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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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Trustworthiness

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Christine Harris

I have had several foreigh cars (Nissan, Volvo, VW) and currently own a Prius. I like the reliability of the brand, and the innovation in hybrid technology. They could improve the design especially with the 2019 models. I am looking at cars and don't really like the new designs. I have not found the customer service any different than other brands.

7 years ago

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Jun Chen Rockville, MD

I am very happy to even have four Toyota cars. Each of them are good quality and reliability. I brought a second-hand Toyota corolla when I just learned to drive. It took me all round in Australia, it is so easy to control and driver friendly. When I came to USA, I made my mind buy another second-hand Toyota corolla, we use it for about ten years and it still reliable and stable. Then we brought Toyota highlander on 2011, it is so great, both my wife and I love it. It is very save and stable and we use it for ten years. Now we buy another Toyota highlander on 2021, it has all the function we need and both my family loves it.

5 years ago

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Rachel F Salt Lake City, UT

I am a toyota fan. My Dad drove them for years and now raising my family I find the quality is unbeatable for the price--van, sedan, or SUV (Highlander)--we have nothing but good things to say for how they've held up for years. My one negative is the Sport version of their van is Not comfortable (seats and headrest angle--yes I know it is better to prevent whiplash etc. but not comfort). Also, because it is Sport the shocks are pretty tight so it's really not as smooth a ride despite it being the original "Swagger Wagon." But despite my lack of love for this one particular type of vehicle I would buy or lease a Toyota again in a heartbeat.

6 years ago

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Dawn

Customer service/service, the sales reps go above and beyond to make sure customers have a good car buying experience. The service department reps do a great job in explaining what needs to be done on your car with lots of patience

7 years ago

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REITA Chamberlain

Love the ride, and almost everything about it. I wish they would improve the housing for the controls on driver's seat, and the way the front fenders ffit. They pull off when curbing is too high. Also, the small grills close to the front bumper were lost or gone soon after buying the Sienna.

7 years ago

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Mom of three Brigham City, UT

Toyota had a problem with super white and pearl white paint chipping off. I’m happy to report they’re fixing it. I’ve owned 4 Toyota Camry’s. My current Camry has very uncomfortable seats, with cheap upholstery making it hard to clean. I don’t recommend buying the 2014. My 2020 Toyota Camry car has comfortable seats, easy to clean upholstery.

5 years ago

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BeauCarl South Jordan, UT

Toyota 4-Runner great value SUV I have not experienced any major mechanical issues, only minor problems, mainly the interior scratches very easily, the finish is not durable to basic wear and tear, I had a black leather interior with silver details and a white exterior, I was surprised how easily little scratches would show on the silver interior accents (door handles, gear shift, etc) overall great running vehicle especially in 4 WD. I would recommend the overall price to value.

6 years ago

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Megan A McEvoy Tallahassee, FL

My family has owned two Toyota Camrys in my life and they have both been reliable. In our first one, which was purchased in 2004, we were able to take numerous road trips to Canada and back without any issues. We got another one in 2015 which had many new amenities, such as the touch screen console for the radio. The car has amazing gas mileage and the dealership is always helpful when service is being done.

6 years ago

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Rosann Stanko Logan, UT

I loved my Toyota Prius. The mileage was the best of any car we’ve ever owned. It did have problems in the wind because it wasn’t strong enough and while waiting at lights or pausing while waiting to turn, the engine would quit and it would startle me. I felt like I wouldn’t have enough time to naturally turn and might get hit. We only sold it though bc there were reported serious problems with a lot of them in the news.

7 years ago

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Jennifer Smith Salt Lake City, UT

Over the past 5 years we have had a little Toyota Camry and a Toyota Corolla that our kids have been using. I have loved these cars as I have been using them frequently as well. The repairs are not expensive and they get pretty good gas mileage. The best thing about these cars is that they run forever. The Camry that we have been using is a 1997 and has close to 200,000 miles on it and it still runs very well. If you take care of these cars, they can last you 18+ years! (At least that has been our experience with the old cars that we have been using)

7 years ago

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Christine Farmer Littleton, CO

We currently own a 2014 Corolla and a 2005 Avalon. Both cars are reliable and drive well. I have especially loved the Avalon. It is comfortable to sit in and has a very smooth ride. It is very roomy, especially for back seat riders. At 173,000 miles we need to replace it, repairs too expensive. I was hoping it would last a little longer. I wish it came with an AWD option. We have also had an older Toyota truck and a Camry. We like the design, comfort, and reliability of Toyotas.

7 years ago

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Steve Salem, VA

I have always purchased Toyota vehicles. The main reason was for their reliability. The thing I have a problem with is the cost of parts and service repairs. However they do not occur that often.

5 years ago

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Jeremy Brown Riverton, UT

I love my Toyota but hate some of the high costs for sevice that come with it. They are very friendly to maintenance and I wish they would offer awd in more models. But a good product overall.

6 years ago

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Amy Hamakawa Hilo, HI

it's always been great. The cars are reliable and need very little service and maintenance. They could improve by redesigning their care more often. I have a 3 yr. old Rave4 and the new Rave 4 look just like mine.

7 years ago

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Erin Farnsworth Orem, UT

For a reasonably priced car that will last long and have better gas milage than most similar-priced vehicles ... Toyota will NOT disappoint. I have had 2 separate Camrys and they have lasted so long and we always take them on trips for the gas milage. For those of us with average jobs but want a decent car - this will be perfect.

5 years ago

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Leonard Leo Potomac, MD

Toyotas are reliable cars and trucks, but not sporty. Their hybrid line-up is popular. However, leather interior is only available in the Avalon model. Car sales are boosted by rental companies, whereas Honda does not sell to rental companies.

5 years ago

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Bonnie DuBois Saratoga Springs, UT

I have had 2 Toyota Siennas. They have both been great. I love all the extra cup holders in the car and the options for seating. They last forever with little issues. I hardly ever have to bring it in for repairs. My current Toyota is a 2007 and it is still going strong.

6 years ago

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Brandy Tallahassee, FL

I currently have a 2016 Toyota Camry. I personally love the car, rides really smooth, and the improved technology is really nice! The only tiny issue I have is the durability of the bumper; I feel as though the material is a bit easy to bend and damage but other than that, I love the car!

6 years ago

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Lou Orem, UT

I have a newer highlander. I really like it. It has been a good solid car. The heat fan makes a funny high pitched noise. I would say my only complaint is that I wish it were a little better in the snow. But all around it drives nice and has great space for my 4 kiddos!

6 years ago

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Logan Hudson Norcross, GA

Ive borrowed a Tundra for a week and it was one of the best trucks Ive driven. It was very smooth and easy to drive. The price seems very affordable for the cars and trucks provided and I have had little experience with customer service.

6 years ago

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Silvia Lobendahn Orem, UT

My family really enjoyed our Camry. We had it a long time. Toyota brand cars are well made and we feel that we can trust that they will last a long time. We love that they retain their value and will forever be a Toyota family.

6 years ago

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Mariana Linares Charlotte, NC

My brother still drives his Toyota Highlander that was bought over 13 years ago! The car runs amazing, and it was actually the first car I learned how to drive in. I will say, in recent years, Toyota has renamed their car models, and the design of them is different, but overall they are a very dependable car brand.

6 years ago

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Emiliano Galeano Elkridge, MD

I own a 2014 Toyota Yaris , a small but really good car , still haven’t had any Issues with it ( with out counting tires , breakers and wipers{things that normally break down}) I’m in the middle of looking for a company truck and Toyota is what I’m planning on buying

6 years ago

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Tom Gourley Pleasant Grove, UT

When we have owned Toyota automobiles in the past I found them very reliable and economical to run. The only drawback I found was that the interior was a bit lacking with respect to quality (a bit too much "plastic"). They have never produced a model that I was impressed with the look of the exterior as well.

6 years ago

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Derek Scoville Pleasant Grove, UT

for over 20 years, I have only driven Toyota. The quality of the car, the warranty, and the overall trustworthiness of their vehicles is what has kept me as a customer. Their cars are just high quality and last for a long time!

7 years ago

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Eric Wilkinson Herriman, UT

IF you plan on keeping a car for a long time with minimal repairs, this a a car for you. A little more expensive than other brands but worth the additional cost.

6 years ago

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Sicely Lyn Russell Chandler, AZ

I had a mini Toyota 2005 truck and and it was alright. Half the time it wouldn't start. I had to constantly jump start it. But the size was good. It was a perfect truck for driving in the woods.

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Jordon Patton Pflugerville, TX

Good quality and relatively easy to maintain because there are so many on the road. Overall, I feel like it's a good quality car that is fairly basic when it comes to tech and features.

5 years ago

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J M Orem, UT

Have enjoyed 2Toyota Siennas in the past few years. Previously had a Plymouth Voyager and the Toyotas have been so much more reliable than the Plymouth. Road trips are the best in our Sienna!

6 years ago

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Maryann Renteria (Mckrae) Eagle Mountain, UT

I’ve had 3 Toyota Camry’s and love them! Great cars, smooth ride, look nice and fit with my budget. I have always bought my cars from Toyota and I’ve always been satisfied. They are great to work with.

6 years ago

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Lori Fletcher Saratoga Springs, UT

I love driving my dads Toyota Corolla when he lets us borrow it on occasion. The seats are so comfy and the engine is quiet. If I wasn't already invested in Honda, I'd purchase a Toyota.

6 years ago

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Nicole Sohm Kissimmee, FL

They have excellent customer service. I have a Toyota Corolla, if I ever have any problems I take it right to the dealership and they take care of me right away no questions asked.

6 years ago

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Audrey Mitchell Managua, MN

I have bought Toyota's cars over the years. They have been reliable vehicles and worked properly. The cars have great gas mileage and Toyota was great with any questions I had about car maintenance.

6 years ago

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Roberson Salt Lake City, UT

Toyota makes fantastic trucks, the Tacoma and Tundra models are fantastic trucks with a wonderful design. They are also very capable of navigating very difficult terrain and weather.

6 years ago

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KC Riverton, UT

Loved my Toyota Tacoma. Compact, but still a truck. Looked good. The drive was okay, but I didn't like that it didn't have a lot of bells and whistles that other trucks offered.

6 years ago

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Daphne Brown Riverton, UT

I love my toyotas and they seem to run forever. The quality is great but I seem to pay alot more per vehicle even used. But you can tell the quality is great and worth the expense.

6 years ago

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Alyssa Boren American Fork, UT

I love my Toyota Sequoia, the only thing that I don't like is that the side mirrors are to high up, block my view, and give me another blind spot to worry about. Other than that, I feel safe whenever I am driving it.

7 years ago

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Sierra Beck Herriman, UT

My family had a Toyota Corolla for years and it was such a great car. We were the second owner of the vehicle and drove it to over 170,000 miles. It went all over the country with us and was overall great.

7 years ago

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matthew Logan, UT

i love toyota i use to drive a toyota tacoma for a work truck and it was such a good truck got me any where i would want and it never once broke down and toyota is a very reliable company.

7 years ago

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Trenton Prestwich Taylorsville, UT

After my dodge engine died after only 120000 miles I decided to switch to Toyota. The little maintenance I've needed to do has been easy and no vehicle breaking failures have occurred.

7 years ago

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Jimmy Monroe Provo, UT

These definitely have a good reputation. Supposedly they are cheap to repair. Our Toyatas have been reliable. We do love them! MPG is decent and they get us where we need to go.

7 years ago

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BLF Pleasant Grove, UT

Our family has driven a Toyota truck before and it was a good quality vehicle. The durability and style was nice. We had the smaller sized truck for convenience and the gas mileage.

7 years ago

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Tiffany Nguyen Ashburn, VA

My family LOVES Toyota and I love the cars and the models. I especially love the 4Runner, because it’s very comfortable.

6 years ago

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Sade Makinde

The Customer service in Owings Mills service center is excellent. The dealership could improve on the value for trade ins.

7 years ago

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B eth Ercek

The Product has been very good. The service centers have not been honest with me in the past, so I have my own outside mechanic.

7 years ago

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Cassidy Lucas Olney, MD

One thing I like about this company is they are very trustworthy. One thing I don’t like is that they are not made in the USA. But overall I think it’s a great car.

5 years ago

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Andy Beall Damascus, MD

I have had two Toyota siennas and they have lasted me over two decades and are still running. Reliability and comfort has served me, my wife and four kids well.

5 years ago

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Joannetta Jarman Secaucus, NJ

We have liked using toyota over the years for small business runs to clients and they work well. A dependable car you can toss around for not a large investment.

5 years ago

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Kristi Logan, UT

Just purchased the 2020 highlander. I am loving it! The gas mileage is excellent and the dash board set up is great. Wish the seats were a little more comfortable

5 years ago

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Yolanda Briganti Riverton, UT

We bought a Toyota Camry with 300,000 miles on it and it kept going. We used it for a year before we sold it. It still worked when we sold it but it was leaking oil.

6 years ago