Reliability is a top priority for anyone in the market for a new car. After all, nobody wants to be stranded on the side of the road with a busted engine. With seemingly endless automakers around the globe, where do you even begin?
The world of car reliability is surprisingly diverse. Some brands are known for their dependable vehicles, while others might require a bit more tender loving care. Let's dive in!
Most Reliable- Lexus
Lexus continues its dominance in the dependability department, securing the top spot for the second year running according to J.D. Power's 2024 U.S. Dependability Study, and scoring at the top of the board for Consumer Reports' Reliability Report.
Lexus vehicles are renowned for their bulletproof build quality, with meticulous engineering and a focus on long-lasting components. This translates to fewer visits to the mechanic and lower ownership costs in the long run.
Least Reliable- Mercedes-Benz
Luxury car giant Mercedes-Benz isn't synonymous with reliability. While the brand boasts undeniable prestige and cutting-edge technology, recent reports from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports place them near the bottom of the dependability scale. Their score suggests a higher chance of encountering problems within the first three years of ownership.
Most Reliable- Acura
Acura consistently ranks among the most reliable car brands. Renowned for their long-lasting performance and focus on quality, Acura vehicles are a solid choice for drivers who value dependability alongside luxury.
Acura's reliability stems from its ties to Honda, leveraging its parent company's dedication to engineering excellence. This translates into fewer repairs and lower ownership costs over time. Consumer Reports gave Acura 70 out of 100 points for reliability in 2024.
Least Reliable- Rivian
Rivian, the electric vehicle startup known for its sleek R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, finds itself at the bottom of the pack in terms of reliability. Consumer Reports gave Rivian a low predicted reliability score of 24 out of 100. The challenges of being a new automaker are undeniable, with potential issues arising from untested components and production processes.
There's a bright side, though. Rivian vehicles boast impressive performance and range. The R1T boasts a quad-motor setup with over 800 horsepower and a driving range exceeding 300 miles. Both the R1T and R1S offer exceptional off-road capability.
Most Reliable- Subaru
Subaru reigns supreme as Consumer Reports' 2024 Best Mainstream Brand, lauded for its reliability, safety, and happy owners. This Japanese automaker boasts a near-mythical reputation for durability, thanks in part to its signature Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system. This system provides exceptional traction and control in all weather conditions, making Subarus a favorite for adventure seekers and those in snowy climates.
Least Reliable- Volkswagen
Volkswagen is the iconic German brand behind the beloved Beetle. Sadly, it has seen its reputation for reliability take a hit in recent years. According to Consumer Reports' 2024 rankings, Volkswagen sits near the bottom with a score of 26 out of 100.
If you're considering a Volkswagen, researching specific models and their reliability ratings is crucial. While the brand may not be at the forefront of dependability anymore, certain models could still be a good option, especially if you prioritize features or a particular style.
Most Reliable- Mini
Mini Cooper has zoomed to the top of the charts, earning a reputation for impressive reliability alongside its go-kart handling. According to What Car?'s 2024 Reliability Survey, Mini boasts a 97.2% reliability rating, meaning these little cars rarely need a visit to the shop.
Mini focuses on quality engineering and parts shared with their parent company, BMW. This translates to well-tested components and a network of experienced mechanics. If you're looking for a reliable car that injects personality and fun into every drive, a Mini might just be your perfect match.
Least Reliable- Jeep
Jeep is synonymous with off-road prowess and rugged individualism. While Jeep continues to innovate with its iconic Wrangler and the new Grand Cherokee L, Consumer Reports places them among the least reliable brands for the year. Their score of 26 out of 100 reflects potential issues with infotainment systems and powertrains.
Jeep isn't all doom and gloom. Car enthusiasts appreciate the off-road capability and the open-air freedom of the Wrangler.
Most Reliable- Mazda
Renowned for its driver-focused spirit, the automaker consistently delivers vehicles built to last. Their secret is a commitment to simple, well-engineered designs and a focus on quality throughout the manufacturing process.
For Mazda owners, this translates into fewer repairs and lower ownership costs down the road. Plus, Mazda offers a generous warranty, giving peace of mind.
Least Reliable- Volvo
Volvo is renowned for its leading safety features, consistently ranking at the top for crashworthiness and driver-assistance features. Their focus on cutting-edge technology extends to luxurious interiors. However, in terms of reliability, Volvo sits around the middle of the pack. While not the worst, some owners report experiencing more problems compared to other established brands.
If prioritizing reliability is your top concern, other brands might be a safer bet. However, for those who value cutting-edge safety features, luxurious interiors, and a commitment to sustainability, Volvo remains a strong contender.
Most Reliable- Honda
Honda may not be the absolute ruler of the reliability roost anymore, but it remains a champion for dependability. Renowned for its well-engineered, practical vehicles, Honda consistently ranks high in owner satisfaction surveys. Their cars boast a reputation for lasting for years with minimal maintenance headaches.
While Honda doesn't offer the cutting-edge tech features some competitors do, their focus is on building cars that simply work. They've embraced hybrid and electric options in recent years, catering to eco-conscious drivers without sacrificing reliability.
Least Reliable- GMC
GMC, known for its powerful trucks and SUVs, landed near the bottom of the barrel in reliability for 2024 according to Consumer Reports. While this may raise an eyebrow, it's important to remember that reliability can vary by model.
GMC does offer some perks. They're known for luxurious interiors and top-notch technology features like their IntelliLink infotainment system. Some GMC models show promise in terms of reliability, too. The Terrain received high marks from J.D. Power for reliability, making it a strong choice.
Most Reliable- Porsche
Porsche has quietly become a leader in dependability. According to J.D. Power's 2024 U.S. Dependability Study, Porsche sits firmly in second place for premium brands, boasting a significant improvement over previous years.
This newfound reliability complements Porsche's legendary engineering. Meticulous build quality and focus on driver experience translate into fewer problems down the road. Ownership perks include access to a dedicated dealer network and a strong resale value.
Most Reliable- Kia
Remember those jokes about Kias back in the day? Well, those days are over. Kia has transformed itself into a leader in automotive dependability. J.D. Power consistently ranks Kia high in their studies, and What Car? Magazine even placed Kia in the top 10 for reliability in 2024, with some models boasting near-perfect scores.
This newfound reliability goes hand-in-hand with Kia's impressive warranty – one of the longest in the industry. It covers 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain and 5 years/60,000 miles on basic coverage.
Least Reliable- Dodge
While undeniably exciting, Dodge finds itself ranked lower in the reliability ratings. According to Consumer Reports, Dodge sits at 42 out of 100 in predicted reliability.
Dodge isn't without its merits, though. They're known for offering thrilling performance with iconic models like the Challenger and Charger. If a thrilling ride is your priority and you're handy with a wrench, Dodge might be a good fit.
Most Reliable- Hyundai
Hyundai has come a long way, shaking off its budget-brand reputation and establishing itself as a leader in reliability. According to J.D. Power, Hyundai boasts a score of 80/100 for quality and reliability. This stellar performance translates to fewer repairs and lower maintenance costs, making them a smart choice for long-term ownership.
Hyundai's commitment to innovation shines through its diverse lineup.
Least Reliable- Chrysler
Chrysler lands on the "Least Reliable" side of the spectrum, according to J.D. Power studies. While they boast a rich history and iconic designs like the 300, recent reports indicate higher-than-average repair frequency.
However, there's a silver lining. Chrysler is known for offering spacious and comfortable interiors, perfect for families.
Most Reliable- Suzuki
Suzuki is one of those automakers that require a second opinion in terms of reliability. While some sources might list Suzuki amongst the least reliable brands, a closer look reveals a different story. According to the What Car? 2024 Reliability Survey, Suzuki actually ranked a very impressive fourth out of 32 manufacturers, boasting an overall score of 96.9%.
Suzuki's reputation lies in its dedication to simplicity and functionality. The brand focuses on tried-and-tested technology, resulting in fewer potential problems down the road. This also translates into lower maintenance costs, making them budget-friendly in the long run.
Least Reliable- Chevrolet
Chevrolet lands in the "needs improvement" category for reliability. According to Consumer Reports, Chevy scores a mere 43 out of 100, placing the automaker below average. The low ranking does not cover all models, though. Chevy's large SUVs, like the Tahoe and Suburban, boast a near-perfect reliability score, ranking among the best in their class.
This inconsistency suggests potential issues with specific models or powertrains. While Chevy offers a broad spectrum of vehicles, their trucks and standard SUVs might be the culprits behind the lower score.
Most Reliable- BMW
BMW is another German automaker that has climbed the reliability ranks, alongside the previously mentioned Porsche. J.D. Power places them third in the premium brand category, boasting a reputation for fewer problems after three years of ownership.
But being reliable doesn't mean sacrificing the BMW experience. Their lineup offers a blend of luxury, technology, and that signature driving feel. However, do keep in mind that BMW's reliability scores can vary by model.