The largest auto manufacturer in the world, Toyota, is known globally for being a reliable car brand. In this article, we’ll take a look at Toyota, why its cars are so reliable and which ones are the best to buy.

Are Toyotas Reliable?

Yes, Toyota makes very reliable cars, we would say that on average, Toyotas are the most dependable car brand you can buy. From their compact hatchbacks to large SUVs and luxury cars, reliability is a common theme with Toyota.

Look at any reliability reports by warranty or car reviewing organisations, Toyota or their sister company Lexus almost always ranks top or very near to it.

Why are Toyotas Reliable?

So it’s widely accepted that Toyota is very reliable, but this means their cars are built better than many large automakers, including Mercedes, BMW, Ford and more, so how do they do it?

Total Quality Management

One of the main philosophies of the Toyota Corporation has always been quality. They are revered and studied the world over for their “continuous improvement” strategies that ensure high quality and efficiency at every stage of production.

Strong Supply Chains

High-quality materials and tooling are needed to create high-quality products, Japan has a history and culture of not cutting corners or under-investing in its manufacturing and allied industries.

This, combined with excellent supply chain management, has meant Toyota and other Japanese car makers have always had access to quality materials and labour, reducing downtime, faults and imperfections.

Overengineering

In engineering, everything is a trade-off between quality and cost. Toyota has always erred on the side of over-building to ensure longevity, rather than cheaping out to make more short-term profit. This has gained their cars a reputation for reliability and durability above all else. 

Simplicity

One of the common complaints about Japanese cars by car reviewers used to be that the interiors were basic and not as plush or luxurious as German or British cars. This was because the market at the time in Japan demanded function over form, Toyota prioritised the quality of the engine and mechanicals over the quality of the interior. 

It worked too, as Japanese cars quickly gained popularity, for the most part, due to their famed reliability. 

History of Toyota

Initially manufacturing cloth-making looms, Toyoda Industries was formed in 1926, by 1937 the Toyota car manufacturing company was registered and multiple engine designs and one vehicle had been patented. 

Since then, Toyota has moved from strength to strength, producing well-performing cars in almost every sector, from the Yaris supermini, the Supra sports car and the formidable Hilux pickup truck/off-road SUV.

Most Reliable Toyotas

The Toyota Yaris is the most reliable Toyota in 2024 and is often ranked the most reliable car from any manufacturer as well.

The Yaris has always been a solid car, with the first version still a common sight on British roads, despite being introduced in 1999. The model ranked most reliable is the fourth and current generation of the model. 

Around £10,000 can buy you a low mileage (30,000) example from 2020, with the super reliable 1.5 VVT petrol engine, touchscreen infotainment and a host of other mod cons including parking sensors and cruise control. 

Most Reliable Hybrid Car

The Toyota Prius is considered to be the most reliable hybrid car. With over 6 million of them having been sold since their introduction in 1997, it’s safe to say the numbers don’t lie. 

Toyota changed the car industry significantly with the introduction of the Prius. Whilst not the first hybrid car - Honda gets that record - Toyota were the first to get a full hybrid vehicle to the masses. 

Nowadays you can pick up a Prius for as little as £2,000, but the batteries on these early cars were far surpassed, and they’re getting a little long in the tooth now. A 2015 model can be had for under £9,000 with under 60,000 miles on the clock. 

Why is the Toyota Prius So Reliable?

Along with legendary Toyota build quality, one of the reasons the Prius is so reliable is its Synergy Drive. This is the technology that switches drive from the engine to the electric motors, and it does so without needing complex clutches, gearboxes or other mechanical components. 

This results in significantly less stress on the engine, motor and gearbox when compared to a normal petrol or diesel car. This is what makes the Prius easily capable of over 200,000 miles, and perfect for use in the city. 

Is a Toyota High Quality?

Whilst Toyota is not the first brand that comes to mind when thinking of plush luxurious interiors or the fanciest tech, the mechanicals of Toyota vehicles are definitely high quality. Only the best quality materials and tools are used to build Toyota vehicles, and everything is kept tightly controlled with their quality management system. 

Are Toyotas Better Than Fords?

We would say that on average, Toyotas are more reliable than Fords. Whether they are better overall is tricky as much of the decision is personal preference, as both manufacturers make good vehicles.

However, in the all-important reliability index reports, Toyota generally has 3-4 cars in the top 10 for reliability, whereas Ford generally only has one or maybe two, proving that Fords are less reliable than Toyotas.

Can a Toyota Last 20 Years?

Most definitely, with correct servicing and care, most cars should be able to last 20 years, but we’d be willing to bet a Toyota would. It’s evident to see the longevity of Toyotas by how many are still on the roads today.

Is the Toyota Warranty Good?

We’d consider Toyota's warranty service to be one of the most comprehensive, giving great service across the board. Lexus and Toyota beat most other manufacturers for mileage, time and service levels received.

One of the standout features is that customers receive an extra year of warranty every time they have their Toyota serviced at a main dealership. This could mean a 15-year-old car that would usually be well out of warranty, would be covered. 

Is Lexus the Same as Toyota?

Lexus is a sister brand to Toyota. The cars are designed and made by different entities, but with the same fierce philosophy of quality. Lexus caters to the luxury end of the market whilst Toyota mainly sells more run-of-the-mill cars. 

This is a common theme with Japanese automakers, companies such as Nissan (Infiniti) and Honda (Acura in the US). Lexus are even more famed for their reliability than Toyota.

Lexus predominantly makes luxury SUVs and saloon cars, although the LFA was a relatively short lived sports/super sports car with a 4.8 litre V8 engine. 

Need to Fix Your Toyota? Get Zero-Percent Financing with Bumper

Bumper offers zero-per cent financing on car repairs through our hundreds of nationwide partners. This allows you to spread out car repair payments into manageable chunks, with no added cost.