Modern cars can run for a decade or more with only basic maintenance. You can extend the lifespan of your car by repairing worn-out parts, such as tires, brake pads, and batteries. Similarly, some vehicles will not last as long as others if they receive little attention. Despite warranty coverage, they may have mechanical problems that can be costly to repair.
If you want your car to last a long time, you should buy one with a reliable reputation. We'll examine a few historically reliable car brands in this guide to see why they stand out from the crowd due to their superior build quality. Most people want a quality car that will last a lifetime. We'll introduce you to the 15 most reliable car brands in the world of all time. You can rely on these cars to stand the test of time no matter what comes their way.
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a set of wheels, whether new or used, is likely reliability. If you're going to spend thousands of dollars on a car, it better last you for many years to come. In a best-case scenario, your car will last long enough that you can pass it on to your child!
Why does a car need to be reliable? What are the most reliable cars ever built? We've chosen 14 of the most reliable vehicles ever built to narrow our list. You'll find an assortment of older and newer vehicles on this list, some of which have a long-standing reputation for reliability and others which have already had success.
Honda Civic
Honda may not have as high of sales today as Toyota or Volkswagen, but it remains one of the world's top manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles. The Honda Civic is one of its best-known and most well-loved models globally.
With its no-frills, practical design, and dependability, which features do Civic drivers appreciate most? The vehicle requires very little maintenance. The average Civic owner brings their car into the shop for repairs about 0.2 times a year, while a compact car owner brings their car in for repairs about 0.3 times a year.
In addition to that, the Civic has always offered great fuel economy. A Civic could deliver 32 miles per gallon or 3.1 gallons per 100 miles when introduced in the early 1990s.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is another popular compact car made by Honda in the American market. Despite being a compact car, the Accord offers plenty of trunk space. It also has spacious interiors and comfortable seating, both in the front and at the back. New models even come with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with four cylinders, 192 horsepower, and 192 lb-ft of torque.
There's nothing more reliable than a model as popular with families as with taxi fleet owners! A reliable model in its own right, the Accord is a bit more popular than its cousin, the Civic.
However, the results of some models were less favorable than those of others. A 2008 Accord, for example, was known for premature brake wear, while a 2003 Accord had problems with its transmission. Nevertheless, the news is mostly positive for the later models. US News 2021 Best Midsize Cars even place the Accord at the top of the list.
Honda CR-V
There has never been a more perfect family vehicle than the CR-V. This vehicle is of great value with its impressive cargo space (a little more than its Toyota RAV-4 competitor), ample passenger space, and excellent fuel economy. For a vehicle of this price range, the Honda CR-V also provides a powerful engine - a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine - and fast acceleration, resulting in a smooth ride for passengers.
The question is, is it reliable? A large majority of consumers think so. CR-V scored 79/100 out of 100 in quality and reliability in J.D. Power's 100-Point Score, which rates popular auto models based on "independent and unbiased opinions" of verified car owners.
Toyota Camry
Toyota is Japan's largest automaker among the world's best-selling car manufacturers. The fact that it has released so many reliable vehicles makes sense when you think about how many it has released over the years. It's pretty much a given that the Toyota brand is synonymous with reliability.
As Consumer Reports notes, the Camry is "one of the very best models from the midsize sedan class.". Some of its top qualities are its relatively quiet cabin, its smooth ride, sharp handling, and its impressive fuel economy.
As a result, the Camry continues to be one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States and Canada. You will see one or two Camrys cruising around in your neighborhood.
Toyota Corolla
Among the most popular and best-selling compact cars is the Toyota Corolla, which ranks alongside the Civic and the Camry. The vehicle is known for its low repair frequency, high fuel economy, and affordable retail price. Despite this, some critics have criticized it as too basic and practical.
However, despite its less-than-swanky build, this device has proven reliable for everyday commuters.
Mazda MX-5
Convertibles aren't usually something people think about when looking for reliable vehicles. Convertibles are for cruising into the sunset, not transporting kids to school, and commuting to work every day.
Consumer Reports has named the Mazda MX-5 Miata the most reliable car of 2020. The ranking was based on surveys of owners who rated the Miata's performance in 17 key areas, including its interior and transmission.
The Mazda Miata might not scream "bang-for-your-buck," but it's just as reliable as a Honda or Toyota. It's well worth checking out in addition to a sturdy frame, a powerful four-cylinder engine, and surprisingly good fuel efficiency (on later models, at least).
Consumer Reports describes the Miata as the perfect combination of a "charming British roadster" and "the reliability of Japan."
Mazda 3
Consider the Mazda 3 if you want something almost as sporty as a Miata but more practical and spacious than a Toyota Corolla.
There are a lot of bells and whistles on the 2021 Mazda 3. It includes an impressive list of safety features and the SkyActiv-X engine, a gasoline engine that ignites fuel using compression instead of spark. What is the outcome? The car runs more efficiently (compared to its predecessors) while still offering that distinctive sporty ride.
Lexus LS 400
Lexus' flagship model is the LS 400. A game-changer in the world of luxury vehicles at its release, it was considered revolutionary. A 4.0-liter V8 engine, 260-foot pounds of torque, a four-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive were among the features of the 1989 LS 400, which was unveiled to the world in 1989.
The Lexus LS 400 stands out for its quiet and smooth ride, but it is also known for its reliability and longevity. The 1996 LS 400 owned by Matt Farrah made headlines a few years ago for having one million miles on it. The 12-year-old Lexus Farrah found off Craigslist had 700,000 miles on it when he bought it, and after putting 200,000 miles on it, he lent it out to several friends, who were amazed how well it drove despite the mileage. The car has reached the million-mile mark without needing significant engine or transmission repairs.
Lexus RX 350
Do not let the RX 350's aggressive looks fool you. The SUV offers passengers a comfortable, relaxing ride and drives like a dream. The RX 350 comes in an environmentally friendly hybrid version with 450 horsepower. This cruiser is well suited to those who enjoy road trips because it's comfortable, quiet, and economical.
Acura TSX
Consider the 2009 Acura TSX if you're looking for used cars. Because Acura discontinued this model in 2014, there are only used Acuras on the market. What is the benefit of buying a secondhand Acura?
It's essentially the same car sold in Europe but with a premium finish - leather seats are a huge hit. It's a front-wheel-drive vehicle. It boasts consistently tight handling.
Subaru Outback
Those who own Subaru cars adore them. So much so that Subaru's 2008 marketing campaign featured ads of old Subarus being passed down from generation to generation using the tagline "Love is what makes a Subaru a Subaru."
Subaru Outback doesn't disappoint. Based on a 2019 survey, the Outback ranked as the number one most customer-satisfying vehicle. Several studies have shown that station wagons are a great alternative to SUVs due to their roomy interiors, responsive handling, and a decent 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that, according to Consumer Reports, "does the job."
Audi A4
The Audi A4 has been a hot commodity for years now. It's a sporty luxury sedan that looks as good as it performs. The car has a beautiful interior, a 12-volt hybrid powertrain, and standard all-wheel drive for the 2021 model year.
Based on US News' reliability rankings, the A4 ranks three out of five stars, averaging out at three stars. An Audi A4 is a great vehicle for those looking for something dependable, pleasant to drive, and stylish at the same time.
Volvo 850
Compared with today's pickup trucks and SUVs, the 1997 Volvo 850 may seem dated. The wagon has always been known for being both a solid adventure machine and a reliable family car. Users call the 850 a dependable and trustworthy “winter beater” because it is heavy and durable.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is the last vehicle on the list. The Hyundai Elantra outperformed giants like Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas in reviews. The Motor Biscuit website claims that the Elantra is a better car than the Corolla because it offers just about the same features at a lower price. The Car has many luxury features, including heated seats, a unique infotainment system, and a great audio system, all at an affordable price.
Conclusion
An automobile purchase is a major decision. You may have to live with the decision for many years, so choosing the right model is important. Reliability should be one of the determining factors when buying a car. Paying for repairs should be a rare occurrence, and your vehicle should always run as it should, no questions asked.
Every car will inevitably require maintenance at some point in its life. There are many historically reliable brands in this guide, but it's important to check out other options. You should have no problem extending the life of your car after you purchase it, as long as you maintain it. Purchase a long-lasting car to ensure you're getting the best value out of your money.
Are you interested in learning more about cars and their maintenance? Head over to the KeepDriving website and check out our blog post on how to clean oil spills in the car trunk.
