Yes, the problem is definitely car specific.
I've taken to avoiding Toyotas for that exact reason. I've rented Camry's where literally driving 5 miles would drop the gauge from full to 7/8. Add that onto the extremely annoying swerve when changing lanes without signaling (because I've looked over my shoulder and saw no one was in my blind spot) - never again.
Nissan Sentras - at least in the era before Five Star Hertz - equally a no go for me.