When purchasing a car, many consumers prioritize reliability above other factors such as affordability, safety, and fuel efficiency. This is because nobody wants to be saddled with a vehicle that frequently breaks down or requires costly repairs. Cox Automotive and KBB’s survey revealed that the majority of car shoppers share this sentiment. However, the amount of options in the market right now is just overwhelming. It can become really hard for you to actually find out the most reliable car brands you should consider and which ones to avoid.
That’s why we turned to some of the most credible companies like Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, etc, which investigate reliable models, obtain genuine owner feedback, and leverage repair data to establish their own reliability scores. We analyzed reports from all these top companies to inform you of the most reliable car brands in 2024. However, it is worth noting that they all employ slightly different methods to produce their results.
From Japanese stalwarts like Mazda, Toyota and Honda, to luxury car brands like BMW, these car brands have been consistently building dependable vehicles that withstand long-term ownership. Hence, without further delay, here are the top 10 car brands that offer the most reliable cars.
Lexus
For more than thirty years, Toyota’s upscale segment, Lexus, has earned a reputation for creating reliable automobiles. The brand’s emphasis on merging advanced technology with outstanding performance leads to an exceptional driving sensation. Despite the preconceived notion that their opulent sedans and SUVs with high-tech features could be vulnerable to problems, Lexus vehicles including the Lexus IS, Lexus ES, and Lexus LX have consistently garnered acclaim from both critics and consumers for their reliability.
In fact, the 2023 JD Power Dependability rating ranked Lexus the highest, with a mere 133 problems per 100 vehicles on average. Additionally, Consumer Reports rated Lexus at an impressive 72 out of 100, matching Toyota’s reliability score. However, Toyota had a higher number of models, which impacted its overall score.
Toyota
The Japanese automobile manufacturer has established itself as one of the most reliable car brands globally, a reputation that still holds true. Toyota’s models consistently achieve above-average reliability scores, with many of them, such as the Camry, Corolla, and Prius, renowned for running for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal maintenance.
According to iSeeCars, Toyota’s Sequoia and Land Cruiser took the top spot in the list of the top 10 longest-lasting vehicles, with recorded mileage of 296,509 and 280,236, respectively. Toyota’s steadfast dedication to quality has contributed to the development of a devoted customer base and the ability to maintain consistently high sales figures. According to the 2023 customer report ranking, Toyota was declared the most dependable brand, earning an average reliability score of 72 out of 100.
Toyota routinely outperforms a majority of brands on several reliability lists. Toyota’s standing as the most reliable brand for CR and RepairPal, as well as its seventh-place ranking in J.D. Power’s assessment, serves as a testament to the superior quality of Toyota’s offerings.
Honda
Although Honda vehicles may not have the most advanced infotainment systems compared to other brands, they are highly regarded for their dynamic powertrains and excellent fuel economy. Furthermore, Honda’s driving experience, braking, and handling are exceptional, and their cars have a reputation for being highly reliable with low maintenance costs.
As per RepairPal’s evaluation, Honda secures the top position as the most dependable brand, with its HR-V, Fit, Civic, and Accord featuring among the top 20 most reliable vehicles. Consumer Reports bestowed a reliability score of 62/100 on Honda, while RepairPal gave them a rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 for reliability.
Despite J.D. Power’s relatively low reliability ranking for Honda, their above-average reliability is due in part to their cars being inexpensive to maintain. The average driver only visits service centers for unscheduled repairs about 0.3 times per year, or once every three years, according to a survey. This helps keep Honda’s maintenance costs low and contributes to their reputation for being highly reliable.
Genesis
Genesis has made significant strides in Consumer Reports’ rankings this year, even though it was not previously featured in RepairPal’s ratings. Furthermore, the company has showcased remarkable performance in J.D. Power’s rankings, solidifying its spot as the second most trustworthy brand.The JD Power Dependability study found that only 144 problems were reported per 100 vehicles on average.
Kia
When Kia first arrived in the United States, its vehicles had a frumpy appearance and were constructed with cheap materials. However, several years later, Kia has established itself as one of the most dependable car brands in America. In the most recent J.D. Power dependability survey, the brand secured third place with 152 problems per 100 vehicles. It therefore surpassed well-known brands such as Toyota, Mazda, and Honda.
In addition, RepairPal bestowed an impressive 4.0 out of 5.0 overall reliability rating on Kia, while Consumer Reports granted it a 54 out of 100. Although Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty is a significant selling point, it is improbable that you will need to use it since the vehicles are nearly flawless. Kia’s exceptional brand reliability is bolstered by exceptional models such as the Telluride, Carnival, EV6, and K5.
Buick
Buick has successfully carved out a profitable niche for itself in the market by producing premium vehicles that are quietly elegant in design. While the Buick lineup is not extensive, it includes crossovers in the three most popular sizes, from the subcompact Encore to the compact Envision to the mid-size Enclave with three rows of seating, providing ample space.
Buick’s reputation is further enhanced by its solid reliability rating from J.D. Power. Although it falls outside of Consumer Reports’ top ten reliable brands, J.D. Power ranks Buick fourth overall. The JD Power Dependability Study revealed that on average, only 159 problems were reported per 100 vehicles, solidifying Buick’s reputation for dependability.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet, despite being named after a Swiss racer, has successfully relied on its American roots to establish a strong presence in the auto industry. As a full-range automaker, Chevy boasts the most extensive range of models among GM brands, including everything from the tiny Spark to the iconic Corvette and the acclaimed Silverado pickup, with a variety of SUVs in between.
In addition, Chevy has become known for its reliability, with a solid performance in the latest JD Power Dependability study, securing the 5th position with a mere 162 problems per 100 vehicles.
Mazda
Mazda is widely regarded as an exceptionally reliable brand, as evidenced by its top-ten placement in both Consumer Reports and RepairPal reliability rankings. While J.D. Power ranks Mazda at twelfth out of twenty-four brands, this still places them ahead of over half of the field. Enthusiasts appreciate Mazda’s cars for their agility and responsiveness, while the brand’s impressive reliability means their cars can last for extended periods without requiring significant repairs. This makes Mazda models among the most dependable used cars on the market.
Aside from exceptional engineering and build quality, Mazda’s models typically share identical platforms, further enhancing their reliability. The MX-5 Miata is Mazda’s highest-ranked model in the Consumer Reports survey, earning a reliability score of 85 and placing fifth overall. Mazda’s SUVs and trucks also perform admirably in terms of reliability, with the CX-5, CX-9, and BT-50 Pro pickups all receiving high scores in the 2023 customer reports.
Hyundai
Much like Kia, Hyundai has earned high rankings from J.D. Power, placing them among the top ten. Additionally, their affordable repair costs have helped them maintain a top ten position in RepairPal’s reliability ranking. Although they have recently dropped out of the top ten in Consumer Reports, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides peace of mind for their loyal customers if they encounter any issues.
BMW
BMW has earned a reputation for producing high-performance cars with top-notch design. From sporty models like the 2 Series coupe and 4 Series Gran Coupe to luxury models like the X1, X3, and X5, BMW offers something for every driver.
While German cars’ overall reliability has traditionally been lackluster, BMW’s dependability has improved dramatically, elevating the company to an almost elite ranking among its peers. According to Consumer Reports, BMW is tied with Mazda with an average reliability score of 65 out of 100. The BMW 3 Series played a significant role in boosting the automaker’s reliability rating, earning an impressive score of 80 out of 100. Additionally, the BMW 2 Series and X1 received J.D. Power’s quality award in the small luxury segment, while the 7 Series was crowned the winner in the large luxury segment. However, it should be noted that BMWs are known for being expensive to repair once they begin experiencing issues.
