The Toyotas before the "Beckham" Altis were always this: Boring.
Its reliable but boring. And at that time, during our time which is when we start working and so on, the most preferable model was either the Proton Wira or the Perodua Kancil. Only when we reached the Executive level would be consider Hondas and Toyotas. But because of its image, no one wants a reliable and boring car. However, as time progresses, after getting married and so on, the brand name Toyota sounds "OK" for the family man.
I did not realise this until I drove my cousin's 1982 Toyota in 2000. The handling was still great, the gear change were so smooth and she confessed that her Mom's Toyota only had minimal service. That really convinced me. As for the Honda cars at that time, unfortunately, none of my relatives ever kept a Honda longer than a few years.
Of course some cars would have a lot of problems or people have different expectations but at the end of the day, for the first time, we're happy with a Toyota in our house. Its no use saying which is better until you have tested the car personally. Don't listen to others and base your decision on that. After all, its your money and it would be very foolish to just follow the crowd.
Worst case scenario? You just got a crap car, which needsd a lot of money for repair that's all.
But imagine everyone buying a Ssangyong and you followed them and now, you just found out they're under court receivership. Ha ha ha ha
Mr. Engineer, well said. I always believe everyone has his/her own preference & point of views.