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Why does Toyota outsell Honda?


When it comes to the automotive industry, Toyota and Honda are two of the most recognized and respected brands worldwide. Both companies have built a reputation for reliability, innovation, and customer satisfaction. However, Toyota consistently outsells Honda in global markets. In this article, we’ll explore the key reasons behind Toyota’s dominance over Honda in terms of sales.


1. Broader Vehicle Lineup


Toyota offers a significantly broader range of vehicles compared to Honda. From compact cars to full-size trucks, hybrids, and luxury vehicles under the Lexus brand, Toyota caters to a wider audience. Honda, while offering a strong lineup, focuses more on sedans, SUVs, and motorcycles, with fewer options in the truck and luxury segments.



  • Trucks and SUVs: Toyota’s Tacoma and Tundra trucks, along with SUVs like the RAV4 and Highlander, are immensely popular in markets like the United States.

  • Luxury Segment: Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, has a strong foothold in the premium car market, which Honda’s Acura brand struggles to match in terms of sales volume.

  • Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: Toyota has been a pioneer in hybrid technology with models like the Prius, and it continues to expand its hybrid and electric offerings.


This diverse lineup allows Toyota to appeal to a broader customer base, giving it a competitive edge over Honda.


2. Global Manufacturing and Distribution Network


Toyota has a more extensive global manufacturing and distribution network than Honda. This enables Toyota to produce vehicles closer to key markets, reducing costs and ensuring a steady supply of vehicles. Additionally, Toyota’s strong presence in emerging markets like Southeast Asia and Africa has contributed to its higher sales figures.



  • Localized Production: Toyota operates numerous manufacturing plants worldwide, allowing it to adapt to local market demands efficiently.

  • Dealer Network: Toyota’s expansive dealership network ensures that customers have easy access to its vehicles and services.


By leveraging its global reach, Toyota has been able to maintain a strong market presence and meet the needs of diverse customer bases.


3. Reputation for Reliability and Durability


Both Toyota and Honda are known for producing reliable vehicles, but Toyota has a slight edge in this area. Toyota’s reputation for building long-lasting cars has been a key factor in its sales success. Models like the Corolla and Camry are often cited as benchmarks for reliability, making them popular choices for families and businesses alike.



  • Longevity: Toyota vehicles are often associated with high mileage and low maintenance costs.

  • Resale Value: Toyota cars tend to retain their value better than many competitors, including Honda, making them a smart investment for buyers.


This strong reputation has helped Toyota build trust with customers, leading to repeat purchases and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.


4. Early Adoption of Hybrid Technology


Toyota was an early leader in hybrid technology with the launch of the Prius in the late 1990s. This head start allowed Toyota to establish itself as a pioneer in fuel-efficient vehicles, a segment that continues to grow in importance as consumers prioritize sustainability.



  • Hybrid Leadership: Toyota’s hybrid lineup includes popular models like the RAV4 Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, and Highlander Hybrid.

  • Environmental Commitment: Toyota’s focus on reducing emissions and developing alternative fuel technologies resonates with environmentally conscious buyers.


Honda has made strides in hybrid and electric vehicles, but Toyota’s early investment in this area has given it a lasting advantage.


5. Marketing and Brand Loyalty


Toyota’s marketing strategies and emphasis on customer satisfaction have helped it build a loyal customer base. The company’s focus on reliability, affordability, and innovation resonates with a wide range of consumers.



  • Customer Loyalty Programs: Toyota’s efforts to reward repeat customers and provide excellent after-sales service contribute to its strong brand loyalty.

  • Global Campaigns: Toyota’s marketing campaigns emphasize its core values, such as quality and innovation, which appeal to a broad audience.


By fostering strong relationships with its customers, Toyota has been able to maintain its position as a market leader.


Conclusion


While Honda remains a formidable competitor, Toyota’s broader vehicle lineup, extensive global network, reputation for reliability, early adoption of hybrid technology, and effective marketing strategies have allowed it to consistently outsell Honda. As both companies continue to innovate and adapt to changing market demands, it will be interesting to see how this rivalry evolves in the future.


Frequently Asked Questions

Who sells more cars, Honda or Toyota?


Which car manufacturer sold the most vehicles each year? Toyota consistently led global sales from 2019 to 2023, maintaining its position as the top automaker. In 2023, Toyota sold 8.57 million units, a slight increase of 3.47% from 8.28 million units in 2022.



What is the most reliable car brand?


Consumer Reports: Subaru, Lexus Make the Most Reliable Cars. Toyota lost the top spot in Consumer Reports' list of the most reliable car brands in 2024. Subaru knocked off the usual leader, with Toyota's Lexus luxury brand taking second and Toyota's mainstream offerings in third.



What car holds value the longest?


Best Brands for Resale Value After 5 Years

  • Toyota. Toyota as a brand, does very well in maintaining its value, consistently ranking at the top of popular brands.
  • Mazda.
  • Subaru.
  • Honda.
  • FIAT.



Who has better resale, Honda or Toyota?


Toyota has topped Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value list eight times since 2014, including the last four consecutive years. Lexus has won the group's award for luxury cars five times. Lexus also topped the luxury category for JD Power's residual awards list. Honda took the mainstream category.



Do Toyotas last longer than Hondas?


According to a study published in April of 2023 by iSeeCars.com, eight of the top 23 longest-lasting vehicles are made by Toyota, while four of the top 23 are made by Honda. According to the 2023 Consumer Reports top reliable brands, Toyota is the number one most reliable brand, while Honda is number five.



Why is Toyota more popular than Honda?


While Hondas are certainly reliable vehicles, Toyota has the edge when it comes to longevity and overall dependability. Their most popular vehicles, such as the Toyota Camry and Toyota Corolla, are well-known for lasting for hundreds of thousands of miles and for staying on the road for incredibly long periods.



What lasts longer, Honda or Toyota?


According to a study published in April of 2023 by iSeeCars.com, eight of the top 23 longest-lasting vehicles are made by Toyota, while four of the top 23 are made by Honda. According to the 2023 Consumer Reports top reliable brands, Toyota is the number one most reliable brand, while Honda is number five.



What is the #1 selling car in America?


Ford F-Series
1. Ford F-Series. The Ford F-150's offers the best attributes of a modern pickup: power, efficiency, comfort and capability. Add to that a huge range of configurations and options, and you've got the best-selling vehicle in America for 2023.



Who is the richest car manufacturer?


The Tesla marque was ranked as the world's most valuable car brand in 2024, with a brand value of roughly 71.9 billion U.S. dollars.



Who makes more money, Honda or Toyota?


Toyota generated $298.3 billion in revenues between April 2023 and March 2024, more than double the amount of Honda, the Japanese public company with the second-highest revenue in the last fiscal year, according to sales data aggregated by Nikkei.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.