Some say cars aren't as reliable as they used to be. While it is true that modern vehicles enjoy a shorter life cycle than some cars built from the 1970s to the 1990s, some of the automobiles that are available right now, new or used, are reliable enough to be driven for at least a decade and up to 500,000 miles, with the average falling somewhere between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. When these cars do break down, many of them don't have major issues, and most of the problems are relatively easy to repair.

To be honest, you cannot ever expect a car to drive for 100,000 miles or more without having to put some money into it. Hopefully, if you take care of it properly and keep up with the routine maintenance tasks when things do go out, they will either be minor or they will be things that you were already aware of because you noticed it when you were checking things over. Either way, saving money and avoiding being stranded on the side of the road somewhere is what it is all about.

It can definitely be said that there are some cars throughout the history of the industry that have been more reliable than the others. Maybe it is because of the way they were engineered or the parts used when assembled. Still, the fact is that if you want a car that is good on reliability and light on the wallet, you will want to stick with one of the following 15 most reliable cars, which we compiled with examples from the 1990s to the 2010s and even a few from 2020.

Much of the reliability information has been checked through the Consumer Reports website, but J.D. Power, RepairPal, Edmunds, Carsurvey, and CarEdge were also used to determine the most reliable cars ever made.

Updated August 30, 2023: Since this article has been published, a few changes have been made to the most reliable cars on the market, especially with the newer models. Instead of creating an entirely different post, it was decided that refreshing and updating this article was a much better option, so here we go!

RELATED: Top 10 Brands Of The 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study

1 1990 Honda Civic

A parked 1990 Honda Civic CRX
Mecum

The Honda Civic is one of the most reliable car nameplates. For 1990, there was only a minor refresh, including a new front bumper, more modern-styled taillights, thinner molding on the sides, and a new gauge cluster. An automatic seat belt system was also installed in some models, mainly the sedans and wagons, while the hatchback continued to be built with old-school style belts that had to be manually locked into place. Sold in hatchback, sedan, and coupe body styles, fourth-gen Civics are still present on the road, and many of them have hit the 300,000-mile mark without major repairs. Honda's four-cylinder engines are reliable, efficient, and can return more than 50 mpg on the highway.

1990 Honda Civic Reliability Based On Owner Feedback

This Civic is among the most reliable used cars you can buy today. On RepairPal.com, 4 out of 6 people who posted a review stated that their Honda Civic was a great, reliable car, only needing basic repairs after being driven. Three of the four noted that their cars were over 100,000 miles and still going strong, with two reaching almost 300,000 miles (probably over that by now.) Owners have even compared their 1990 Civic with the Energizer Bunny, saying it just keeps going, and going, and going, and…… The 1990 Honda Civic gets 4 out of 5 stars in reliability.

  • Problems Owners Reported: Excessive rust on the chassis and some electrical problems
  • Highest Mileage Reported On Edmunds: 300,000 miles

2 1995 Mercedes-Benz W124

A parked 1995 Mercedes-Benz W124
Ekstarr via Wikimedia Commons

Modern Mercedes-Benz cars may be luxurious and packed with loads of tech, but they're not the most reliable. They used to make tough cars that you could drive for at least 500,000 miles with only minor mechanical issues. The W124 that followed in 1985 and remained in production until 1995 was very similar in terms of dependability. The cars fitted with the turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engines were particularly popular, and these engines proved to be one of the toughest from Mercedes-Benz. Many of these Mercedes are still around and reliable, even if they've already clocked 300,000 miles.

1995 Mercedes-Benz W124 Reliability Rating Based On Owner Feedback

The car will "take you to the moon and back," as one owner states. According to some reviews, the car looks and drives great, with only a few minor issues that routine maintenance would have fixed. A common problem that can come up when working on a 1995 W124 is having to replace the wiring loom. Random amounts of people have had issues with the cooling system as well, and not just one part of it. It seems like if one part of the system goes, such as the thermostat, you can bet that other areas will need to be repaired as well, such as a fluid flush and hose replacements. The 1995 Mercedes-Benz W124 received a 10 out of 10 as a high rating and an 8 out of 10 as a low by consumers on the CarSurvey.org site.

  • Problems Owners Reported: Squeeking in the rear and in the windows, wiring harness issues, light bulbs need to be replaced often, cooling system issues
  • Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 190,000 miles

3 1997 Volvo 900 Series

A parked 1997 Volvo 960 Wagon
Bring a Trailer

The 900 series arrived in 1990 as a replacement for the 700. It was almost as boxy, but some styling features were streamlined. Volvo also introduced new four-cylinder engines, including a turbocharged 2.3-liter and innovative safety features. All the models in 1997 that were sent to US markets were shipped with an electronically controlled Aisin automatic transmission, while the ones designed for European buyers were also available with a manual transmission. Much like most rear-wheel drive Volvos, the 900 series is known for being highly reliable and for running for years and years without major issues. The 900 series lived on until 1998, when it was replaced with S80.

1997 Volvo 900 Series Reliability Based On Owner Feedback

Out of 33 reviews on Edmunds.com, the 1997 Volvo 960 Wagon received a 4.4 out of 5 stars in reliability. Some of what they said is that they have not had any major problems that they have had to deal with because they make sure all the routine maintenance is completed. Which, some claim, is the key to keeping the car running for well over 200,000 miles. Common problems repeated by numerous owners are issues with the sunroof leaking or not closing correctly, brake pads wearing out way too often, the trunk lid allowing water to leak in, and problems with power features such as the power locks and seats.

  • Problems Owners Reported: Sunroof and trunk leaks, frequent brake pad replacement, power seat issues, and some fluid leaks
  • Highest Mileage Reported On Edmunds: 330,000 miles

RELATED: The Most Reliable Domestic Automaker In 2023 According To Consumer Reports

4 2007 Honda Accord

Silver 2007 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord was included by Kiplinger on its list of "Cars that Refuse to Die," noting that the fact that Honda "puts its engines and engineering first" is an important part of the car's solid reliability. Consumer Reports also had good things to say about this generation of the Accord, including that owners don't have many problems with these cars. When it comes to the best-used vehicles on the market, you can't go wrong with an Accord built in the 2000s. The 2007 Honda Accord is available as a coupe or sedan and can be powered by a four or six-cylinder engine. Plus, a Hybrid model is available that is matched with a V-6 gasoline engine, making it the most powerful combination in the lineup for the year.

2007 Honda Accord Reliability Rating Based on Owner Feedback

New and long-time owners love their 2007 Honda Accord. They state that it runs and drives without any significant issues, and for an ICE, it gets excellent fuel mileage. One owner says that it is the type of car that once you get it, you will never let go. Of course, with all the good, you can always find some bad. The most negative aspect of this car, if you go with something that is repeated, is the comfort of the seats. Many owners state that the ride is uncomfortable and can be a little rough on the behind. The 2007 Honda Accord gets a reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Edmunds.

  • Problems Owners Reported: The back brakes can have an issue that Honda is aware of, Hybrid version has some kinks to work out
  • Highest Mileage Reported on Edmunds: 206,000 miles

5 2007 Toyota Corolla

A parked 2007 Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling nameplates in the world. And that's not just because Toyota is a global brand and the Corolla is an affordable car. It also gained a reputation for dependability and good quality, beginning in the 1990s. In the 2000s, the Corolla peaked, hitting all reliability tests and lists with a hammer to rise above other popular and sometimes more expensive nameplates. The drivers at Consumer Reports mainly had good things to say about the 2007 Toyota Corolla, except for some longer-legged drivers stating that the legroom was a little smaller than they would have liked to see.

2007 Corolla Reliability Rating Based on Owner Feedback

The owner feedback that you can find on Edmunds about the 2007 Toyota Corolla is, for the most part, very good, but the ones found on the back end are a little bit discouraging. They tell tales of computers going out numerous times with the cost of thousands of dollars to replace each time. It seems like the computer board going out can be a common occurrence after 150,000 miles or so, but be careful where you take your Toyota to get fixed because most of the owner's complaints seem to revolve around the service of the Toyota shops, not the Toyota themselves.

  • Problems Owners Reported: Premature brake wear, electrical problems, exhaust issues, and engine cooling problems
  • Highest Mileage Reported on CarSurvey: 216,000 miles

6 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

A parked 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
IFCAR via Wikimedia Commons

Unlike the Corolla, the Lancer took advantage of Mitsubishi's success in the World Rally Championship to boost sales, but the standard Lancer was a pretty simple car. Introduced in 2000, the sixth-generation Lancer was built in North America with a 2.0-liter engine and became a popular choice in the affordable sedan market. The Lancer also proved highly reliable, with good ratings from prominent publications. It also topped Warranty Direct's Reliability Index for many years. The legacy continued after Mitsubishi redesigned the Lancer in 2007.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Reliability Rating Based On Owner Feedback

The owners posting on Edmunds.com gave the car a 4.5 out of 5 stars, stating that even though it was a little underpowered, it is a fun and dependable car. You need to remember that when you buy a car for fuel economy, it will usually not be designed to give high-performance power. According to numerous postings, it is a car that is one of the best-kept secrets because it can be picked up for little cost. It will run for many years to come if you keep up with the essential maintenance.

  • Problems Owners Reported: The fuel mileage is not the best, cheap interior plastics, paint chips and falls off, and excessively noisy engine components
  • Highest Mileage Reported On Edmunds: 167,000 miles

RELATED: 15 Most Reliable Pickup Trucks

7 2013 Toyota 4Runner

A parked 2013 Toyota 4Runner

The 2013 4Runner is not known for its on-pavement prowess, but once you get offroad, it starts to shine. In the early 2000s and the 2010s, the SUVs were not as multifunctional as they are now, so the 4Runner being designed more for one task than the other was not a deal breaker for consumers. It has excellent power for offroad needs, decent fuel economy, and was built for the rugged outdoors. To help protect the undercarriage and all the vulnerable components underneath, the 2012 Toyota 4runner has well-placed skid plates standard on every model, suitable for protecting the SUV on and off the beaten path.

2013 4Runner Reliability Rating Based on Owner Feedback

Actual owners of this SUV do not have many nice things to say about the critics who claim to be experts in reviewing cars because, without actually living with a 2013 4Runner, they have no idea what they are talking about. That is what owners say, anyway. According to the ones that matter, the 4Runner is second to known because it is an SUV that is as tough as a truck, as sure-footed as a mountain goat, and can go anywhere you need. Basically, if the Toyota cannot get you there, it is not a place you belong going to.

  • Problems Owners Reported: Paint and trim peeling off, brakes wearing prematurely, engine mount noises, and electrical system malfunctions
  • Highest Mileage Reported on Edmunds: 186,411 miles

8 2015 Toyota Camry

A parked 2015 Toyota Camry

The Camry has been America's best-selling sedan for almost every year since 1997. This isn't because it's just an affordable mid-size sedan with generous room for passengers and luggage and a decent-quality interior. The Camry is also recognized as one of the most reliable cars out there. The Japanese sedan was at the top of Consumer Reports reliability rating for every year starting in 2002 and won a dependability award from J.D. Power for three years during the last decade and can easily last you more than 250,000 miles.

2015 Camry Reliability Rating Based on Owner Feedback

Current and past owners of the 2015 Toyota Camry, for the most part, state that the Toyota Camry is an all-around reliable car, and that it follows right along with the reputation that Toyota has worked so hard to achieve. A few common complaints people have had are not really reliability issues but more about comfort and enjoyment. As with so many other Toyotas, some owners claim that the seats are far from comfortable, and others have had some serious to moderate issues with the stereo systems.

  • Problems Owners Reported: Stereo and speaker failure, battery failure if car left unused for any length of time, navigation system failure, and excessive body roll
  • Highest Mileage Reported on Edmunds: 83,000 miles

9 2015 Lexus ES

A parked 2015 Lexus ES

The Lexus ES is based on the Toyota Camry, so it's not surprising that this sedan made the list. A more luxurious alternative to the Camry, the ES features a fancier, sportier exterior, a revised interior with extra features, fine materials, and more powerful engine choices. The thing to remember when buying the 2015 Lexus ES is that even though it may look sporty and it may appeal to your performance-minded inner child, the ES is not designed to be a sports car. It is actually intended to give you a ride like no other. A ride that is comfortable, enjoyable, and worth the effort it takes to go from point A to point B. The ES was also awarded the highest reliability rating for compact premium cars by J.D. Power for every model year from 2012 to 2019.

2015 Lexus ES Reliability Rating Based on Owner Feedback

From all the owner reviews and complaints, there are not many online that seem to point toward the 2015 Lexus ES as being an unreliable car. In fact, if you take what they have to say and remove some of the best and some of the worst, and focus on the reviews in the middle (like you should always do to avoid the paid reviewers and the unhappy people trying to cause problems), you will see that owners are content with their cars. The one thing to be aware of with the ES is to pay to listen and feel for a rumble when in gear. It is a problem that is apparently hard to find, but start checking the motor mounts first.

  • Problems Owners Reported: Vibration when putting the car into drive or reverse, hesitating on acceleration, and bugs in the radar cruise control system
  • Highest Mileage Reported on CarSurvey: 175,000 miles

RELATED: 10 Reliable Used SUVs That Will Last You A Lifetime

10 2017 Toyota RAV4

A parked 2017 Toyota RAV4

A competitor for the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV-4, is another Japanese vehicle that stands out in reliability tests. While it might not be the best in its class in terms of power and quality, the RAV4 soldiers on with excellent reviews on dependability for almost a decade now. For 2018 and 2019, the RAV4 scored "Great" reliability ratings with J.D. Power, with more than 80 points out of 100 in both cases. What makes it great for 2017 is that the company added Toyota Safety Sense to the Rav4, which includes such safety technology as a rearview camera, lane departure warning, lane departure assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

2017 Toyota RAV4 Reliability Rating Based on Owner Feedback

As with so many other vehicles on this list, the Rav4 seems to be a very reliable vehicle. It is an SUV that has a favorable section of reviews, but as with all makes and models, it does have some negative points made against it. Those points are once again pointing more towards things that are cosmetic and nuisances, such as uncomfortable seats and dashboard lights that are not bright enough to see when you are wearing sunglasses. Again, they are things that could become a safety issue, but they are not generally in the same category as a reliability problem.

  • Problems Owners Reported: IIHS-rated headlights are inadequate (replace them immediately), the pre-collision system not working correctly, the GPS system freezes up, and the e-brake stops working correctly
  • Highest Mileage Reported on Edmunds: 65,000 miles

11 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata

A cruising 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The 2021 Mazda Miata is a sports car in every sense of the word. It offers a stiff ride that is not the best choice for a daily driver, but few cars can compare when cruising on the open road through a windy canyon. The clutch is easy to use, the engine responds quickly and accelerates fast, and the handling is superb. The one problem you will find with the MX-5 is that the two seats in front are small, so if you are bigger than average, this may be a car to avoid.

2021 Mazda MX-5 Reliability Rating Based on Owner Feedback

One of the reviews that really jumps out at you when reading through them states, "it is the first car that I have ever owned that I truly enjoy driving." Now, that obviously has nothing to do with reliability, but it does go to show you just how impressive the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata really is. As for finding any dependability issues, so far, the 2021 model seems to have no flaws other than minor ones that are sporadic at best.

  • Problems Owners Reported: Clutch failure, and speakers stopped working
  • Highest Mileage Reported on Edmunds: none listed

12 2021 Hyundai Kona

A moving 2021 Hyundai Kona

The 2021 Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that offers a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder with plenty of power for most instances but is offered with a base-level 2.0L engine. It is an affordable choice for the segment compared to rivals such as the Subaru Crosstrek. It has a natural step in height, so it is easy to climb into, and even though you can take the Kona offroad, it is not primarily designed for anything other than urban jungles and highways.

2021 Hyundai Kona Reliability Rating Based on Owner Feedback

A common, recurring problem for a few owners is engine failure shortly after buying the car. Since this type of issue will always be covered under the warranty, it will not be held against the Kona for the sake of this list. You need to be aware of and keep an eye out for issues with the transmission shifting at lower speeds. When going up hills at speeds less than ten miles an hour, the transmission clutch and gears will overheat and fail if you do not pull over and let it cool down.

  • Problems Owners Reported: Engine failure, transmission slippage, cruise control not holding speed, and GPS system failures
  • Highest Mileage Reported on Edmunds: 6,500 miles

RELATED: 10 Most Reliable SUVs According To Consumer Reports

13 2022 Toyota Prius

Silver 2022 Toyota Prius

When the Toyota Prius came onto the market as a hybrid, it received a bad reputation from more than a few simply because it was When the Toyota Prius came onto the market as a hybrid, it received a bad reputation from more than a few simply because it was misunderstood. Granted, when problems came up, the cost to repair them was a little more than expected, such as when a battery cell needed to be replaced. However, that is not surprising with any new technology. Today, the technology has caught up with the times, and things are leveled out, making the Prius, along with its loyal fan base, one of the most reliable hybrid models on the market.

2022 Toyota Prius Reliability Rating Based on Owner Feedback

It is so hard to find anything bad about the newer Toyota Prius that it is almost not worth the time looking. Granted, you can find those people here and there who were not satisfied with their purchase, but most of the time, it was not for any reliability issues. Owners love their Prius, and they continue to upgrade and buy them when it is time to trade in the old model. It is modern, so some buyers stuck in the past may not be happy with it, but otherwise, reliability is second to none.

  • Problems Owners Reported: Loss of power (which is a current recall due to a software issue)
  • Highest Mileage Reported on CarSurvey: 89,478 miles

14 2021 Lexus GX

An offroading 2021 Lexus GX

The Lexus GX is another SUV that is luxurious on the inside but aggressive and built to offroad on the outside. That is not to say that the GX cannot be comfortably used as a daily driver because it can. Like every other Lexus on the road, it has all the luxury in the cab you could ever want, but since the SUV is designed on a truck chassis, it can run with the big dogs when it is taken off the beaten path.

2021 Lexus GX Reliability Rating Based on Owner Feedback

Here you are reading about another Lexus, and once again, you will see that the newer the vehicle is, the more reliable it seems to be. Thankfully, you can look at Consumer Reports to give an accurate judgment of how reliable the vehicle will be over the next few years since the only problems logged by real people deal with cosmetic issues, such as paint and trim peeling and coming off. Consumer Reports, by the way, gave the 2021 Lexus GX a five out of five predicted reliability rating, which is as good as it gets.

  • Problems Owners Reported: Paint, trim, and body hardware
  • Highest Mileage Reported on Edmunds: 50,000 miles

15 2022 Mazda CX-9

2022 Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 may look like an average SUV, but once you get behind the wheel, that thought goes out the window because it is more like driving a luxury German SUV. It handles very well on the straight highways between towns and the curved and windy trails that serve as shortcuts that only the locals know about. The CX-9 only comes with a 2.5L four-cylinder under the hood, but it gets the job done.

2022 Mazda CX-9 Reliability Rating Based on Owner Feedback

So, the 2022 Mazda CX-9 is a great, extremely reliable SUV that might burn a little more oil than you are used to, but it is a turbo engine, so that can kind of be expected. The thing is, though, if you dig a little deeper, you will find many people saying that the engine gives out around 100,000 miles. So, this is a great vehicle if you plan to use it and trade it in at about 75,000 miles, like many people do. Otherwise, be prepared to pay for a hefty maintenance cost just in case the engine does give out on you.

  • Problems Owners Reported: In-car electronics malfunction, such as the safety features and the stereo system, engine problems starting around 80,000 miles, and burns oil
  • Highest Mileage Reported on CarSurvey: 105,000 miles