I've often wondered that myself. I can only assume that in the USA the big three were making such utter crap in the later 70's that Toyota's were good in comparison. Back in South Africa during that period where there were no American cars and their competition was European thery were regarded as no different than any other Jappanese junk. Datsun's, Hondas, Nissans, Mitsubishi what have you.

In terms of reliablility they may have been better than US stuff back then but the rest of the reputation in my opinion has never been justified. They were not particularly comfortable, not particularly reliable, and noticably more flimsy and less safe than German vehicles.

I can well remember my cousins late 80's Cressida which was involved in an accident. Not serious. Just some front end bump from a medium - low speed head on. The roof of the passenger compartment directly above the left hand door had buckled up slightly by about a half inch. No crumple zone protecting anything there, or if there was it wasnt doing a very good job with the passenger cell starting to concertina like that.

When I got to the States and found everybody raving about Jappanese cars I almost wondered if the whole nation was on crack.

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S