Ask any Australian what they think the most reliable car is and there's a high chance they will respond with 'Toyota'.
Toyota has legendary status, not only for manufacturing some of the worlds most ironic cars, think Landcruiser and Corolla, but also for the faithfulness and loyalty the brand receives from its fans. There's a reason it's been the biggest selling car manufacturer in Australia for last 25 years and the new RAV4 Hybrid has a waiting list of up to 12 months.
Is Toyota really as reliable as people say?
Perception is one thing, but we need to look at the hard facts to find the real truth. To start with let's look at some studies from around the world. J.D Power, a consumer insights company based in US, conducts an annual Vehicle Dependability Study. Although Toyota didn't take the top spot in 2022 (Kia did), the group and its upmarket sister, Lexus were in the top 6. In both cases the study found that the brands recorded less than 160 problems per 100 vehicles. In contrast, Honda recorded 230 problems per 100 vehicles and Land Rover in bottom spot with 284 problems.
In a similar study a 2020 Consumer Reports survey found that Toyota (Prius Prime, Prius, 4-Runner) and Lexus (GX, NX, GS) cars feature prominently in the reliability rankings, taking 6 of the top 10 spots. No other manufacturer was even close.
There are countless other studies from around the world that put Toyota cars up in lights, all centered on the same theme, reliability.
Yes, reports can be spun to tell a story, especially if they're sponsored (this happens), but there's no coincidence that Toyota is rated so highly for its dependability, time and time again. Looking over time, similar reports highlight very similar findings suggesting that this is far from being a once off, but rather a trend spanning decades.
So, what makes Toyota cars so reliable?
The data certainly backs up the claims, so let's look at what makes Toyota's so reliable for millions of owners and passengers around the world.
- Toyota prioritises function over appearance. Yes, you might like stylish cars and over the top upgrades such as the latest entertainment system, but this is not where Toyota focuses its energy and resources. The mindset, from design through to manufacturer and road testing is always on simplicity and functionality.
- Toyota takes a conservative approach to introducing new features. Ahead of rolling out new changes, such as a new exhaust system, they will perfect the component and stress test it until it's truly roadworthy. They also go so far to eliminate annual model upgrades to strive for simplicity and to avoid overcomplicated process changes. Unlike many other automotive manufacturers who operate at speed, Toyota takes its time, which in turn helps to improve quality and long-term reliability.
- Toyota for the most part maintains a simple product line with limited customisations vs. some other brands. A great example of this is the Corolla which has remained largely untouched for the past decade.
- Toyota vehicles are designed to suit local conditions. Toyota cars are sold in more than 170 countries and territories around the world, yet the same car manufactured for the European market is not the same as in South East Asia. Regional design centres develop products that suit the local conditions. An example of this is how the ribs of Hilux wheels in Brazil are about 5mm thicker than those in Thailand so they can withstand more extreme potholes. There are countless of other examples of how the cars are designed to cater for the local nuances.
- Engines are the cornerstone to any reliable car and Toyota is renowned for making some of the automotive industries best. 1JZ-GE is one such example of this and with regular maintenance it can last upwards of 400 thousand kilometres. That's unheard of with some other car engines which generally last upwards of 250-300 thousand kilometres.
Is Toyota the only car brand I can trust?
Although this article puts Toyota in the spotlight, it's important to note that the automotive industry is immensely competitive and there's a relentless desire and billions of dollars a year being invested into improving the driving experience. As a result of this, manufacturers that may not have been traditionally known for reliability have innovated and grown in stature, giving Toyota a run for its money. Let's have a look at a couple that are worth considering:
- Kia was ranked the highest overall in vehicle dependability in the J.D Power 2022 rankings, with 145 problems per 100 vehicles. Now in its 33rd year, this was the first time Kia has taken the top spot in the rankings. Much of this is due to the success of its SUV models, including the Sorento and Sportage both of which have received rave reviews from critics and owners alike. Buying new? Kia also offer a 7 year unlimited kilometre warranty, one of the best in the industry.
- Isuzu was not just the winner of Canstar Blue's 2021 new car overall satisfaction ratings, but it also came out on top as the most reliable manufacturer. Much of its reputation and prowess, especially in the Australian market, is driven by the success of the D-Max. Its cousin the MU-X has also built a name for durability and its no nonsense approach to everyday tasks.
- Mazda, a Japanese rival of Toyota, also ranks highly in studies, including being named the most reliable brand for 2022 by Consumer Report. Mazda's top-selling vehicle, the CX-5, as well as its more compact sister the CX-3, are renowned for being some of the most reliable family cars on the market today.
So, what is the most reliable car?
The reality is 'it depends' as it's dependent on the needs and desires you want from a car. Each model has its advantages and disadvantages so you need to find the one that best suits your needs. If reliability is high on your list, which it should be, then Toyota or any of the other brands and models mentioned above should most definitely be considered.
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*Fact Checked. Two editors reviewed the accuracy of this article before it was published*