The modern world is built upon sustainability, and where motoring is concerned, owning a reliable car that doesn’t petrify you at the thought of a breakdown every single time you get into it has changed from luxury to a necessity. So, besides price, a car’s reliability and longevity are arguably the second most important things to consider when buying a new car.

UPDATE: 2023/12/28 16:11 EST BY MARTIN PETER

How we chose and scored our brand selections: HotCars analyzed car brands producing vehicles in the market today.

We scored each of the brands in three key categories (each study is linked at the bottom of this article): "Problems per 100 Vehicles" (according to J.D. Power's 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study), the "Least Expensive Brands To Own" (based on CarEdge's rankings costing anywhere between $30,000 to $50,000), and "Average Predicted Reliability" (from Consumer Report member surveys).

The HotCars scores are the average of how the brands rank in each of the categories, based on the scoring methodology table presented below. The following models were sorted from lowest to highest HotCars score. Scores were decided by HotCars' Rating Team; visit our methodology page for more information.

Additional information, such as the most reliable models (sourced from iSeeCars) has been included but not factored into the scoring, serving as reference only.

Most Reliable Car Brands: Scoring Methodology

J.D. Power "Problems Per 100 Vehicles" Brand Ranking

Rating

CarEdge "The Least Expensive Brands to Own" Ranking

Rating

Consumer Reports "Average Predicted Reliability" Ranking

Rating

0-140

10

1-2

10

69+

10

141-160

9

3-5

9

63-68

9

161-180

8

6-8

8

57-62

8

181-200

7

9-11

7

50-56

7

201-220

6

12-15

6

43-49

6

221-240

5

16-19

5

37-42

5

241-260

4

20-23

4

30-36

4

261-280

3

24-26

3

24-29

3

281-300

2

27-29

2

17-23

2

301+

1

30-32

1

10-16

1

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19 Audi: 4.0/10

Audi Emblem

Audi Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Audi's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

4

Least Expensive Brand

2

Average Predicted Reliability

6

Audi has made vast improvements in recent years and is now considered to be one of the top-rated European brands for reliability.

Although most of the Four Ring brand’s models are priced fairly high, the comparatively low maintenance and running costs are where owners can claw some funds back. RepairPal gave Audi a 3.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating with an average annual repair cost of just under $1,000.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 252
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 27
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 43

Models such as the Audi A4 received 80 out of 100 from J.D. Power. Other notable cars include the TT, which is set to retire this year and mark the end of an audacious sportscar era for Audi.

Most Reliable Audi Cars (iSeeCars)

  • Audi S5 (coupe) - #4 of 40 in Most Reliable Luxury Sports Cars
  • Audi TT (convertible) - #1 of 26 in Most Reliable Luxury Convertibles
  • Audi A8 L (Plug-in Hybrid) - #1 of 24 in Most Reliable Luxury Large Cars

18 Ford: 5.0/10

Ford Emblem
For

Ford Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Ford's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

4

Least Expensive Brand

6

Average Predicted Reliability

5

Ford is one of the top American automakers today. The Blue Oval Brand has been building cars for more than a century and, according to Elon Musk, Tesla and Ford "are the only American carmakers not to have gone bankrupt out of 1000's of car startups." Consumers love Fords for their affordability, excellent build quality, and reliability.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 249
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 13
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 40

A Ford vehicle costs around $38,000 to maintain during the first five years, according to CarEdge, which is decent considering the wide variety of cars the automaker builds.

According to iSeeCars, the most reliable Ford model is the legendary Mustang, which is probably why it will be the last muscle car standing.

Most Reliable Ford Models (iSeeCars)

  • Ford F-350 Super Duty - #5 of 9 in Best Off-road Heavy Duty Trucks
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty - #14 of 19 in Best Off-road 6-seater Trucks
  • Ford Expedition - #3 of 10 in Most Reliable Large SUVs

17 Ram: 5.6/10

Ram Logo front grille
Ram

Ram Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Ram's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

7

Least Expensive Brand

4

Average Predicted Reliability

6

In 2010, Chrysler established the Ram Trucks brand as a Dodge spinoff, producing pickup trucks and other commercial vehicles. Since then, Ram has grown to become one of the most popular pickup truck brands, with the Ram 1500 being one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the U.S.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 189
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 20
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 46

Pickup trucks and commercial vehicles are supposed to be super reliable due to the work they constantly have, and Ram delivers on that with a predicted reliability ranking from Consumer Reports of 46.

Most Reliable Ram Models (iSeeCars)

  • Ram 3500 - #1 of 9 in Best Heavy Duty Trucks for Tall People
  • Ram 2500 - #7 of 9 in Best Off-road Heavy Duty Trucks
  • Ram 1500 - #7 of 11 in Most Reliable Full-Size Trucks
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16 Volkswagen: 5.6/10

VW Emblem
Volkswagen

Volkswagen Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Volkswagen's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

6

Least Expensive Brand

8

Average Predicted Reliability

3

German automakers are mostly known for building expensive luxury cars that are costly to run and maintain. Not Volkswagen. For more than a century, Volkswagen has earned a worldwide cult following thanks to its lineup of affordable and reliable everyday cars such as the Beetle and Golf models.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 216
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 8
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 26

According to CarEdge, owning a Volkswagen will cost you just over $30,000 to maintain in 5 years, putting it in Japanese car territory.

Most Reliable Volkswagen Models (iSeeCars)

  • Volkswagen Golf - #10 of 43 in Most Reliable Small Cars
  • Volkswagen Jetta - #11 of 43 in Most Reliable Small Cars
  • Volkswagen Passat - #9 of 13 in Most Reliable Midsize Cars

15 Jeep: 5.6/10

Jeep Logo

Jeep Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Jeep's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

7

Least Expensive Brand

7

Average Predicted Reliability

3

Americans love exploring the great outdoors, which is a huge part of the reason why Jeep exists. Over the years, the Chrysler-owned brand has built some of the best off-road vehicles for adventure seekers, including icons such as the Wrangler, Gladiator, and Cherokee.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 196
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 11
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 26

Like its parent company, Jeep hasn't always had the best reputation for reliability. However, it's been improving gradually and now deserves a spot on this list.

Most Reliable Jeep Models (iSeeCars)

  • Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (Plug-in Hybrid) - #13 of 30 in Most Reliable Midsize SUVs
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee (Plug-in Hybrid) - #2 of 15 in Most Reliable Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV)
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee - #8 of 30 in Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

14 Cadillac: 6.0/10

Cadillac Emblem
Cadillac

Cadillac Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Cadillac in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

8

Least Expensive Brand

4

Average Predicted Reliability

6

Cadillac considers itself to be the top luxury automaker in the US, but it has always struggled to compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

However, while Cadillac may not be able to match its European rivals in luxury and performance, it can stand up for itself when it comes to reliability.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 173
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 23
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 45

According to iSeeCars, the most reliable Cadillac you can buy is the Escalade. Not bad, considering it's a full-size luxury SUV. The CTS is not far behind.

Most Reliable Cadillac Models (iSeeCars)

  • Cadillac Escalade - #4 of 25 in Most Reliable Luxury Large SUVs
  • Cadillac Escalade ESV - #5 of 25 in Most Reliable Luxury Large SUVs
  • Cadillac CTS - #11 of 29 in Most Reliable Luxury Midsize Cars

13 BMW: 6.0/10

BMW-M135i_xDrive-2022-1280-5b
BMW

BMW Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated BMW's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

7

Least Expensive Brand

2

Average Predicted Reliability

9

The German automaker has models such as the 2023 BMW 3 Series in part to thank for its improved reliability rating, which scored an impressive 80 out of 100, according to J.D. Power. It's definitely one of the most reliable luxury sedans for daily use.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 184
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 29
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 64

The BMW 2 Series and X1 also earned J.D. Power’s quality award in the small luxury segment, while the 7 Series scooped the crown in the large luxury segment.

Most Reliable BMW Cars (iSeeCars)

  • BMW 3 Series - #6 of 36 in Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars
  • BMW X5 - #6 of 67 in Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs
  • BMW 5 Series - #8 of 29 in Most Reliable Luxury Midsize Cars

12 Chevrolet: 6.6/10

Chevrolet-Tahoe-2021-1280-2f
Chevrolet

Chevrolet Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Chevrolet's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

8

Least Expensive Brand

6

Average Predicted Reliability

6

Of all GM brands that have existed over the years, Chevrolet is arguably one of its best. Chevy seems to excel in many areas, whether it's muscle cars with the fabled Camaro, sports cars with the Corvette, or pickup trucks with the Silverado.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 162
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 14
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 43

A big reason why Chevy is so popular is its reliability and affordability. According to J.D. Power, Chevy owners only get 162 problems per 100 vehicles, which is enough to earn it a top spot on the list.

The Trailblazer is the most reliable Chevy model according to iSeeCars, which is no surprise as it's among the best family SUVs in 2023.

Most Reliable Chevrolet Models (iSeeCars)

  • Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD - #2 of 9 in Best Off-road Heavy Duty Trucks
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LD - #1 of 11 in Most Reliable Full-Size Trucks
  • Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD - #9 of 19 in Best Off-road 6-seater Trucks

11 Nissan: 6.6/10

Nissan-Leaf_US-Version-2023-1280-1b
Nissan

Nissan Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Nissan's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

8

Least Expensive Brand

6

Average Predicted Reliability

6

Nissan always seems to live in the shadow of its domestic rival Toyota, and that's still the case if you compare both brands’ reliability. However, even though Nissan is not nearly as reliable as Toyota, it's still reliable enough to earn a spot on our list.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 170
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 15
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 45

According to CarEdge, the average Nissan will typically cost you just under $40,000 in 5-year maintenance costs.

Most Reliable Nissan Models (iSeeCars)

  • Nissan Armada - #8 of 10 in Most Reliable Large SUVs
  • Nissan Maxima - #3 of 8 in Most Reliable Large Cars
  • Nissan Pathfinder - #11 of 30 in Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

10 Acura: 7.0/10

Acura-TLX-2018-1280-6c
Acura

Acura Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Acura's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

6

Least Expensive Brand

5

Average Predicted Reliability

10

Acura is the luxury moniker that Honda has adopted for the North American and Canadian markets, among others. However, unlike high-class European competitors such as Audi or Mercedes-Benz, Acura makes luxury cars that are both affordable and reliable.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 211
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 17
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 70

The annual maintenance and repair costs for an Acura model are estimated to cost $501, according to RepairPal. Top-performing individual models such as the TLX, MDX, and RDX helped give the brand higher reliability scores. It’s also why we can’t wait for the highly anticipated 2024 Acura Integra Type S.

Most Reliable Acura Vehicles (iSeeCars)

  • Acura MDX (hybrid) - #1 of 25 in Most Reliable Luxury Hybrid SUVs
  • Acura MDX - #1 of 20 in Most Reliable Luxury Midsize SUVs
  • Acura RDX - #1 of 29 in Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs
2:37
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9 Buick: 7.3/10

Buick-Envista-2024-1280-1f
Buick

Buick Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Buick's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

9

Least Expensive Brand

6

Average Predicted Reliability

7

Buick might have become less exciting with their portfolio consisting of just SUVs in 2023, but the American carmaker does have a keen eye when it comes to reliability.

Buick, along with Lincoln, are the only American automakers that have made it to the top 15 most reliable 2023 car brands list. It earns an average reliability score of 54 out of 100, per Consumer Reports.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 159
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 12
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 55

The most reliable Buick is the Enclave luxury SUV. This three-row SUV has been around since 2008 and has been a consistent contender among the sea of luxury SUVs that have spawned over the years.

With a reliability rating of 8.9 out of 10 (as per iSeeCars), the Enclave SUV is an impressive model. The humble Encore subcompact luxury SUV bags the second rank in the list of the Best Luxury Subcompact SUV list, according to iSeeCars. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10, the Buick Encore is clearly on top of the longevity game.

Most Reliable Buick Models (iSeeCars)

  • Buick Enclave - #3 of 67 in Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs
  • Buick LaCrosse - #5 of 24 in Most Reliable Luxury Large Cars
  • Buick Encore - #2 of 13 in Most Reliable Luxury Subcompact SUVs

8 Hyundai: 7.6/10

Hyundai-Kona_Electric-2024-1280-43
Hyundai

Hyundai Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Hyundai's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

8

Least Expensive Brand

8

Average Predicted Reliability

7

A few years back, few would have predicted to see cool neo-retro electric cars such as the Ioniq 5 from the South Korean marque. Hyundai always made no-nonsense cars.

Although they weren't knocking at the doors of Honda or Toyota with their reliability scores, it was decent in the sea of other "established" players. Hyundai has been consistent with its reliability, and the latest Consumer Reports study ranks it among the more reliable brands.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 170
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 6
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 56

Hyundai cars are dearly loved by owners, especially the Santa Fe Hybrid, which is among the most reliable hybrids on the market today. It earned a reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 in an owner survey conducted by Kelley Blue Book (KBB).

Another surprise Hyundai model that has jumped to fame very quickly is the new all-electric Ioniq 5. Despite being reletively young in its cycle, it has a reliability score of 4.6 out of 5, as per KBB. This puts it just below the second most reliable Hyundai car – the Sonata sedan.

Most Reliable Hyundai Models (iSeeCars)

  • Hyundai Santa Fe - #10 of 30 in Most Reliable Midsize SUVs
  • Hyundai Tucson - #7 of 19 in Most Reliable Small SUVs
  • Hyundai Sonata - #8 of 13 in Most Reliable Midsize Cars

7 Honda: 8.0/10

Honda-HR-V-2022-1280-5a
Honda

Honda Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Honda's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

6

Least Expensive Brand

8

Average Predicted Reliability

10

Honda placed very high in car reliability rating, getting 62/100 on Consumer Reports and 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal. One of the reasons for their above-average reliability is that Honda cars are typically cheap to maintain, but generally don’t compromise on performance and practicality. Just check out the 11 coolest Honda sports cars ever made for some measure.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 205
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 7
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 70

According to RepairPal, Honda’s models average out to just over $400 per year, which is a pretty penny below the $650 industry average. It also concludes that the average Honda owner only visits service centers for unscheduled repairs once every three years – a huge plus point.

The top-ranked Honda models with above-average reliability include the Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Passport, and the super-popular Civic.

Most Reliable Honda Cars (iSeeCars)

  • Honda Ridgeline - #1 of 7 in Most Reliable Midsize Trucks
  • Honda Accord - #1 of 13 in Most Reliable Midsize Cars
  • Honda Pilot - #1 of 66 in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

6 Lexus: 8.0/10

Lexus-GXOR_Concept-2019-1280-15
Lexus

Lexus Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Lexus's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

10

Least Expensive Brand

4

Average Predicted Reliability

10

Given that Lexus is the right arm of Toyota, it doesn’t come as any surprise that the brand finds itself this high up on the list. Just about everything good about Toyota can also be said of Lexus, and while you might think Lexus’ luxurious, high-tech sedans and SUVs are bound to go wrong, that’s far from the reality.

Lexus is the only car brand that had all its models achieve above-average reliability – even besting its parent company in that regard.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 133
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 22
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 79

Rated at 72 out of 100 on Consumer Reports, Lexus matched Toyota’s reliability score, but the latter had more models, which influenced its overall brand score.

According to the survey, the Lexus GX is the second most reliable car model, with a 91/100 reliability score. Several other models, like the Lexus NX, strengthened the brand’s rating. No wonder, Lexus is one of the most reliable car brands right now.

Most Reliable Lexus Models (iSeeCars)

  • Lexus RX 450h - #2 of 25 in Most Reliable Luxury Hybrid SUVs
  • Lexus LX 570 - #1 of 25 in Most Reliable Luxury Large SUVs
  • Lexus GS 300 - #1 of 29 in Most Reliable Luxury Midsize Cars

5 Mini: 8.3/10

Mini-Cooper-2015-1280-be
Mini

Mini Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Mini's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

8

Least Expensive Brand

7

Average Predicted Reliability

10

Mini has experienced a lot of changes since BMW bought it in the '90s. The British marque has established itself as one of the top dogs in the hot hatch market using the Mini Cooper. Currently it's planning to take over the small SUV market with the Clubman.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 170
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 10
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 71

Gearheads love Mini's unique design language, excellent driving dynamics, and, just like its parent company, Mini offers above-average reliability. According to CarEdge, you can expect to pay around $33,000 in repair and maintenance costs during the first five years of owning a Mini.

Most Reliable Mini Models (iSeeCars)

  • Mini Convertible - #4 of 9 in Most Reliable Convertibles
  • Mini Countryman Plug-in Hybrid - #4 of 15 in Most Reliable Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV)
  • Mini Countryman - #4 of 20 in Most Reliable Subcompact SUVs

4 Toyota: 8.3/10

Toyota-Tacoma_PreRunner-2024-1280-0a
Toyota

Toyota Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Toyota's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

8

Least Expensive Brand

7

Average Predicted Reliability

10

With an average reliability score of 72 out of 100 on Consumer Reports, Toyota is one of the most reliable brands today. For decades, the Japanese automaker has long been the most highly-ranked car brand globally, which is why Toyota has been so successful. Its reputation still holds true, mainly because almost all Toyota models achieve above-average reliability scores.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 168
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 9
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 76

The most reliable Toyota model and the most reliable car in the entire Consumer Report survey was the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which achieved a 93 out of 100 reliability score.

The rest of the Toyota range was also fairly solid, with the Toyota Prius coming a close second, followed by the Toyota Corolla and the Prius Prime. It doesn’t matter which Toyota model you pick. The brand has a continued reputation for world-class dependability.

Most Reliable Toyota Models (iSeeCars)

  • Toyota Land Cruiser - #1 of 10 in Most Reliable Large SUVs
  • Toyota Avalon - #1 of 8 in Most Reliable Large Cars
  • Toyota Sequoia (hybrid) - #1 of 30 in Most Reliable Hybrid SUVs
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3 Subaru: 8.6/10

Subaru-Solterra-2023-1280-b6
Subaru

Subaru Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Subaru's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

6

Least Expensive Brand

10

Average Predicted Reliability

10

With a hugely reputable name built up over many years, thanks in no part to the rallying success it has previously seen, Subaru and its models are highly popular all around the world.

Their high safety standards, performance, rugged looks, and exceptional practicality are pretty much built upon the brand’s surreal all-wheel drive systems. These lofty standards have earned Subaru a legion of loyal fans and enthusiasts worldwide, but there are a few things Subaru owners will never tell you.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 214
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 2
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 69

Though, do take some of those pointers with a pinch of salt; Subaru did score 59 out of 100 in reliability in Consumer Reports’ latest survey. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek scored the highest with 80 points, followed closely by the Forester with 75 points. Other Subaru models with average reliability include the Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent.

Most Reliable Subaru Cars (iSeeCars)

  • Subaru Outback - #2 of 19 in Most Reliable Small SUVs
  • Subaru Forester - #3 of 19 in Most Reliable Small SUVs
  • Subaru Impreza - #8 of 43 in Most Reliable Small Cars

2 Kia: 8.6/10

Kia-XCeed-2023-1280-a6
Kia

Kia Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Kia's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

9

Least Expensive Brand

9

Average Predicted Reliability

8

Kia’s ascent up the automotive food chain is as admirable as it is astonishing. Some of the best Kias ever made have come in the last few years and shaken up the industry.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 152
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 5
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 61

In the J.D. Power 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, Kia finished third overall, beating out popular brands from Japan and Europe that would’ve been the benchmark setters.

RepairPal also gave it an impressive 4.0 out of 5.0 overall reliability rating, while Consumer Reports’ score of 54 out of 100 is the icing on a fabulous year of performance for the manufacturer. Leading cars include the Carnival, EV6, and Telluride.

Most Reliable Kia Models (iSeeCars)

  • Kia Sorento - #16 of 30 in Most Reliable Midsize SUVs
  • Kia Sedona - #4 of 7 in Most Reliable Minivans
  • Kia Sportage - #9 of 19 in Most Reliable Small SUVs
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1 Mazda: 8.6/10

Mazda-3-2019-1280-ad
Mazda

Mazda Reliability Ratings

Here’s how our team rated Mazda's reliability in three key categories:

Rating Category

Score

Problems Per 100 Vehicles

8

Least Expensive Brand

9

Average Predicted Reliability

9

Mazda really has been at war with reliability in the past, particularly with its rotary-powered releases. But for the most part, Mazda boasts a dependable reputation, particularly with its bigger SUVs and sedans.

In addition to the amazing engineering and build quality, most Mazda models share similar platforms, helping to boost the overall reliability of the current range of models.

Research

  • J.D. Power Problems Per 100 Vehicles: 174
  • CarEdge Least Expensive Brands To Own Rank: 4
  • Consumer Reports Average Predicted Reliability Ranking: 67

The highest-ranked Mazda model in the Consumer Reports survey is the MX-5 Miata – we’ve even built a case for why Mazda should build an MX-5 Miata electric sports car.

With a reliability score of 85, the Miata is also the fifth most reliable car in the entire survey. Other outstanding individual models include the Mazda CX-3 and CX-5, which stand out in the SUV category.

Most Reliable Mazda Models (iSeeCars)

  • Mazda Mazda3 Sedan - #3 of 43 in Most Reliable Small Cars
  • Mazda CX-9 - #3 of 30 in Most Reliable Midsize SUVs
  • Mazda Mazda6 - #4 of 13 in Most Reliable Midsize Cars

Sources: CarEdge, Consumer Reports, iSeeCars, J.D. Power, RepairPal