Toyota troubles

Toyota has a reputation for building quality, reliable vehicles. Make that "had".

At least six deaths have been linked to faulty gas pedals. One safety firm says there are more than 2,000 reports of sudden acceleration in Toyotas.

How bad is the damage to Toyota and its corporate reputation? Bad. Really bad.

In a stunning setback, the automaker has stopped selling eight popular models in the U.S.
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It's the latest move from the world's largest automaker in damage control: Toyota said it will take a hit to its bottom line by not selling the cars, even announcing it'll halt production in an effort to save lives.

Ouch! Never. Let me repeat - NEVER - has an automobile manufacturer had to resort to this drastic a measure. This is huge.

Can Toyota survive this? Probably. Since their previous reputation was so immaculate, they've got cred to fall back on. If this was, say, Chrysler having these problems, it would be "Turn out the lights, the party's over." That is, barring government bailout.

Does this mark the day that Toyota's manufacturing has fallen to the level of its products' drivers?

God, I hope not!