When it comes to purchasing a car, one of the key factors that many people consider is reliability. After all, nobody wants to spend their hard-earned money on a vehicle that constantly breaks down and requires costly repairs. However, with so many different car brands on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones are the most reliable.
In this article, we will explore some of the most reliable car brands available today, based on various sources of data and consumer reviews.
Methodology for Determining Reliability
Before diving into the specific car brands, it’s worth discussing how reliability is typically determined. There are a few different methods that researchers and organizations use to assess the reliability of vehicles:
1.Consumer Reports
This nonprofit organization has been publishing ratings and reviews of products for more than 80 years. They survey their members about the cars they own and drive, asking questions about their experiences with things like reliability, safety, and satisfaction. They then compile this data into various reports, including a yearly list of the most reliable car brands.
2.J.D. Power
This marketing research firm conducts surveys of vehicle owners each year, asking them about their experiences with their cars over the past 12 months. They use this data to create rankings of vehicle dependability, as well as customer satisfaction.
3.U.S. News & World Report
This media company publishes rankings and reviews of everything from colleges to hospitals to cars. Their car rankings take into account a variety of factors, including reliability, safety, performance, and interior quality.
4.Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
This independent organization conducts crash tests and evaluates vehicle safety features. Their ratings aren’t specifically focused on reliability, but a car that performs well in their tests is likely to be well-built and dependable.
Most Reliable Car Brands
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most reliable car brands based on these methodologies.
Toyota
No list of reliable car brands would be complete without Toyota. This Japanese automaker consistently ranks high in surveys by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, thanks to its reputation for building well-made, long-lasting vehicles. In fact, Toyota has been the top-rated brand in Consumer Reports’ reliability rankings for several years running. Some of their most reliable models include the Camry, Corolla, and RAV4.
Lexus
Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus, is also known for its reliability. According to J.D. Power, Lexus is the most dependable luxury brand, and Consumer Reports ranks it as one of the most reliable overall. In addition to dependability, Lexus vehicles are known for their smooth, quiet ride and luxurious interiors.
Honda
Another Japanese automaker that consistently scores well in reliability surveys is Honda. They make a variety of vehicles, from the popular Civic and Accord sedans to the CR-V and Pilot SUVs. According to Consumer Reports, the Honda Fit, HR-V, and Ridgeline are some of their most reliable models.
Subaru
Subaru may not be as well-known as some of the other brands on this list, but they’ve built a loyal following thanks to their dependability and all-wheel drive capabilities. According to J.D. Power, Subaru is the most dependable mainstream brand (not including luxury automakers). Their most reliable models include the Impreza, Legacy, and Outback.
Mazda
Mazda has been making a name for itself in recent years thanks to its stylish designs and fun-to-drive cars. But according to U.S. News & World Report, they’re also one of the most reliable car brands out there. Their most reliable models include the Mazda3, Mazda6, and CX-5.
Other Reliable Brands
While the above brands tend to score highest in reliability surveys, there are plenty of other car brands that are also known for building dependable vehicles. These include:
- Hyundai: This South Korean automaker has been steadily improving its reputation for quality in recent years. According to J.D. Power, the Hyundai Tucson and Sonata are some of their most dependable models.
- Kia: Like its sister company Hyundai, Kia has been working hard to improve its reliability ratings. The Kia Sportage and Sorento SUVs are two of their most dependable models.
- Ford: While domestic automakers haven’t always had the best reputation for reliability, Ford has been making strides in recent years. According to J.D. Power, the Ford Expedition and Mustang are two of their most dependable models.
- Chevrolet: Another American automaker that’s been working on improving its reliability ratings is Chevrolet. The Equinox and Traverse SUVs are some of their most reliable vehicles, according to J.D. Power.
- Nissan: While Nissan has had some reliability issues in the past, they’ve been improving in recent years. According to Consumer Reports, the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle is one of their most reliable models.
