A lot of the hysteria is media driven hype comparable to the Ford Explorer rollover incident in the 90's. Whatever the problem is, it is likely not nearly as big as its being made out to be. I don't worry about it because I will never drive a Toyota, I find Toyota's styling to be too vanilla. I haven't advocated anyone go buy a Toyota or GM for that matter. I would recommend a Ford Fusion for your mother, I really enjoy my Mercury Milan.
