I’m not sure about you guys, but for me – whenever I get my hands on a new car, it’s like I am already planning on purchasing the next. For whatever reason, financial ones aside, I enjoy buying used cars, working on them, getting to know their quicks and flaws – but that is not true for most people.
So, if you’re looking for a used car but can’t seem to decide which one you need or is best suitable for you, look no further. We are here to help.
With your needs in mind, we’ve compiled this list of most reliable car brands. To each his own, and the reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, features and various other factors. In the end, it’s what you enjoy the most that will land in your driveway.
Everyone has their criteria when it comes to new car buying or finding a used car. We all prefer a vehicle that will not ruin our budget, initially or for maintenance and repair reasons.
It’s a fact – some automakers produce more reliable vehicles than others, but you shouldn’t make a decision just based on reputation or what your neighbor has been telling you in the last few weeks.
So, let’s get down to business. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram have been riddled with faults and owners have been complaining about them for years, although Jeep has been working hard on changing a few things in these last couple of years.
Ford owners haven’t been happy in a while, either: electronics, mechanical and bodywork issues have been keeping them busy and mostly spending money. Once one of the most reliable on the European continent, Audi has been raising dome eyebrows lately and disappointing a few people.
On the other end, Lexus, Nissan and Cadillac have proven to be reliable and quite appreciate by owners.
What about the rest? Let’s find out together which are the most reliable car brands right now, shall we?
Mazda
According to consumer reports, Mazda, Lexus and Toyota have been once again atop in terms of reliability this year; but this is not big news. Mazda has been constantly improving their products and moving up the survey charts.
Sales numbers for the Mazda6 and MX-5 Miata sports car seem to point in that direction. To be fair, the entire Mazda lineup is worthy of high praise, as the vehicles show off a unique style and brag about impressive driving dynamics.
The brand’s range of crossovers and SUVs is the most popular and go-to option for most drivers. But nothing beats the MX-5 Miata drop-top roadster in terms of popularity and excitement.
As such, recent years have found Mazda as one of the most premium car choices as well.
Genesis
Luxury cars, we all dream about them and hope to one day own such a bold statement on wheels. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that these particularly expensive cars are without faults.
Genesis is a premium manufacturer that delivers in more ways than one. It seems that owners have been praising these vehicles for their reliability and the fact that the vehicles wearing this brand’s badge have fewer than average problems.
As you can imagine, there is plenty of tech to be mounted in such sophisticated vehicles, which might add to constant support costs and future problems that one cannot and should not tackle alone.
Add in the Hyundai Group’s new luxury division praise regarding the way its vehicles drive, and you quickly realize you’ve got yourselves a winner.
Buick
This is one of those car brands that people have forgotten about, at least in Europe. People talk about its demise and Golden Era, but the fact is that the company is very much alive. Buick has a long history in America, going as far back as 1899.
Better yet, Buick has been an increasingly been valued for its reliable vehicles in recent years. Considered the most reliable American brand, Buick displays a somewhat short options list, due to the fact that the company is constantly keeping an eye on customer wishes and values, discontinuing models that are no longer relative to the market.
Buick has also posted fewer problems with infotainment systems and other electronics compared to General Motors brand Cadillac. Did you know that the Buick Encore made it onto the shortlist of best small SUVs? You can’t go wrong with this one.
Lexus
This luxury brand has evolved over the years, and it’s now worthy of attention and praise. Sure, it always was, but we have to admit that some of the earlier models were at least quirky. Even these days, some customers offer constructive criticism to some of the newer models.
Nonetheless, it is safe to assume that Lexus is always looking for new and cool technologies to feature on their vehicles – and there is a long list of equipment and options these cars have to offer.
Luxurious? Yes. Interesting. Sure. Dependable? Definitely. Both gasoline and hybrid Lexus models are considered to be low-maintenance and hassle-free, which means the next time you are looking for a used car, consider the brand name.
Outrageous, in a word, Lexus vehicles are somewhat pricy; but, what’s really annoying is that the company’s latest infotainment systems are still not according to customer expectations. You might feel disappointed, but it seems that the company is all set to roll out updates.
Porsche
There are pages and pages of automotive history, innovation and success stories – all regarding Porsche and the Germans’ passion for engineering. As you can imagine, European car manufacturers had a tough time breaking into US soil and dealerships.
However, Porsche did a fine job – although, they were almost on the brink of bankruptcy during the 1990s. Nowadays, almost any of their models are considered classics or soon to be classics.
As such, purchasing a Porsche is more of an investment, than anything else. On the other hand, true fans of the brand and speed enthusiasts will tell you it’s a damn shame to keep such a beauty in the garage and not enjoy it to the fullest, on the open road or the track, as it was meant to be.
Meanwhile, let us speak the truth: the company’s line of sports cars like the 718 and 911 have always been considered reliable; newer models keep in line with the reputation the brand has built over the years.
Most other manufacturers can’t top the level of attention to detail and technology-oriented designs this company has to offer. The electric vehicles – those, we won’t cover today; perhaps another time.
Toyota
Although Toyota was mainly focused on its domestic market, the company managed to enter the US market early on; it was in the mid 1970s when Americans were starting to see the first Toyota vehicles on the streets, and that says a lot.
Known for their reliable vehicles, something that has been proven many times – ask the brilliant crew from Top Gear / Grand Tour – buying a used Toyota car, any model, is always a good idea. Highly dependable, the brand’s cars have been putting a smile on drivers and will do so for quite a while.
Sure, we could comment a bit about the company’s latest infotainment systems and that there’s always room for error. However, although packed with technology, Toyota’s vehicles remain extremely practical and cool conversation starters. What else could you ask for?
BMW
What about the famous Bavarians? This company has been around for some time; we will not debate politics or anything else, except for their innovation and mechanical prowess. For instance, one cannot ignore those incredible motorcycles the Germans were riding during World War II.
Nor can we do so in regards to the company’s products since then. I dare you to find a BMW vehicle that is not cool; go ahead, I’ve got some time. Meanwhile, let us remember the Isetta, the Z1, the M1, the successful M3 story – the list could go on. It should.
Designed to be fast and impressive, BMW vehicles have been known to ruin one’s day when they least expected it. Showing significant reliability improvements in recent years, BMW’s vehicles have been lagging in the technology department, meaning some features such as the infotainment systems really had us talking behind the company’s back.
The good news is that the people over at BMW are well aware and working hard on keeping you excited in their vehicles and it shows – Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz company owners have noticed their loss in market share.
Chevrolet
US-based company Chevrolet has plenty to brag about, especially since they – along with Buick – have managed to keep American standards for reliability quite high. Buy American cars, why not?
A brand with a long heritage, famous for its amazing Camaro and Corvette cars – among many other things – they display quite an interesting lineup. Fast cars, sedans, trucks – you name it, they got it.
Whatever you go for, you should know that it will be with you for a while. Just think about those 50+ year old trucks still running on the roads today, with no major interventions or work done to them. If that doesn’t speak volumes about this company’s dedication, nothing will.
Nowadays, the reputation the company has built is complemented by the cool and reliable vehicles that come out the factory doors. Even the relatively recent electric models stand as testimony to this company’s attention to detail.
The only thing left to do is take a look at Chevrolet’s lineup and choose your flavor.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen‘s history for reliability needs no debate. From early on, as even the name of the company tells us, VW vehicles were designed to be practical, reliable, and cost-effective.
We will not discuss divisions, and subsidiaries, as VW has been known to acquire a company or two from time to time. We are talking about VW-badged vehicles and models, and there are quite a few of them, to be honest.
From older models to the ones selling today, there is a lot to be said about Volkswagen. Obviously, there is no such thing as a perfect car, but these guys really worked on building it. VW continues to be one of the most reliable brands around; no one can ignore the Golf name, let alone the Beetle or VW buses and their legacy. The Jetta is considered one of the best compact car.
The wide range of vehicles made available and the fact that they will most likely run error-free for years is reason enough to have this brand featured on our list.
GMC
GMC, or the General Motors Truck Company, is a division of the American automobile manufacturer General Motors. Focused on building the best trucks and utility vehicles out there, GMC’s lineup currently includes SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and light-duty trucks – we are talking about premium vehicles.
In 1911 General Motors formed the General Motors Truck Company. In 1916, a GMC Truck crossed the country from Seattle to New York City in thirty days, and in 1926, a 2-ton GMC truck was driven from New York to San Francisco in five days and 30 minutes – this was almost a century ago.
GMC used to build fire trucks, ambulances, heavy-duty trucks, and military vehicles – talk about reliability. Although similar to Chevrolet alternatives, GMC trucks are considered to be the premium offering.
Nowadays, the company’s lineup is quite extensive, and there’s plenty to choose from – whatever your flavor, it’s safe to assume that vehicle will be reliable, to say the least.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi, a Japanese company that has managed to break through preconceptions, always teases us with very interesting vehicles and models. Ranking above the industry average for the fewest problems, it’s interesting to find out what has made this car brand recognizable.
Nowadays, the manufacturer’s Outlander Sport is considered to be an interesting and cool SUV, ready for a road trip and designed to be prepared for any adventure. Since this is a Japanese company, it’s safe to assume that nothing but the latest tech will be featured in your car.
However, has everyone forgotten about the EVO series? Those amazing racing machines, performance-oriented and developed for one thing and one thing only in mind – win world rally championships. Now, those cars were definitely reliable, and not much has changed within the Mitsubishi Company and overall mentality when it comes to building cars.
Ford
Ford, the world’s first automotive giant, is a brand that needs no more introduction. Innovative and reliable, since the get-go, this company’s vehicles made history in more ways than one, and numerous times.
Ford currently offers anything you could want in a vehicle, there is an extensive lineup waiting for you to place an order. What model instantly comes to mind? Sure, the Model T is historically significant, but the Mustang is what will dominate our petrol-headed minds forever. Even John Wick drives one.
Small, medium, sedans, break, trucks, and vans – whatever you need, Ford has got it. I guess we are all familiar with Ford Transit and the incredible legacy that sits behind it. No need to start a debate about Ford and reliability issues. Let’s make this short – there are none.
Dodge
Dart, Challenger, Charger, Viper – are only a few models Dodge has released upon the world and took it by surprise. No muscle car fan in his right mind could ignore the name or the company.
Dodge has a lot to offer, even if you’re the type who is looking for a sedan to take your kids to school or soccer practice. But, that doesn’t mean the trip should be boring – oh, no!
The Dodge Challenger is the obvious choice if you want something with a bit of roar, but if you need a little bit more space, take a look at the Dodge Charger. It’s a full-size sedan that doesn’t shy away from Dodge’s muscle-car heritage. With a range of V6 and V8 engine choices, drivers may enjoy as many as 707 ponies and experience the thrills of a lifetime.
Fiat
Fiat has been laughed at on more than one occasion, it’s the truth; furthermore, Italian cars in general have been known to cause a few electrical problems, to say the least. Developers were more focused on design than practical aspect of the finished product. This is not to say, the Fiat name should not be associated with innovation.
However, things have changed. The Italian brand became popular once the small hatchback, the Fiat 500, was released more than 60 years ago. The original design was ultra-compact, easy to fix and park, but it was also practical.
The rear-engined, four-seat, small city car was an instant success; marketed by Fiat Automobiles from 1957 to 1975, the concept was revived by a new generation, reminiscent of the old-school design – this new iteration also comes in all-electric form. According to customer reports, Fiat has come a long way and their vehicles are well worth the attention and money.
Volvo
If you really hate seatbelts, you should blame it on the people over at Volvo Cars – yes, they are the ones who came up with the concept. Volvo is a Swedish luxury automobile marque which nowadays releases sport utility vehicles, station wagons, hatchbacks, sedans and compact executive sedans into the wild.
Founded in 1927, at that time a subsidiary of the ball bearing manufacturer SKF, the brand and its vehicles are appreciated for their safety features and reliable designs. Also worth mentioning are the company’s praised heavy trucks, also known for being reliable and dependable.
Meanwhile, Volvo is known for comfortable cars, stylish and packing with nothing but the newest technologies. What else could you ask for?
Infiniti
Infiniti is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Nissan and it entered US market on November 8th, 1989 –the U.S. and Chinese markets represent the main part of their revenue.
It was 2018, and company officials announced that Infiniti would be transformed into an electric brand, meaning that all future vehicles will be hybrid or all-electric. However, it still remains true that this luxury car brand has a lot to offer.
Keen on developing high-end interiors, powerful engines and enough tech to keep everyone excited, the company is surely a good choice regardless of your preferences – although, it is worth mentioning that their SUV range receives quite a lot of attention.
Whether you’d like an SUV, something sporty or a luxury sedan, Infiniti will deliver- and, then some.
Jeep
The US legend that is Jeep, now under the European conglomerate Stellantis, is mostly known for that rugged army creation that made it happen – this vehicle was innovative and quintessential for WWII troops and the future of the company following the end of the war.
Before 1940, the term “jeep” was considered slang for U.S. Army new recruits. The oldest four-wheel drive mass-production vehicle went into production in 1941 and became the primary light 4-wheel-drive vehicle of the United States Armed Forces.
Some of Jeep’s vehicles went on to reach into the luxury SUV segment, such as the Grand Cherokee; it’s also worth mentioning that the 1963 Wagoneer, one of my personal favorites of all time, is considered to have started this particular market segment.
Jeep’s current product range is extensive, although it’s still based on the same off-road concept. Their SUVs are rugged, yet stylish, and always dependable; the brand’s legacy cannot be ignored.
Subaru
Japanese brand Subaru was founded in 1952 and is based in Tokyo. Once you consider its history and legacy in motorsports, you will quickly realize that this name should be known for any true automotive or car enthusiast. Race cars should be reliable, am I right?
Subaru is one of the largest automakers in the world, popular for their extensive use of the boxer engine layout and turbocharged versions of their passenger cars and the brand is worth the attention and reputation.
The company’s lineup will get you thinking for a while, making a decision will be difficult. The vehicles bearing the Subaru name are jam packed with technology and innovative systems meant to keep the drivers and passengers safe and the vehicle running hassle-free for as long as possible.
Chrysler
The Americans have been known to reveal some interesting models over the years, and their star emblem has become iconic – some say the five ends of the star represent Chrysler’s five brands, specifically the Dodge, Airtemp, Chrysler, Plymouth, and Imperial name.
The family-oriented company is focused around proving safe and comfortable vehicles for everyone. Comfortable also means you won’t have to raise the bonnet all that often; this means, these cars are also cost-effective or affordable, in the long run.
Don’t get this wrong, there are also more performance-oriented choices in the company’s lineup, and the first that comes to mind is the Chrysler 300 – I love that car. Discreet, seemingly unimportant, this vehicle packs a serious punch. What shall it be?
Smart
Would you have guessed that the tiny and potentially funny little vehicle would end up on this list? The micro urban Smart car is no longer available new on US soil, but that’s beside the point.
Also worth mentioning is that the company went all-electric in 2018; however, vehicles bearing the brand name that were developed prior to 2018 used gasoline engines sourced from Mercedes – a small company people usually look towards when thinking about reliable engines.
Aside from the compact nature of these cars, which may not suit everyone, these designs were quite dependable and interesting to own. Do you have one?
Nissan
Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. has been manufacturing vehicles out of Nishi-ku, Yokohama, since 1933. It has sold vehicles under the Nissan, Infiniti, and Datsun brands, but since 1999, Nissan has been part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance.
One of the world’s largest automakers has plenty to offer, for each and every one – electric or not. Nissan’s range of practical sedans needs no more introduction, and the same goes for their SUVs.
The all-electric LEAF has been gaining in popularity, but what’s really worth mentioning is that every option comes with the certainty that the car will not leave you hanging – so to speak.
Hyundai
South Korean multinational Hyundai Motor Company is an automotive manufacturer headquartered in Seoul. Founded in 1967, the brand currently owns 33.88 percent of Kia Corporation, as well as full ownership of Genesis Motor.
Hyundai operates the world’s largest integrated automobile manufacturing facility in Ulsan, South Korea. As such, you can imagine that the brand displays an incredible catalog, including SUVs, sedans, compacts, and electric vehicles.
Reliability? More than one of Hyundai’s models made it onto the shortlist for top vehicles in their segment, while customers swear their cars were well worth the cash. It seems, there is enough reason to choose a Hyundai.
Kia
Kia Corporation is a South Korean multinational automobile manufacturer that has managed to take over Europeans’ hearts and minds – at least, in recent years. South Korea’s second largest automobile manufacturer put in some serious effort to come up with interesting exterior designs and pack in as many as standard features as possible.
Their hard work has paid off and today Kia stands out for its great SUVs and practical sedans – although, the manufacturer’s lineup is quite extensive. It is safe to assume that any and all choices come with a guarantee – both official, on paper, as well as inspired by customer opinions – that your vehicle will prove to be reliable for years to come.
Acura
Acura, the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Honda, reached the US market on March 27th 1986. Focused on luxury, performance, and high-performance automobiles, Acura is the first Japanese automotive luxury brand. Moreover, it was among the best-selling luxury marques in the US shortly after arriving.
Offering unique designs and nothing but state of the art technologies, Acura vehicles were meant to impress and deliver an alternative to already familiar car names. The company did its job so well that it inspired Japanese automakers Toyota and Nissan to launch their own luxury brands – thus, Lexus and Infiniti were born.
So, if you’re looking for a premium car or SUV, this is the name you should be considering. Sporty, impressive, and original, Acura cars easily stand out from a crowd while also proving to be highly reliable.
Honda
The best of the best. Japanese multinational conglomerate Honda Motor Company will gladly offer you automobiles, motorcycles, as well as power equipment or boat engines. Based in in Minato, Tokyo, Honda has been the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, and bikers love its creations.
Honda has been the second-largest Japanese automobile manufacturer for twenty years now and some may even remember its dedication to artificial intelligence/robotics research and their ASIMO robot.
Known for some popular vehicles, such as the Honda Civic, the company has plenty to offer and more often than none, people consider the name and the brand whenever reliable vehicles come to mind. This company should be your very first choice and your last one, before making any decisions.
The question is: what shall it be?
