Reliability is a key part of any automobile’s makeup. In theory, the more reliable a car is, the longer it will last and the more use we will get out of it before it expires. The last thing that any of us wants is a car that won’t go the distance.
Fortunately, there are plenty of reliable cars on the market in almost every segment. Some mechanics even recommend some of these.
This list contains 13 of those super reliable cars, with that being the sole reason for their inclusion. However, we will also include a few other points about these cars, such as their overall quality and affordability.
RAM 1500
The 2024 RAM 1500 is one of the most potent and devastating pickup trucks on the market, especially in TRX form. For a starting price of $39,420, you get a mighty pickup with one of the best engine lineups available. Choices include the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with ETorque, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with ETorque, or the monstrous 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8.
The base V6 produces 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, with the Hemi V8 producing 702 horsepower. With a J.D. Power reliability score of 88/100, it’s easy to see why mechanics recommend such a potent truck.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse topped the upper-midsize SUV segment in J.D. Power’s 2024 US dependability study, beating the Buick Enclave and the Toyota Highlander. On paper, the Traverse is unremarkable, but it’s got a lot going for it, especially its starting price of $37,600.
The base Traverse produces 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The SUV is big enough to seat up to eight people, even if that does come at the expense of luggage space. Other highlights include its skid plate, tow hooks, and hill descent control system.
Porsche 718
J.D. Power doesn’t just look at your average daily drivers. They also look at how reliable sportscars are, and the Porsche 718 range has come out on top of the 2024 Premium Sporty Car segment. The closest rival to the 718 was the Chevrolet Corvette.
The 718 range is vast, including the Cayman, Boxster, Cayman Style Edition, and Boxster S. For those who want something a little more extreme, there is the $164,200 Cayman GT4 RS, which has up to 493 horsepower and a top speed of 196 mph.
Chevrolet C8 Corvette
When Chevrolet announced the C8 Corvette to the world a few years ago, it became a game-changer. It was the first Corvette to feature a mid-engine layout, and it would gain the world’s most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 engine, now superseded by the upcoming 2025 C8 ZR1.
The regular C8 Stingray produces an astonishing 482 horsepower and can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 184 mph. Chevrolet has since introduced the first-ever hybrid Corvette, the C8 Corvette E-Ray.
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet took some design inspiration from the Camaro muscle car for the Blazer SUV and created a fun, sporty little family car. The drawbacks are its cabin isn’t as roomy as some of its main rivals, and the interior isn’t of the highest quality.
You do get good power levels, however. The two engine options are a 228 horsepower turbo-four and a 308 horsepower V8. Both ensure excellent reliability, with J.D. Power rating the Blazer at 88/100.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is one of the best sedans on the market, and it has forged an almost legendary reputation for reliability, dependability, and comfort. In many ways, it is a perfect daily driver, especially with its 88/100 J.D. Power reliability ranking.
With a starting MSRP of $28,400, the current Camry is also one of the most affordable sedans on the market. A combined 51 MPG and up to 232 horsepower, plus the added bonus of a hybrid powertrain, makes the 2025 Camry a compelling choice. Plus, it’s a Toyota. It’s super reliable and easy to work on, and mechanics will love it.
Toyota Prius
Mechanics might not always get on with the Toyota Prius due to its complex hybrid systems and how tricky they can be to work on. However, the combustion engine part of the Prius isn’t so difficult, and its reliability means mechanics might not need to work on it as much as you think.
The current Prius is an exceptional hybrid. The new design for 2024 is a world away from the previous generations, made even better with the 194/196 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid that produces a combined 57 MPG.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
With a J.D. Power reliability score of 88/100, the current Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is one of the best pickup trucks money can buy. Plus, its extra size over the standard Silverado 1500 means it is even more versatile and durable for those who need something with a bit more ruggedness.
With a starting price of $45,300, it is a little more expensive than some other trucks. But when you have a max available payload of 7,327 lbs and up to 36,000 lbs of towing/trailering capacity, it all starts to make sense.
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano has been a part of the Japanese manufacturer’s range for over 20 years, and it hardly changed during half of that time. While this means it is outdated in some ways, it’s ensured it has an 89/100 reliability ranking on J.D. Power, and it holds up surprisingly well in some areas.
The cabin is still very comfortable and well-finished, and it boasts all the latest features, such as NissanConnect software, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Power comes from a 260 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, and while all-wheel drive is available, you can opt for just front-wheel drive if you so wish.
Toyota RAV4
Toyota’s range in North America is potentially the strongest it has ever been. For example, if you want a reliable, relatively compact SUV, then you need look no further than the current Toyota RAV4. The new RAV4 starts at $28,675, and for less than $29,000, you get a lot for that money.
The standard Hybrid Woodland Edition has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces up to 219 horsepower combined. As you would expect, all-wheel drive is available as standard, and the RAV4 can achieve up to 39 MPG combined, making it economical as well.
GMC Terrain
It isn’t one of the most exciting vehicles on this list, and it regularly ranks at the bottom of the compact SUV segment. But the GMC Terrain does have its perks, such as its spacious cabin, very comfortable ride, and easy-to-use and intuitive infotainment system—somethingthat, surprisingly, many manufacturers can get badly wrong.
You only have one engine option with the terrain, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower. But it’s a reliable engine, and paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, it makes for a comfortable driving experience.
Nissan Titan
RAM, Ford, and Chevrolet aren’t the only companies producing pickup trucks in the United States. Nissan also produces its own pickups, and one of the flagships is the current Titan. It’s one of the most capable and reliable choices on the market, with an 88/100 J.D. Power rating.
Power comes from its V8 powertrain, producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. The cabin is surprisingly spacious and comfortable, easily seating six passengers, and it has a towing capacity of 9,290 lbs.
Lexus GX
One of Lexus’s flagship models, the GX, was completely redesigned for the 2024 model year, and it’s certainly one of the most expensive cars on this list. Currently, the starting price for the luxury SUV is $64,250 and it can rise as high as $77,600 and more.
But you get an exceptional luxury vehicle with a stunning interior and excellent off-roading capabilities. Power comes from a 349 horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine, and while handling isn’t exemplary, the ride is comfortable, and the GX’s cabin is incredibly quiet.
Henry Kelsall View all posts