Toyota still ranks high in the CR world, though they are having a lot of trouble keeping "above average" in the ratings for most of their cars.
One reason is that in general, ALL cars are light years ahead in terms of reliability. The "age of fuel injection" beginning in the late 80's launched the era, with OBD-II standards/mandated warranties and general investment in build quality really brought things along as 2000 came. But, even in the late 90's, there were still makes struggling, but the gap was closing. Jet forward 10 years, and the days of paint that peels in less than two years, engines that struggle to last 150K, and so on, are coming to a thankful end.
Toyota's quality is not improving at the same rate as other makes. It's a game of declining marginal returns. Subaru was a make that had some issues in the late 90's, and has managed to constantly improve over the last 10-12 years. Ford? Holy crap! Talk about a steep curve!
Toyota cars, like most cars on the road today, are marvels of reliability. The problem at Toyota is not build quality. Long term ownership data still shows them doing very well. Their problem is mojo. I thought that the acquisition of Subaru would help inject some needed enthusiasm into the product line, but it has yet to materialize.
Subaru's line if filled with great stuff. They lack products to compete with the Fit, Corolla (The Impreza is not really there, it's kinda on its own) or any hybrid models, but the Forester is great value compared to the CR-V or RAV-4, the WRX and STi are category killers and the Legacy is a great alternative to an Accord/Camry, netiehr of which offer AWD. (Fusion is a strong product there!!)
Thinking about the future of Subaru, they need to keep the AWD differentiation going, but should try to add fuel economy to their arsenal of weapons. It would help crack non-snowbelt markets and ensure viability in all markets with the potential of high gas prices. I had also thought the relationship with Toyota would help there. Toyota currently coaxes ridiculous fuel economy out of engines. Subaru sits with Mazda in a seeming inability to design engine management systems that produce a great combination of power and economy.
The Forester 2.0D is sold in Yurp, and we need it here. NOW!!! VW has proven that Canadians will buy diesels in good numbers...