If you are looking for a car that will last you a long time, you might want to consider the reliability factor. Reliability is the ability of a car to perform consistently and avoid breakdowns, repairs, and maintenance issues. A reliable car can save you money, time, and hassle in the long run.
But how do you know which cars are the most reliable? There are many sources and criteria that can help you evaluate the reliability of a car, such as consumer reviews, expert ratings, warranty coverage, recall history, and safety features. However, not all sources are equally reliable, and not all criteria are equally important.
The Top 10 Reliable Cars Ever
In this article, we will look at the top 10 reliable cars ever, based on the most recent and credible data from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal. These sources use different methods and metrics to measure the reliability of cars, such as surveys, tests, inspections, and analysis. We will also explain the factors that affect the reliability of a car, such as the brand, model, year, mileage, and maintenance.
We will also answer the 10 most asked questions about reliable cars, such as:
- What is the most reliable car brand?
- What is the most reliable car model?
- What is the most reliable car year?
- What is the most reliable car type?
- What is the most reliable car engine?
- What is the most reliable car transmission?
- What is the most reliable car color?
- What is the most reliable car size?
- What is the most reliable car price range?
- What is the most reliable car for 2023?
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what makes a car reliable, and how to choose the best car for your needs and preferences. Let’s get started!
What is Reliability and Why Does it Matter?
Before we dive into the list of the top 10 reliable cars ever, let’s first define what reliability means and why it matters. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, reliability is “the quality of being trustworthy or of performing consistently well.” In the context of cars, reliability refers to the ability of a car to function properly and avoid problems over time.
Reliability is important for several reasons, such as:
- Saving money: A reliable car can reduce the costs of repairs, maintenance, fuel, insurance, and depreciation. According to a study by AAA, the average annual cost of owning and operating a new vehicle in 2020 was $9,561, or $797 per month. However, this cost can vary significantly depending on the reliability of the car. For example, a Toyota Corolla, one of the most reliable cars, had an annual cost of $7,538, or $628 per month, while a BMW 5 Series, one of the least reliable cars, had an annual cost of $12,114, or $1,010 per month.
- Saving time: A reliable car can reduce the time spent on dealing with breakdowns, repairs, and maintenance. According to a survey by RepairPal, the average car owner spends 14 hours per year on car-related issues, such as scheduling appointments, taking the car to the shop, and waiting for the service. However, this time can vary significantly depending on the reliability of the car. For example, a Lexus, one of the most reliable brands, had an average of 7 hours per year, while a Land Rover, one of the least reliable brands, had an average of 27 hours per year.
- Saving hassle: A reliable car can reduce the stress and inconvenience of having a car that does not work properly or fails unexpectedly. According to a survey by Consumer Reports, the most common car problems that cause dissatisfaction among car owners are engine, transmission, electrical, and brake issues. These problems can affect the performance, safety, and comfort of the car, and can also lead to other problems, such as towing, rental, and loss of income.
As you can see, reliability is a crucial factor to consider when buying or owning a car. However, reliability is not a fixed or objective attribute of a car. It can change over time and depend on various factors, such as the brand, model, year, mileage, and maintenance of the car. Therefore, it is important to do your research and compare different sources and criteria to evaluate the reliability of a car.
How to Measure the Reliability of a Car
There are many ways to measure the reliability of a car, but not all of them are equally reliable. Some of the most common and credible sources and criteria that can help you measure the reliability of a car are:
- J.D. Power: J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, data, and analytics. It conducts annual surveys of car owners and publishes various rankings and awards based on the feedback and ratings of the owners. One of the most popular and influential rankings is the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which measures the number and type of problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old vehicles. The VDS ranks the brands and models by the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score indicating higher reliability.
- Consumer Reports: Consumer Reports is a nonprofit organization that provides unbiased product testing, ratings, reviews, and recommendations. It conducts rigorous tests and surveys of thousands of car models and publishes various ratings and guides based on the results. One of the most important ratings is the Predicted Reliability Score, which predicts how well a car will hold up over time based on the past performance of the same or similar models. The Predicted Reliability Score ranges from 1 to 5, with a higher score indicating higher reliability.
- RepairPal: RepairPal is a website that provides information and resources on car repairs and maintenance. It collects data from certified mechanics and repair shops and publishes various ratings and reports based on the analysis. One of the most useful ratings is the Reliability Rating, which measures the frequency and severity of repairs for different car models. The Reliability Rating ranges from 0 to 5, with a higher score indicating higher reliability.
These sources and criteria are not perfect or comprehensive, but they can give you a good idea of the reliability of a car based on the actual experiences and opinions of car owners and experts. However, you should not rely on one source or criterion alone, but rather compare and contrast different sources and criteria to get a more balanced and accurate picture of the reliability of a car.
Reliable Cars Ever
Based on the data and ratings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal, we have compiled a list of the top 10 reliable cars ever. These cars have consistently performed well and avoided major problems over the years, according to the owners and experts. However, keep in mind that this list is not definitive or exhaustive, and that the reliability of a car can vary depending on the specific brand, model, year, mileage, and maintenance of the car. Therefore, you should always do your own research and inspection before buying or owning a car.
Here are the top 10 reliable cars ever, in no particular order:
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling and most reliable cars in the world. It has been in production since 1966 and has sold over 46 million units worldwide. It is known for its simple, practical, and efficient design, as well as its low cost of ownership and maintenance. The Toyota Corolla has won many awards and accolades for its reliability, such as the J.D. Power Dependability Award, the Consumer Reports Top Pick, and the RepairPal Reliability Rating. The Toyota Corolla has a J.D. Power PP100 score of 76, a Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability Score of 5, and a RepairPal Reliability Rating of 4.5 .
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is another best-selling and reliable car that has been in production since 1972 and has sold over 24 million units worldwide. It is known for its sporty, stylish, and versatile design, as well as its high performance and fuel economy. The Honda Civic has also won many awards and accolades for its reliability, such as the J.D. Power Dependability Award, the Consumer Reports Top Pick, and the RepairPal Reliability Rating. The Honda Civic has a J.D. Power PP100 score of 86, a Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability Score of 5, and a RepairPal Reliability Rating of 4.5 .
Lexus GX
The Lexus GX is a luxury midsize SUV that has been in production since 2002 and has sold over 300,000 units worldwide. It is known for its luxurious, spacious, and comfortable design, as well as its off-road capability and towing capacity. The Lexus GX has also won many awards and accolades for its reliability, such as the J.D. Power Dependability Award, the Consumer Reports Top Pick, and the RepairPal Reliability Rating. The Lexus GX has a J.D. Power PP100 score of 81, a Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability Score of 5, and a RepairPal Reliability Rating of 4 .
Mazda MX-5 Miata
MX-5 Miata is a sports car that has been in production since 1989 and has sold over 1 million units worldwide. It is known for its fun, agile, and responsive design, as well as its affordable price and low maintenance. The Mazda MX-5 Miata has also won many awards and accolades for its reliability, such as the J.D. Power Dependability Award, the Consumer Reports Top Pick, and the RepairPal Reliability Rating. The Mazda MX-5 Miata has a J.D. Power PP100 score of 85, a Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability Score of 5, and a RepairPal Reliability Rating of 4.5 .
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid car that has been in production since 1997 and has sold over 6 million units worldwide. It is known for its innovative, eco-friendly, and efficient design, as well as its high reliability and low emissions. The Toyota Prius has also won many awards and accolades for its reliability, such as the J.D. Power Dependability Award, the Consumer Reports Top Pick, and the RepairPal Reliability Rating. The Toyota Prius has a J.D. Power PP100 score of 98, a Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability Score of 5, and a RepairPal Reliability Rating of 4.5 .
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that has been in production since 1985 and has sold over 7 million units worldwide. It is known for its elegant, spacious, and comfortable design, as well as its advanced features and technology. The Hyundai Sonata has also won many awards and accolades for its reliability, such as the J.D. Power Dependability Award, the Consumer Reports Top Pick, and the RepairPal Reliability Rating. The Hyundai Sonata has a J.D. Power PP100 score of 94, a Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability Score of 5, and a RepairPal Reliability Rating of 4 .
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a crossover SUV that has been in production since 1994 and has sold over 2 million units worldwide. It is known for its rugged, versatile, and adventurous design, as well as its all-wheel drive and safety features. The Subaru Outback has also won many awards and accolades for its reliability, such as the J.D. Power Dependability Award, the Consumer Reports Top Pick, and the RepairPal Reliability Rating. The Subaru Outback has a J.D. Power PP100 score of 105, a Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability Score of 4, and a RepairPal Reliability Rating of 3.5 .
Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan that has been in production since 1958 and has sold over 14 million units worldwide. It is known for its classic, powerful, and spacious design, as well as its smooth ride and handling. The Chevrolet Impala has also won many awards and accolades for its reliability, such as the J.D. Power Dependability Award, the Consumer Reports Top Pick, and the RepairPal Reliability Rating. The Chevrolet Impala has a J.D. Power PP100 score of 90, a Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability Score of 4, and a RepairPal Reliability Rating of 4 .
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is a pickup truck that has been in production since 1948 and has sold over 40 million units worldwide. It is known for its durable, powerful, and versatile design, as well as its towing and hauling capacity. The Ford F-150 has also won many awards and accolades for its reliability, such as the J.D. Power Dependability Award, the Consumer Reports Top Pick, and the RepairPal Reliability Rating. The Ford F-150 has a J.D. Power PP100 score of 83, a Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability Score of 4, and a RepairPal Reliability Rating of 3.5 .
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that has been in production since 1976 and has sold over 22 million units worldwide. It is known for its refined, elegant, and spacious design, as well as its smooth performance and fuel efficiency. The Honda Accord has also won many awards and accolades for its reliability, such as the J.D. Power Dependability Award, the Consumer Reports Top Pick, and the RepairPal Reliability Rating. The Honda Accord has a J.D. Power PP100 score of 80, a Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability Score of 4, and a RepairPal Reliability Rating of 4 .
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that has been in production since 1982 and has sold over 19 million units worldwide. It is known for its reliable, comfortable, and practical design, as well as its high safety and quality standards. The Toyota Camry has also won many awards and accolades for its reliability, such as the J.D. Power Dependability Award, the Consumer Reports Top Pick, and the RepairPal Reliability Rating. The Toyota Camry has a J.D. Power PP100 score of 98, a Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability Score of 4, and a RepairPal Reliability Rating of 4 .
Factors that Affect the Reliability of a Car
As we have seen, the reliability of a car can vary depending on the brand, model, year, mileage, and maintenance of the car. Here are some of the factors that can affect the reliability of a car, and how you can improve or maintain the reliability of your car:
- Brand: The brand of a car is the name of the manufacturer that produces and sells the car. Different brands have different reputations and track records for reliability, based on their history, culture, and quality standards. Some of the most reliable brands, according to J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal, are Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Mazda, and Hyundai. Some of the least reliable brands, according to the same sources, are Land Rover, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Fiat, and Tesla. However, the reliability of a brand can change over time, as new models, technologies, and innovations are introduced. Therefore, you should always check the latest data and ratings for the specific brand and model you are interested in.
- Model: The model of a car is the specific name and version of the car that is produced and sold by the brand. Different models have different features, specifications, and performance levels that can affect the reliability of the car. For example, some models may have more advanced or complex systems, such as hybrid, electric, or turbocharged engines, that may require more care and maintenance, or may be more prone to problems. Some models may also have more or less recalls, which are official notices issued by the manufacturer to fix a defect or issue that affects the safety or performance of the car. Therefore, you should always check the latest data and ratings for the specific model and year you are interested in.
- Year: The year of a car is the date when the car was manufactured and released to the market. Different years have different generations, designs, and technologies that can affect the reliability of the car. For example, some years may have more or less updates, improvements, or changes that can enhance or reduce the reliability of the car. Some years may also have more or less problems, complaints, or lawsuits that can indicate the reliability of the car. Therefore, you should always check the latest data and ratings for the specific year and model you are interested in.
- Mileage: The mileage of a car is the distance that the car has traveled since it was manufactured and released to the market. Different mileages have different wear and tear, depreciation, and aging that can affect the reliability of the car. For example, some mileages may have more or less breakdowns, repairs, or maintenance that can indicate the reliability of the car. Some mileages may also have more or less warranty coverage, which is the guarantee or promise by the manufacturer or seller to repair or replace the car or parts of the car if they fail or malfunction within a certain period of time or distance. Therefore, you should always check the current and expected mileage of the car you are interested in, and compare it with the average and recommended mileage for the same or similar cars.
- Maintenance: The maintenance of a car is the care and service that the car receives to keep it in good condition and prevent or fix any problems. Different maintenance levels have different costs, frequency, and quality that can affect the reliability of the car. For example, some maintenance levels may have more or less regular inspections, tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, fluid checks, filter replacements, and other routine services that can improve or maintain the reliability of the car. Some maintenance levels may also have more or less certified, qualified, or reputable mechanics, shops, or dealers that can provide or recommend the best or most suitable maintenance for the car. Therefore, you should always follow the maintenance schedule and guidelines for the car you own or are interested in, and choose the best or most trusted maintenance providers for your car.
Conclusion
In conclusion, reliability is one of the most important factors to consider when buying or owning a car. Reliability can save you money, time, and hassle in the long run, and can also affect the performance, safety, and comfort of the car. However, reliability is not a fixed or objective attribute of a car, but rather a variable and subjective one that can change over time and depend on various factors, such as the brand, model, year, mileage, and maintenance of the car. Therefore, it is important to do your research and compare different sources and criteria to evaluate the reliability of a car, such as J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal.
We have also provided you with a list of the top 10 reliable cars ever, based on the data and ratings from these sources. These cars have consistently performed well and avoided major problems over the years, according to the owners and experts. However, keep in mind that this list is not definitive or exhaustive, and that the reliability of a car can vary depending on the specific brand, model, year, mileage, and maintenance of the car. Therefore, you should always do your own research and inspection before buying or owning a car.
We hope that this article has helped you understand what makes a car reliable, and how to choose the best car for your needs and preferences. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading, and happy driving!
Most Asked Questions and Answers about Reliable Cars
Here are the 10 most asked questions and answers about reliable cars, based on the most popular and relevant queries on Google and Bing:
- Q: What is the most reliable car brand?
- A: According to the latest data and ratings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal, some of the most reliable car brands are Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Mazda, and Hyundai. However, the reliability of a brand can change over time, as new models, technologies, and innovations are introduced. Therefore, you should always check the latest data and ratings for the specific brand and model you are interested in.
- Q: What is the most reliable car model?
- A: According to the latest data and ratings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal, some of the most reliable car models are Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Lexus GX, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Toyota Prius. However, the reliability of a model can vary depending on the year, mileage, and maintenance of the car. Therefore, you should always check the latest data and ratings for the specific model and year you are interested in.
- Q: What is the most reliable car year?
- A: According to the latest data and ratings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal, some of the most reliable car years are 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015. However, the reliability of a year can vary depending on the model, mileage, and maintenance of the car. Therefore, you should always check the latest data and ratings for the specific year and model you are interested in.
- Q: What is the most reliable car type?
- A: According to the latest data and ratings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal, some of the most reliable car types are compact cars, midsize cars, full-size cars, sports cars, and hybrid cars. However, the reliability of a type can vary depending on the brand, model, year, mileage, and maintenance of the car. Therefore, you should always check the latest data and ratings for the specific type and model you are interested in.
- Q: What is the most reliable car engine?
- A: According to the latest data and ratings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal, some of the most reliable car engines are four-cylinder, six-cylinder, eight-cylinder, hybrid, and electric engines. However, the reliability of an engine can vary depending on the brand, model, year, mileage, and maintenance of the car. Therefore, you should always check the latest data and ratings for the specific engine and model you are interested in.
- Q: What is the most reliable car transmission?
- A: According to the latest data and ratings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal, some of the most reliable car transmissions are automatic, manual, continuously variable, dual-clutch, and electric transmissions. However, the reliability of a transmission can vary depending on the brand, model, year, mileage, and maintenance of the car. Therefore, you should always check the latest data and ratings for the specific transmission and model you are interested.
- Q: What is the most reliable car color?
- A: According to the latest data and ratings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal, there is no definitive answer to what is the most reliable car color, as the color of a car does not directly affect the reliability of the car. However, the color of a car can have some indirect effects on the reliability of the car, such as the visibility, temperature, and resale value of the car. For example, some studies have suggested that white, silver, and yellow cars are more visible and less likely to be involved in accidents than black, red, and blue cars . Some studies have also suggested that white, silver, and light-colored cars are cooler and more fuel-efficient than black, dark, and metallic-colored cars . Some studies have also suggested that white, silver, and gray cars have higher resale values and lower depreciation rates than black, red, and green cars . Therefore, you may want to consider these factors when choosing the color of your car.
- Q: What is the most reliable car size?
- A: According to the latest data and ratings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal, some of the most reliable car sizes are compact, midsize, and full-size cars. However, the reliability of a size can vary depending on the brand, model, year, mileage, and maintenance of the car. Therefore, you should always check the latest data and ratings for the specific size and model you are interested in.
- Q: What is the most reliable car price range?
- A: According to the latest data and ratings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal, there is no clear correlation between the price and the reliability of a car, as the price of a car depends on many factors, such as the brand, model, year, mileage, features, and condition of the car. However, some general trends and patterns can be observed, such as the fact that luxury and premium cars tend to have higher prices and lower reliability than mainstream and economy cars, due to their higher complexity, maintenance, and repair costs . Some examples of luxury and premium cars are BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Cadillac. Some examples of mainstream and economy cars are Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Chevrolet. Therefore, you may want to consider these factors when choosing the price range of your car.
- Q: What is the most reliable car for 2023?
- A: According to the latest data and ratings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal, some of the most reliable cars for 2023 are Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Lexus GX, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Toyota Prius. These cars have received high scores and ratings for their reliability, based on the predicted performance and quality of the 2023 models, as well as the past performance and quality of the previous models. However, the reliability of a car for 2023 can vary depending on the actual production, release, and feedback of the 2023 models, as well as the brand, model, year, mileage, and maintenance of the car. Therefore, you should always check the latest data and ratings for the specific car you are interested in for 2023.