Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "" video.

  1. Toyota prioritizes reliability and durability above virtually everything else about their vehicles. Their reputation on those factors is all important in terms of sales. But it does come at a price in terms of innovative design and engineering. And while Toyota typically ranks above other brands in terms of those factors, the actual risk of problems among various brands is both far less than even a decade ago and among the most reliable brands close to equal for purchasers who keep a car for, say, seven years or so. If I were buying a compact pickup I expected to abuse and neglect, Toyota would be my first choice. What's good enough for ISIS terrorists is good enough for me. But in my case, I take good care of my vehicles and haven't experienced a single breakdown in any vehicle I've owned for the last 20 years.
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  2. Toyota will sell boatloads of Corollas, just as they always do. But that doesn't necessarily make it the "best" compact sedan, especially with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, and Mazda3 in the mix. And sometimes seemingly minor features can play a major role in making a purchase decision. Things can get very complicated comparing lower trim levels but looking at fully loaded top trims presents the following picture. () The Corolla's naturally aspirated 4 banger is certainly adequate for its mission and Toyota's version of a CVT with a true first gear appears to have nullified most of the objectionable behaviors of such transmissions, at least for most drivers. But both the Civic and the Mazda3 offer more power and performance. The Forte offers better MPG's. And for those who don't like CVT's at all, the Mazda has a traditional six speed transmission. () Safety and convenience features are more or less equal among the top trim compact sedans but the Forte stands out among its rivals, loaded with features at an MSRP that's about $2000-$3000 less than the competition. () VIrtually all of the Corolla's rivals offer both integrated navigation AND both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It's true that the Mazda3 includes integrated navigation only as an optional extra at about $450. But the only way to get an integrated navigation system and Apple CarPlay in the Corolla is to opt for one of two optional packages priced from $1700 to over $2100. And even then there's no Android Auto. () It's undoubtedly a small issue for many but the Corolla's lack of any rear seat a/c vents whatsoever is a dealbreaker for me. My kid may whine and I'll ignore it but more importantly the back seat is my big dog's second home. After his daily summer romp at the dog park, he needs to cool off. And he can't complain; he can only suffer. Each of the Corolla's rivals make at least some provision for rear seat A/C. () Comparing MSRP's can be very misleading compared to real world prices. But it's worth noting that at an MSRP of about $28,500 the Corolla is more expensive than each of its rivals other than than a fully loaded Mazda3. The KIA Forte is better equipped with an MSRP over $2000 less. () There are many factors involved in a purchase decision. Consumers weigh them differently. And for some a particular brand, an especially attractive deal, or what one's friends and family think of a vehicle may weigh heavily. Corollas wouldn't be among the best selling sedans in the world if it were a bad car. But I think an unbiased assessment wouldn't call it the "best compact car."
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