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Toyota

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6.5

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: March 22nd, 2022

Toyota is a trusted and well-known brand in the automobile industry. Toyota Motor Corporation was founded in 1937 in Japan and has grown to be one of the largest automakers in the world. Toyota’s mission is to manufacture reliable vehicles that result in a fulfilled ownership experience. 

With a wide variety of vehicle options, including sub-compacts, minivans, sedans, pickup trucks, crossovers, and SUVs, the company maintains its emphasis on building reliable cars. Many of these are built in the United States, with 10 of the company’s 14 manufacturing and production plants located in the country. With roughly 1,500 Toyota dealerships in the US, 2.4 million cars and trucks were sold last year.

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The Good

  • Reliability
  • Variety and Hybrid Options
  • AWD Options
  • Environmentally Minded
  • Affordable
  • High Resale Value
  • Positive Customer Reviews
  • Best-Selling Car Model
  • Best-Selling Hybrid Model
  • Safety Features

Reliability

Toyota has a reputation for dependability and ranks among the top third of auto companies in the latest JD Power dependability study. On top of that, according to the company, approximately “85% of all Toyota vehicles sold in the last fifteen years are still on the road today.” That is a huge percentage, on top of the impressive reliability score. 

With this reputation for reliability, the company has been included in Fortune’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies four years in a row as the top-ranked motor vehicle company. 

Variety and Hybrid Options

Toyota makes sedans, like the company’s best-selling model, the Corolla. A customer can also buy a pickup truck, SUV, or crossovers. With Toyota, there are plenty of fuel-efficient models you can choose from, including a full-size hybrid Highlander SUV or a RAV 4 hybrid crossover. As the world’s largest manufacturer of hybrids, their flagship model, the Toyota Prius is the world’s best-selling hybrid. Additionally, the Toyota Mirai is the world’s best-selling hydrogen fuel cell car. 

AWD Options

Toyota offers AWD upgrades to give you more peace of mind during winter weather conditions or off-road excursions. AWD improves vehicle handling to give you more control behind the wheel. With dynamic torque control, Toyota AWD vehicles diffuse torque between the rear and front axles. This is an exclusive feature specifically designed for Toyota vehicles. 

AWD is available on select vehicles including the Toyota Prius, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Highlander, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Sequoia, and Toyota Land Cruiser. AWD comes on many trim level upgrades. 

Environmentally Minded 

If you are a consumer worried about environmental safety, Toyota is the car company for you. Toyota has an environmental challenge set to be accomplished by 2050. Already offering hybrid vehicle options, Toyota hopes to reduce its fleets' carbon emissions and create a clear production process. This challenge includes six parts: 

  1. Reduce vehicle emissions to zero CO2.
  2. Eliminate CO2 from vehicle manufacturing to disposal.
  3. Improve manufacturing processes to zero CO2 emissions.
  4. Conserve and optimize water usage. 
  5. Establish a functional recycling program for end-of-life vehicles. 
  6. Build a positive relationship with nature now and for the future. 

This environmental initiative influences the innovation and engineering used to create vehicles that are better for the environment. We will continue to see vehicles with better fuel economy and fewer emissions. 

Affordable

Toyota vehicles are competitively priced. With Toyota, you can buy the following brand new models for under $25,000: 

  • Tacoma
  • Prius
  • Rav4
  • Yaris iA
  • Corolla
  • Corolla iM

High Resale Value

Toyota vehicles are known for holding their value even after years of driving. According to Kelly Blue Book, the new Toyota Tacoma is projected to have the highest resale value in the next five years. Other new cars with high resale values include the Toyota 4Runner and the Toyota Tundra. Toyota’s high resale values come from the long-established trust built with consumers. Toyota car models with 200,000–400,000 miles are still on the road today. High resale value is not an advantage you will find with all car brands. 

Positive Customer Reviews 

Based on real Toyota reviews, customers are highly satisfied with their Toyota purchases. Seventy-five percent of customers gave Toyota a 5 out of 5 star rating on bestcompany.com. With over 400 reviews, the main advantages that customers highlight include the following: 

  • Vehicles functioning properly with 150,000+ miles 
  • Quality customer service and support 
  • Affordable prices
  • Few maintenance or repair problems
  • Amazing gas mileage 

Read more Toyota reviews below. See why people become repeat customers at Toyota. 

Best-Selling Model Worldwide

Toyota is home to the best-selling car model in world history: the Toyota Corolla. The Toyota Corolla is a dependable sedan that features hybrid options for improved fuel efficiency and decreased carbon emissions. Toyota also offers a Corolla Hatchback version for increased cargo space. This year, the Corolla was named “2020 Green Car of the Year” by Green Car Journal. 

Toyota has sold over 44 million models since the Corolla debut in 1966. In fact, approximately one Toyota Corolla is sold every 15 seconds worldwide. That’s about four Corollas per minute. Holding the title for the best selling car model confirms Toyota’s ability to make cars that are versatile, reliable, and timeless. 

Best-Selling Hybrid Worldwide 

The Toyota Prius is the best-selling hybrid vehicle worldwide. Overcoming many technical and engineering obstacles, Toyota launched the Toyota Prius in late 1997. Toyota was not the first company to come up with a hybrid or electric motor idea. However, Toyota’s commitment to innovation and excellence led them to be the first car company to mass-produce a hybrid vehicle. 

Since its first introduction, the Toyota Prius has been improved and modified to the point that new models get a fuel economy of 53 to 58 mpg. That is a lot of money saved on gas every year, especially for people with long commutes. You can also purchase the Toyota Prius Prime allowing you to charge your vehicle to improve your EV mode range. Toyota continues to innovate, bringing you cars that will save you money and protect you while driving.

Safety Features

This Japanese automaker puts an emphasis on driving safety. Every year, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rates vehicle safety. Since 2014, the company has received an overall rating of 5 stars for over ten of its new models tested. Toyota vehicles have standard safety features including airbags, seatbelts, electronic stability control, and child safety seats. Toyota also has additional safety features installed in its vehicles. Toyota Safety Sense™ comes standard on many of the new models being released this year. This safety technology includes the following features: 

  • Pre-Collision System — Toyota’s safety technology quickly responds if the system detects a car or pedestrian shortly ahead. This feature improves reaction time to keep you and others safe on the road. 
  • Radar Cruise Control — This feature helps you adjust your speed based on your distance from the car in front of you. This intuitive technology reduces the number of times you have to adjust your cruise control. 
  • Lane Departure Alert — Get a lane departure warning if you unintentionally start to drift out of your lane. 
  • Automatic High Beams — Automatic high beams toggle your high beam and low beams based on the surrounding traffic. 
  • Lane Tracing Assist — This feature uses cameras to measure the length of the lane to create a centerline. Keep your vehicle in the middle of the lane with lane tracing assist. 
  • Road Sign Assist — This feature takes the worry out of missing a speed limit change. Road sign assist recognizes oncoming signs and displays them on your dashboard. 

Some of these features are available through other car brands such as Subaru and Hyundai. According to IIHS, Toyota has three models in the top 23 safest vehicles of 2020. Toyota vehicles stay competitive with other top car brands for the best safety features.

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The Bad

  • Takata Recall

Takata Recall

Thousands of Toyota vehicles have been affected by issues with Takata airbags. The Takata recall is the biggest auto recall in history, affecting many car makers, not just Toyota. Newer Toyota models will not have the Takata recalled airbags. You only need to be worried about this recall if you are buying a used vehicle.

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The Bottom Line

With Toyota, consumers can find a variety of options, based on their values and needs. There are lots of affordable choices, as well as sustainable ones. No matter which Toyota vehicle you choose, it is sure to have an industry-average warranty, plus above-average safety and dependability ratings. 

When people think of Toyota, the phrase “dream car” may not come to mind; however, owners will tell you that with this brand, you get a great deal with long-term quality in mind. It is no wonder that Toyota is a popular car brand with millions of sales and an admired reputation in the auto industry.

Read through our Toyota reviews below to learn about real customer experiences with the brand. If you are ready to take the next steps towards owning a Toyota, visit a local car dealer to test drive and discuss pricing options.

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Star Rating

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4.8

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621 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

78%

4 grade

19%

3 grade

2%

2 grade

0%

1 grade

1%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Alfrieda Painter

Poor customer service. The service writers act as if you owe them something and its a problem to service only the basic kn hour car. I purchased the extended coverage at time of sell which i was told would even cover my lost keys bjt didnt receive paperwork as who to call with a number on it, just a brochure. I lost my key and nobody can help me. The salesman lied from the beginning of the sell. This is the worst experience ever. The 45k+ car has wind noise and other issues but its all normal after a few miles. Thats absurd.

7 years ago

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Brian Cowley Riverton, UT

I have owned 3 different Toyota cars and have had only a few issues in total. However, the later models seem to be falling off in quality. The quality control they used to have to make them so reliable has not scaled well and they are becoming less reliable. The first 2 Toyotas I owned were bulletproof. Never an issue and drove for a long time. The last one though had several issues that made it much less reliable. It still ran, but it was not an enjoyable car to drive or be a passenger in.

4 years ago

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Jodianna Maitland, FL

I was interested in a car I seen on their website and called about it. I was able to speak to someone right away over the phone. I did not have a good experience after that because customer service told me they can work out a deal with me but once I went to the dealership they said they cannot.

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Rocio Diaz Tallahassee, FL

Toyota are known to be cheap and efficient. They do last a long time, but they require a lot of car repair. Toyota cannot beat anyone's prices. My son currently drives a Toyota Corolla from 2003 that once belonged to me, and it still runs pretty good.

6 years ago

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C. Horne West Jordan, UT

Great cars. Corporate is a mess. We had warranty issues on a corolla with the paint and the warranty department would not even discuss the issue. They were right no matter what. I even provided many pictures of corollas with the same problems. Would never buy another Toyota car again. I would consider a Tacoma.

6 years ago

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Abby Driggs Provo, UT

I have had my Toyota sequoia forever. The fact that I have had it this long shows how durable these cars are. Perfect for messy kids. Breaks down very rarely/ hardly ever have to bring it into the shop. Don't love the car because of the bad gas milage. But I would buy from Toyota again if it was a newer car.

7 years ago

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Gabe Burton Riverton, UT

My husband drives a 2016 Toyota Highlander, it fits half the soccer team back there (8 kids) even if it is a little squished. the car drives alright, it doesn't have the best acceleration, but it gets where it needs to go.

5 years ago

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Benjamin LeBlanc Dallas, TX

My Toyota Camry has served me greatly over the past 100k miles. Nothing beats the longevity of it but I will that these cars are costly to repair and have subpar turning radius.

6 years ago

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Reckholdt Magna, UT

When we first bought a Sienna, I thought Toyota was a reputable brand. We have had a lot of issues with the car, especially the tracks that the seats slide on coming off...ALL.THE.TIME. We won’t be getting another Toyota.

6 years ago

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Maria Wilhelm

Their lease prices are too high & their customer service leaves a lot to be desired in Middletown, NY

7 years ago

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Jacob American Fork, UT

Toyota's can be pretty good cars. We loved our Toyota truck especially when it snowed during the winter months. Reliable and fairly priced.

6 years ago

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Jennifer Salt Lake City, UT

Car service takes forever and they have 20-year-olds doing maintenance on the cars. Not very comforting.

5 years ago

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Jon Posey Riverton, UT

Toyota will last a long time, but your standard features are lacking, and they are terrible with gas mileage

6 years ago

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Lily South Jordan, UT

I Love my tundra. Best truck ever. 250000 miles and still going strong!!!!!!!!!!

6 years ago