One of the most important factors when choosing a used car is reliability. But what makes a car reliable? Is it longevity? Maintenance costs? Or is it something else? We’ll help you determine what makes a car reliable with our guide to the most reliable cars on the market.
What Makes a Car Reliable?
Key Factors in Car Reliability (Repair Costs, Longevity, Performance)
Many factors help make a car reliable, here are just a few:
- Materials: If a car is built with high-quality materials, it is more likely to last longer and less susceptible to wear and tear.
- Fuel efficiency: Good fuel efficiency is both a sign of long-term reliability and less repairs.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance including oil changes, tire rotations and brake checks can greatly increase a car’s longevity.
- Suspension: Not only does this contribute to a car’s handling, but reliable suspension reduces a car’s risk of damage from road conditions.
- Engine: The engine is one of the most critical parts of a car. If this is well-built and well-maintained, it can be reliable for thousands of miles without problems.
- Usage: The way you drive a car can impact its longevity. Highway driving is actually gentler on your car than city driving, which usually involves a lot of stop-and-go traffic.
- Warranty: A long warranty is a sign that a manufacturer has confidence in a car’s reliability.
How Experts Measure Reliability
Many car websites rank both new and used cars based on their reliability. But how do they measure this?
One of the most trusted websites for a car’s reliability is Consumer Reports, which gathers a variety of data to measure a car’s reliability. This includes survey data from over one million owners who report on their car’s performance and any issues they’ve had during a defined period. They also make a note of a car’s problem rate in a model year in categories which include transmission, engine and electric systems. In addition, they track a model’s repair frequency and also conduct their own long-term tests to determine a car’s mechanical reliability and overall performance. Finally, they also make use of car experts to assess every factor of a car’s performance. After taking all of this into account, Consumer Reports compiles a reliability score to rank a car and post this information on their website.
Besides Consumer Reports, J.D. Power is another trusted resource for car owners. For used cars, their Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) is especially beneficial. This looks at a car’s long-term reliability, typically surveying cars that are 3 years old to ask owners about any issues they’ve had in the last 12 months. This measures whether a car has remained reliable over time and notes issues with safety, electric systems, powertrain and exterior and interior quality. J.D. Power then ranks the cars based on the survey findings, providing valuable insights to buyers about which components might have issues.
In addition to these websites, car owners and buyers can also read reviews in automotive magazines like MotorTrend and Car and Driver, which often conduct tests and evaluate cars over extended periods. And, consumers can find insights into a car’s reliability beyond formal studies too through social media platforms, car forums and review websites. They may also check Kelley Blue Book who offer feedback based on data from everyday drivers.
Top Reliable Cars in 2025
Honda Civic
The 2025 Honda Civic has been ranked the best new car of 2025 for value, starting at $25,345. Honda is known for its reliability and all Civics come with a hybrid powertrain that has been praised for its reliability in the form of a 2-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors which results in 200 horsepower. In addition, it goes at 50 MPG while city driving and has an expected lifespan of 13.7 years. The 2025 Honda Civic also has a 12,000-mile or one-year complimentary scheduled maintenance plan.
Mazda 3 Hatchback
The 2025 Mazda 3 has an expected lifespan of 14.1 years. It can get to 60 MPH in just 5.6 seconds and 28 MPG while city driving. It has been praised for its safety and driver-assistance features which include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist as standard. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology is also available as an added feature. In addition, the Mazda 3 Hatchback also comes with a warranty that covers 3 years or 36,000 miles, plus a powertrain warranty that covers 5 years or 50,000 miles.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in-Hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) goes from 0 to 60 MPH in just over six seconds. It also has an impressive electric range of up to 42 miles and can be charged in 2.5 hours if plugged into a 240-volt outlet. It can achieve 38 MPG when driving in the city. It also comes with automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control as standard. It has comprehensive warranties which include a limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles, powertrain warranty covering 5 years or 60,000 miles and hybrid components covered for ten years or 150,000 miles. In addition, there is a complimentary maintenance schedule for two years or 25,000 miles.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is known for being practical, but also having a modern look and excellent acceleration. This electric SUV comes with all-wheel drive and a dual-motor powertrain. It can also drive up to 320 miles per charge. Tesla’s driving-assist system comes as standard and their Full Self-Driving tech is also available, although it still requires your attention at all times. The limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles, whereas the powertrain warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles.
Best Used Reliable Cars
Kia Sportage
The Diesel model of the Kia Sportage in particular is known for its reliability, particularly those registered between 2016 and 2018. It is known for its fuel efficiency, with the ability to average 61.4 MPG. It can also get to 60 MPH in 9.9 seconds and has a spacious and practical interior that is ideal for families.
Audi A3
The Audi A3 has great reliability ratings by consumers and has powerful and efficient engine options. Its average MPG range is 51.4 MPG and it can get to 60 MPH in 8.4 seconds. It is smooth to drive and has the classic Audi executive look.
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX is a highly rated family SUV with few faults being reported in 2023 and none in 2024. The most reliable used Lexus NXs are those registered from 2021 onwards. There are gas-powered, electric and PHEV versions available that all have impressive MPH and MPG speeds.
Toyota Auris
The used Toyota Auris is most praised for its 1.2 turbo engine model, which comes with a strong reliability record. It has been noted for having a sophisticated suspension system, making it comfortable to drive.
Most Reliable Cars Under $20K
2015 Ford Fiesta
You can get a used Ford Fiesta for just $6,558! It can come as either a four-door sedan or a four-door hatchback, coming with a turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes. It is also known for its fuel efficiency and for having lively handling.
2015 Chevrolet Colorado
This compact pickup truck can be yours for as low as $11,213. Rearview cameras and air conditioning are standard and some models may have more up-to-date technological features. It has capable engines and is made from quality materials.
2016 Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf comes in both electric and gas-powered versions. It is known for having smooth handling and plenty of cargo space, being comfortable for both children and adults. Prices start at $7,815.
2015 Subaru Outback
The 2015 Subaru Outback can be purchased for as low as $11,864. It has been highly rated for its safety features, making it a great option for families, winning many awards when it was first released. It is also spacious and comes with a touchscreen, rearview camera and remote keyless entry.
Luxury and High-Performance Reliable Cars
2024 BMW 7 Series
The 2024 BMW 7 series has many powertrain options, with a well-built cabin made from high-grade materials. It also has an impressive infotainment system, with dual rear-seat touch screens and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The BMW 7 series is also known for comfortable handling, coming with a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty.
2024 Audi A6
The 2024 Audi A6 is a luxury car with powerful engine options, with the standard engine coming with 261 horsepower. It is a spacious car with forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection and automatic high-beam headlights. It also has an impressive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. It has a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty.
2025 Lexus ES
The 2025 Lexus ES comes with a hybrid engine with a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year or 70,000-mile powertrain warranty. It’s a luxury sedan known for its practicality and sensibility. It has a spacious interior with a modern infotainment system that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2024 Porsche Boxster
The 2024 Porsche Boxster has excellent performance with several powertrain options, with the base engine making 300 horsepower. It has good handling and is great at turning around sharp corners. It also has Apple CarPlay and a 7-inch touchscreen. The 2024 Porsche Boxster comes with a four-year or 50,000-mile warranty.
High-Performance Cars That Are Surprisingly Reliable
2019 Porsche 911
The final generation of Porsche 911s is tipped to be the most reliable buy. It has excessive horsepower, depending on the engine option, this ranges from 370 to 450 horsepower. In addition, its engine is noted for its smoothness and the all-wheel drive version is praised for its ability to quickly exit corners.
2023 Chevrolet Corvette
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette has a mid-engine configuration with excellent performance. Its naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine also reaches 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, being able to reach 60 MPH in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 194 MPH.
2007 Mercedes Benz SL
This car was first introduced in the 1950s and there is clearly a reason why it has been in demand for so long. Beyond its visual appeal, it also promises speed combined with luxury features and advanced technology. The 2007 model in particular has a low depreciation rate.
2019 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is another car with an impressive history. In 2018 the Ford Mustang had a big redesign, which included new wheels, updated dashboard design and a restyled front clip. The 2019 model in particular is known for its reliability.
How to Choose a Reliable Car
Factors to Consider Before Buying
When buying a new or used car, there are a number of factors you should consider if you have reliability in mind:
- Mileage: Lower mileage normally equates to higher reliability. Cars with lower mileage are less likely to have older components that might need to be replaced.
- Age: Simply as a result of age, a car will be more likely to show some signs of issues. Parts degrade over time, even if the car hasn’t been overused.
- Brand: Some brands have a better reputation for reliability than others, so it’s advised to go for a car that was made for a brand that is known for its reliability.
- Model: While a brand might be known for reliability, there may be one rogue model that has had issues. Be sure to check reviews and online forums before committing to a purchase.
- Engine: While an automatic car may seem attractive, manual transmission cars tend to have less issues. You should also check that the engine is in good condition.
- Recalls: You should also check that there have been no unresolved recalls for the car you are interested in as this can affect both safety and reliability.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
It is also advised to read reviews for any car that you are interested in purchasing to see whether there are any common maintenance issues and gauge an idea of what the costs associated with this might be. If you are looking for a reliable car, you are likely to want to keep maintenance and repair costs low.
Warranty and Resale Value
If a car has a high resale value it could be a sign that it has a high reliability rating. Likewise, if a manufacturer has issued a long warranty for one of their cars, it’s a sign that they have confidence in its longevity.
If you are looking for a reliable car, there are many great options for both new and used models. Before you buy, it is a good idea to read up on reviews for reliability, and also check their rankings on websites like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power.