: Lexus IS 250: 21/29
2nd: Acura TSX: 19/28
3rd: BMW 3-Series: 19/28
4th: Audi A4 2.0 T: 19/27
5th: Mercedes C-Class: 18/25
6th: Cadilliac CTS: 16/25

U happy now cry baby.....

S4cabriofoxone - 4/16/2008 7:21:06 PM

+4 Boost

0-60 times

2008 Vehicles:

1. Infiniti G35 5.4 sec
2. BMW 328i 6.6 sec
3. Audi A4 2.0T 6.8 sec
4. Acura TSX 7.0 sec
5. Lexus IS250 7.9 sec

Cadillac CTS (base model) isn't listed, but it is undoubtedly quicker than the IS250.

silver1 - 4/16/2008 7:36:00 PM

-8 Boost

1. Lexus IS 350 0-60 in 5.3 seconds
2. Infiniti G35 5.4 sec
3. BMW 328i 6.6 sec
4. Audi A4 2.0T 6.8 sec
5. Acura TSX 7.0 sec

91z4me - 4/16/2008 10:08:59 PM

+4 Boost

Silver do you have the mileage numbers on the IS350, 335i, and the competing sportier versions of the compact luxury cars?

M35MT - 4/17/2008 7:50:20 AM

+3 Boost

The G35 is "Great and almighty" it's the best asian flavor of sport sedan out there.

07G35J - 4/17/2008 11:56:35 PM

+1 Boost

Just out of curiosity, silver1, what is the rating on the IS350? Because you keep comparing the IS250's rating (250hp) against more powerful cars (ex. G35, 306hp, CTS, 304hp) I don't know if you can see a pattern here, but the more powerful the car is the more fuel consuming the car is. I wonder, did you forget to include the rating on the 306hp IS350? Well, allow me to enlighten you. It is 18/25, which would be tied in 5th. place with the Mercedes C-Class. Of course that's assuming the rating on the Merc is correct.

07G35J - 4/18/2008 12:00:03 AM

+1 Boost

By the way, I got that rating from lexus.com. Feel free to go there and verify it.

Dutchman - 4/16/2008 3:33:51 PM

+3 Boost

The sticker on the new 2008 Audi A4 CVT is 21/30 so that ought to make it the top contender. I can take a picture and email to any of you homo toyota fans just supply the email address....

Dutchman - 4/16/2008 3:38:33 PM

+4 Boost

Audi is on the way up. A5, S5, new A3 convertible, New A4 sedan and wagon, new TT oh yeah and the R8! and better quality and great fuel economy. Even all wheel drive cars like the A5 get 18/27....

silver1 - 4/16/2008 6:20:35 PM

+2 Boost

Take a picture and send it to me. The dealer must have change the numbers because the U.S. MPG and Audi USA says 19/27 for the Audi A4.

Dutchman - 4/16/2008 6:53:58 PM

+2 Boost

Silver you are a moron. Can't you read...give me your email address and ill send you pictures of twenty Audi's that all say the same

EMAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

S4cabriofoxone - 4/16/2008 7:23:11 PM

-1 Boost

Look at the A4 2.0T FWD with CVT online... it clearly says 21/30.

Dutchman - 4/16/2008 3:39:35 PM

+1 Boost

Silver you're a moron. Where are you getting your data?

M35er - 4/16/2008 5:16:15 PM

-2 Boost

My take,

Rising: Mazda, Infiniti, Hyundai, Kia, Caddy, Mitsubishi, Audi, Suzuki

Falling: VW, Volvo, Acura, Toyota (still a behemoth but quality down and old median age of buyer and not getting younger, no halo car, etc), Chrysler, Ford

LexusLion - 4/19/2008 11:50:08 PM

+1 Boost

Toyota quality down? What evidence and proof do you have of this? Dreams don't count... If anything the quality has only improved and is and has always been the best in the world. Sorry to have to break the news to you.

goojman - 4/17/2008 12:00:25 PM

+5 Boost

It is beyond silly comparing the IS250 gas mileage to the 335i or G35. The IS 250 is a 215hp weakling. It better get superior MPG than the 300plus HP engines in the 335i and G35. Have some common sense.

NISSANINFINITI - 4/17/2008 11:31:39 PM

+2 Boost

AMEN...SAY IT AGAIN!!!

autopro - 4/18/2008 3:27:31 PM

+2 Boost

Its 204hp ass wipe.

RandyM - 4/17/2008 6:19:48 PM

+5 Boost

The higher the horsepower numbers get, the more you're gonna need to control that power. Audi is on its way up with it's performance, fit and finish, quality, reliability and drivetrain (both present and future) that will be able to control out future 500+bhp cars.