True-blue Toyota enthusiasts, on why they stick to the king
Passion may very well be the essence of existence. It is said that a man without passion would be like a body without a soul.
In the Philippine automotive circle, one may say with certainty that the industry’s most passionate brand, Toyota, also has the largest following. This was accomplished through over three decades of consistent innovations, relentless research and development, and tireless groundwork that has made Toyota not only number one in the country, but worldwide, and has made believers out of skeptics.
And so, for the 20th year in a row, Toyota Motor Philippines ascends the throne and claims the Triple Crown Award, signifying that Toyota maintains its leadership in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and overall sales.
The Triple Crown holder, however, would gladly share the spotlight with its equally important asset, its loyal fan base of owners, be they private, business and fleet, and the old-fashioned car enthusiasts. Without the loyal subjects, there would be no Crown to aim for in the first place.
So, without further ado, here are some of Toyota’s most fervent fans, and what they have to say about their Toyota.
Almost zero headaches
Car enthusiast Francis Allan D. Samonte, 39, a successful financial advisor and the company’s team manager, is also a board member of Toyota Auto Club of the Philippines (TACP).
He and his family have had a long line of Toyota vehicles gracing their garage. To name a few: 1982 Corona Silver Edition; 1991 Corona ST171; 1993 Corona ST191; 1993 Corolla AE101; 1999 Crown GS131; 2000 Corolla AE111; 2004 Altis; 2003 Revo VX200; 2008 Fortuner; 2010 GL Grandia; 2015 Altis; 2016 Innova, and; 2021 Fortuner.
“My father has always been a fan of Toyota. I remember him telling me a story of buying his first brand-new Toyota Corona in the year I was born, and the brand has proved to be the most reliable. I have other brands of vehicles, but the Toyotas of the family are the vehicles that have given almost zero headaches and have performed way above expectations,” quipped Samonte.
Despite the influx of new brands, the family sticks to Toyota. Why so?
Samonte’s answer is one word, just tripled: “Reliability, reliability, reliability.”
“I have other car brands, like German cars as well as Korean cars, but in terms of reliability, the Toyotas far outperform these other brands,” he said.
Fun to toy around with
Businessman RG Garcia III is also affiliated with TACP.
He said his fortunes with Toyota all started in 1997 with his first Corolla 1997 Euro version, 4AGE blacktop engine. After that, RG was hooked.
He said that one could also toy around and make different versions with the car: PHDM (Philippines Domestic Market); JDM (Japan); EUDM (European), and even US versions. There are also lots of engines to choose from. Parts are widely available, and Toyotas are fun to drive. The bonus, he said, is that “the TACP is a great car club.”
My Precious
Also with TACP is Carlo Verano, 49, a medical representative.
His Toyotas include: Corolla SEG 2000 Euro 2 conversion; Yaris 2007 (Vitz conversion); Vios 2019 and Yaris Ativ.
“I have been a Toyota owner since the 1990s. Before I had an AE92 1990, my first Toyota-owned vehicle, then I sold it in 1998 and I acquired an AE 101 Big Body Corolla. I sold it in 2007 and bought an AE111 Corolla Love Life which I converted to Euro2 version. Until now I still have it and named it Precious,” said Verano.
He said Precious will be his retirement car, calling it “the love of his life”. Specifically, Precious is an AE111 Corolla SEG Variant with 2.0 Engine Beams 4th Generation 3S, Euro2, with TTE Mags, Euro version in and out.
Verano said that they call the AE92 as the small-body Corolla, while the AE101 as the big-body one, and the AE111 the “love life” corolla.
Verano said that his latest, the Vios 2019 4Th Gen is just a stock car (no modifications done). He just put the emblem Yaris Ativ so that it would look different. “Para maiba naman,” he says in the vernacular.
Verano recalled that his father acquired a Corolla Deluxe in the 1980s. “On that day I fell in love with Toyota at the age of 10. I said to myself, ‘my first car will be a Corolla’.”
Like a tank
TACP member Francis Carasith U. Coloma, 48, is a medical technician, and is also part of the Oldschooler Auto Club, Classic Auto Club and Toyota Corona Club.
Coloma owns several Toyotas with all-original parts down to the last screw and bolt. He owns a Corona DX RT140 1983 (bought brand new), a Crown LS110 1981 (owned since 2011), Hiace Super Grandia 2001 since 2014, and a Fortuner D4d G variant (since 2015).
He said that Toyotas are easy to maintain, parts are always available, are nice to drive, and most of all, he said that he has lots of good memories with his family with their Toyota vehicles.
“Toyota is like a tank. It is reliable. Our Toyotas keep my family safe on travels. They offer a comfortable ride and are spacious,” said Coloma.
Take it anywhere
Keith Bryan Haw, an LC200 owner whose profession is modifying super cars, says: “I love my Land Cruiser because it’s a perfect daily driver for Manila roads. Understated yet refined and luxurious inside. Best of all, it’s very reliable and dependable that I can take it anywhere!”
Most fun in a car
Businessman Marvin Tiu Lim, a GR Yaris owner, attests: “I absolutely love my GR Yaris! Not only is it a reliable car, but it’s one of the most fun to drive and my personal favorite. It’s nimble, small and agile. The power-to-weight ratio is outstanding, the handling is superb and the best thing is that my whole family fits inside! It just shows you that Toyota is the go-to brand for all car lovers.”
Perfect for short and long trips
Jay Lao, businessman and Vios Cup racer, explains: “The Alphard suits my lifestyle. It has worry-free reliability. It is sophisticated and luxurious. It is perfect for short business trips and long family outings.”
Powerful engine
Businessman Ferdie Ong, champion race driver and Tuason Racing School race organizer, said: “I love Toyota because of reliability and less maintenance. It has the new powerful V6 twin turbo with 10-speed tranny and very comfortable ride. Not to mention the sports look. What is there not to love.”
Racer’s favorite daily drive
JP Tuason, champion race car driver and entrepreneur, said: “People ask me what I drive every day. They expect a sports car for an answer. My favorite daily drive is my 4×2 AT Fortuner. It is so reliable, seats 7 people (I have 5 kids) and is fuel-efficient. I really enjoy driving it every day.”
