At some point, your car is going to break down or require maintenance of some sort (or at the very minimum one of your tires will likely spring a leak). It’s never convenient when it happens, and it takes time away from you doing the things you either want or need to do. The mix and match of cars, trucks, and SUVs below are solid vehicles that stand the test of time for as long as possible. To clarify: reliable in this case means the cars require little maintenance to keep going, and have few problems with parts as time goes on. In addition, there is no one car that is any more reliable than any other so this is more of the ‘best-of-the-best’ than a clear winner. With that in mind, let’s dive (or drive) right in!
Toyota Corolla (1966-present)
Credit: Toyota
The most popular car in the world with over 40 million cars sold to date, the Corolla is a car that just keeps going. With many different designs over the years, but always with great fuel economy, safety, and competitive prices in mind, you can be assured this car is going to last you a long time.
Honda CR-V (1995-Present)
Credit: Honda
A popular SUV choice for people on a budget and small families, selling over 340 000 in the United States alone in 2015, this is a great vehicle for longevity. An incredibly versatile model, the CR-V is currently a staple of Honda’s line of things on wheels, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon (unless you’re driving it somewhere of course).
Honda Accord (1976-Present)
Credit: Honda
Another Honda, the Accord continues to be a reliable car to get around in today with many improvements continuing to be made to current and upcoming models. While many people know the car today for its sedan model, the car was made initially in 1976 as a compact hatchback. Thank goodness they got away from that or else we wouldn’t have the dependable model we know and love today.
Subaru Forester (1997-Present)
Credit: Subaru
The first subaru on the list, the Forester is an excellent lightweight crossover SUV. It’s also known globally for its emphasis on safety. In fact, 98% of the Subaru Forester models sold in the last 10 years are still on the roads today. With dependability like that you know you’re making a good choice purchasing one of these.
Toyota Rav4 (1994-Present)
Credit: Toyota
Oh snap! Toyota still isn’t done making reliable vehicles. The Rav4, a compact crossover SUV, still retains all the benefits of Toyota like the great fuel economy and safety features. In fact the 2017 model received a five-star crash safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Another great family car, buy yours today and watch as it lasts long enough to be a part of the family photo album.
Toyota Prius (1997-Present)
Credit: Toyota
Ah yes, the prius, the car that everyone loves to joke about. While it’s certainly no longer the outright best choice for a hybrid, it’s still one of the most popular choices for a hybrid to this day, and in many ways was one of the first cars to popularize the “green car” movement. But this list is about being reliable, so is it? Absolutely, with some of the best fuel economy ratings on this list. Parts wear down less too due to the electric components of the car. So stand proud if you bought one (or are going to buy one), you’re not only saving money, you’re helping save the environment.
Lexus IS300 (1998-Present)
Credit: Lexus
While the IS line for Lexus is still going to this date, some of the most reliable models of this car are the ones that came out in the very early 2000s. With a Toyota drivetrain and reasonably lightweight, this car might not initially stand out. However, when you take a closer look, you realize how easily (and cheaply) you can replace parts on this car, including the electronic parts (many of which can be purchased off ebay). Plus, being a sport model you can still have all the fun of a regular car with excellent economical pricing.
Toyota Sienna (1998-Present)
Credit: Toyota
The direct competitor to the Honda Odyssey, but more reliable, the first minivan on the list is the Sienna (are you really that surprised it’s another Toyota?). With seating up to eight, but consistent fuel economy, the Sienna is a fantastic choice for those who want to get to those soccer events on time without having to worry about their vehicle breaking down on the way to the big game.
Toyota Yaris (1999-Present)
Credit: Toyota
If you don’t count the Prius as a hatchback, this is the first one on the list! Once again (surprise, surprise) Toyota makes a great model. If you’re looking for something more compact this should be one of your main considerations.
Honda Civic (The Beginning Of The Universe-Present)
Credit: Toyota
You didn’t think we could make a list of reliable cars without mentioning the Civic did you? Almost synonymous with the idea of a basic “good” car. Considering their popularity you’ve probably owned one of these yourself at some point, and with good reason. The Civic is known for being one of the best buys for price, and with great fuel economy, safety ratings, and numerous awards, you can’t go wrong purchasing one.
With new improvements year after year, this list is by no means definitive, but it can give you a good idea of what models are good ones to consider. In truth, most cars can be reliable as long as you keep them well-maintained and looked after. That being said, we like to think our list is made up of some “wheely” good cars, so don’t get detoured, and consider all your options before you make a “clutch” decision.