[Jeff]

I've come across rumors that Toyota has been using water-based paint on their vehicles for the past few years, apparently because it is better for the environment. That would explain why the paint chips so easily on the front end...

Can anyone confirm this?

 

[bmorton]

Fact, but it's not just Toyota. As you said, the reason is environmental: the water-borne products reduce emissions of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) vs the solvent-borne primers, basecoats and clearcoats.

 

[Jeff]

I assume it's some kind of acrylic paint?

 

[Mohit]

On all our Toyotas (96, 02 and 03 models) i've found the paint to be hardy and pretty resistant to chips.

 

[noodlerooney]

I also own a Red 2000 Toyota Solara SLE, made in Canada. If you even look at this car crosseyed, it will chip. Next to this, the RAV paint is like steel, maybe because it was made in Japan with less environmental laws?