18 Reliable Cars You Can Drive Into the Ground

Looking for a reliable car that you'll be able to depend on for years to come? There are plenty of sturdy vehicles out there that fit the bill. Whether you want a fuel-efficient compact, a premium SUV, a commuter-friendly sedan, room for the family, or something a little more luxurious, here are expert-vetted cars that should be able to go the distance. 

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Starting price: $20,425

This longtime favorite sits atop J.D. Power's 2022 reliability rankings and has long been a no-brainer for years of compact-car buyers. In addition to being reliable cars, Toyotas are often noted for standout safety, and that's again the case here: Features including forward collision and lane departure warnings are standard. The tradeoffs, critics say: Less trunk space than some rivals, and a less impressive engine.

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Starting price: $27,650

If you want to keep things small but like to have some power behind the wheel, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of your best bets for a roadster that won’t add to your hefty car payments with repair bills. One of Consumer Reports’ top 10 most reliable cars of the year, the Mazda earns expert praise for being a pleasure to drive. “We especially enjoy the light, tactile steering; it responds immediately and keeps the driver informed of what the front tires are doing. This is a fun car, plain and simple,” notes Car and Driver.

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Starting price: $40,345

Tempted by a Tesla? Kia has a reliable, less-pricey contender in the Niro, an electric SUV with a range of up to 239 miles that Consumer Reports says is among the most reliable vehicles of 2022. While the Niro may fly under the radar, Car and Driver writes that it deserves plaudits for being one of the most refined non-luxury EVs.

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Starting price: $25,075

The most ubiquitous of hybrids gets a nod for longevity from Consumer Reports, which might make the slight price premium that hybrids command a bit easier to stomach. As always, the Prius has hard-to-beat fuel economy (testers got an impressive 52 mpg). Reviewers say the ride is comfortable, the hatchback design means plenty of cargo room, and seven trims mean there's lots of room for customization.

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Starting price: $25,845

One of the world's best sedans with a low base price, the Toyota Camry has long been a top pick for buyers who want a car they can trust — in fact, it's been the nation's most popular sedan for nearly two decades, according to Motor Biscuit. It's a reliable car that delivers the goods model year after model year, according to reviewers: Buyers get a comfortable, quiet ride, great gas mileage, reliable braking, and easily understandable controls.

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Starting price: $23,490

Not sold on the (yawn) Camry? It gets a run for its money from the Kia Optima, which has recently been redesigned and renamed the K5. Kia is J.D. Power’s most reliable auto manufacturer for 2022, and it gets near-uniform praise from experts who say it manages to fuse head-turning design with practical features and a powerful engine. “Overall, the 2022 K5 is an impressive sedan — whether it's bought for a family or not,” raves Car and Driver. 

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Starting price: $30,075

Bored by sensible sedans? One of the most recognizable muscle cars, the Dodge Challenger, is also one of the most dependable cars you can get, according to J.D. Power. As critics with U.S. News note, the powerful engine makes this a car that begs to be driven, and it has a surprisingly roomy second row and trunk for a performance vehicle.

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Starting price: $24,600

While Buick might not be the first brand that springs to mind for reliability, the Encore earns widespread praise as a dependable pick. The compact crossover is one of J.D. Power's top-ranked small SUVs for dependability, and owners’ remarks give it high marks for its quiet, stylish interior and smooth ride. Buick also gets a nod from Consumer Reports as one of the year’s most reliable manufacturers.

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Starting price: $35,280

The versatile Mazda CX-9 has reliability in its favor, and ends up in Consumer Reports’ top 10 most reliable vehicles for 2022. But the good news doesn’t stop there. Car and Driver raves that its "fun-loving chassis" and "fun-to-drive nature" make this the perfect pick for buyers who need space but want to be driving a Miata.

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Starting price: $25,760

Honda, while perhaps a step behind major competitor Toyota in reliability, is always a strong contender. And so it is with the Insight, Honda’s answer to the Prius. It gets a nod from Consumer Reports for reliability, and while most hybrids suffer from a lack of power, Car and Driver commends Honda for "balancing spry acceleration with miserly fuel economy."

Related: Korean Automakers Surpass Honda in the U.S.

Starting price: $33,040

Need something a little roomier? The Honda Odyssey minivan is about as long-lasting as it gets, according to iSeeCars. The Odyssey may also have an edge over its chief competitor, the Toyota Sienna, in many categories: seat comfort, interior quality, and fuel economy, handling, and safety, according to U.S. News.

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Starting price: $26,400

With its excellent standard safety tech, respectable fuel efficiency,  and high J.D. Power reliability score, the Honda-CRV is an all-rounder perfect for families. Car and Driver does criticize the 2022 model for its lack of pizzazz, but that shouldn't be a problem for drivers looking for a sensible SUV that sips gas. And if it turns out the CRV isn't for you, it also has a high resale value.

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Starting price: $35,205

Got a larger crew? The midsize Toyota Highlander provides that all-important third row, particularly clutch for families that need car-pool flexibility. It just so happens this car is also one of the vehicles its owners keep around the longest, with more than 12% of Highlanders still in the garages of their original owners 15 years after purchase, according to iSeeCars.

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Starting price: $37,605

The Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV that's a solid choice for smaller families who want a vehicle they can depend on for the long haul. But critics say the reliability may be one of the only major upsides, assuming you don't need its off-roading capabilities; Car and Driver writes that it’s “utterly unrefined” and there are better choices for more sedate domestic duties. That said, just over 4% of 4Runners are still going after 200,000 miles, according to iSeeCars.

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Starting price: $54,900 

If you're going to invest in a show-stopping luxury car, you want it to last. The Porsche Macan is an eye-catching crossover that has the practicality of a small SUV, but the underpinnings and capabilities of a sleek sports car. It nabbed the second spot among compact premium SUV in J.D. Power's survey of the most dependable cars, and it has the interior refinement and performance to justify its price, critics say.

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Starting price: $35,950

Even though Toyota has a small percentage of the U.S. pickup market compared with Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler, this heavy-duty truck has its fans. Kelley Blue Book notes that it has the best resale value in its segment, and the Tundra leads its segment in the percentage of vehicles that have reached 200,000 miles or more, according to iSeeCars. The impressive payload and towing capacity also help this truck keep its following.

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Starting price: $51,080

This full-size SUV has been a staple of Ford's lineup since its introduction in 1997, and though it's a little pricey, it's also one of U.S. News' top picks for the best large, non-luxury SUV. Editors praise the massive cabin, towing capacity, fuel economy, and roomy cargo hold. Even more impressive, roughly 5% of Expeditions are still going after 200,000 miles, according to iSeeCars.

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Starting price: $85,415

Toyota's iconic Land Cruiser takes the top spot on iSeeCars' list of longest-lasting cars, with a staggering 16.3% of Land Cruisers still on the road at the 200,000-mile mark. Though its price puts it out of reach for many buyers, it's still the go-to vehicle for those who want to invest in a big, luxurious off-roader that will go the distance, even when the terrain is rough.

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