The 5 Most Reliable Cars on the Market
Investing in a reliable car is a wise financial choice with benefits that extend far beyond the initial purchase. A reliable vehicle transports you from one place to another and maintains its value over time. When you sell or trade in your car, you’ll appreciate choosing a model renowned for its reliability and durability. In this article, we will go over the five most reliable cars on the market.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has a well-deserved reputation for reliability, often leading its category in endurance and dependability. Its solid engineering includes a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine designed to easily surpass 150,000 miles without significant problems and a sound transmission for around 100,000 miles. Its robust suspension system is another plus, helping the car hold up under the daily grind.
When it comes to upkeep, the Corolla is kind to your wallet. Expect to spend about $400 yearly on maintenance, which is quite reasonable compared to its peers. Sticking to a regular service schedule—like oil changes, tune-ups, and checking crucial parts such as air filters, spark plugs, tires, and brakes—will ensure the car remains in top shape for many years. Thanks to its high-strength steel frame, many Corollas are still on the road after hitting the 300,000-mile mark, provided they’re well looked after.
The Corolla doesn’t skimp on safety and tech, either. Features like vehicle stability control, tire pressure monitoring, pre-collision systems, and cutting-edge infotainment enhance safety and the driving experience. That said, it’s wise to do some homework on different model years; for example, the 2009 and 2014 models have complained about oil consumption and transmission issues.
Toyota Camry
We’ve got another Toyota on our list, which probably doesn’t come as a shock because they’re known for crafting vehicles that last. The Toyota Camry, in particular, has built a solid reputation for reliability. It’s known for its rugged build, excellent engineering, and consistently high satisfaction among owners. The Camry has been a standout in reliability rankings, with organizations like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power often giving it a perfect score of five out of five, especially for models produced since 2000. Toyota’s dedication to making the Camry durable with few maintenance headaches is paying off.
Many Camry drivers have seen their odometers hit and exceed 100,000 miles, with a good number cruising past 300,000 miles, given proper care. RepairPal rates the Camry at 4.0 out of 5.0 for reliability, making it third out of 24 midsize sedans. This rating reflects its lower repair costs, infrequent unscheduled repairs, and the less severe nature of those repairs when they happen.
That said, the Camry isn’t without its faults. Some years, like the 2007 to 2010 and 2018 models, saw engine issues. Other common complaints include transmission hesitation and oxygen sensor failures, usually after the 100,000-mile milestone.
Yet, the Camry remains a strong contender for anyone searching for a dependable midsize sedan. It offers comfort, fuel efficiency, and lasting performance, all with relatively low ownership costs. While it’s wise to look into the track record of specific models and check out their individual histories, the Camry generally showcases Toyota’s commitment to producing quality, long-lasting vehicles in the fiercely competitive midsize sedan arena.
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES has been crafted with an eye for perfection, featuring top-notch production methods and thorough quality checks to make sure it’s built to stand the test of time. It’s not just about the solid build; the materials and components used are of premium quality, which plays a big part in the car’s lasting reliability.
Peeking under the hood, you’ll find a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine known for its steadfast reliability and endurance in both Lexus and Toyota models. This engine works harmoniously with a silky 8-speed automatic transmission, making the ES’s performance smooth and reliable.
Regarding peace of mind, Lexus has covered you with generous maintenance and warranty options for the ES. There’s a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, ensuring that if anything goes wrong, Lexus dealers will have it sorted out quickly and efficiently.
Feedback from Lexus ES owners is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the vehicle’s reliability and longevity. Many owners have clocked more than 200,000 miles on their ES models, needing only standard maintenance to keep them running smoothly. This level of durability speaks to the Lexus ES’s exceptional build quality.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has built a solid reputation for being a dependable car, and much of that can be traced back to the high-grade parts Honda, a Japanese car maker, uses. Unlike other brands that pack their vehicles with many parts, Honda opts for fewer but more robust components. This choice doesn’t just boost the car’s reliability; it also simplifies repairs and maintenance. Honda takes its engineering seriously, putting cars through rigorous design, production, and testing stages to ensure they’re up to par before hitting the showroom floor.
Repair costs for the Honda Accord are on the lower side, about $428 annually on average. This affordability encourages owners to keep their cars in tip-top shape. Certain years, like the 2006, 2007, 2011, and 2012 models, stand out as trouble-free, attracting fewer complaints from drivers.
That’s not to say the Accord has been perfect across all its generations. Issues like faulty ignition switches, transmission glitches, oil guzzling, and airbag snafus have plagued some. These problems have occasionally resulted in recalls and legal actions. However, starting in 2015, the Accord has turned a corner, receiving high marks for its dependability and overall performance.
People who have bought the 2020 model often rave about how roomy and smooth it is to drive. It also comes with modern safety perks, such as braking assistance and warnings if you’re drifting out of your lane. These features and the car’s fuel efficiency and solid performance bolster its status as a reliable and valuable pick, especially in the secondhand market.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
In 2018, Consumer Reports highlighted the Mazda MX-5 Miata as the most reliable sports car on the market. This wasn’t a small-scale study; it was a massive survey that looked at more than 500,000 vehicles, examining 17 different trouble spots like transmissions and brakes. Miata’s top ranking really speaks to its solid reputation for being dependable and well-crafted.
People who own a Mazda MX-5 Miata generally love their car. This isn’t just about numbers or scores; it’s about how the car feels to drive and live with every day. Even though some model years had variable reliability ratings, overall owner satisfaction remained high. Miata owners value their cars’ performance and driving dynamics.
One of the key reasons the MX-5 Miata has been so reliable is its design. It’s not about packing in the most horsepower or breaking speed records; the Miata is all about the joy of driving. It’s light and uncomplicated, which not only makes it fun but also means it’s less likely to run into problems. Plus, when it does need a tune-up or repair, the simplicity helps keep costs down.
Durability is another hallmark of the MX-5 Miata. Many owners keep their cars for a long time, and the vehicle’s affordability adds to its appeal. It’s a sports car that doesn’t break the bank, attracting a broad spectrum of enthusiasts who crave that exhilarating driving experience without a hefty price tag.
With each new model, the MX-5 Miata has only gotten better. Recent versions have made leaps in terms of power, safety features, fuel efficiency, handling, luxury, and comfort. All these improvements have only strengthened its position in the market, making the Mazda MX-5 Miata a favorite among those who prioritize reliability and love the thrill of the drive.
Choosing a car with an excellent reliability track record is a smart move, whether brand new or previously owned. These cars get you where you need to go with fewer headaches and tend to keep their value better over the years. It’s all about getting the most out of your money and ensuring you have a dependable ride for the long haul.
Image Credits: DepositPhotos
