Why are Toyotas so reliable (and boring).

[Syndrome]

Easy answer. Having dealt directly with Toyota Australia when I worked for one of their Tier 1 suppliers I discovered three things. Firstly Toyota are not technology leaders - they fill their car with proven products. Secondly is they strongly resist change - if it isn't broke don't fix it (change it). Thirdly they do not accept the response "it is a one off failure" - they will hound you mercilessly on each and every quality issue.

As to why Toyota are boring is also easy to answer. Most people who own vehicles are not "car guys". To them a vehicle is something which helps you get from A to B. They want it to do it with as little fuss as possible. Toyota realise this and have built a successful business model catering to these types of people.