Longest Lasting Car Brands: Most Durable Cars On The Road

by Conner Mckay

Reliability is one of the main factors you should consider when buying a car. As a matter of fact, no one wants a car that always breaks down, do they? Although there are hundreds, if not thousands of car manufacturers on the road today, only a few are known to make reliable and long-lasting vehicles. So, what are these longest lasting car brands? If you were curious about this question, you have come to the right place.

Buying a car made by one of these brands has a number of benefits. Not only will the vehicle be dependable, but it will also save you both time and money. In contrast, buying a vehicle made by an unreliable brand will make the ownership experience a nightmare for you. With that in mind, let’s start off our conversation by looking at the various factors that make a car brand longer lasting than others.

What Makes Some Car Brands Last Longer

There are several qualities that are common to almost all longest lasting car brands. The way that a manufacturer develops and manufactures a specific model is the biggest factor that affects its reliability. If you look at the longest lasting cars on the road, these vehicles are the ones that have had the most amount of money spent on their development.

In contrast, when a manufacturer rushes the development process of a vehicle, most often the result is poor durability. Factors like sub-par manufacturing as well as the use of cheap materials result in vehicles being unreliable in the long run.

However, the actions of the owners also affect the longevity of a vehicle. In other words, without the proper maintenance, even vehicles with the highest reliability scores become unreliable pieces of junk. Ultimately, all these factors come together in deciding the reliability and longevity of any vehicle on the road.

Now that we have looked at the factors that decide the reliability of a vehicle, it’s time to discuss a few of the longest lasting car brands in the world.

Top 10 Longest Lasting Car Brands

When it comes to making cars that last longer than others, some manufacturers stand head and shoulders above the competition. Here is our list of the top 10 car brands that last the longest.

  1. Kia
  2. Mazda
  3. Toyota
  4. Honda
  5. Hyundai
  6. Lexus
  7. GMC
  8. Chevrolet
  9. Dacia
  10. Ford

Next, we will take an in-depth look at each of these manufacturers to better understand what makes their vehicles last longer than others.

Longest Lasting Car Brands #1 – Kia

We start off our list with a Korean manufacturer. Although you might not associate Kia with reliability, their days of making cheap and unreliable cars have long since passed. They even offer a 7-year, 100,000-mile warranty with their new vehicles. This just goes to show how much their reliability has improved since the start of the millennium.

New generations of the Kia Soul and the Niro hybrid have proven to be some of the most reliable budget cars money can buy today. This reliability is present in both gasoline and diesel-powered Kia models.

Longest Lasting Car Brands #2 – Mazda

Mazda is the fifteenth largest manufacturer in the world and one of the most reliable ones as well. The Japanese manufacturer offers a variety of vehicles ranging from the MX-5 convertible to the CX-3 compact SUV.

longest lasting car brands

Models like the Mazda 6, 3, CX-30, CX-9, and the aforementioned CX-30 rank among the longest-lasting vehicles on the roads today. Not only that, Mazda vehicles are highly fuel-efficient as well. If you are in search of a fuel-efficient and long-lasting vehicle, Mazda is a brand that deserves your attention.

Longest Lasting Car Brands #3 – Hyundai

Hyundai is the sister brand of Kia. Subsequently, it shares the same long-lasting nature as Kia vehicles as well. Models like the Elantra, Kona and even the Palisade SUV are some of the longest lasting vehicles in their respective segments.

However, this wasn’t always the case. In the past, Hyundai was one of the most unreliable brands on the market. But, the company has gone through a drastic improvement in the past few years. On top of that, this Korean brand now offers well-built vehicles at prices affordable for most buyers.

Longest Lasting Car Brands #4 – Dacia

Sometimes, reliability lies with simplicity. Dacia is a prime example of this. The Romanian manufacturer is perhaps most popular for making the cheapest car in Europe, the Sandero. However, they have a great reliability record as well, making Dacia one of the longest lasting car brands.

Dacia uses simple-yet-proven materials in the construction of their vehicles. The above-mentioned Sandero, as well as the Duster small SUV, are two of the most affordable, yet longest-lasting choices in their respective price segments.

Longest Lasting Car Brands #5 – GMC

GMC is the first American entry in our list of the longest lasting car brands. Models like the Yukon, Yukon XL, and the Sierra 1500 all okay a part in making GMC one of the most reliable car brands in the world.

For those who are on the lookout for a luxurious yet long-lasting vehicle, GMC is one of the go-to choices.

Longest Lasting Car Brands #6 – Ford

Ford is the manufacturer of the best-selling vehicle in the USA. Not only is the F150 popular, but it also plays a part in raising the reliability of the Ford brand as a whole too. Furthermore,  Ford is constantly fitting their vehicles with the newest technological features. The Sync infotainment system is a great example of this.

Apart from the F150, other longest-lasting Ford vehicles include the Explorer, Expedition, and the Ford Mustang muscle car too.

Longest Lasting Car Brands #7 – Chevrolet

The third American manufacturer to be a part of our list comes in the form of Chevrolet. The Silverado 1500 pickup and the Impala sedan are the two most reliable Chevrolet models currently on sale. The widespread availability of spare parts as well as the simple construction aid in making Chevrolet vehicles some of the longest-lasting ones on the market.

Longest Lasting Car Brands #8 – Honda

Honda is world famous for making reliable and practical vehicles. Not only that, Hondas are fitted with some of the highest safety features too. SUVs like the CR-V and Pilot, sedans like the Accord and Civic, as well as the Odyssey minivan all have a reputation for being some of the longest-lasting vehicles in the world.

Longest Lasting Car Brands #9 – Toyota

It is safe to say that Toyota sets the golden standard for car reliability. Their vehicles are long-lasting and fuel-efficient. Not only that, they retain their resale value surprisingly well too.

toyota

The Toyota Land Cruiser has a stellar reputation for being one of the longest-lasting vehicles on the road today. Furthermore, other Toyotas like the Highlander, RAV4, Tacoma, Camry, Corolla, and Sienna are all well reputed to be durable, reliable, and long-lasting.

Longest Lasting Car Brands #10 – Lexus

Lexus is the luxury arm of Toyota, and it is no surprise that it shares the same world-class reliability. All Lexus models come with the newest technological features and are packed with the latest safety features as well.

All these brands are well known to make vehicles that are reliable and long-lasting. With that, let’s move to the next section of our discussion.

Longest Lasting Cars

Be it sedans, SUVs, or pickups, there are vehicles in each of these segments which are more long-lasting than their rivals. Here, we will tell you about a few of the most reliable vehicles you can find on the marketplace.

1. Scion XB

Some may find our first entry a little unusual. The quirky design may seem a little odd from the outside, but it makes for a roomy interior than can comfortably seat five people. On top of that, it will surely surprise most of our readers when we said that Scion is a brand owned by Toyota. This is indeed true, and as a result, the xB shares most of its underpinnings with Toyota models of the period. Due to this reason, the Scion xB is reliable and long-lasting.

The result is a reliable wagon with a spacious interior. However, the xB is not produced anymore. So, you will have to find one on the used car market. Luckily, these vehicles are not that expensive and can be found for around $7500.

2. Subaru Forester

The once great Subaru brand has been declining in popularity in recent years. However, the Forester SUV remains one of the only Subarus that still has some popularity. It is made to go anywhere, and tackle any terrain. This rugged construction makes the Forester one of the most durable and long-lasting SUVs on the road today.

3. Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen may not seem like an obvious choice when it comes to longest lasting car brands. However, with proper maintenance, they can be some of the most reliable German vehicles you can purchase.

The Passat is a prime example of this. This sedan is powerful, fuel efficient, spacious, and above all, reliable. You can purchase one of these comfortable mid-size sedans for around $20,000, which is a great price for such a reliable vehicle.

4. Chevrolet Suburban

Sometimes, being the biggest and saddest thing on the road helps with longevity. That’s exactly the case with the Chevrolet Suburban. This is one of the biggest SUVs money can buy, and it can seat seven passengers with ease.

The Suburban has been around for a long time, and in return, there are plenty of accessories available in case you need to fix a reliability issue. Moreover, it comes with several engine options known to be bullet-proof and reliable. Suburbans are notoriously easy to work on, and the average home mechanic will have no trouble fixing simple issues.

If you are a person that values durability over efficiency, then the Chevrolet Suburban is the perfect vehicle for you.

5. Chevrolet Silverado

Our next entry is also proudly brought to you by Chevrolet. Starting at $34,000, the Silverado is a bit more expensive than the competition. However, it makes up for it by being long-lasting. Not only that, the Silverado is highly capable as well. You will find this pickup useful on both the farm and the suburbs.

The average cost of maintenance of the Chevrolet Silverado is around $700, which is relatively low for a full-size pickup. We recommend our readers who are in the market for a long-lasting pickup to take look at this durable Chevy.

6. Honda CR-V

This spacious, affordable and comfortable family SUV is one of the longest lasting vehicles currently made by Honda. Not only that, it comes with a lot of features designed to make traveling safe for passengers and pedestrians alike.

The CR-V stands out from the sea of crossovers and SUVs thanks in part to its reliability. Compared to its competitors, the maintenance cost is low as well. All these aspects together make the CR-V one of the best family transporters of our time.

7. Ford F150

The F150 is undoubtedly Ford’s crown jewel. This masculine and practical pickup have been America’s favorite vehicle for over 40 years, and it is for good reason. It is one of the longest lasting vehicles on the road today.

f150

This full-size pickup is notoriously easy to work on and has great aftermarket support too. It is equally well equipped for both the road and the mud. If you desire even more reliability, you can go for the F250. No matter which one you choose, Ford’s lineup of capable pickup trucks will serve you well for a long time.

8. Audi Allroad

A wagon is the perfect mix of the performance of a car with the practicality of an SUV, and the Audi Allroad is the longest lasting wagon out there. The Allroad shares the same style, comfort, and luxury as its German rivals Mercedes and BMW. However, where this Audi shines is with reliability.

You see, Mercedes and BMW both tend to equip their vehicles with complex electronics that become ticking timebombs as time passes. The Allroad, on the other hand, drops these fragile components in favor of tried and tested systems.

The ‘Quattro’ all-wheel-drive system is a perfect example of this. In our opinion, When it comes to long-lasting luxury wagons, it’s pretty hard to beat the Audi Allroad.

9. Honda Civic

Raise your hand if you saw this was coming! The Honda Civic is so reliable that it has become somewhat of a meme.  Since its introduction in 1972, this family car from Japan has carved its name in the history books as one of the longest lasting car brands out there.

If the Civic is too small, you can go for its bigger sibling, the Accord. Both vehicles come with a wide choice of engines, trim levels, and technological options. However, both models have one thing in common. Both have the seal of Honda reliability.

10. Mazda 6

With a spacious body, impressive interior, and a reliable powertrain, the Mazda 6 is a stylish option in the sea of boring sedans. Furthermore, this is one of the more fuel-efficient vehicles out there as well. The EPA estimates the Mazda 6 to get a combined rating of 47.9 mpg. If you want a long lasting car that stands out from the competition, the Mazda 6 is the way to go.

11. Toyota Camry

Toyota is world-renowned for the reliability of its vehicles. No matter how old a Toyota is, you can count on it to be reliable. The Camry is the perfect example of this. With its bulletproof engine and durable construction, you can always count on this family sedan to get you from A to B reliably and on time.

If you didn’t find your vehicle on this list, don’t be disappointed. There are several things you can do to make your vehicle long-lasting. We will tell you all about this in the next section.

Tips To Increase Reliability

The way you take care of a vehicle has a great effect on its reliability. Here are some tips you can follow to make your vehicle last longer.

1. Regular Servicing

Following the service schedule of a vehicle is the best way to increase its longevity. Typically, vehicles need to be serviced at intervals based on time or mileage. For example, it can be once every year, or once every 10,000 miles.

These yearly services are also referred to as minor services. Here mechanics will replace your vehicle’s engine oil, oil filter, and other fluids. On the other hand, engine components like spark plugs, the air filter, and the cambelt are replaced during a major service.

On most modern vehicles, a warning light on the dashboard indicates when a service is due. But if you own an older vehicle, you might have to refer to your service manual to find out when the next service is due.

2. Maintaining The Battery

The battery is the most important component in the electronic system of your vehicle. However, if you leave your vehicle unused for a long period of time, the battery will ultimately go flat. This is not recommended and will cause your vehicle to be unreliable.

If you plan on leaving your car parked for a while, we recommend you use a trickle charger. These chargers keep the battery topped up, ensuring that it works properly. On the other hand, driving the car at least once a week also fulfills the same purpose.

3. Smooth Driving

‘Mechanical sympathy’ is a term that gets thrown around a lot these days, However, driving your vehicle with a good understanding of how it functions goes a long way in ensuring its durability. In contrast, if you drive your vehicle as hard as you can all the time, its components will wear out fast and cause numerous issues.

Driving smoothly has other benefits as well. It increases the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and reduces the carbon buildup on the engine. All in all, driving smoothly helps your vehicle and your wallet too.

4. Regular Fluid Top Up

Keeping the engine fluids topped up is a must if you want to ensure the longevity of any vehicle. The engine oil, coolant, and even the windscreen washer fluid should all be topped up frequently to ensure that the vehicle is in great shape.

fluid

Other than the tips we mentioned above, you should also check the tires, replace the spark plugs, keep the car clean and keep it covered to make sure it is long-lasting.

Longest-Lasting Vehicles: Facts You Need to Know

  • Toyota Land Cruiser and Sequoia are the top two longest-lasting vehicles, with 18.2% and 14.2% respectively of their vehicles reaching 200,000 miles or more.
  • Of the top 15 longest-lasting vehicles, six are Toyotas, including the Land Cruiser, Sequoia, 4Runner, and Avalon.
  • SUVs account for most of the list, with nine making it to the top 15, followed by three pickup trucks, two minivans, one sedan, and one hybrid hatchback.
  • Five American full-size SUVs made the list, including the Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, Ford Expedition (especially among the best year for Ford Expedition), Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon.
  • Toyota and Honda are the top two brands with vehicles most likely to reach 200,000 miles or more, with 2.3% and 1.9% respectively of their vehicles achieving this milestone.
  • The Toyota Tundra is the top-ranked pickup truck, followed by the Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Titan, Ford F-150, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
  • When analyzed geographically, the Chevrolet Suburban and Toyota Sequoia are the top-ranked vehicles in the most populous US cities for long-lasting cars.
  • Proper maintenance and care are the best ways to extend a vehicle’s lifespan, regardless of the vehicle type.

Verdict

There are some car manufacturers who are known for their reliability. Toyota, Honda, and Lexus are some great examples. In contrast, manufacturers like Jaguar and Range Rover don’t have a great track record in terms of reliability.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if your vehicle comes from one of the longest lasting car brands or not. If you take good care of your ride and treat it with some requests, it will undoubtedly last you for a long time.

FAQs on Longest Lasting Car Brands

Here are some popular FAQs:

What Is The Make Of A Car

The make of a car refers to its manufacturing company. Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are some of the most popular Japanese car makers. On the other hand, Ford, Chevrolet, and Chrysler are  the best-known car makes in America

What Is The Most Reliable Car

Japanese cars rank at the top in terms of reliability. Cars like the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, and the Mazda 6 all have steller reliability records. However, maintenance also plays a key role in the reliability of a vehicle.

Is Hyundai A Good Car

Older Hyundai vehicles were known for their abysmal reliability and cheap build quality. However, the brand has stepped up its game in recent years, Hyundai now ranks among the top 10 most reliable car makers in the world.

Are Volvos Reliable

Volvo is a brand that makes some of the safest vehicles on the road. However, these are only above-average when it comes to reliability.

Are Mercedes Reliable

In terms of reliability, Mercedes vehicles are not the worst. But, they are not the best either. The reliability of these German luxury cars varies from model to model. The GLC and GLK rank among the longest-lasting ones in the lineup, while cars like the 2007 E350 should be avoided at all costs.

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