If you find yourself shopping for a new car what will be your parameters? Do you want something affordable to run or are you looking for a vehicle you can take to a race meeting and leave others eating your dust? Will you be taking other factors into consideration such as comfort and good looks.
One of the most important factors for most buyers, has to be a vehicle’s reliability. There’s little point in investing your savings or taking out a loan if the car you buy breaks down within a few months. Ideally, you want it to go on for years and require minimal maintenance.
Modern cars are designed to last, but some perform far better than others. The most reliable car is one that holds up well on the road, offers improved safety, gives better fuel economy, and offers superior features without any annoying foibles.
Type “What is the most reliable car brand?” into your favorite search engine and you’ll find plenty of websites offering to share their wisdom. However, to help us write this post, we’ve taken our inspiration from a Consumer Reports study of owners of current-generation vehicles made within the last year.
Some of the aspects examined were engine performance, safety systems, infotainment options, and many other important things. Brands that came out on top were Toyota, Hyundai, Buick, and Audi.
In terms of the top models, let’s answer the question “What car brand is the most reliable?” with a list. If you need to buy a reliable new car this year, consider one of the following top-ranking models:
- Toyota Prius: Powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, this car also has an electric motor. It can deliver a combined 121 horsepower and 47 miles per gallon.
- Lexus NX: Models include a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or hybrid powertrain.
- Buick Encore: This is Buick’s smallest SUV and mechanically, it’s similar to the Chevrolet Trax. It comes with a 138-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the option of all-wheel drive.
- Lexus GX: This mid-size off-road SUV comes with a V-8 engine as standard and a 6500-pound towing capacity.
- Honda HR-V: This is the smallest vehicle in Honda’s lineup but it has a versatile and cargo-friendly interior. All models come with a 141-hp four-cylinder engine.
- Toyota Prius Prime: This is the plug-in version of the Prius that offers a 25-mile electric-only driving range. All models come with a 121-hp powertrain setup.
- Hyundai Kona: You get to choose between a 147-hp four-cylinder or a 175-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
- Audi A5: Offered as a coupe and convertible, this is Audi’s entry-level luxury two-door model. Choose the turbocharged four-cylinder model that makes 261 horsepower and you get all the trims. Also included in the Famous Quattro all-wheel drive system.
- Audi A4: The A4 is similar to the A5 but with a more traditional luxury car shape. It has the same powertrain as the A5, a 261-hp turbo four, but there is also the option of an entry-level engine that makes 201 horsepower.
- Mazda CX-5: With this model, you get the fun-to-drive nature of the Mazda brand together with a fuel-efficient powertrain and a luxurious cabin. There is the less expensive nonturbo four or the more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder and all-wheel drive options.
Not everyone is looking to buy a new car, so what are the options in the used car market? Let’s see if we can answer the question “What is the most reliable used car?”
What is the Most Reliable Used Car to Buy?
For this list, we’re turned to a JD Power survey of 2017 models in the US. Choose one of the following and you can purchase them from a CPO program which tends to include extended warranties. There is something in the list to suit all tastes, from sports cars, luxury models, large sedans, and subcompacts. We’ve also included an EV if that’s more your thing.
BMW 2-Series
This is considered by many to be the most reliable small premium car of 2017. It’s available as a convertible or two-door coupe. In addition, there are two turbocharged models, the six-cylinder 240i and the four-cylinder 230i. There was also the choice between all-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmission.
Buick Regal
2017 was the final year of production for this model. It’s one of Buick’s sportiest which has something to do with the European-engineered front-wheel-drive chassis and responsive four-cylinder engine. The standard model was a 182-hp 2.4-liter that came with a six-speed automatic transmission. There was also a turbocharged 259-hp 2.0-liter that could be paired with all-wheel drive.
Ford Mustang
This is a rear-wheel drive Mustang that was offered as a soft-top convertible or fastback coupe. Both were available with a choice of three engines and six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The entry model was a 3.7-liter V-6 which made 300 horsepower. Alternatively, there was a 310-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four or a 5.0-liter V-8.
Genesis G80
Genesis split from Hyundai in 2017 and one of its first products as a stand-alone brand was the mid-size G-80. There was a choice of two engines, the standard 311-hp 3.8-liter V-6 and a 420-hp V-8. Both featured an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission. V-6 models also had the optional all-wheel-drive system.
Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a five-door hatchback that sits in the sports car segment of the subcompact class. It’s cleverly packaged and features a “magic” rear seat which flips up and also folds flat to provide lots of space for people and cargo. Under the hood it has a lively 130-hp 1.5 liter four-cylinder engine that can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or continuously variable automatic.
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is the mechanical twin to the Toyota Avalon and there were two models available in 2017. First there was the more powerful and quicker ES 350 and then there was the more economical ES 300h hybrid. The ES 350 has a 268-hp 3.5-liter V-6 together with a little dated six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid is slightly slower, but fuel estimates are that it gets an impressive 40 mpg city and highway.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
As compact sports cars go, this is considered the most reliable by many. It’s been a popular small rear-wheel-drive roadster since 1990. Look under the hood and you’ll find a 155-hp version of Mazda’s 2.0-liter four backed by a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Nissan Leaf
This is the only fully electric car on the list, but according to data collected during the survey, it’s more reliable than the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and the Toyota Prius. In 2017, the top SV and SL trim levels had 30.0-kWh battery packs and an EPA-rated range of 107 miles.
Toyota Avalon
The Avalon was designed by Toyota to appeal to buyers looking for high space and comfort levels rather than prestige or performance. The Avalon shares its powertrains and platforms with the Lexus ES. Therefore, it’s powered by the same 268-hp V-6 or 200-hp four-cylinder hybrid.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to answering the question “What car is the most reliable?” you can see there are plenty of options. Whatever you’re looking for in a car you should have no trouble finding it at a price you can afford.
What is the most reliable used car for under $3000?
You’ve got plenty to choose from if your budget is less than $3,000. Here are some examples of the most reliable used cars for that money:
2004 Toyota Prius
2003 Honda Accord
2006 Hyundai Sonata
2006 Chevrolet Impala
2010 Ford Focus
2010 Hyundai Accent
What is the most reliable car in the world?
According to Consumer Reports, the most reliable cars in the world include the following:
2023 Mini Cooper
2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2022 Toyota Prius
2023 Toyota Corolla
2023 Subaru Crosstrek
2023 BMW 3 Series
2022 Toyota Prius Prime
What is the cheapest, most reliable car?
If your budget is limited you might want to consider one of the following:
Toyota Camry
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Honda Accord
Toyota Corolla
Kia Rio
Honda Civic
Nissan Sentra
Hyundai Elantra
Mazda Mazda 3
Kia Forte