A perpetual rumor exists that American cars are unreliable, poorly built and just plain terrible. Unfortunately, there’s a reason why such a rumor exists. For many years, American auto companies produced many examples of poorly engineered cars that just didn’t last; not that you’d want them to. Sloppy interiors were in every model of vehicle. Even some luxury cars were constructed using the foulest pieces of cheap plastics known to man. The rumor most likely came from the ‘70s and ‘80s, when American cars were vastly inferior to imported Asian and European models that were coming in force. Brands like Honda and Mercedes-Benz were proof that there were alternatives to the otherwise stagnating industry. Americans’ distrust in domestic rides was well earned by that point.

However, it’s worth noting that many cars of different origins can have inherent design flaws. Not to mention, the automotive landscape has changed in many ways over the decades. While bad examples still certainly still exist to this day, not every American vehicle is a disposable mess that becomes undrivable after a few years. There are plenty of American cars that will last well over 100,000 miles, just as well as if not better than their foreign competition. Some of the most impressive American machines will keep driving well after many years of use and abuse, and after certain European and Asian cars have long since rotted away. So, here’s a list of 25 American cars that you can have faith in after a decade of use.

22 Cadillac XTS

By IFCAR (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The XTS is Cadillac’s current land barge for chauffeuring people around. If you’re in the market for a new old-school Cadillac, the XTS is a comfy, spacious choice. While there are sportier models in the Cadillac range, this car received an above average reliability rating from US News. Dashboard Light, a long-term quality index website for cars, gives the XTS the highest score of 100. Being a fairly new model, the XTS’s score may drop in the future, but this is a strong start. The XTS really is Cadillac’s last traditional model, and it’s good to know that the car will keep traditional buyers happy well into the future. And if you don’t think the XTS is exciting enough, there is a V-Sport variant with all-wheel drive and 410 horsepower. Now that’s a fast boat.

21 Chevrolet Tahoe

By IFCAR (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

It’s hard not to put together any list about American cars without involving the most American of them all: the Chevy Tahoe. While there have been certain generations (unfortunately including the current model) that have fallen behind the curve when it comes to longevity, other models will live on and on. The sheer number of these dinosaurs still roaming the highways is evidence enough that they’ll never truly go extinct. The combination of a Chevy small block and a strong GM transmission is a duo that will never really die. Backing this all up, the 2014 Tahoe was found to be the most dependable large SUV, and Dashboard Light gives the Tahoe a high reliability score. Whether you find these cars useful or offensive, you’ll be seeing them for many years to come.

20 Ford F-150

By Bull-Doser (Own work.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Of course America’s favorite pickup makes its way onto this list. With the insane number of Ford pickups being sold every day, you would hope all the buyers were getting a truck that actually lasts. In fact, the USA as a country would practically come to a standstill if all F-150s suddenly broke down. Reliability is definitely worth thinking about, since the F-150 is arguably the most progressive pickup currently on the market. With its V8-replacing EcoBoost motor and aluminum body, buyers will want to be sure all the new and strange components will stand the test of time. While buyers may question the longevity of these parts, Consumer Reports chose the F-150 as its choice for top pick in 2016 with the best  expected reliability for a domestic truck, while J.D. Power found it to be the most dependable large, light duty pickup. America, and Ford, should be proud to have their most popular vehicle on this list.

19 Chevrolet Silverado

By U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (safercar.gov) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Unsurprisingly, the things that make the Silverado great are what made the Tahoe great as well. Such a crude design combined with a tried and true powertrain proves that the ‘keep it simple, stupid’ rule still holds true. Chevy V8 power has proven itself reliable, and the Silverado is no exception. Dashboard Light found the Silverado’s reliability similar to the Tahoe, which is a good thing. And it’s not just the standard Silverado 1500 that’s long-lasting either. If you need the extra diesel oomph for heavy loads, J.D. Power found that the Silverado 2500 proved to be the most dependable of the current lineup of heavy duty pickups. If you need a truck, either with a bed or with three rows of seating, Chevys can be safe choice for your hauling needs.

18 Ford Taurus

By IFCAR (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

There are few cars that can claim to run toe-to-toe with the Japanese competition, but the Taurus absolutely can. While the newest iteration of the Taurus hasn’t proven to be as popular as its predecessors, it can still be the dependable American sedan that it should be, and not just for us civilians. The Taurus has a variant built for police duty, a job that requires a durable machine. While the Taurus didn’t win any dependability awards in 2017, it still received above average ratings for almost every category from J.D. Power. And if the Taurus sounds too bland to buy, just remember there's an SHO version with a twin-turbo V6 that can leave performance cars in the dust. The Taurus stands out as a good choice for those looking for a large, American sedan that can be had with some power.

17 Chrysler Pacifica

By Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

While the Mopar brand has never really stood out as a builder of long-lasting cars (nor has their corporate parent, Fiat), there is one type of car you can expect them to do well: the minivan. The Chrysler Pacifica is the latest example from the brand that created the segment. Whether you hate or merely tolerate minivans, the Pacifica stands out as a good choice for big families. U.S. News lists it with above average reliability, and J.D. Power listed the Pacifica as having the highest initial quality for minivans. That’s a step up from the old Caravan and Town and Country. While true reliability information is scarce right now on such a new model, the Pacifica is making a good first impression. At least Chrysler knows how to make a good people mover.

16 Ford Mustang

By Edvvc from London, UK (2015 Ford Mustang 350GT) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Is there a more iconic American car than the Mustang? It’s practically the poster child of American muscle cars. Thankfully, this poster child isn’t going to puke coolant all over your expectations. Fortunately, its owners will find the Mustang to be a long-lasting choice, especially for a sports car (or muscle car—however you choose to view it). J.D. Power found the 2017 model to have the highest initial quality in the ‘Midsize Sporty Car’ segment. The older 2014 model also received high scores from J.D. Power’s dependability study this year, so the quality isn’t going to disappear right after the car leaves the dealership. It’s nice to know that your pony car is going to have many years of burnouts, drag races and trending videos ahead of it.

15 Chevrolet Camaro

By Bull-Doser (Own work.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The Camaro shouldn’t be a surprise entry. It’s powered by the same engines used by many other GM products—some of which are elsewhere on this list. While many do look down on the Camaro’s poor visibility and love-it-or-hate-it styling, the Camaro is a damn good car available in many different variants. J.D. Power has given it the highest rating for predicted reliability and gave the 2014 model the award for most dependable midsize sporty car (I’m sure you’ve heard all about it from those terrible ‘real people’ commercials). If you’re looking for an aggressively-styled muscle car with either a fuel-sipping four cylinder, or a supercharged V8 rocket, you can count on the Camaro’s longevity. Hell, you can probably see the car’s proven reliability better than you can see out of its tiny windows.

14 Buick Lacrosse

By Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA (14 Buick LaCrosse) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Buicks are primarily known one of two ways: an old-people car, or an undying, softly sprung tank. Regardless of preconceptions, the Lacrosse is a solid choice for those looking for a large sedan that’s more luxurious than a Chevy but not as ostentatious as a Cadillac. Some things never change. The Lacrosse was second only to the Toyota Avalon in J.D. Power’s dependability study, and being second to a Toyota is no small feat. If the Lacrosse is starting to sound interesting, don’t worry, being old isn’t a requirement for buying one. The current version of the car debuted last year, which does mean that it is suffering from teething problems, particularly in the transmission. However, if the new car is as good as its predecessor after the issues are ironed out, it’ll last you a long time.

13 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor

By Steven Straiton from UK (Miami Beach Police Ford Explorer) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The Explorer is the everyman American SUV. If there’s a need for an SUV that’s not the size of some countries, the Explorer is up for the job. One job in particular that the Explorer has excelled in is police work. The Explorer Police Utility has taken the police world by storm. While there are many police cars available to officers in the United States, the Explorer has proven to be the most successful since the old Crown Victoria was discontinued. The SUV’s build quality should stand for itself, as it has become the new face of police cars. If you want a simple, stripped-out SUV for soccer practice, you can pick up a used Police Utility at a state auction. It may even have the powerful EcoBoost under the hood.

12 Chevrolet Sonic

By IFCAR (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

While small cheap cars aren’t often what people want to buy, it’s nice knowing that such a car won’t leave you stranded. Even though the Chevy Sonic is hardly an aspirational car, many people need a cheap car that will start every morning without trouble. The Sonic has been highly ranked by J.D. Power, with the car winning the highest initial quality for small cars in 2017. The 2014 model was awarded with highest dependability in the same segment, earning the highest available scores in nearly every category. Competitors in the segment weren’t even close to the Sonic, with every other car having a below average rating in at least one section. And it even looks good for what it is and offers a turbo model for better highway merging. If you’re in need of small, cheap transportation, the Sonic deserves a look.

11 Buick Verano

By IFCAR (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Looking for an affordable, entry-level premium compact sedan? The Buick Verano is a solid choice, with well-above average reliability from Dashboard Light. The Verano is another example on this list to come second to a Toyota in the J.D. Power Dependability list, this time to the Prius. Interestingly, it actually was rated highest in more categories than the Prius in that study. However, the Verano is not a car that you’re likely to see winning any comparisons, probably due to its small interior and unimpressive performance. While not the most exciting vehicle, some people are just looking for a slightly plusher people mover, and the Verano is exactly that. It will perform that duty for many years and miles to come. Unfortunately, the Verano won’t be returning to the American market for the 2018 model year, so pick one up soon if you want one.

10 Ford Expedition

By IFCAR (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Ford’s answer to the Tahoe also works as a replacement if you’re disappointed with the current Tahoe’s recent poor performance in reliability surveys. While not powered by traditional V8 muscle anymore, the Expedition holds its own against the venerable Chevy quite well, with plenty of room for seven and a lot of serious towing strength. J.D. Power found the 2014 model to be more dependable than every other large SUV, including the Tahoe. While the newly redesigned 2018 model will likely have some teething issues, as many new models do, the Expedition will be there if you’re in need of a car the size of a house and a Chevy won’t cut it. It takes a lot to dethrone a household name like the Tahoe, but Ford has done it.

9 Tesla Model S

By Tokumeigakarinoaoshima (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

Yes, I know many of you are going to point out the controversies surrounding Tesla’s poor quality control. However, even with that in mind, the Model S has proven to be a dependable car from the powertrain angle. Several examples have reached very high mileage without any real problems coming from the motors nor are they experiencing serious battery degradation. Tesloop, a city to city ride service that uses Teslas, saw one Model S in their fleet reach the 300,000-mile mark, and it cost far less to run than comparable gas cars. While the current model isn’t on this year’s Consumer Reports Top Pick list, it did do well enough to earn the best overall category for 2015 and 2014. You simply can’t deny the Tesla’s genius engineering. While the fancy gadgets may have hiccups and the trim may be loose, the Tesla Model S remains a well-designed product.

8 Ford Edge

By Matti Blume (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Crossovers have become the bread and butter of many automakers these days. Most of the world just wants an SUV, but without the difficulty of owning a real SUV. The Ford Edge is an older two-row midsizer with plenty of space. For buyers looking for such a vehicle, the Edge is a safe choice, with US News reporting its above average reliability. J.D. Power found the Edge in second place in the midsize SUV dependability study, again to a Toyota, which hardly makes it a failure. And for those who want a little more performance out of their crossover, don’t forget an ST version, a la the Ford Focus ST, is coming soon with a powerful EcoBoost motor and an aggressive new look. Hopefully, it’ll be popular enough to entice other brands make their own interesting crossovers with some power.

7 Buick Encore

By Mr.choppers (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

Small crossovers are the new ride for those who don’t need to move a lot of stuff, but want the visibility and tall riding position of a larger crossover. Thankfully, there’s a smart choice out there for the buyers of this segment. The Encore is one of the reasons why the brand is still around, due to its strong sales figures. The crossover market is currently packed, so it really takes something special to be able to break through, especially from a brand like Buick. It’s good to know that even smaller, trendier Buicks still have the reliability of their gigantic forefathers. And don’t worry, this isn’t the Buick for old people. Maybe the success of these inexpensive crossovers will even make another GNX possible.

6 Dodge Viper

By Pat Durkin [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

For such an exotic car, with its unique V10 engine, you’d expect a lot of problems from a Viper. However, the car has proven to be a reliable beast of a machine. Dashboard Light gives the Viper a perfect score for reliability. The website found that fewer than 3% of studied Vipers reported any powertrain, engine or transmission issues. That’s pretty impressive. This widowmaker has proven to be long lasting with its huge 8.4-liter powerplant and well-regarded Tremec gearbox. When you want to put your life into your own hands while you drive, the Viper will be there at your beck and call. It’s a shame that such reliability wasn’t enough to save this epic American beast. At least the remaining Vipers won’t be sitting at the side of the road due to a breakdown.

5 Chevrolet Corvette

Via Wikimedia

America’s sweetheart is both fast and reliable. Chevy V8 power may be one of the best ways to move a car reliably and quickly. Put that into a simple sports car body, and you have a recipe for one hell of a car. Even though there are a few models that have had some reported problems, the Corvette still comes out as a reliable car overall. Dashboard Light gives the American sports car a near perfect score, which is more than what many would expect from a car in this segment. Other high-performance cars from more exotic brands can be considerably less reliable and far more expensive to repair. If you want a supercar killer at a decent price, new or used, the Corvette makes a smart and exciting choice.

4 Jeep Wrangler

By JamesHenry (Flickr: Jeep Wrangler JK) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Okay, the Wrangler isn’t exactly the perfect image of what a reliable car should be. While it does feature a solid V6 powertrain and the simplest chassis design out there, you’re unlikely to see it at the top of any reliability charts. However, its biggest benefit over many other cars is its dedicated fanbase and gigantic aftermarket selection. If anything ever does go wrong on your Wrangler years after you bought it, there will be endless information on how to fix it or even improve it. And if the fanbase keeps growing the way it is, there will be many people able to give you advice on either the JK or the JL in the future. Simply put, these Jeeps may have their problems, but they’ll never really die.

3 Chevrolet Cruze

By Ryan Hildebrand (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Want good fuel economy for years to come without buying an expensive hybrid? The Chevy Cruze is the car for you. It’s rated to get up to 47 MPG highway by the EPA. That’s better than what some hybrids get, but without the extra weight and complexity. In other words, less that can go wrong. Consumer Reports listed it as their Top Pick for the compact car segment. They even said that it had good driving manners and obtained the claimed highway mileage, not something every car able to do. As with the Sonic, Chevy has shown their ability to make a good, cheap compact car. Consumer Reports even found it more recommendable than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. While there are cars on this list that came second to Japanese competition, the Cruze managed to surpass the old standbys of compact cars.