The 2017 statistics for the US market indicates that there are 281 car models being sold at that time, with manufacturers local and international offering everything from tiny hatchbacks to huge trucks and SUV's with a further choice of trim level, engine, transmission and fuel type.
With so many choices, buyers are spoiled, with the determining factors in making the buying decision as price, spec and use, compounded by choosing whether to buy new or used, cash, lease or financing, but at the end of the day, it does boil down to what the buyer wants, regardless of price or practicality.
This then poses challenges to the new car owner, as there are quite a number of cars that are nice to look at, but spend more time being towed or repaired. Fortunately, there are cars, that though simple, have been proven reliable. This article looks at 15 cheap and boring cars that will never miss a beat.
15 94 - 99 Nissan Maxima
Nissan was on a roll back in the 90s as its halo car the GT-R was dominating motorsports and several of its consumer models doing well in sales, including the Nissan Maxima, which was praised for its looks, performance specs and price. Nearly two decades after, Maxima's of that period have aged well and many are still running strong.
14 Mk1 - Mk2 Ford Escort
The Ford Escort was designed as a small family car but ended up in motorsports due to its agile and nimble handling. Introduced in the mid 70s, the Mark 2 retained all the excellent features of its predecessor and improved on it. The original "Built tough" Ford, many examples of the Mk 2 are still seen in Europe and the UK.
13 Toyota Camry
The popular mid size sedan from Toyota has long been known for its reliability and quality. While not as luxurious as its European rivals, the Camry has outdone the competition in terms of build quality and lesser maintenance requirements, owing to its quality manufacture and detailed engineering.
12 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is one of Subaru's best-selling models. Designed as a station wagon and evolved later as a sport hatchback, the build quality of the Outback is evident as first generations models are still running around and being resold till today.
11 Nissan Hardbody
The Nissan Hardbody came to prominence as a trusty workhorse truck back in the 90s. It's name gives justice to the tough engine, body and suspension this truck is known for. As a commercial vehicle that sold in good numbers to businesses and individuals worldwide, Nissan had made a deserving rival to the Hilux.
10 VW Golf Mk2
Unlike its contemporaries in Europe, the VW Golf Mk1 and 2 has aged well and is a sought after classic. Owing to its precision German engineering, the Golf has lasted far longer than same vintage hatchbacks and has been a popular car to modify and race even today.
9 96 - 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee
As a family vehicle, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is not as big or powerful as the Expeditions or Suburbans, but it has established itself as a dependable car, shown by the high ranking/scores of the '90s series of the model in many owner reviews attesting to its capacity to reach 200k plus mileages and minimal maintenance.
8 VW Beetle
The people's car with the distinct shape was made from 1938 to 2003, the VW Beetle is an automotive icon that has endured for so long due to its simple but effective design. An air cooled engine powering a collection of curved panels put together, the Beetle was envisioned as a car that would be easy to repair and last a long time and succeeded.
7 BMW E30 3 Series
A true drivers BMW, the E30 series was made popular by the yuppies of the 80s. This saloon car combined a peppy engine, great handling and a sexy body style that defined the "sport sedan" while sturdy build quality allowed so many E30 survive and live on three decades after its release.
6 EG - EK Honda Civic
The smaller brother of the Accord has been a popular daily driver or tuner car. A compact sedan with a simple but proven VTEC engine, The EG and EK series of the Honda Civic remains as popular today as it was then, and owing to cheap parts and mods, many of these cars continue to run or race in the streets of America.
5 Toyota Hilux
As one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the world, the Toyota Hilux earned its appeal and demand by consistently performing well for its buyers, both commercial and private users alike. Whether in the deserts of Africa, the Outback of Australia or the Streets of Hong Kong, the Hilux has long embodied the term - Unbreakable.
4 Ford Crown Victoria
More popularly known as an American police car, the Ford Crown Victoria endeared itself to law enforcement and taxi operators for its powerful engine, stable transmission and tough body. This affinity for the car is to such an extent that even retired police used Crown Vics are sought after cars for those wanting a tried and tested car.
3 2013 Honda Accord
Having won several car of the year awards, the Honda Accord has had a long following owing to its reasonable pricing and excellent features. Several generations of the accord have long been recognized as dependable, the 9th generation holds the best record for least amount of faults or repairs done according to quality surveys.
2 Volvo 850
Safe, secure and built like a tank, the Swedish did the motoring world good by creating the Volvo 850. Six cylinders, square panels, edges and a square interior, the development of the car and the quality of how it was put together made the 850 to be almost bullet proof.
1 Toyota Corolla
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Along with the VW Beetle, the Toyota Corolla is one of the worlds best-selling cars. A compact sedan with an average engine and not really exciting looks, it is the proven reliability and availability of cheap parts that continue to make this simple Toyota, one of the best-selling and best car to own.