The Ultra-Reliable Cars That Just Keep Going
We all want our cars to be reliable, but these 20 cars are the cream of the crop when it comes to chugging along. Seemingly unstoppable and indestructible, these are possibly the most reliable cars ever built. Let's explore the SUVs, sedans and luxury autos that will give you hundreds of thousands of miles of faithful service.
Toyota Corolla: The Indestructible Commuter
The Toyota Corolla is the Chuck Norris of compact sedans—unbreakable and always ready for more. Praised for its straightforward engineering, efficient powertrains, and legendary build quality, the Corolla is often spotted cruising well beyond 200,000 miles. Its parts are cheap and widely available, and mechanics love working on them. Whether it’s a ‘90s model or a 2020s hybrid, Corolla owners keep rolling for decades.
Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Honda Accord: The Family Workhorse
Want a car that’s been quietly outperforming its competition for 40 years? Meet the Honda Accord. Known for its smooth engines, roomy interiors, and exceptional reliability, Accords routinely reach 300,000 miles. It’s the favorite of high-mileage Uber drivers and soccer moms alike. The secret? Bulletproof powertrains, affordable parts, and the Japanese obsession with quality control. It’s basically the golden retriever of sedans.
Porsche 911: The Timeless Sports Car
Who says high-performance can’t be reliable? The Porsche 911 combines precision engineering with daily-drivable dependability. Many older models are still racing (and winning), while their engines purr past 200,000 miles without breaking a sweat. Meticulous German design, an iconic rear-engine layout, and passionate owners mean these cars aren’t just fast—they’re forever.
MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lexus LS 400: Luxury That Lasts
The Lexus LS 400 redefined what luxury meant in the '90s. While other luxury sedans aged like dairy in the sun, the LS 400 just kept purring along—often past 400,000 miles. Built with obsessive Japanese craftsmanship and featuring an over-engineered V8 engine, this car is like a Rolex on wheels. It’s elegant, quiet, and as reliable as gravity. Even today, they still turn heads.
Enigma3542002, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota 4Runner: The Rugged Adventurer
The Toyota 4Runner isn’t just a car—it’s a passport to adventure. Whether crawling over rocks or cruising highways, this body-on-frame SUV handles abuse with grace. Its engines—especially the V6—are known to rack up 300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Mercedes-Benz W123: The Timeless Classic
Say “Mercedes” and most think luxury; say “W123” and mechanics think “unbreakable.” Built from 1976–1985, these German-engineered diesel-powered tanks were designed to last forever. And many have—clocking over half a million miles in Africa, the Middle East, and the U.S.
Toyota Camry: The Reliable Sedan
If reliability were a car, it would wear a Toyota Camry badge. This midsize sedan has dominated the U.S. car market for decades—and with good reason. Its engines are near-immortal, its interior is comfy, and maintenance is inexpensive. It’s not flashy, but who needs flash when your car starts every time and refuses to pass away before 250,000 miles?
Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Honda Civic: The Efficient Performer
Zippy, economical, and ridiculously long-lasting—the Honda Civic is like the Energizer Bunny with wheels. From first-time drivers to seasoned commuters, everyone loves the Civic for its nimble handling and low maintenance costs. Many models last well beyond 200,000 miles, especially the older, simpler generations.
Matti Blume, Wikimedia Commons
Subaru Outback: The All-Weather Companion
Part wagon, part SUV, part mountain goat—the Subaru Outback is the ultimate all-weather sidekick. With symmetrical all-wheel drive and a rugged build, it's a favorite in snowy states and forest trails. It’s not uncommon for Outbacks to top 300,000 miles, thanks to reliable Boxer engines and a cult-like fanbase that treats maintenance like a sacred ritual. Bonus: it carries everything.
Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Fun Reliable Roadster
You wouldn’t think “reliable” and “sports car” go together, but the Miata says otherwise. This lightweight roadster is not only thrilling to drive, but shockingly dependable. It's simple, naturally aspirated engines and minimalist design mean fewer things can go wrong. Owners regularly see 200,000 miles or more, often with a smile on their faces and the wind in their hair.
IFCAR, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Chevrolet Suburban: The Long-Lasting SUV
A suburban legend in every sense, the Chevy Suburban is the Hercules of full-size SUVs. Used by families, law enforcement, and even the Secret Service. With proper care, Suburbans often reach 250,000 to 300,000 miles. It’s roomy, powerful, and surprisingly comfortable, making it a staple for road trippers.
Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ford Crown Victoria: The Durable Workhorse
The Ford Crown Vic is the unsung hero of American durability. Police cruisers, taxi fleets, and civil servants trusted this sedan for decades—because it just wouldn’t quit. Its Panther platform and V8 engine combo are practically bulletproof. Many Crown Vics have topped 400,000 miles. It's old-school reliability in a suit.
Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Hilux: The Global Tough Truck
You haven’t seen “tough” until you’ve seen a Toyota Hilux survive explosions, floods, and landslides—and still drive away. This global legend has been abused on every continent and keeps going. Its simple diesel engines and rugged chassis make it the go-to truck for militaries, farmers, and Top Gear’s apocalypse tests. 300,000 miles? Try 500,000 in a war zone.
Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Volkswagen Beetle: The People’s Car
The Beetle didn’t just put Germany on wheels—it kept them rolling for generations. Built from 1938 to 2003 with a simple, air-cooled engine, the Beetle’s charm lies in its mechanical honesty. It’s easy to fix, cheap to run, and surprisingly resilient.
Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jeep CJ Series: The Off-Road Legend
The Jeep CJ is less a vehicle and more a rolling declaration of freedom. These post-WWII icons were built to take abuse and come back for more. With solid axles, leaf springs, and rugged drivetrains, the CJ earned its reliability on beaches, battlefields, and backroads. Enthusiasts still drive and restore them today—often well past 300,000 miles of rugged use.
Jeepin494, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Land Cruiser: The Indestructible SUV
The Land Cruiser is Toyota’s answer to “How do we conquer the planet?” This off-road king is beloved in Africa, Australia, and the Arctic for its ability to outlast every obstacle. Regularly surpassing 300,000 miles, the Land Cruiser features bulletproof engines, unkillable drivetrains, and cabin comforts that make tough terrain feel like a breeze. It's overbuilt—in the best way.
Matti Blume, CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons
Volvo 240: The Swedish Tank
Boxy? Yes. Boring? No. The Volvo 240 is a cult favorite for a reason. Its brick-like shape hides some of the most reliable hardware ever fitted to a family car. Long-lasting engines, galvanic steel, and Scandinavian pragmatism make this car a quiet champion of durability. Many are still going strong at 500,000+ miles, with their original owners still behind the wheel.
Lexus GX: The Luxury Off-Roader
Think of the Lexus GX as a Land Cruiser in a tuxedo—refined, but tough as nails. Underneath the leather seats and wood trim lies a rugged off-road platform that can go toe-to-toe with Jeeps and still make it to the opera. With V8 reliability and meticulous Toyota engineering, GX models frequently top 250,000 miles without drama.
Charles, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Prius: The Hybrid Pioneer
You might expect hybrids to be high-maintenance divas—but the Toyota Prius defies the stereotype. Since its debut in the late ’90s, the Prius has become the symbol of eco-reliable. Thanks to rock-solid battery systems, efficient Atkinson-cycle engines, and a devoted owner base, it's not rare for Prii (yes, that's plural) to pass 250,000 miles and keep whispering along.
Nissan Maxima: The Four-Door Sports Car
The Nissan Maxima blends power with peace of mind. Often dubbed the “four-door sports car,” the Maxima delivers sporty handling with a V6 engine that refuses to quit. Many owners report well over 200,000 miles of smooth sailing. It’s fun to drive, quick off the line, and as reliable as the sunrise—without the sports-car maintenance nightmare.
Artistic Operations, Shutterstock
What's The Most Reliable Car You've Owned?
Tell us about the most reliable car you've ever owned? Do you still have one of the above-mentioned models that's chugging along after several hundred-thousand miles? Well past it's prospective expiry date? Tell us about it in the comments.
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