Oh, What A (Bad) Feeling

Remember those old Toyota commercials from the 80s that showed new owners jumping for joy as they got the keys? “Oh what a feeling, to own a Toyota!” was the jingle.

The company could use a little of that exuberance now as they weather the kind of public relations nightmare that could be disastrous in this economy. And yet, four days or so into the crisis over sticking accelerators, I have yet to see the face of any Toyota executive or spokesman on TV or hear their voices on the radio. And I consume probably more media hours than the average person and the average car buyer.

You don’t have to be a PR mogul to see the company isn’t handling this well.

I’ve had a Toyota Siena for eight years now, with no regrets. I have never had a mechanical problem, although some non-essential parts have had to be replaced, and I consistently have a low tire pressure light erroneously illuminated on the dash. There is also a problem with an oxygen sensor I will eventually have to fix. But eight years without ever turning the key to no response, or getting stuck on the highway has given me a pretty good feeling to own a Toyota.

It would be unfortunate if the tanking economy has forced the company to cut corners on production, design or materials. But the accelerator problem seems easy enough to fix and luckily it hasn’t led to any accidents.

So why is it only dealers who are on the air standing behind Toyota’s cars?

Here's Andy Borowitz's shot at Toyota: The cup holders still work: www.theborowitzreport.com