“What car should I buy?”
This question has been asked in all gatherings and dinner conversations. More often than not, car lovers recommend what they’re familiar with—after all, no one wants to be the person who sings praises about something, only for it to fall short of expectations. There are a lot of things that buyers want in a car, but it should serve the most important need: reliable mobility.
This is perhaps one of the many reasons Toyota remains such a trusted name in the world. In the Philippines, the brand has pretty much become the default choice for anyone who needs a set of wheels.
That trust has been rooted in Philippine culture for decades. Toyotas are solid, dependable, and easy to recommend. Since then, the Japanese carmaker has cultivated a loyal following, from one generation to another.
One of the many legacy customers of Toyota is Kristoff Arcega. He’s a third-generation Toyota owner, with vehicles running in the family from the ’70s until now. It started with his grandfather, and he continues that tradition to this day. So what exactly makes Toyota such a trusted brand? A chat with Kristoff shows what brand loyalty looks like.
What was your family’s first Toyota?
Our first Toyota was the 1976 Tamaraw. It was actually the car where I learned how to drive.
How long has your family owned Toyota vehicles?
With the Tamaraw as our family’s first Toyota, I can say that we have had Toyotas for 49 years already. I was born in the mid-’80s, and the ‘Macho Machine’ (aka the Corona 2000 Hardtop) is the first Toyota that I was exposed to, as far as I know. I still remember the old showroom and service center along Mirasol Street in Quezon City, where I used to accompany my dad to bring the Macho Machine for PMS back then.
What is your latest Toyota model?
We recently got the Veloz as our family car. It replaced another Toyota, the second-gen Vios. Of course, there have been Corollas through the years, as well as Vioses and Innovas.
It’s like a roll call of the most popular Toyota models. How would you best describe the current lineup?
There’s a Toyota for every Juan.
Do you think the Filipino motorist is ready for electrification?
Since the introduction of the Prius in the late ’90s, I think Filipinos have been waiting for these hybrid or electrified models to be brought to the Philippines at good prices. It’s good to see that there is now a wide array of models available and it really shows that we are shifting toward electrified vehicles. The advances in safety and reliability are now making hybrid vehicles more appealing to Filipinos.
Why would you recommend Toyota vehicles?
Reliability. This has always been the main reason our family has trusted Toyota. We have had Toyotas for quite some time now, and all the Toyotas that we owned never gave us problems that were unsolvable.
What makes Toyota vehicles so easy to service?
Aside from their extensive network of dealers and service centers, the accessibility to genuine Toyota spare parts makes maintenance a worry-free experience.
What would be your dream three-car Toyota garage?
Land Cruiser 80 series, GT 86, and Crown Royal Saloon S130 series.
Do you think future members of your family will still choose a Toyota?
Absolutely! Up to today, Toyota is the primary brand that we all consider when purchasing a new vehicle. It remains our standard for reliable mobility.
In clients like Kristoff, you can see the result of the trust that Toyota has given its customers for decades. It’s safe to say that Toyota now caters to practically all mobility needs—and is still evolving. The entry-level market is covered by the Wigo and the Raize. Then you have stalwarts like the Vios, the Corolla Altis, and the Camry.
There’s also a full array of crossovers for every budget, from the Yaris Cross to the RAV4. And for tougher needs, there’s also the robust Hilux, Tamaraw, and Fortuner. For those who want larger and more comfortable conveyances, the Prado, the Alphard, and the Land Cruiser are stylish options. Of course, there are also vehicles that offer loads of space and seven or more seats: Avanza, Veloz, Rush, Innova, Zenix, Hiace, and Super Grandia. There’s even the Coaster if you want to bring the whole barangay.
As Kristoff mentioned, Toyota is also one of the pioneers of electrification and now offers a wide range of electrified vehicles in the country. Hybrid sedans are covered by the Corolla Altis and the Camry, and there’s a trio of electrified crossovers in the form of the Yaris Cross, the Corolla Cross, and the RAV4. Those shopping for a hybrid MPV have the Zenix.
Last but certainly not least, Toyota has made driving fun again with its Gazoo Racing cars like the GR Yaris, the GR Supra, and the GR86. These cars have been honed on circuits and rally stages around the globe and have earned the respect of car enthusiasts.
Because of reliability, the foundation of trust built over decades between Toyota and its customers has never been stronger. The fact that models from over 40 years ago still roam the streets is a testament to the company’s commitment to building reliable and long-lasting mobility solutions for everyone. And these decades-old Toyotas are still running well, thanks to excellent customer satisfaction and trust when it comes to after-sales service.
Toyota Motor Philippines currently has 75 dealerships and eight service centers nationwide for its customers’ mobility needs. And each showroom is a one-stop shop, be it for inquiries, purchasing, service, or even looking around for accessories. There are also secondhand cars in select dealerships via the T-Sure program, and one can lease a vehicle through Kinto One.
Toyota is not the oldest automotive brand in the Philippines by any measure, and there are new brands coming every month. But it has captured the needs of the Filipino in a way no other car brand has. With its wide range of products, services, and even creative solutions to modern transport needs through Toyota Mobility Solutions, the Japanese automaker has laid out a sustainable vision for motorists and commuters alike. Toyota Motor Philippines has also done it in a way few Toyota distributors around the world have, creating a success story that is uniquely Filipino.
So, it’s no wonder that when new and old Filipino motorists decide on which car to buy, especially in a time when every peso counts, they choose reliability, quality, and the badge that always finds ways to help the world move forward. And only one brand fits that description to a ‘T.’
