When in the market for a car, what do you look for most? Some prioritize style and oomph factor. Others focus on reliability and couldn’t care less about the aesthetics or the cool factor. And yet others look for the lowest cost. They just want something to get them from Point A to B.
Focusing on the Most Reliable Brands Can Spare You Headaches
Considering how much cars cost on the heels of the global microchip crisis that’s now winding down, you should consider buying something that’ll give you many trouble-free years. That’s what this article is about. Here are 15 of the most reliable brands of 2024.
Toyota
It should surprise no one that Toyota heads any list of the most dependable car brands. According to one source, the average lifespan of a Toyota is in the 200,000- to 250,000-mile range. But if owners stay on top of maintenance and repairs, 500,000 miles isn’t out of the question. With reliable models like the Corolla, Camry, Prius, Sienna, 4Runner, and others, it’s no wonder people love Toyota.
Lexus
Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand. According to RepairPal, Lexus has a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it seventh out of 32 car brands. Lexus comes out ahead of Toyota on many reliability ranking lists, so you can get luxury without sacrificing dependability.
Honda
Honda’s reliability factor is well-earned. The Japanese carmaker sells vehicles desired by consumers who want to spend more time driving and less time parked at the mechanic. Honda’s RepairPal reliability rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which puts it in the top spot out of 32 car brands.
Acura
Acura, the luxury brand of Honda, has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 for 2024. While Acuras aren’t necessarily as reliable overall as Hondas, they’re still fairly dependable.
Buick
According to Consumer Reports, Buick is known for its safe, dependable models. While some people think Buicks are for elderly drivers, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The old-person-car stigma refers to the conservative styling, comfort, and reliability. If you like buying American cars, stick to Buick. The Buick brand consistently ranks as GM’s most dependable brand.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet doesn’t breathe the rarified air of Lexus or Toyota on the reliability front. But the brand is nonetheless reliable overall. Many models can last north of 200,000 miles, which means you’ll get your money’s worth. The Bolt, Impala, Corvette, Silverado, and Blazer are among the most reliable Chevrolets over the years.
Mini
MINI Coopers are reliable vehicles. According to one source citing feedback from owners, breakdowns and other serious issues are few and far between. MINI was ranked in the number three spot — behind Lexus and Toyota — on the Consumer Reports reliability list for 2023. So, it beat out the likes of Honda, Subaru, and others.
Mazda
Mazda has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal. Out of 32 car brands, Mazda ranks fifth. J.D. Power, meanwhile, ranked the carmaker above the industry average for dependability last year. Reliable Mazdas include the CX-3, CX-9, Miata, and Mazda3.
Kia
While Kia vehicles used to have so-so reliability at best, the brand has climbed the reliability rankings. RepairPal ranks Kia third among 32 car brands, with a reliability rating of 4.0 to 5.0. Its Soul, Rio, and Forte are all known for their dependability.
BMW
You might be surprised to see BMW on such a list. But it depends on the models you look at. According to iSeeCars, BMW’s X3 ranks third out of 18 of the most reliable luxury plug-in vehicles. So, if you want your next vehicle to be a plug-in EV, consider a BMW.
Dodge
iSeeCars shows plenty of reliable Dodge vehicles. The Ram 3500 gets a reliability score of 9.4/10, the Journey and Durango get a reliability score of 8.8/10, and the Charger gets a reliability score of 8.1/10.
Subaru
Subaru has a cult following. Owners say they’re fun to drive, easy to work on, and keep on ticking even when they take a licking. RepairPal awards Subaru a reliability ranking of 3.5 out of 5.0. That’s good for 14th place out of 32 car brands. So, it’s middle of the pack. But, hey, owners love them.
Porsche
While the renowned Italian luxury car brand has had a checkered reliability history, the newer Porsche models score well in that department. In the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, Porsche ranked near the top of all brands measured in the study. It was in the top ten of all brands and came in at second place for premium brands measured in the study.
Hyundai
Gone are the days when buying a Hyundai was a sign of desperation. It’s built up a strong reputation for reliability. RepairPal gives it a 4.0 out of 5.0 ranking, which ranks Hyundai fourth out of 32 for all car brands.
Infiniti
An Infiniti engine can last up to 200,000 miles. RepairPal gives the brand a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating. Some of the vehicles are more reliable than others, of course. The Infiniti QX60 takes the second spot for reliability in the luxury full-size SUV category, according to Kelley Blue Book.
Choose the Right Brand Options
If you have a favorite brand, remember that some vehicles within the lineup are more reliable than others. So, do your homework before spending your hard-earned money.
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